Jeff Gowing
Retired Tradesman | U.S. Army Veteran | Former Mayor | Current School Board Member
Jeff Gowing is a lifelong resident of Cottage Grove with a passion for service and a deep commitment to the students of South Lane. A graduate of Cottage Grove High School and the Lane Community College Millwright Program, Jeff spent decades working in the trades before serving his country in the U.S. Army and his hometown in local government.
He has worn many hats—millwright, veteran, city councilor, mayor, and now a dedicated member of the South Lane School Board. Through every role, Jeff has stayed grounded in the values of hard work, accountability, and community.
Jeff believes every student deserves a pathway to success—whether that means college, a trade, or direct entry into the workforce. He is a strong advocate for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and has spent over 12 years supporting scholarships as co-chair of the American Legion Scholarship Program. As president of the Cottage Grove Community Foundation, he helps provide funding for students to pursue their dreams.
Jeff is running for re-election because he believes in public education that is free from politics and focused solely on student success. He is proud to run alongside Colleen Valley, Diane Hicks, and Sherry Duerst-Higgins as part of the Support Our Schools Coalition.
“Education should be about helping students—not scoring political points. I’m running to make sure our kids get the education and opportunity they deserve.”
Diane Hicks
Retired Educator | Lifelong Cottage Grove Resident | Advocate for Students
Diane Hicks has dedicated her life to the students of South Lane. A retired teacher with 35 years of classroom experience in the South Lane School District, Diane is running for school board to bring an educator’s voice to the table—one that understands firsthand what students and teachers need to succeed.
Diane is a proud graduate of Cottage Grove High School and Concordia University. Her decades in the classroom gave her deep insight into the challenges and opportunities within our schools, from early learning through high school graduation. Since retiring, she has continued to serve students as a substitute teacher and an active member of the local and state education community.
Her priorities are clear: smaller class sizes, stable funding, expanded enrichment opportunities, and a stronger focus on literacy and hands-on learning. She believes every student should have access to art, music, and programs that make learning engaging and meaningful.
Diane has also served on the Oregon Department of Education Task Force, the Oregon Education Association PAC, and is a member of the National Education Association and Public School Strong. Her experience gives her the tools to advocate effectively for both local schools and state-level improvements.
“Our students deserve more than slogans. They deserve real support from people who know what it takes to help them grow.”
Colleen Valley
Mental Health Specialist | Small Business Owner | Current School Board Member
Colleen Valley is a dedicated advocate for student well-being, academic excellence, and fiscal responsibility. A mental health specialist and small business owner, Colleen brings a unique and vital perspective to the South Lane School Board—one grounded in compassion, community, and real-world experience.
She holds degrees in psychology from Pepperdine University (M.S.) and St. Louis University (B.S.) and has long been a fixture in local civic life. In addition to her role on the school board, Colleen serves as Vice-President of the South Lane Mental Health Board and the Harrison Elementary Parent Club. She’s also a youth coach and former president of South Valley Athletics.
Colleen was elected to the board during one of the most disruptive periods in public education. Throughout it all, she has stayed focused on what matters most: doing what’s best for students. She knows that kids need more than academics—they need to feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.
As a board member, Colleen has worked to balance budgets while investing in student engagement, from extracurriculars and clubs to hands-on programs like Career and Technical Education. She believes deeply in public education that builds connections and confidence, preparing students not just for tests—but for life.
“When students feel connected, they thrive—and that benefits all of us.”
Sherry Duerst-Higgins
Real Estate Broker | Education Leader | Current School Board Member
Sherry Duerst-Higgins has spent over five decades serving the South Lane community—as a parent, public servant, and passionate advocate for students. A seasoned leader in both education and civic life, Sherry brings deep institutional knowledge and a results-driven approach to the South Lane School Board.
Sherry’s leadership spans local and state education boards. She currently serves on the South Lane School Board and Lane Education Service District and is a past president of the Oregon School Board Association. She also sits on the executive board of the Oregon School Activities Association and has chaired the Lane Council of Governments.
Throughout her career, Sherry has worked to turn community vision into reality. She played a key role in building Cottage Grove High School and Harrison Elementary and helped establish the Early Childhood Learning Center. As a real estate broker, she understands the value of schools to a thriving community—and as a mother and grandmother, she knows what’s at stake when schools fall short.
Sherry’s top priorities include building trust between schools and the community, creating safe and inclusive learning environments, improving graduation rates, and retaining great educators. She believes in open, transparent leadership that stays accountable to students and families.
“Our students are the future of this community. They deserve every opportunity to succeed—and it’s our job to make sure they get it.”