ABOUT ME

Aaron Kelly

MY BEGINNINGS...

I grew up in Southern California in a blue collar family where I spent time playing sports, participating in plays and musicals, enjoying the mountains and beaches with friends, and learning how to be a part of and give back to the community. In the late 1990's I transferred to Rockford College, now Rockford University, where I met my incredible wife and started my life in the midwest.

My dedication to the District 300 and Hampshire communities runs deep. My wife, a proud alumna of Hampshire schools, shares a family legacy spanning 70 years in Hampshire. Our son is now in kindergarten and we are excited for the newest generation to start his journey in the Hampshire schools.

When I was a teenager I was told to always "Remember Who You Are and Why You're Here". Those words have guided me ever since then and are a reminder to me everyday to try and do the right thing, no matter how hard it may be. I believe one of the reasons I am here is to serve my community and to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me.

Thank you for taking this journey with me and for your support as I run for the CUSD 300 Board of Education.

MY HISTORY OF SERVICE

I have been a passionate advocate for community service and leadership for over 20 years. My journey began at the age of 16 when I volunteered as an umpire for local Little League games. Since then, I've held various Little League leadership roles, including serving as President of Hampshire Little League (which became Northwest Little League) and continuing today as Assistant District Administrator for Little League District 13, where we support over 10 leagues, including Northwest, Huntley, and Tri-Cities Little Leagues.

In 2011, I expanded my commitment to public service when I was elected as a Trustee for the Hampshire Township Park District Board. During my eight years of service—four as President—I was part of a team dedicated to enhancing community resources. During my time on the board, the Little People Playtime preschool building was expanded to include daycare services, additional preschool programs, and a professional kitchen to provide nutritious meals. Multiple grants were received to improve the facilities for the community. These improvements have enriched the lives of children and families throughout the community.

My dedication to local government leadership continued when I was elected to be a Trustee for the Village of Hampshire in 2019 and where I still serve today. During my time on the Village Board I have chaired multiple committees, including the Public Service, Public Relations and Budget Committees, and have been a member of the Liquor Commission and the Business Development Commission. With a strong understanding of government budgets, referendums, intergovernmental agreements and strategic planning, I am a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility, community engagement, and transparency in decision-making. I believe that elected officials should prioritize the needs of their constituents over personal interests, that they achieve the greatest good when they work together collaboratively, and that they should alway strive to improve the lives of those they serve. We are our greatest when we can work with each other no matter what side of the aisle we stand.

Beyond my public service, I bring valuable insights from my professional career as a marketing leader in the tech industry and my educational background. I earned my Bachelor of Science from Rockford University and my MBA from the University of Illinois. I believe that technology can drive efficiency, foster meaningful connections and provide the tools necessary to empower our students to achieve great things.

I am committed to continuing my service and contributing to the growth and prosperity of this vibrant community. I invite you to join me on my mission to create a brighter future for CUSD 300. Together, we can build a stronger, more united community.