October 13, 2021  2:00pm CT

Evanston Township High School District 202 honored Jane Colleton for her two decades of service to the school board. At the October 11 board of education meeting, Superintendent Eric Witherspoon and board president Pat Savage-Williams unveiled a portrait of Colleton, which was created by local artist Ann Ponce.

Colleton served on the board from 1991 to 2011 and is one of only three people to serve at least 20 years. During her tenure, she voted to detrack the freshman curriculum at ETHS, supporting access to rigorous course opportunities for all students. Superintendent Witherspoon said Colleton’s monumental decision made ETHS a more equitable school where every student receives the best courses and curriculum.

“She left a legacy,” said ETHS Superintendent Eric Witherspoon. “Every one of her votes on the board was principled, well thought, and when needed, courageous because that’s Jane Colleton.”

ETHS D202 Board President Pat Savage-Williams and ETHS Superintendent Eric Witherspoon unveil portrait of Jane Colleton.

Colleton said that during her time on the board, members were charged with addressing disparity in learning caused by racism and social injustice. She said it remains a complex challenge, but she and others made a good start.

“Looking back, I like to think my efforts, along with those of many others, contributed fruitfully to the intellectual, emotional, and social advance of young children and teenagers in our care,” said Colleton. “I’d like to think that we really have enhanced their future and that of our community.”