EMPOWERING EDUCATION 

Kristin Barnett was born and raised in Elkhart, IL, the daughter of a coal miner and a state worker (SHS ’79). She is a proud wife and mother of two boys, Killian and Ezra. Kristin earned her Chemistry degree from Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL in 2011. She started her career in 2011 as, and remains, a Chemist with the State of Illinois. She and her husband Cainan (SSHS ’07) have built a life in Springfield centered on hard work, service, and advocacy for fairness and equality. Kristin has been a state employee for over 13 years and serves as a union steward, where she advocates for a safe and fair work environment for her colleagues. In her role, she has fought tirelessly to address critical issues, including improving workplace conditions and working toward solutions for the Tier 2 pension problem. As an active PTO member at Dubois Elementary, Kristin helped raise nearly $20,000 in grants to support the school, demonstrating her ability to secure much-needed resources for educational success. Kristin is running to ensure that all schools in District 186 receive equitable funding, so every child has access to the same opportunities to thrive. She is eager to help schools identify and apply for additional funding sources, such as grants, and she is determined to work with local and school organizations to ensure school libraries remain functioning and accessible. Kristin is committed to putting books in the hands of students and supporting teachers, students, and families by listening to their needs and advocating for their success. Her goal is to make District 186 a place where teachers want to build their careers and where students can achieve their fullest potential. As a lifelong central Illinois resident and the daughter of hardworking parents, Kristin has a deep understanding of the values and challenges that define our community. Starting with her Literary Society in College, Kristin has always stayed involved by volunteering in her community. She has been a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters, organized blood drives (she has donated over 10 gallons of blood and mainly platelets, so far!), Bowled for Kid’s Sake, raised money for St. Jude’s by participating in Up Til Dawn Letter writing lock ins, been The Loudest course cheerleader for Girls on the Run, Springfield since 2021, has donated 3 times (so far) to Wigs for Kids by cutting 12 or more inches each time, volunteered at local health facilities, helped with many Local, State and Federal elections, served as PTO Secretary in 23-24 at DuBois Elementary, is the PEOPLE chair for AFSCME Local 805, and has been an election judge since 2022. Her involvement with the PTO at Dubois Elementary gave her firsthand insight into the disparities that exist between schools and the importance of bridging those gaps for future generations. Kristin’s personal investment as a wife, mother, Steward, and active community member drives her commitment to ensure that every child in District 186 receives the quality education they deserve.