South Cook News

LaKia 'Treasure' Colquitt is running for a slot on the Elementary School District 159 Board of Education.

She has children who have graduated from the district and who are currently in the district. Her family has been actively involved with the district for more than two decades. She boasts a master's degree in Social Work and her family's successful   fight to overturn her brother's wrongful expulsion from school. 

“I am running to bring health and wellness to District 159,” Colquitt told South Cook News. “District 159 needs more therapists, social workers, and holistic programs for all students. Successfully addressing parental and student concerns is necessary for the well-being of students in the district. Having a master's in Social Work and working with at-risk youth is both my passion and purpose in life. I have worked on changing the lives of children and young adults for over a decade; now I wish to bring this passion and dedication to District 159. The quote that guides my campaign is, ‘The true test of a character is to face hard conditions with the determination to make them better.’ -Helen Keller.”  

“LaKia believes in all of her clients and treates them with care and respect, which is what drives people to her," former colleague Jasmine Jackson posted on LinkedIn. "LaKia is a hard-worker with great interpersonal skills, and provides clients with the necessary tools to explore what the world has to offer. She strives for excellence and takes great pride in her work, which she should. She is truly a great person to work with.”

Colquitt’s website describes her early entry into education advocacy in which her family protected the interests of her brother. “The case was a defining moment in LaKia’s life — a case which involved her family. Lemont Colquitt, her brother, was expelled by the Board of Education of Rich Township High School on ‘accusational hearsay’ under a glaring ‘violation of due process,’” Colquitt’s website reads. “LaKia and her family, would not stand for it; with the help of lawyers, they aided her brother in overturning the school’s decision. This case has helped hundreds, and thousands, of minority children to remain in schools and protected them against unfounded expulsions. The case, Colquitt v Rich Township High School has been cited more than 20 times. A true family justice legacy, this case has made it essential for schools to follow due process when trying a minor. This was only the beginning for LaKia Colquitt who went on to become a renowned global disability advocate, servant leader and social justice devotee.”

In 2019, Colquitt discussed her group Promoted Parent on NPR. On the program, she discussed the effect of joblessness on the parents of disabled children. “When you become a parent of a special needs child, navigating those waters are more difficult,” she said.

Elementary School District 159 Board of Education is headquartered at 6202 Vollmer Road in Matteson. It oversees five schools including 1,685 students. It employs 135 classroom teachers.