Results finalized in Peoria Public School Board races

New members Sarah Howard and Andy Diaz to join Peoria school board

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:52pm

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A bold, abstract silkscreen illustration featuring a repeating icon of a school bus in a grid of neon blue, pink, and yellow, conceptually representing the changes coming to the Peoria school board.The newly elected Peoria school board members will bring fresh perspectives and priorities to the district's public education system.Peoria Today

The results for Peoria's school board races have officially been confirmed, with Sarah Howard winning the District 3 seat and Andy Diaz winning the District 2 seat. Howard, a public policy analyst, defeated substitute teacher and finance professional Douglas Shannon, while Diaz, a Caterpillar marketing consultant, bested Bradley Professor David Daye. Both Howard and Diaz will take their new positions on the school board on July 1.

Why it matters

School board elections are crucial for determining the direction and policies of local public education systems. The new members elected in Peoria will help shape the priorities and decision-making for the district's schools, impacting students, teachers, and the broader community.

The details

In the District 3 race, Sarah Howard won by 81 votes over Douglas Shannon. Howard is a public policy analyst, while Shannon is a substitute teacher and finance professional. In District 2, Andy Diaz, a Caterpillar marketing consultant, defeated Bradley Professor David Daye by 681 votes. Diaz will replace longtime board member Lynne Costic, who represented the district for 15 years.

  • The results for Peoria's school board races have officially been confirmed.

The players

Sarah Howard

A public policy analyst who won the District 3 seat on the Peoria school board.

Douglas Shannon

A substitute teacher and finance professional who ran against Sarah Howard in the District 3 race.

Andy Diaz

A Caterpillar marketing consultant who won the District 2 seat on the Peoria school board.

David Daye

A Bradley Professor who ran against Andy Diaz in the District 2 race.

Lynne Costic

A longtime school board member who represented District 2 for 15 years.

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What’s next

Both Howard and Diaz will take their new positions on the Peoria school board on July 1.

The takeaway

The new school board members elected in Peoria will play a crucial role in shaping the priorities and decision-making for the district's public schools, impacting students, teachers, and the broader community.