Meet Devon Pilz: South Beloit School Board candidate

On April 1, voters in the South Beloit school district will choose from five candidates, mostly write-ins, to fill four open school board seats: Jeff Becorest, Sherry Hogan, Adam Neblock, Ashley Newton, and Devon Pilz.

Devon Pilz

(current board member, 2023-2025) 

My name is Devon Pilz, and I am running for re-election on the South Beloit School Board in the April 1st, 2025 consolidated election. I currently serve as a member on the board, a role which I've held since I was appointed in 2023 following the resignation of a former member.

When I tell people that I serve on the board. I often get asked why. And well, my answer is always the same. Why not? I grew up right here in South Beloit attending school from kindergarten through graduation, but honestly, my journey through education wasn't always smooth.

Like many young people, I struggled, especially in middle school and early high school. I was a slacker. I coasted through those years barely passing my classes. However, during my junior year, something clicked. I realized that if I wanted to succeed, I needed to change and that shift, it didn't happen alone. It happened because of the support I received from the staff and the the administration who believed in me, even when I couldn't believe in myself. They pushed me to be better, to reach my full potential, and thanks to them, I graduated, proudly becoming a Sobo alum.

And that's why I say why not. Why not give back to the district that gave me so much? Why not work alongside 6 other dedicated individuals to help create an environment where both students and staff feel supported and empowered, an environment that helped shape me into the person that I am today.

People often ask me, as a board member, what do you want to change? What improvements do you want to see? And here's what I've learned during my time on the board.

It's not about personal agendas. Being a board member isn't about me, it's about the staff, and most importantly, it's about the students. The decisions we make should always be in their best interest.

Our work is to ensure that every student has the resources and the support they need to thrive. It's about making thoughtful and often difficult decisions to improve our schools. Even when we're working with limited resources.

I am one voice of 7, meaning I don't tackle these challenges alone. I work alongside 6 other dedicated board members who share an immense passion for this district and together we've we've made great strides.

But truthfully, there's there's always more work to be done. And it would be an honor to continue serving with them and with our incredible staff and administration for another 4 years.

So as we approach the election, I humbly ask for your vote on April 1st or during early voting which runs from now through March 31st. And remember, there are multiple seats open, so please consider supporting any of the writing candidates as well.