State Representative Tony McCombie (IL) | Representative Tony M. McCombie (R) 89th District
State Representative Tony McCombie (IL) | Representative Tony M. McCombie (R) 89th District
Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie recently took part in the "Principal for the Day" program at Dorothy Simon Elementary School in Winnebago, within her 89th legislative district. During her visit, McCombie engaged with kindergarten through second-grade students, observed a Cardiac Emergency Response Drill, interacted with administrators and school board members, assisted with lunch duties by distributing milk, and discussed new initiatives with Principal Dr. Heather Baker.
McCombie has been a consistent advocate of the "Principal for the Day" program, which is sponsored by the Illinois Principals Association. She values this opportunity to connect directly with educators and school leaders. Over time, she has participated as a "principal" in various schools across northwest Illinois to gain insights into their achievements and challenges.
"We are fortunate to have exceptional schools in northwest Illinois. Seeing the dedication of our educators and administrators to making a positive impact on students’ lives is always inspiring," said McCombie.
The program offers state lawmakers like McCombie a firsthand experience of daily school operations while providing school administrators an avenue to discuss their priorities and concerns directly with elected officials.
During her visit, McCombie emphasized her commitment to school safety—a key concern for students, parents, and educators. "Ensuring our schools are safe and secure learning environments is vital," McCombie stated. "This includes advocating for emergency preparedness measures, addressing mental health needs, and supporting policies that protect our students and staff."
Beyond this program involvement, McCombie prioritizes engagement with educators on issues such as funding, curriculum standards, and school safety throughout her district.
"As a lawmaker, I’m committed to working alongside educators to improve educational outcomes and create a brighter future for our students. By fostering an open dialogue with schools, we can ensure that the policies we craft address real challenges and reflect the needs of our communities," continued McCombie.
She encourages schools in her district to maintain communication with her office as education remains central in legislative discussions. Her district office can be reached via email at McCombie@ilhousegop.org.
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