meet elyse jenkins

Candidate for Lakota Local School Board | Educator. Innovator. Bridge-Builder.
Focusing on Lakota’s Future. Building A Future-Ready Lakota.

Elyse Jenkins Prescott is a passionate education leader, devoted community advocate, and proud mother of two thriving adult children. Her deep belief in the power of education to transform lives drives her candidacy for the Lakota Local School Board.

With more than two decades of experience at the intersection of education, strategy, and civic engagement, Elyse brings the perspective of a seasoned professional and the heart of a parent to every decision she makes. Her son attended Lakota Schools, and her nieces—both Lakota graduates—continued their journey at her alma mater, North Carolina A&T State University, reflecting a proud family legacy of academic excellence and resilience.

Raised in a neighborhood where financial strain and distractions were constant, Elyse made a life-changing choice to pursue education. That path led her to earn a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in Consumer Marketing, launching a successful early career in tech with companies like Texas Instruments. Yet her heart pulled her toward purpose—toward creating opportunity for others, especially youth and families.

Elyse has since built a dynamic career in education and public service. She has:

• Led curriculum design and regional program development as Director of Curriculum & Coaching at School Board School, preparing leaders to govern with integrity;

• Scaled multi-city education initiatives through School Board School, helping school and community leaders transform outcomes together;

• Built coalitions across cities and political lines as State Lead for Win With Black Women Ohio, empowering over 2,000 women to advocate for equitable policy;

• Founded SELEBRIAN™ Enterprises, a minority woman-owned firm focused on strategic consulting in education, logistics, and innovation.

A proud Lakota parent and longtime advocate for youth and families, Elyse is known for her ability to work across differences to get things done. In every role, she’s brought people together—across ideologies, sectors, and backgrounds—to develop practical solutions that put students first.

Now, she’s bringing that leadership home to focus on Lakota’s future.

As our district experiences rapid growth, Elyse supports a forward-thinking Master Facilities Plan that prioritizes sustainability, modernizes aging buildings, and relieves overcrowding—while maintaining strong financial stewardship through smart tools like the ELPP program to protect taxpayers.

She also champions:

• Early success planning starting in grades 5 and 6

• Clear college and career pathways for all students

• Equity-focused partnerships that reflect the district’s diversity

• Transparent communication and real community input at every stage

“We have an opportunity to build a Lakota that’s not only bigger—but smarter, stronger, and more united. I’m running to make sure we don’t waste that moment. I’m running to open doors.”

Elyse’s vision is simple: A Future-Ready Lakota where every student—regardless of background—has the tools to thrive and the support to lead.