Polcaster appointed to Three Lakes Board of Education

THREE LAKES — The Three Lakes Board of Education has appointed George Polcaster to fill a position vacated by Mitch Ellis.

The appointment was made at a regular board meeting on Oct. 21, after an application and interview process. Polcaster was chosen by the board out of seven applicants.

Polcaster’s interest in the board position stems from his connection to the Three Lakes community and his experience as a parent in the district. He has been part of the Three Lakes community for 12 years, and he has watched four children graduate from Three Lakes High School.

“I’ve been able to reflect on the experience of my kids being in the district and how it went for them, and I feel like I value the school more than ever,” he said. “I’m in a moment, as an empty nester, where I can have concrete thoughts on ways the school has done a great job as well as having some thoughts on improvement.
“I want to come in with humility as a learner, but also have a sense of urgency and contribute quickly.”

Polcaster currently works as the facilities manager at Honeyrock (Wheaton College’s School for Leadership Development).

He earned a bachelor of arts in sociology from Taylor University and a master’s degree in religion from Trinity University. He has been deeply involved in the trades, and he says his professional life has centered around developing people and managing projects, which will translate into his new role as a board member.

“I want to come alongside and collaborate [with staff and board members] and find ways to hold onto the best stuff that’s already happening while helping find creative solutions to meet the challenging world,” he said.

Polcaster hopes to represent the Three Lakes community and continue the vision of the district.
“I want to harmonize with the values and the most highly held desires of the community,” he said. “Three Lakes School District has a clear commitment to the vision of producing productive citizens and lifelong learners, which has been demonstrated near and far whether students stay local or go global.”

He was appointed to fill a vacated, unexpired seat. In April 2027, that seat will be open for election, and interested candidates will run to fill a regular three-year term on the board.