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Chippewa Valley Schools Board Member Two Partial Terms Ending 12/31/2028 {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Two partial terms ending 12/31/2028.

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  • Candidate picture

    Denise Aquino
    (N)

  • Candidate picture

    William Mierzwinski
    (N)

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    Lew Miles
    (N)

  • Candidate picture

    Kenneth A. Pearl
    (N)

Biographical Information

What is motivating you to run for school board?

What are the primary issues facing the school board and how would you address them if elected?

Do you think the school district has an adequate safety plan in place for all school buildings?

Do you think the school district offers non-college bound students adequate opportunities for technical training or career planning?

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Name William Mierzwinski
Education / Experience Diploma from Harper Woods Notre Dame; earned an Associate Degree from Oakland Community College, in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Law Enforcement; and a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in Political Science. I am a combat veteran, having served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, in the U.S. Army. I am in law enforcement, with close to 20 years of service in that field. I also served as a member of Clinton Township committees with the Economic Development Commission and Conservation Committee.
Phone 248-920-6064
Lack of people wanting to step up and be a leader. I am the type of person that completes objectives and gets the mission done. I am invested by having children at all 3 levels (high school, middle school, and elementary school) in the district. I have family and friends whom are teachers. I’ve coached high school football, so have coaches whom are friends and family. I am well aware of the many areas the leadership has failed and where we are not meeting the mark. Our children, parents, teachers, and community deserve better, someone who is invested, and a servant. I’ve pledged and took an oath to our country, a community, and as a father to my children. I’m willing to serve and take an oath to bring a better product to our jurisdiction and unity our community.
Academics need to improve. Reading and writing is below average, as is college readiness. Eliminate grade inflation. Study education reform success stories in other states, such as Mississippi, and see how we can replicate success they’ve had by getting back to basics. Get back to critical thinking and less AI. AI is a resource, but shouldn’t be used for everything. Raises for newer teachers to help with teacher retention. Training and compliance to keep our schools safe and limit liability. Work with parents to ensure their kids do their part of meeting the standards at home. Work with teachers to hear how or what can be done better in the classroom. Accountability and transparency when it comes to taxpayer dollars and district spending.
I feel the district has an adequate plan, but that is not enough. Crime and acts of violence are always evolving. We need to work with law enforcement and emergency management to ensure there are protocols in place, and everyone is on the same page. Vigilance is key, both in school and outside of school. We send our kids and staff to school every day and expect them to come home unharmed. School performance and crime rates are two large factors that impact home values in neighborhoods. Violence and disruptions in school are not only disrespectful, but distract from the learning process. In addition, we must protect our boys and girls when it comes to athletic participation and their spaces.
I love the CVS career and tech educational offerings. College, be it for academic or financial reasons, may not be for everyone. The district needs to identify and prioritize those students to get them ready for the military or a skilled trade, so they don’t slip through the cracks. With a hospital in the district, and multiple small businesses; I’d love to see the career and tech ed leaders network with these entities to provide internships. They could be paid, may count toward apprenticeships, or even school credits. See if maybe these opportunities could lead to employers possibly paying for college, since these students have a foot in the door, and are already providing a service to the employer. Keep families and jobs in Michigan!
Name Lew Miles
Education / Experience I am a graduate of a skilled-trades apprenticeship program and have worked in the trades since 1998. My leadership experience includes serving as a union steward, general foreman, Sergeant at Arms, and member of my union’s Executive Committee, where I have been involved in negotiations, contract matters, and related union business.
Campaign Website http://www.ElectLewMiles.com
Phone 586-747-1946
I am running because every student in Chippewa Valley Schools deserves an education that readies them for college, skilled trades, military service, or the workforce. After years of attending board meetings and reviewing district decisions and spending, I have seen the need for greater transparency, accountability, and communication with parents and taxpayers. I want to help restore trust, improve proficiency in core subjects, and ensure district resources are focused on student achievement and preparing every graduate for a successful future.
The primary issues facing the board are low academic proficiency, declining enrollment, responsible use of taxpayer dollars, and rebuilding trust through greater transparency. If elected, I will push for clear, measurable academic goals, regular public reporting on results and spending, and budgets that prioritize classrooms, teachers, student safety, and proven programs. I will also support stronger skilled trades, career and technical education, and workforce partnerships while ensuring parents, staff, and community members are heard before major decisions are made.
The district has safety measures in place, but no board should simply assume they are adequate without continuous evaluation. I would support regular security assessments conducted by trained professionals, clear emergency protocols, staff training, coordination with first responders, and prompt correction of identified vulnerabilities. The board must also communicate openly with families about safety improvements while protecting sensitive security details.
The district offers some valuable career and technical education opportunities, but I believe we can do more. As a skilled tradesman for more than 27 years, I understand that apprenticeships, certifications, technical careers, and military service can lead to successful futures. I would support earlier career exploration and stronger partnerships with local employers, trade unions, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs so every student graduates with a realistic plan and the skills to pursue it.
Name Kenneth A. Pearl
Education / Experience I am a 25 year member, IBEW Local 58, licensed State of Michigan Master Electrician and licensed Residential Builder. I attended Wayne State University and currently Director of Operations for a property management company. I was elected a Chippewa Valley School Board Member and former Elected Clinton Township Trustee. I am a director of the Clinton Township Goodfellows, a director of the McLaren Macomb Hospital Foundation and chair both the Clinton Township Zoning Board of Appeals and the Heritage Estates Senior Apartments.
Phone 586-246-0006
I am running for re-election to the Chippewa Valley School Board because I believe strong schools are essential to a strong community. After serving on the Board for more than twelve years, including the past four years as President, I have seen firsthand the importance of experienced, thoughtful leadership and responsible decision-making. I want to continue working to strengthen academic achievement, prepare our students for college, careers and the skilled trades, and make sure our schools are safe, secure and well maintained. I also believe taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability, and that parents, employees and residents should have the information they need before major decisions are made.
We need to continue focusing on student achievement and make sure every student has the opportunity to graduate prepared for their next step, whether that is college, a career or the skilled trades. We added reading specialist in the elementary schools that after two years showed positive results for the students. I would like to identify additional areas where students need additional support and making sure resources are directed toward programs that demonstrate results.
Yes. I believe Chippewa Valley Schools has safety plans and procedures in place for its school buildings. We added secure entrances, blue pull stations in each classroom that in an emergency calls the police when pulled, and stronger glass in the hallways. However, I also believe school safety is an ongoing responsibility and that no safety plan should ever be considered finished. We hired a safety consulting expert to review our schools and make recommendations to the Board of Education. The Chippewa Valley Schools safety and improvement bond proposition that the voters can consider in the November election will provide us the capital funds to help us adapt to evolving threats and keep our kids safe.
I believe Chippewa Valley Schools offers students opportunities for technical training, career exploration and skilled-trades preparation, but I also believe we can do more. Students should have meaningful pathways into skilled trades, technical careers, apprenticeships, certifications, healthcare, manufacturing, technology and other growing fields. I would also encourage career planning to begin earlier so students and families understand the different pathways available to them before they reach high school graduation. If re-elected, I would support expanding partnerships with local businesses, community colleges and trade organizations.