Age
32
Occupation / Current Position
Director of Programs, Voters Not Politicians
Education
University of Chicago, M.A. International Relations. Albion College, B.A. Public Policy. Lawton High School.
Experience & Qualifications
Professional advocacy: Voters Not Politicians. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan. Kalamazoo County Democratic Party Chairperson. Political consultant. Public Service: Soccer coach (16 years). Michigan Political Leadership Program fellow. Michael M. Dively Endowment for Leadership and Service. Sharon “Zo” Gates Rees Fellowship for Women in Public Service.
Campaign Mailing Address
123 E Maple St Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
My chief qualification for KPS Board is that I am a parent to a KPS-bound child in the district, something lacking on the Board today. I decided to run for this seat shortly after my daughter was born because I want her to have everything she needs to be safe, happy, and successful. I'm running for Kalamazoo Public School Board because it's never too soon to start thinking about the future and I know this seat is where I can make the biggest impact on my child’s life. I am very proud to live in Kalamazoo and prouder still to be starting a family here. With a strong school district, I know countless more young parents will want to do the same.
The dedication of our KPS educators, support staff, faculty, parents, and community partners is unmatched. Their support combined with so many opportunities for students (special education services, multilingual learners, housing insecurity support, dual enrollment, etc.) sets our district apart. We need to do better at allocating that support and those opportunities more effectively to lift up all students to a higher standard of academic and personal growth. The district must continue to proactively fight absenteeism, ensure the consistent enforcement of rules across schools, and make sure students have a clear pathway post-graduation.
I will help the district create variety in the ways parents and the community can engage with schools (in-person, virtual, schedule flexibility, translation and interpretation services, etc) and provide more opportunities for input and feedback on our work. Accessibility combined with timely, thorough communication about opportunities will help us increase participation at school events like orientations, open houses, and conferences. Creating training and support programs will further empower parents to utilize existing resources such as the Parent Advisory Council, school-specific parent organizations, and paperless communication tools.
Gun violence poses the biggest safety risk to those working and learning in our schools. The most meaningful solutions require extensive changes by state government, but there are early steps KPS can take to help prevent incidents of gun violence and to support those who suffer from the chronic threat of gun violence. Primarily, we must work with partners and agencies to support services that uplift the entire community and create trauma-informed crisis intervention procedures for when a student is in crisis. The Board should conduct an annual safety audit to gather feedback from students, staff, and parents on the condition of school climate
Age
49
Occupation / Current Position
Executive Director ~ Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association /Board President
Education
Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Ferris State University
Experience & Qualifications
President, KPS Board of Education since January 2023. Led the board’s superintendent search and helped select Dr. Darrin Slade. Advanced a unified board vision focused on student achievement, graduation, safe learning environments, mental-health resources, and support for educators. Collaborative leader committed to accountable governance, equity, student success, and family/community partnership.
Campaign Mailing Address
529 Trimble Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49048
I am running for a board seat to continue providing quiet leadership and real results for KPS students, families, and staff.
Since 2014, I have served as Treasurer, Vice President, and since 2023, Board President.
Under my leadership, KPS has improved in all areas: graduation rates reached the highest in district history, academic proficiency increased, and we strengthened learning environments, safety infrastructure and mental health resources.
I helped lead the search that brought Dr. Darrin Slade to KPS and united the board behind a strategic vision. I bring collaborative leadership and an unwavering commitment to students.
Kalamazoo Public Schools is strengthened by dedicated educators, resilient students, engaged families, and a community that believes in public education.
KPS has made steady progress in core academic proficiency and achieved its highest graduation rate in district history.
Opportunities remain to ensure every student has equitable access to rigorous learning, mental-health support, safe and welcoming schools, and enriching student experiences through the arts, athletics, career exploration, and extracurricular activities.
Continued collaboration, accountability, and investment in classrooms will help us build on this progress.
I will promote meaningful family and community engagement through clear, consistent communication; accessible board meetings; listening sessions; and strong partnerships with parents, neighborhood organizations, local businesses, and community groups.
Families should have real opportunities to share concerns, help shape solutions, and participate in their children’s education.
I will support efforts that reduce barriers to involvement and expand participation in school events, advisory groups, mentoring, and student-success initiatives.
As current Board President, I have prioritized safety by investing in secure school buildings, emergency preparedness, mental-health resources, and respectful school climates.
I will continue preventing bullying, violence, and online harm; strengthening early-intervention systems; and ensuring all staff have the training and resources they need.
The board must review safety policies and data while collaborating with families, students, educators, and public-safety partners.
I will champion accountability, prevention, and student well-being so our schools remain safe and welcoming places where every student can learn and thrive.
Age
71
Occupation / Current Position
Retired
Education
Some college
Experience & Qualifications
During my career I was a finance supervisor.
Candidate has indicated that she is moving and will no longer be in the district
Candidate has indicated that she is moving and will no longer be in the district
Candidate has indicated that she is moving and will no longer be in the district
Candidate has indicated that she is moving and will no longer be in the district
Age
77
Occupation / Current Position
Retired Educator
Education
BA Michigan State University, multiple certifications and trainings
Experience & Qualifications
Parent, 32 yr Public High School teacher,Social Stds Department chair 10 years/ 20 years on Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education, 14 yrs as President, Various Board Committee Chair position as well as member of multiple committees/Michigan Association of School Board classes and trainings
Campaign Mailing Address
4224 S. Burdick St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001
I believe ALL children deserve an equitable, achievement focused education in our public schools. With a 32 yr high school teaching career & 20 yrs as a KPS board member(14 yrs as president), I work to achieve the KPS goal of “Every student, Every Opportunity, Every time.”
This takes devoted energy, consensus building, partnering with the community, supporting dynamic professional staffs, respecting all KPS employees, while working with the Supt on safe schools, sound policies and curriculum. Advocating for, listening to and ensuring inclusion of student & parent voices is a must. I continually work w/ fellow board members to these ends.
Diversity-claimed in many student commencement speeches, sound finances, continual curriculum review, improving technology, active social-emotional learning experiences & services, partnering with Career Connect, multi-lingual supports and communication & a dedicated strong staff are plusses for KPS. Successfully passing bonds in my tenure ensures improvements to existing sites, upgrades in technology & HVAC systems, improved sport facilities & building new safe schools.
Safely achieved academic excellence is my goal for ea student.
Always addressing new challenges, new technology & new programs are opportunities to be responsibly met.
All voices count & must be heard.
Strong communication & partnerships strengthen the fabric of KPS for ea child.
Our generous community partners are a gift. Hearing their views on events & issues involving students guides my advocacy at the table.
I’ll always champion CIS as a key partner in providing comprehensive care to aid students succeed.
Parental involvement in students’ success is critical. Listening & helping guide their concerns to the correct paths elevates student achievement, resolves questions, & eliminates barriers proactively. My availability is constant.
Involvement with stakeholders is critical to all student achievement.
Monitored secure entries, strong district wide emergency focused networks, current security aimed technology implementation, well-trained campus security and student & staff trainings on emergency procedures have been supported by me.
I must be acutely focused on student & staff safety at all levels.
As a board member, I will consistently support these trainings, the writing of grants for additional funds for safe-secure schools and hiring expertly trained & responsible safety personnel to protect our students.
As a candidate and board member it is one of my highest priorities.
