I am seeking another 6-year term on the Novi Board of Education
where in this climate Leadership and experience matters:
During my years serving on the Novi School Board, I have served
as an “Board Officer” who was elected by my peers to various leadership roles including President, Vice President, Treasure and Secretary
My two sons are educated in the Novi Community School District. One is graduated and is in his second year of college; the other is a Senior at Novi High School. He is the starting running back on the football team, and the Wildcats’ placekicker.
My priorities are simple – but extremely focused:
1) Students
2) Teachers
3) Community
All students deserve the best education we can give them. Over the years, I have played an integral role in achieving this objective, and I want to continue to make it a reality. That is why I am asking voters for another term on the board
My top priorities are (in no particular order)
1. Successfully executing our Long-term Master Plan. I played a critical role in guiding our Administrators to create and develop a Master Plan. Most school districts don’t even have a Master Plan. It’s another reason why Novi Schools perform significantly better than most anyone else. We now have a guiding framework for our future.
2. Being a trusted steward of OUR taxpayer dollars. Our stakeholders have been very generous to support multiple bond proposals over the years. We face difficult general budget and resource decisions in the short-term, and I have the experience and institutional knowledge to ensure that our STUDENTS face minimal academic obstacles during these fiscally demanding times.
3. I have led initiatives that affect ALL students. Not only for the highest performers in the district, but for those with disabilities. Through the implement of all abilities playgrounds, all children can participate with peers.
I'm Dr. Cassie Lopez-Jeng. I grew up in Novi, graduated from Novi schools, and now work as a public health professor. I'm proud to be raising my own children here. Now that they're just starting elementary school, I am personally invested in the future of education at Novi.
As an educator, I work hard to meet my students where they are and to give them the skills they need to reach their goals. As a parent, school volunteer, and PTO Board member, I know for a fact that our teachers do the same thing every day. I pledge to ensure that all of our teachers and staff have the support and tools they need to truly educate our kids. I'm committed to bringing my professional expertise as a public health professor to the school board, through community engagement, a prevention mindset, data-driven decision making, clear communication, population- and systems-level approaches, and closing gaps to support every single individual’s success.
Learn more at drcassiefornovi.com.
1. Real World Preparation: Our curriculum needs to adapt so that our kids are equipped to succeed in the future that faces them. One of my priorities is rigorous academics built on strategies proven by research and backed by experts, paired with more focus on critical thinking, adaptability, and soft skills necessary for college, career, and adulthood.
2. Digital Safety Matters: We need to take a safety first approach to technology and digital citizenship. One of my priorities is more mindful technology limits and precautions, paired with age-appropriate digital literacy, to ensure our students learn to safely navigate and master a digital world.
3. Comprehensive Well-Being: Our community is strongest when our students, teachers, and families are supported in all dimensions of health and wellness. One of my priorities is supporting a culture of care and compassion, with integrated support for everyone and more responsive systems and structures to address the holistic well-being of all.
I am a long-time resident of Novi and proud parent of a 2026 Novi graduate. Our family moved to Novi in 2008 because we wanted Katelyn to have a top-tier educational experience in a diverse environment. I'm running for Novi School Board to ensure that all students continue to have a well-rounded, top-tier educational experience. I’m also running to advocate for student wellness as a key part of student success. I have extensive leadership experience in the district, having served as president of the Novi Educational Foundation and founding member of the Novi Theatre Boosters parent organization. Professionally, I am a professor at Wayne State University, where I teach students the art and science of communication. As a teacher myself, I’m running to support the educators who foster student success in every Novi classroom. I was also a department chair and because of that administrative experience, I'm running for school board to champion transparency and fiscal responsibility.
1. Given that federal and state funding is not keeping up with district financial needs, one issue facing the district is the lack of resources for the district to fulfill its mission. If elected, I would scrutinize every expense that fails to connect directly to student success or inhibits an educator's ability to support all students (including those with special needs). 2. The lack of resources has implications for our ability to recruit and retain educators which is another issue in the district. Since great teachers make great students, I would invest in our educators and rely on their expertise instead of buying expensive, pre-packaged curricula. 3. A final issue is the harm students face with social media in an AI-dominated world. Students are caught between the need to be AI- and media literate and the negative consequences of too much screen-time and online bullying. I would support policies that increase student accountability and emphasize appropriate use of technology.
As a resident of Novi for over 20 years and the parent of three Novi High School graduates, I am honored to seek re-election to the Board of Education. My experience as a small business owner and team leader has prepared me to continue serving our district with a focus on collaborative leadership and fiscal integrity.
My commitment to our schools is centered on three core pillars:
Proven Collaborative Leadership: I have a consistent track record of working constructively with board members, administrators, and the community to achieve positive outcomes.
Student and Staff Advocacy: I prioritize student success and well-being while ensuring our teachers and staff have the support they need to excel.
Fiduciary Responsibility: I remain dedicated to transparent, ethical financial oversight to ensure district funds effectively benefit our students and taxpayers.
I look forward continuing to serve our community by supporting a safe and exceptional education for all students.
I recognize that you have a significant choice to make in this election, and I appreciate your engagement in the future of our school district. My commitment to our community is built upon three strategic priorities designed to ensure educational excellence:
Future-Ready Innovation: I will work alongside the administrative team to support strategic planning that integrates emerging technologies, expand STEAM initiatives, and enhance career and college readiness programs to prepare students for a rapidly changing workforce.
Teacher Retention: I plan to continue to prioritize competitive compensation structures alongside robust professional development to ensure our educators have the tools and support they need to succeed.
Fiscal Responsibility & Safety: I will continue to work to ensure funds directly support student outcomes with modernizing infrastructure and safety protocols across all schools while maintaining a responsible fund balance to ensure a strong future.
