School Board MemberSchool board members are elected for a four-year term by voters within the school district during the general election in even-numbered years. Qualifications include living in the district for at least one year, being a registered voter, and a candidate may not be an employee of the district when assuming office or have a spouse or dependent employed by the district.School board members are nonpartisan and are responsible for broad, forward-thinking, and decisive action in all areas that affect students and staff in their schools. School board members have no individual authority, but their authority rests in casting a vote at required governing board meetings.Responsibilities of the board include hiring and evaluating the superintendent, providing input in budget development to ensure funding is provided to meet goals and monitoring and approving the budget, setting salaries for employees, approving purchases, establishing and approving policies, approving curriculum materials, adopting the school calendar, reviewing regulations for compliance with policy, approving personnel actions based on superintendent recommendations, closing or constructing schools; assessing board effectiveness, monitoring progress toward goals.Why you should care:The school board’s role is to advocate for public education in the community and ensure the school district is well run. The board, as a whole, monitors performance to meet academic, financial, and operational goals. The collaborative decisions made by school board members will affect children and their parents, the livelihood of school district employees, and the economic well-being of an entire community. This position is unpaid and requires time, a willingness to learn about issues affecting the school district, and a passion for a positive culture and public education system committed to providing the best and most appropriate education for all children.For additional information:https://www.azk12.org/media/yjvlpkfo/district-school-board-duties.pdfMiembro de la junta escolarLos miembros de la junta escolar son elegidos por un período de cuatro años por los votantes del distrito escolar durante las elecciones generales en años pares. Los requisitos incluyen haber vivido en el distrito durante al menos un año, estar registrado para votar y un candidato no puede ser un empleado del distrito al asumir el cargo o tener un cónyuge o dependiente empleado por el distrito.Los miembros de la junta escolar no son partidistas. Estos son responsables de acciones amplias, progresistas y decisivas en todas las áreas que afectan a los estudiantes y al personal de sus escuelas. Los miembros de la junta escolar no tienen autoridad individual, mas bien, su autoridad se basa en emitir un voto en las reuniones requeridas de la junta directiva.Las responsabilidades de la junta incluyen contratar y evaluar al superintendente, brindar aportes en el desarrollo del presupuesto para garantizar que se proporcionen fondos para cumplir con las metas y monitorear y aprobar el presupuesto, establecer salarios para los empleados, aprobar compras, establecer y aprobar reglamentos, aprobar materiales curriculares, adoptar el calendario escolar, revisar los reglamentos para el cumplimiento de las políticas existentes, aprobar acciones de personal basadas en las recomendaciones del superintendente, cerrar o construir escuelas; evaluar la efectividad de la junta, monitorear el progreso en función de las metas.Por qué debería importarle:El papel de la junta escolar es interceder por la educación pública en la comunidad y garantizar que el distrito escolar esté bien administrado. La junta, como un todo, supervisa el desempeño para cumplir con las metas académicas, financieras y operativas. Las decisiones colaborativas tomadas por los miembros de la junta escolar afectarán a los niños y sus padres, el sustento de los empleados del distrito escolar y el bienestar económico de toda una comunidad. Este puesto no es remunerado y requiere tiempo, disposición para aprender acerca de los problemas que afectan al distrito escolar y pasión por una cultura positiva y un sistema de educación público comprometido con brindar la mejor educación posible y la más adecuada para todos los niños.Para información adicional:https://www.azk12.org/media/yjvlpkfo/district-school-board-duties.pdf
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Public Policy Priorities
Education First: Ensuring that the primary focus of our schools remains on student achievement. This includes improving academic outcomes, supporting teachers, and providing students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Fiscal Responsibility: Advocating for the efficient and transparent use of taxpayer dollars. Mike believes in directing funds to areas that have a direct impact on students, such as classroom resources, teacher pay, and student programs, while minimizing waste and unnecessary administrative costs. Safe and Inclusive Schools: Prioritizing school safety and creating an inclusive environment where every student feels welcome and supported. Mike is committed to policies that ensure schools are safe spaces
Qualifications and Experience
40 Years in Lake Havasu: Mike has lived in Lake Havasu City for four decades, giving him a deep understanding of the community and its schools. His long-term residency means he has seen the evolution of the district and knows what it takes to improve it. Navy SEAL Veteran: As a former Navy SEAL, Mike brings leadership, discipline, and problem-solving skills to every challenge. His military service has instilled in him a strong sense of duty, teamwork, and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure—qualities that will be invaluable on the School Board. Community Leader: Mike has been actively involved in the local community for years, working with various civic groups and organizations to improve the quality of life in Lake Havasu.
Organization Memberships and Affiliations
Navy SEAL Veterans Association – As a former Navy SEAL, Mike remains connected with the broader SEAL community through this organization, continuing to support fellow veterans. Lifetime Member of the VFW – Mike is a proud lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), reflecting his continued commitment to supporting fellow veterans and their families. Lake Havasu City Education Association (LHCEA) – Mike has a relationship with the LHCEA, supporting local teachers and advocating for policies that benefit public education in the area.
Endorsements
Arizona Education Association, Lake Havasu City Education Association, Save Our Schools Arizona
Occupation
Power systems Engineer
Education
Mohave Community College (AAS) Northern Arizona University (BS)
Mike’s vision for the Lake Havasu Unified School District is to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in life. He believes in fostering an environment where all students are respected and encouraged to reach their full potential. By focusing on strong academic standards, promoting respect for individual differences, and ensuring that schools provide opportunities for every child, Mike will work to create a positive, supportive environment where all students can thrive while maintaining the values and traditions of our community.
Mike will focus on supporting the current superintendent, who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and success in managing the district. Mike values qualities such as effective communication, strong leadership, and a focus on student outcomes, all of which are evident in the current superintendent's track record. By maintaining a collaborative relationship with the superintendent and supporting their continued efforts, Mike will ensure that the district remains focused on academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and meeting the needs of the community.
Mike will address the costs of special education evaluations and proportionate share services for ESA students by working within the scope of the law to ensure that funding is allocated efficiently and in compliance with state and federal regulations. He will advocate for responsible budgeting to meet the needs of all students, including those requiring special education services, while ensuring that costs do not place an undue burden on the district.
Regarding ESA students participating in sports at district schools, Mike supports policies that, within the scope of the law, allow ESA students to participate if they meet the same eligibility standards as public school students, including academic performance, conduct, and residency requirements. He will work with the board to evaluate appropriate fees that reflect the costs to the district, ensuring equitable use of district resources while complying with legal guidelines.
The three most pressing issues for the Lake Havasu Unified School District are teacher recruitment and retention, managing growth and infrastructure, and ensuring a balanced budget that maintains fiscal responsibility.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention: With a growing teacher shortage nationwide, Mike will prioritize competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment to attract and retain high-quality educators. This will be reflected in the budget to ensure the district invests in the people who directly impact student success.
Managing Growth and Infrastructure: As the district grows, updating and maintaining school facilities will be a priority. Mike will advocate for a budget that addresses the needs of aging buildings, classroom expansions, and modern technology to ensure students have a safe and productive learning environment.
Fiscal Responsibility: Maintaining a balanced budget while addressing these priorities is essential. Mike
Mike believes that the school board's role in curriculum should be to provide oversight and ensure that the district’s curriculum aligns with state standards while reflecting the values and needs of the community. The board should focus on approving high-quality, evidence-based educational materials and ensuring that the curriculum prepares students for future success. While the development and implementation of curriculum are best handled by educational professionals, the school board should collaborate with teachers, parents, and administrators to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant, balanced, and responsive to the diverse needs of students. Additionally, the board should ensure that curriculum decisions are transparent, reflect community input, and are made with a commitment to academic excellence.
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