Phone
269-986-2997
Campaign Phone
269-986-2997
Occupation/Current Position
Senior Production Planner/Scheduler
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management
I have been part of the Kingsley community for several years and have a strong appreciation for the people, values, and environment that make it such a special place. My professional background involves planning, communication, and coordination, which has helped me work effectively with diverse groups. As a parent with children in the district, I’m deeply invested in the success and well-being of our schools and the broader community.
Kingsley Area Schools should prioritize student safety and wellbeing by strengthening building security, expanding mental health support, and working closely with families, first responders, and community partners to maintain consistent safety protocols. The district must also ensure responsible use of technology by creating clear guidelines for AI, training staff, and increasing project-based assessments that protect academic integrity while offering parent education sessions on responsible AI use. Additionally, the district should continue supporting teachers and maintaining strong academic outcomes through ongoing professional development, updated classroom resources, and community partnerships that enhance learning. As a board member, I will take personal action by participating in safety audits, engaging families through advisory groups, and maintaining strong transparency by advocating for regular updates through newsletters, email notifications, social media, open forums, and clear summaries of board decisions so the community stays informed and involved.
Offer workshops and resources for parents covering topics like anxiety, social media stress, sleep hygiene, and emotional regulation.
Make mental-health communication part of the regular parent engagement strategy
Expand existing threat-reporting system to include mental health concerns and self-harm risks
The school board’s short-term priority should be setting clear, districtwide rules for how artificial intelligence may be used and ensuring staff and students understand safe, responsible, and ethical use. Long term priorities should focus on equitable access to technology, thoughtful curriculum integration, ongoing teacher training, and strong data privacy protections as AI tools evolve. To maintain academic integrity, the district should clearly define when AI is allowed, teach students how to use it ethically, and rely more on in class and project-based assessments that reflect genuine learning. Detection tools can support this effort, but teacher judgment and consistent communication remain essential
Kingsley Area Schools can help the community understand both college and career/technical pathways by clearly communicating that each route leads to successful future opportunities. The district can showcase dual enrollment options and explain how students can earn college credit while still in high school, while also highlighting CTC programs that provide certifications, apprenticeships, and connections to local employers. Hosting community information nights, career and college fairs, and hands-on demonstrations gives families a real look at both pathways. Guidance counselors can support informed decision making by presenting college, trades, and workforce options side by side and sharing resources on scholarships, financial aid, and grants, such as FAFSA guidance, Michigan-based scholarship programs, and tools that help students find funding for trades and technical programs. Kingsley can also spotlight success stories and use newsletters, social media, and parent nights to ensure families understand that multiple strong pathways exist for students, and financial support is available no matter which direction they choose.
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Phone
248-756-2299
Occupation/Current Position
Accountant, Tax Manager
Education
Bachelors of Arts in Finance, Masters of Science in Accounting
By trade, I am a tax accountant and CPA, with 19 years in the profession. In my spare time, I help out on our family farm. I earned my bachelor's degree in finance and my master's degree in accounting from Michigan State University. I grew up in the countryside of Kingsley and attended Kingsley Schools through fifth grade before finishing my education homeschooled.
I'm a husband to an amazing wife and teammate who keeps our household running smoothly, and a father to two wonderful children, one in the fearless toddler stage, and the other in the endlessly curious "why" stage.
As to why I am running for office. I want to serve our community and our students. From a financial standpoint, I believe the future of education in our state depends on financial responsibility. Everyone wants strong schools, but community members also feel the strain of rising taxes. While funding formulas are largely set at the state level and beyond our local control, we can be prudent stewards of the resources we do receive. I also believe that as the world continues to evolve, we owe it to our students to make sure they're equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to lead capable, fulfilling lives.
I would say the top concerns I have and would like to address are school finances and world-readiness of our students.
I think our district does take a practical look at cost-saving measures in various aspects of the budget; however, I think that the finances will become more challenging in the coming years. By 2050, Michigan is projected to be about 300,000 - 500,000 residents less than the current population. School enrollment has decreased 10% to 20% in the last two decades depending on where in the state. Enrollment brings taxpayer dollars and those cover the operations now and the future (pensions and retirement). Our own district's enrollment as of last year (2025-2026) was 1,380 students which is the lowest this district has seen since the 2001-2002 school year when the new high school was completed.
The world and the jobs in it have changed drastically over the centuries and we are likely at the start of another change with AI. I think implementing practical hands on instruction of responsible AI use and how it is being utilized in various jobs would be an effective method to keep our students ready for the careers and trades they pursue whether they are bound for college or trade schools.
Having attended meetings, the Board has taken action to instruct safety on crossing roads and safe routes to school. It appears administrators have also attended trainings on safety as well. The previous bond proposal outlined the addition of secure entrances. I would suggest the school board and superintendent revisit this to determine what can be accomplished with the resources available.
As for mental health, there are also numerous resources the school already has in place (counselors and professionals) and have received funds from the county health department to provide additional mental health resources. It appears to me these items are already of importance and steps are being proactively taken to provide the necessary resourses.
From a short term perspective, I think the primary priority is ensuring students are not short-cutting the learning process and thereby failing to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills. AI has its uses in many jobs/occupations but the value and something AI cannot replace (at least currently) is judgment and critical thinking.
In the long-term perspective, I think that finding ways to integrate AI functions into classroom learning and practical job applications will be important to set students up for success.
Might sound "old" but paper and pencil is a great deterrent to AI. More practically speaking, I am sure our educators have discovered methods to deter unethical uses and will continue to evolve as AI does.
I think continuing to promote dual enrollment through NMC is important as it provides our students with a head start in their collegiate careers while providing a significant cost savings as well. From a trades perspective, Kingsley has partnered with Career Tech to give opportunities in trade programs and promotes the trades and hands on learning even in middle school. The district also has a number of counselors to assist in guiding students whether to college or the trades.
One thing that might help students is an understanding of how student debt functions and guidance on careers that may or may not substantiate the degree they are attempting to earn. Taking on crippling debt with no prospect of earning potential is setting that student on a path of hardship. I do think that all schools (not just our district) are missing the mark at college readiness based on what some colleges are considering for incoming freshman (U of M having a Pass or No Credit system for first semester students in 2027). That said, I think this is something that needs to be looked into further as students should be able to make that transition with the skills provided in school.
Phone
231-342-4974
Occupation/Current Position
College Professor, Program Coordinator, Program Advisor
Education
Bachelors
occupation
Aviation Education
I have spent the past 15 years teaching in higher education. Currently I am the Chief Uncrewed Aerial Systems Instructor at Northwestern Michigan College. I have also been a part of program development, student recruitment/retention, part-time staff hiring and training as well as managing daily department operations. I have also developed and taught Uncrewed Systems Classes for NMC's College For Kids program. I am running for school board because I want to use my knowledge of education systems, educational program development, and my current higher education connections to continue to keep Kingsley Schools at the top of the list of schools to watch in Michigan. I have nine nephews and nieces that are current Kingsley students or recent grads in addition to my own student. Through extended family I have three more Kingsley students I consider myself close to. The youngest is in kindergarten and the oldest is a senior, at least one in each school and each building of the school and of the Elementary. I want to see Kingsley be the best school it can be not only for each of them but for all of their friends and classmates.
Teacher/Staff retention I feel is something that needs to be addressed. It seems every month there is a list of employees leaving followed by a few more hired. This is a topic that is going to have multiple reasons behind the why (which can be discovered) but I think adjustments should be made to slow the rate at which we are losing great teachers’/staff members. Having a great school starts with having teachers and staff that are happy to be there shaping the young minds that will be future leaders.
On the point of student safety there have recently been improvements made to exterior entry doors and new locks to boost the security of the main entrances at each building. The daily guest entry process is still in need of improvement though, in every building. There is not a building that forces the direction of entry through an office where staff can verify a visitor’s intent or even that they have a valid reason to be in the school. Currently in every building when a day time visitor is buzzed in, they have open access to student hallways/classrooms/gyms/open space before crossing an office doorway. This leaves our students vulnerable in the event someone intends to do harm. This will require more than procedure; structure change.
In the short term, employee training led by IT who is comfortable with teaching the benefits and dangers should happen now. Specific models and versions identified as preferred to be used and even more importantly a list of versions not to use due to data security risks. For the long-term, identifying a standard process for preventing, detecting, and penalizing AI cheating will need to be put into policy.
That is where I hope to utilize my connections within NMC. As a community college we offer both certificate and degree programs. With current state funded programs our graduates can earn multiple certificates or degrees FREE! We need to have tours and program discovery trips 14 miles up the road, for more than just our high school. Giving our Kingsley students time to explore the many different programs we have in their backyard that they can get hands-on training certificates, micro credentialing, or a full degree all currently paid for by the state.
Phone
231-590-0671
Campaign Phone
231-590-0671
Occupation/Current Position
H&R Block Franchisee Owner of the Kingsley, Standish, Sparta and Cedar Springs Locations
I am a previous School Board member and served three terms. I then took a break in service as my business and other community boards need more of my time . I have served on the KAS Board in the roles of Trustee, Treasurer, Vice President and President. I love to serve my community and I am not yet done serving.
With my background in accounting and experience running a business I would like to help ensure that we are spending our tax dollars the best way possible for our students success. If what we are doing is not going to impact students in a positive way why are we doing it ? Kingsley Area Schools is known for our programs but over the last few years we have struggled with hiring and keeping good staff . We need to be creative and think outside the box to attract and maintain the high level of staff that the community have come to expect from Kingsley Area Schools. We need to take care of our staff so they can take of our students which are our future. I want to be part of the board that will help drive Kingsley Area Schools into the next chapter of education so our students achieve their hopes and dreams.
I was on the School Board during Covid and what we are seeing currently today is the results for the mandates. Students are still struggling to get caught up emotionally from the Covid lock down and we need to continue to have additional resources to help our students overall mental health . Having the Liaison office back in the district was also a big win when we partnered with the county a few years back to make that happen . This help the overall student well being in my opinion as students feel safer and get to know them personally .
AI is very new still. It is only as good as what it learns and we need to help educate AI by telling it when it is wrong. I believe AI has a place , as a tool to help our student achieve success. I caution us however that we need to insure AI is not answering questions and that students are thinking and expressing themself in their own words. Sort of like these questions for the voters. My answers are my opinions not clean up AI answers .
I feel Kingsley Area schools does a good job in balancing both of these with dual enrolled students taking college classes and with the tech center in Traverse City. We need to help students get on the right track in their freshman year so they can take advantage of both of these paths we have set up for them in their Junior and Senior years.
