I am a 1996 Swartz Creek graduate and have lived in this community for most of my life. Two of my children have attended Swartz Creek, and two more will in the future. Professionally, I have spent 25 years in industrial construction and currently work as a construction superintendent, managing people, schedules, budgets, safety and complex projects. I would bring that practical experience to the board, along with a commitment to preparation, accountability, transparency and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Swartz Creek is my home. I graduated from this district and have spent most of my life in this community. My involvement in board meetings and reviewing district financial and academic information led me to become more engaged in how our schools operate. I decided to run because I believe I can contribute by doing the work: studying the information, asking questions, listening to students, parents, staff and residents, and making thoughtful decisions for the district's long term future.
My priorities are student achievement, fiscal responsibility, transparency and long term planning. I would regularly review academic data and ask whether programs and spending are producing measurable benefits for students. I would carefully review budgets and major expenditures and support responsible maintenance of the buildings and assets taxpayers have already funded. I also believe residents should be able to understand how and why important decisions are made and have meaningful opportunities to participate.
School districts must balance educational needs with limited resources while managing costs for staffing, facilities, transportation, technology and student services. Changing enrollment and student needs can make those decisions even more difficult. Boards also need to maintain public trust. I believe these challenges require careful planning, reliable academic and financial data, regular evaluation of how resources are being used, and open communication with the community.
I am a Swartz Creek graduate, parent, longtime resident and working construction superintendent. I believe every resident has a stake in our schools, including those who no longer have children in the district but have supported them through their tax dollars for decades. If elected, I will come prepared, ask questions, listen and be accountable for my decisions. I will work to keep the focus on students while respecting taxpayers and making decisions openly, responsibly and with community's interests in mind.
Campaign Phone
8109553892
Experience
Serving six years (2018-24, on the Swartz Creek school board, I've worked well with fellow board members and district administrators — I listen, ask questions, and follow through. Some of what I've supported: hiring qualified staff, school of choice, academic achievement for student athletes, technology upgrades, a bond to repair critical infrastructure and enhance safety and security, and continued support for band, field trips, clubs, sports, and our food services program.
Community Involvement
Genesee Wanderers Cycling Club President; Assenmacher 100 Ride Coordinator; other volunteer service work
Campaign Message
I recognize there are varied perspectives within our district, on the board and off. We will not always agree, but I have listened, and will continue to listen, to understand and address the needs of our community. Our district spans urban, suburban, and rural areas, and that diversity means patience and discernment matter as much as decisiveness. I bring six years of proven, collaborative board experience, a clear-eyed view of what is broken, and specific commitments to fixing it. I ask for your trust and your vote to keep doing this work. Thank you!
Endorsements
SCEA (Swartz Creek Education Association -aka SC Teacher's Union, MEA - Michigan Education Association
I served over six years on the Swartz Creek School Board. During that time, I attended nearly all of the committee and board meetings and actively participated. I served as Secretary (two years), Treasurer (four years), and the SC Representative for the GCASBM. I've worked well with fellow board members and district administrators — I listen, ask questions, and follow through. Some of what I've supported: hiring qualified staff, school of choice, academic achievement for student athletes, technology upgrades, a bond to repair critical infrastructure and enhance safety and security, and continued support for band, field trips, clubs, sports, and our food services program.
Before leaving in 2024, one of my fellow board members stated that I had served as a peacekeeper on the board. If I can help bring peace that enables our school board to function in a healthy and productive way, like it once did, I feel it is my responsibility to help by serving. Additionally, my daughter and I were talking about the responsibilities of citizens in a well functioning democracy and I needed to walk my talk.
I believe in being of service to others, helping them succeed; that education and people's experiences as they are growing up is very important, My skill set is well utilized in board work and I hope to contribute to SC's success.
There are a lot of changes coming to Creek this next school year, and the lead-up is straining our resources: staff shortages and burnout, financial uncertainty, learning gaps, and student absenteeism, all compounded by an erosion of public trust in the district, administration, and school board. i know how to work constructively with fellow board members and administrators to address these challenges directly. On staffing, I will support the professional, financial, and cultural investments that help us retain and recruit qualified teachers and staff, because stable staffing is the foundation for everything else. On trust, I will push for clear, timely communication.
I recognize there are varied perspectives within our district, on the board and off. We will not always agree, but I have listened, and will continue to listen, to understand and address the needs of our community. Our district spans urban, suburban, and rural areas, and that diversity means patience and discernment matter as much as decisiveness. I bring six years of proven, collaborative board experience, a clear-eyed view of what is broken, and specific commitments to fixing it. I ask for your trust and your vote to keep doing this work. Thank you!
My vision for the Swartz Creek Community Schools is to have a thriving school system and community rich in diversity of ideas, experiences, and people cohesively working together providing an education and sets of skills that allow people to go out into the world and be useful, productive, and open to the world and those they encounter because they had a safe, supportive, engaging education and community that they are/were part of in Swartz Creek.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Education
Bachelors Degree Secondary Education, Major in History, Minor in Political Science
Community Involvement
Volunteer work in the schools and youth activities
Endorsements
SCEA (Swartz Creek Education Association)
1. Hello, my name is Cheryl Stacey. I am a mom of three Swartz Creek students. Before becoming a mom I was a certified secondary education teacher with a major in History and a minor in Political Science from SVSU. I’ve also coached high school athletics and managed public swim programs for 10+ years including CANUSA games. My husband and I moved to Swartz Creek 6 years ago and you can find us at many youth athletic events and community events around town.
The future of our students and district is what inspired me to run. I have attended and watched many meetings over the last few years. During this time it was evident that a change is needed for the future of our school district. As a parent of students in the district I want the absolute best future for our district and all of its kids.
I believe respectful cooperation is missing. The goal is for the school board, administration, staff, parents, and community members to all have the students best interest at heart. As a mom and former teacher I understand the need for timely communication, expert guidance, and transparency on both sides (the education side and the parent side).
Our school board, staff, and community have been very divided the last couple of years. The biggest change I hope to see is a school board meeting that is a true coming of the minds. Respectful conversations and communication from the board, administrators, staff, parents, and community members who work together making student focus decisions.
As a former teacher and parent I have a unique point of view from my experiences. I hope to bring this point of view to the board, while keeping an open mind and line of communication.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
