OPS | Board Candidate Interviews

Okemos Public Schools board candidate interview forum, held September 30, 2026, featured candidates Karen, incumbent Tom, and John ahead of the November 3 election for three four-year school board seats. The candidates discussed their qualifications and priorities, including student well-being, academic achievement gaps, diversity and equity, responsible classroom technology and AI use, and the board’s governance role.

The discussion addressed district financial sustainability, declining or constrained state funding, budget reductions, and how to weigh impacts on students and staff. Candidates emphasized aligning budgets with student needs and involving the community in budget planning. No contracts, vendor selections, purchasing decisions, procurement-related motions, or spending approvals were identified.