School board

Board of Education Member, Kalamazoo Public Schools

6 Year Term

Vote for: 3
Term: 6 years
Candidates: 4
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A school board member is one of the officials who set policy, approve the budget and hire the superintendent of the school district.

Candidates Compare by issue

Public safety

Mariah BryantNo party listed
- Proposes trauma-informed crisis procedures to prevent gun violence
- Proposes an annual school safety audit gathering community feedback
Karen MortonNo party listed
No documented position found.
TiAnna L HarrisonNo party listed
- Supports secure buildings, emergency preparedness and mental-health resources
- Pledges to prevent bullying, violence and online harm
Patti Sholler-BarberNo party listed
- Supports secure entries and trained campus security staff
- Supports grant writing for school safety funds

Education

Mariah BryantNo party listed
- Proposes more flexible ways for parents to engage with schools
- Supports steps to reduce absenteeism and enforce rules consistently
Karen MortonNo party listed
No documented position found.
TiAnna L HarrisonNo party listed
- Pledges to continue board focus on graduation and achievement
- Proposes listening sessions and accessible board meetings for families
Patti Sholler-BarberNo party listed
- Supports bond-funded upgrades to school technology and facilities
- Supports Communities In Schools as a key district partner

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 2 issues covered in this race.