Mark Howe

I am running for another term on the school board because I am committed to serving the students, parents, and staff in our community schools. I built a career around public service and look forward to an opportunity to serve on the school board again after having been a member and treasurer from 2007-2011.

My family is embedded in the community and has been for generations. My granddaughter, Aria, has entered the 7th grade at the Saranac Junior/Senior High School. My daughter, Courtney, graduated from Saranac during the time that I served previously on the board. I’m also a proud graduate of Saranac, and my wife, Tammy, is a first-grade teacher at Saranac Elementary School. My siblings, nieces, and nephews have attended and graduated from the district. My great-niece and great-nephew are currently students at the elementary school. Our family continues to benefit from the educational experience provided in our small community schools.

My most recent relevant experience has been working at the Michigan Department of Education, where I served as the Chief of Staff in the Office of the State Superintendent prior to my retirement a few years ago. This was a great learning experience for me as I worked side-by-side with outstanding professionals serving school districts throughout Michigan. I developed a deep understanding of school policy and school funding, both federal and state, and was an instrumental member of the team working with the legislature and other education stakeholders. I had the opportunity to visit dozens of districts around the state to learn what works in some communities and what doesn’t work in others. I believe this knowledge can bring great value to the district and the community.

My general work experience has been as a public administrator where I was responsible for managing millions in public dollars at the county and city levels. One of the primary functions of the school board is to adopt the district’s annual budget. I already have a good understanding of the district’s budget and can step in with confidence on day one.

Every student is unique, and I believe that they deserve the opportunity to begin their journey with the best education possible. While there is always room for improvement in all aspects of life, I think the staff at Saranac do an excellent job of working with parents to provide this opportunity for students. I also believe that our district is special because of the commitment of parents, and grandparents, who give countless hours of their volunteer time to help this small community school. I’d like to continue my own volunteer efforts, and the best way I know how to use my experience and generational commitment to the community is to serve another term on the school board.

I would appreciate your vote on November 3.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me by email at: [email protected].