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By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
MCP will be publishing a list of all candidates who running for office in the November 5 General Election. Profiled articles feature candidates who are in contested races.
Responses are listed initially in alphabetical order and then alternate in order.
SCOTTVILLE — Four people are running for three open seats on the Mason County Central Board of Education. Those include two write-in candidates, one of whom is an incumbent. The candidates are Oscar Davila, Nicole Sherretz, Stephanie Stakenas, and Nicole Birkett. School board members Jim Schulte, elected in 2012 (who is also current board president) and John Wagner, elected in 2012, are not seeking re-election.
Voters who choose to vote for either of the write-in candidates will need to clearly write-in their names as listed in this article.
Profiles
Nicole Birkett
Nicole Birkett
Birkett lives in Riverton Township. She is a graduate of Shelby High School. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from Michigan State University with cognates in theater and media and mass communications. She is an administrative assistant for the Michigan Education Association and is a poetry instructor through the National Writers Series for sixth through eighth grade students in Manistee County.
Birkett has lived in the school district since 2008 and has two adult stepchildren.
Oscar Davila
Oscar Davila
Davila lives in Amber Township. He is a graduate of Hart High School who then attended West Shore Community College’s Criminal Justice Academy. He has earned several law enforcement certifications including instructor-level certifications.
Davila has lived in the school district for 25 years. He is chief deputy of road patrol for Mason County Sheriff’s Office and has been with the sheriff’s office for 25 years. His daughter graduated from MCC with the class of 2024 and is now attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
Davila was appointed to the MCC Board of Education in 2021 and elected in 2022.
Nicole Sherretz
Nicole Sherretz
Sherretz lives in Amber Township. She and her husband, Kevin, have two children: One is a senior at Mason County Central who is duel enrolled at West Shore Community College. The other is a freshman at MCC. Sherretz has lived in the school district for 20 years. She attended high school at Unionville-Sebewaing Area (USA) and attended Lake Superior State University, majoring in recreation management and natural resources.
She has been employed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for over 22 years with most of her career working at the Platte River State Fish Hatchery in the fish production section where we raise salmon and walleye to be stocked in public waters of Michigan. She is the sole person who analyzes certain water quality parameters for all six of the state fish hatcheries to stay in compliance for discharge permitting.
Stephanie Stakenas
Stephanie Stakenas
Stakenas lives in Scottville. She is a 1998 graduate of MCC and continued her education at West Shore Community College. She has one daughter who is a freshman at MCC. She has been employed at West Shore Educational Service District as a paraprofessional in a center based classroom for seven years.
Q & A
MCP: Why do you want to be on the board of education?
Davila: As a current Mason County Central School District board member, my unwavering commitment to enhancing our district is evident. I firmly believe in continuously reviewing and implementing concepts to significantly improve our relationships with the district’s administration, school staff, parents, and children. My dedication to working with all stakeholders to enhance the district and provide a better school experience for our staff, parents, and future leaders our, children is my driving force. Having completed one term, I know I am only starting my work. With support and a willingness by all to collaborate, we will make MCC a strong supported district in all aspects.
Sherretz: With several open seats on the board, I feel compelled to run at this time. I am passionate about serving and giving back to our community, and I believe I have valuable strengths to contribute. My focus is on well-being of all students, teachers, and support staff in the Mason County Central School District, and I look forward to fostering stronger connections between the school board and the community.
Stakenas: I have been attending meetings for several years now to stay informed and connected. With the available seats open, I felt it was a good time to take that a step further. I would like to be an advocate for all (students, parents, school staff and the community.) MCC Schools has been nothing but great when it comes to the needs of my daughter. Many have gone above and beyond for her, and this is a way for me to give back and be more involved. I want to make a difference and be part of finding the solutions to keep improving MCC for future generations.
Birkett: I am running for the Mason County Central School Board because public schools, especially in rural communities, rely on strong community support to thrive. As a school board member, I will offer more than just volunteer work—I will be an active advocate for strengthening the educational environment, focusing on advocating for the bond and supporting initiatives to attract highly qualified educators.
Since moving to this community, I have seen MCC foster a healthy and productive relationship between parents, staff, and the board. I am committed to continuing that open, collaborative communication and ensuring every voice is heard.
MCP: What is the role of a school board member?
Sherretz: Primary roles are to put the children first and oversee their education and provide safety of students and staff. Being a leader, engaging the community in the decision-making process, understanding funding, budgets, operations and educational policies. In my opinion some of the most important roles are being a person that demonstrates integrity, accountability and understanding the diverse needs of all children and families.
Stakenas: To oversee the district, work at the highest level by establishing policies and overseeing the superintendent. They adopt and enforce all rules for the district’s management and approve the district’s budget. Creating, reviewing and amending school policy. Community connection and determining matters related to school employees and contractors.
Birkett: School board members advocate for their community, help allocate resources, and ensure that the district aligns with state and federal policies while keeping in mind local needs. This can be done through listening to the appeals of policy and dispensation of discipline, considering budgets and bids, and reviewing and entering into agreements.
Davila: As a school board member, I understand the importance of a cohesive working environment. It is our responsibility to set the vision and goals for our public schools, establish policies, and interpret laws based on our community values to make decisions for our district. By collaborating with the administration and staff, we can ensure a harmonious working environment that ultimately provides a memorable school experience for our children and parents.
MCP: What is the role of public education?
Stakenas: To provide free universal education to all students. However, it is so much more than that. Academics is the main focus – helping children learn and grow through the years so that they can go on to college, or the workforce. Giving them the tools to go on and function in society as good citizens. So many kids need things above and beyond that. Sometimes school is the only place where the kids get food, feel safe, or feel loved.
In my own personal experience by attending public education – my daughter received free services for occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and hearing consultation. These things were detrimental to her growth and development, and she would not be where she is today without them. Public education really is a collaboration with parenting as these kids grow up. With each student being so individualized the schools have to learn and adapt right alongside them to give them what they need. The role of public education really is ever-changing and evolving all the time.
Sherretz: To provide a free education, preparing children (our future) for college, trade schools, and workforce along with being productive, well-rounded citizens of the community.
Birkett: Public education ensures that children are provided with the proper tools to reach their full potential in our society. At its best, public education provides a safe environment for our children to not only learn how to survive in an increasingly complex world, but also in which to practice social interactions and learn conflict resolution.
Davila: Public education is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about shaping the future leaders of our nation. To provide this education, sound leadership is needed to help develop and guide staff through the ever-changing education system. With a supported staff, our children will develop the skills needed to become the next generation of leaders. This inspiring mission drives my commitment to Mason County Central Schools.
MCP: What has been your previous involvement with the school district?
Davila: I have had the privilege of residing in Mason County for 25 years, all within the Mason County Central School District. I have been fortunate to witness my daughter’s academic success at MCC, culminating in her graduation in 2024. Furthermore, I had been an active member of the parent-teacher committee, fulfilled the role of a recreational sports coach, and was involved in the development of safety plans with MCC and all schools within Mason County as a founding member of the countywide school safety team established in 2012. As of 2022, I have had the honor of serving as a school board member, currently holding the position of board secretary.
Birkett: I currently work as an administrative assistant for the Michigan Education Association, which represents the Mason County Central Education Association, from their Ludington office. While my now adult children went to school in Grand Rapids, I have been active as a volunteer in Mason County. Since 2018, I’ve volunteered as a group leader and workshop instructor in the Mason County 4-H Program and acted as an officer for both the Youth Advisory Council and Animal Development boards.
I also briefly substitute taught in Mason Co. Central, in middle school language arts. Most of my substitute experiences were in Oceana and Ingham counties.
Sherretz: I volunteered in the classroom when my children were younger. I have given talks to different grades about my career in natural resources. I am going on my fifth year of being part of the softball coaching staff (non-paid position) at the high school, and coached recreation softball and basketball for many years. I help at many sporting events running the clock/scoreboard and concession stand, helping to raise money for different programs. I have been part of many fundraising events and advocated for bond proposals. I was just recently part of the Athletic Policy review committee that is now being reviewed by the board.
Stakenas: I graduated from MCC in 1998. When my daughter was in elementary, I volunteered many times in the classroom as well as was part of the PTC committee. I have subbed as a paraprofessional with MCC periodically before getting my full-time position at WSESD. My daughter is a freshman currently at the high school. I have been attending the school board meetings pretty regularly now for four years. I am also the MCC parent representative for the SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee). One of main things that the committee does is the Make a Difference Awards every spring.
MCP: What are the top three issues/challenges, in your opinion, facing the school district? Feel free to list additional issues.
Birkett: I see the three biggest issues as adequate funding, enrollment and class sizes, and district support in ensuring the safety of students and staff.
Without proper funding, schools cannot provide the necessary resources to educate students or the competitive compensation to retain top-tier educators.
A crucial part of funding is student enrollment. I recognize that the district regularly has to balance the number of students and staff in order to avoid overcrowded classrooms, but still fund their district, and the support offered.
The district often includes professional development, but also mental health resources and security programs and planning, ensuring staff and students feel empowered, valued, and capable of delivering/receiving quality education.
Davila: Like many others, our district is confronted with ongoing challenges stemming from changes at both the state and national levels, resulting in financial disparities. These disparities have impacted our district’s operations, compelling us to do more with less. These resulting deficits have posed considerable challenges for our educators, who are now obligated to assume additional responsibilities.
Additionally, inconsistent state funding for continual safety and mental health measures within our school districts has further compounded these issues, prompting apprehension among our staff and parents regarding the approaches our district intends to embark on in order to uphold the requirement of essential services for our students and staff.
Furthermore, our district is in need of updates to our facilities to keep staff and children safe. We have failed to gain community support to show the importance of a bond. Yet, the needs remain a priority and only deepens as years continue without upgrades. I have stood on the stance of willingness to do what it takes for safety and security for all staff and our children and will continue to push for a bond to upgrade infrastructure as well as support programs that give our children ways to excel in their talents.
Sherretz:
- Funding.
- Societal changes-technology, lack of parental involvement, family dynamics, balancing teaching with handling needs of the children, safety (physical and mental well-being) and performance gaps.
- Teacher recruitment and retention
Stakenas: Community support in getting a bond passed for the much-needed upgrades/repairs to all of the school buildings and grounds. Funding to keep the Mason County Sheriff’s school resources officers collaboration. Staffing shortages as well as staff retention. I also feel that the food types and quality offered to our kids could be significantly improved.
MCP: What actions would you take to change/address those issues/challenges?
Stakenas: I will work with the other board members getting input from admin/staff and using the data from previous attempts of the bond. Continue to reach out to the community to gain support to get our school what it desperately needs. We will need to create something that the community voters can stand behind and that will meet the needs of the district. I look forward to learning more about the Food service process so that I can understand better and maybe can work with them to find better options or alternatives. Staff shortages are something that has increased since 2020 and is due to many factors. This is something every district is facing – I would love to connect with current staff/admins to get their take and maybe look at some new solutions to help in this area. At one of the recent board meetings, it was stated that the (funding for the) SRO collaborative with the MCSO was OK for this year but due to funding from state it could be an issue going forward. Between the school and the Sheriff’s Office they would figure something out to make sure we could keep the collaborative going. I look forward to figuring this out together and making sure that happens.
Sherretz: I believe solving the issues of funding, societal changes and teacher recruitment is a multi-pronged approach that combines policy reforms, better resource allocation, and community involvement. Focusing on equitable funding, academic support and safety measures, schools can become better environments for learning and growth. Recruiting and retaining qualified teachers is essential for maintaining high quality of education. Offering incentives and improving working conditions can attract and retain talented educators.
Birkett: As a first-year board member, I would assist in researching the issues and actions needed to assist ddressing enrollment issues, safety policies, and bond proposal. I would like to help promote the district’s proposed solutions and encourage a public discourse through meetings outside of the formal school board meeting, similar to the coffee hours our representatives, like Representative VanderWall, hold. Opportunities for discussions with our community members outside of the constraints of a formal meeting.
Davila: We have started discussions on these issues and are dedicated to providing ongoing financial and operational support for school safety programs. Additionally, we will continue to work on adjusting staff schedules in each building. Making these changes poses challenges at all levels, highlighting the importance of open discussion during this transitional period. Developing committees at each building where board members could be part of those committees would allow us to collaborate with staff and be more inclusive of their thoughts.
MCP: Why should voters elect you to the board of education?
Sherretz: I care, I care for the students, teachers, support staff, and providing better opportunities to all. I want to be a part of raising, supporting, nurturing and providing the best education and educational environment for the next generation. I am a person that likes to listen to stakeholders and address concerns, I have integrity, leadership skills, understand the diverse needs of children and will advocate all that I can for the children and staff of the Mason County Central School District.
Birkett: Like my fellow candidates, I am happy to volunteer my time to commit to advocating for Mason County Central Schools. Through my years working with local public school employees, I bring with me an understanding of some of the legislation and policies unique to public schools. And a knowledge from personal experience of how difficult it can be as a child to navigate school and home life under the constraints of poverty and trauma. I am eternally grateful to my parents, school counselors, and state aid for the resources that helped life me up.
Davila: As I launched my campaign for board membership in 2022, I was driven by the desire to give back to a district that provided an excellent education for my daughter. I am fully committed to supporting our school district’s staff and administration initiatives. It is my firm belief that by supporting staff, they feel empowered to continue to go above and beyond for our students. When our staff feels supported and heard, it directly shapes the district’s direction, and they will excel in their efforts. This ultimately benefits our students, as they receive the best education from teachers backed by the administration and the board to do their jobs effectively. Happy and supported students will pass this positivity on to their parents, who will become strong supporters of our community and district. Having witnessed the success of this model elsewhere, I am confident that I can carry out this vision as a board member. My work is far from over, and I am eager to be considered to continue in this role.
Stakenas: I feel with my experience as a parent of a kiddo in the district, living in the district my whole life and working in a special education classroom – I bring a well-rounded balance and understanding to the board from many avenues. I have an open mind and open heart, willing to put in the effort and work to keep MCC moving forward in a positive direction.
MCP: How would you handle any potential conflicts of interest you may face on the board of education?
Davila: During my initial tenure as a school board member, there have been no conflicts. Nonetheless, in the event of potential conflicts, it is expected that the individuals involved recuse themselves from any pertinent decision-making processes that could impede the decisions being made.
Sherretz: Handling potential conflicts of interest on a board of education requires being transparent and a proactive approach to ensure ethical decisions are being made to maintain trust and integrity. Prioritizing the children’s best interests is more important than considering how others feel or believe the outcome might be when conflicts of interest arise.
Stakenas: Should anything arise, I would be calm, professional, open to listening, being fully transparent and work toward a resolution best for all.
Birkett: I would abstain from any votes regarding staff discipline or union agreements, including contract ratifications. However, I would be happy to offer my assistance in researching, communicating, and/or providing any insights I might have from my time working in and for public education.
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