Jacalyn “Jackie” Coleman, a Schoolcraft College trustee and Plymouth resident, is seeking a full term on the college’s Board of Trustees in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Four candidates are competing for three six-year terms in the nonpartisan contest, according to the Wayne County clerk’s official candidate list. Voters may choose up to three candidates. The other candidates are Brian D. Broderick, Candy R. Little and Alexander D. Steward.
Coleman responded to the Northville-Novi News candidate questionnaire on Oct. 3. Unless otherwise noted, the information and responses below come from that questionnaire.
Asked why she is running, Coleman emphasized continuing her public service.
“I want to continue to be of service to my community, and serving as a Schoolcraft Trustee is an excellent way to do that,” she said.
She described the college as a resource for students and the wider community.
Candidate information
Residence: Coleman has lived in Plymouth since 2004, according to her Schoolcraft College biography. She is a lifelong Wayne County resident who previously lived in Lincoln Park and Westland.
Education: Coleman reported earning a master’s degree in speech pathology and an educational specialist degree in special education leadership, both from Eastern Michigan University.
Occupation: Coleman works as a speech and language pathologist for Livonia Public Schools. The college’s biography says she has worked in the district’s special education programs since 1996.
Family: In her Oct. 3 response, Coleman said she and her husband, Steve, would celebrate 30 years of marriage that month. They have two adult daughters, one beginning a sales career and the other in her final year of medical school.
Party affiliation: The trustee election is nonpartisan.
Family in politics or government: Coleman said no family member works in politics or government.
Experience and public service
Coleman was appointed to Schoolcraft’s Board of Trustees in December 2025, according to the college’s website.
Her leadership experience in Livonia Public Schools includes serving as a district committee leader, team lead for a program serving students with autism, union representative and department chair for speech pathologists.
She also participated in the Galileo Leadership Program, according to her college biography.
Asked what accomplishments prepare her for the position, Coleman pointed to her current trustee service and school district leadership experience.
“I have also served in various leadership roles within the Livonia Public Schools,” she said.
On the issues
College funding: Coleman identified inconsistent state funding as the institution’s biggest challenge.
“Schoolcraft will need to continue to be funded through a variety of means,” she said.
She supports renewing the college’s operating millage, saying she wants the community to continue supporting Schoolcraft at the same rate.
Student affordability: Coleman said keeping college affordable requires a combination of tuition policies, financial assistance and state programs.
“Comparatively, Schoolcraft is highly affordable for students,” she said.
She cited Michigan Reconnect, financial aid and scholarships as resources students can use to help pay for their education.
Long-term financial stability: Coleman said partnerships with community institutions can support the college’s financial future.
She described balancing access for students with maintaining the resources and opportunities the college provides.
Working with fellow trustees: Coleman said her interactions with fellow incumbents Brian Broderick and Candy Little have given her confidence in their shared commitment to community service.
“From my interactions with them, I know that we are all level-headed, reasonable people who want to serve our community,” she said.
Advice that guides her
“Assume good will,” Coleman wrote. “Look for the good in others and try to understand the reasons for their position when a conflict arises.”
This profile draws primarily on Jacalyn Coleman’s responses to the Northville-Novi News candidate questionnaire, with additional information from Schoolcraft College and the League of Women Voters’ election guide. Responses have been excerpted and paraphrased; direct quotations retain her wording.
