Michael Cook, a first-time candidate for the Northville Public Schools Board of Education, is one of three candidates listed for three seats in the Nov. 3 general election. Kimberly Campbell-Voytal and Melissa Stuart are also running in the nonpartisan race, according to the Washtenaw County Clerk’s official candidate list.
Voters may choose up to three candidates for four-year terms. The county list records Cook’s filing date as May 12, 2026.
Cook responded to the Northville-Novi News candidate questionnaire on Oct. 5. Unless otherwise noted, the information and responses below come from that questionnaire.
“I am running to serve our students, teachers, and community,” Cook said.
He said his experience as an educator and parent informs his goal of preparing students for college and the workforce.
Candidate information
Occupation: Cook said he teaches computer information systems at Redford Union High School. He described himself as a 26-year Army veteran and an educator with 14 years of experience specializing in computer networking and technical education.
Education: Cook reported a bachelor’s degree in human resource management from Faulkner University, a master’s degree in educational technology from Strayer University and a master’s degree in career and technical education from SUNY Buffalo State.
He also said he holds Michigan professional teaching and school administrator certificates, along with CompTIA information technology certifications.
Family: Cook and his wife, Tia, have two daughters: Bailey, a ninth grader at Northville High School, and Barbara, who lives in Maryland with her husband.
Party affiliation: Cook identified his affiliation as nonpartisan. The school board race is also nonpartisan.
Previous elected office: “This is my first time running for office,” Cook said.
Experience and public service
Cook said his Army career involved managing large logistics operations, analyzing facility data and coordinating long-term initiatives.
In education, he said he worked as a work-based learning coordinator in New York, establishing partnerships between businesses and schools across 13 districts. He also developed Navy course materials for the Sailor 2025 initiative and helped students prepare for CompTIA certifications.
His community experience includes serving on the Western Ventura County Employer Advisory Council board and as a Michigan Education Association delegate. He also reported membership in Northville’s VFW Post 4012 and the American Legion.
On the issues
Career and college readiness: Cook supports expanding career and technical education programs so students can earn industry-recognized credentials alongside their preparation for college.
He also supports partnerships between local businesses and schools that create internship opportunities.
Inclusive classrooms: Cook advocates flexible teaching approaches that support students with different learning needs and help them feel a sense of belonging.
Transparency and family partnerships: He said he wants clear communication with families and rigorous, culturally sensitive coursework.
Staff well-being and leadership: Cook supports addressing teacher burnout, creating internal leadership opportunities and resolving administrative salary compression, in which pay differences between positions or experience levels become narrow.
Facilities and financial oversight: Cook said his military logistics experience informs his approach to infrastructure and budgeting. He supports using facility data to guide modernization and improve energy efficiency.
He said spending on capital projects should receive careful scrutiny to ensure tax dollars support classroom technology and physical infrastructure.
Balancing priorities: Cook said academic achievement, mental health, safety, staffing and facilities should be addressed through coordinated planning, transparent communication and financial oversight.
Best advice: “Treat everyone with dignity and respect because everyone has value,” Cook said.
Endorsements
Cook’s campaign website lists endorsements from the Novi Democratic Club, Northville Democratic Club, Northville Education Association and Michigan Education Association. It also lists Carol Poenisch, identified as chair of Indivisible Northville.
This profile draws primarily on Michael Cook’s responses to the Northville-Novi News candidate questionnaire, with additional information from official election records and his campaign website. Responses have been excerpted and paraphrased; direct quotations retain his wording. Statements about his experience, qualifications and endorsements are attributed to him or his campaign.
