Candidate Interviews·November 3, 2026 election
Farmington School Board Candidate Interviews
- Election Day
- Tuesday, November 3Polls open 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
- On the ballot
- Four candidatesVote for no more than two
- Early voting
- October 24–November 1Hours depend on where you live
I sat down with Cheryl Blau, Verna Felder, Ron Recinto and Santoria Shepherd to ask about school safety, student achievement and the work of the board. Choose a candidate to read my account of our conversation and watch the complete interview.
The candidates
In alphabetical order. Each article follows our conversation from beginning to end.
Compare their answers
How did they respond to the same issues? Read their answers together, then watch the relevant moment in each interview.
- 1Background and qualificationsWho are you, and what experience would you bring to the school board?→
- 2The work of the boardA board handles finance, personnel, curriculum and public relationships. Where are your strengths?→
- 3School safety and belongingHow would you help students feel safe and able to learn?→
- 4Student and parent accountabilityWhat should accountability look like when a student threatens safety? What is the parent’s role?→
- 5School resource officersWhat role should school resource officers play in relationships and safety?→
- 6Student achievementLooking at the performance data, how do we move from where we are to where we want to be?→
- 7Career and technical pathwaysHow should the district prepare students for a changing workplace, including paths beyond college?→
- 8Challenges and community trustWhat needs attention, and how should the board work with the community?→
- 9Looking aheadLooking back after several years on the board, what would you hope to have accomplished?→
- 10The candidates’ closing argumentsWhy should voters choose you?→
How to vote on November 3
Four candidates are running for the Farmington Public Schools Board of Education. You may vote for no more than two.
By October 19
Register
Register online or by mail by October 19. After that, register in person at your local clerk’s office with proof of residency through 8 p.m. on Election Day.
October 24–November 1
Vote early
Your location and hours depend on your municipality. Farmington Hills voters use the Costick Activities Center, 28600 Eleven Mile Road, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; on October 29, hours are noon–8 p.m.
Apply by October 30, 5 p.m.
Vote absentee
All registered Michigan voters may request a ballot. Online and mailed applications must meet the October 30, 5 p.m. deadline. Registered voters can request one in person until 4 p.m. November 2; eligible voters registering on Election Day can obtain and vote one at the clerk’s office. Return your completed ballot to your clerk by 8 p.m. November 3.
Tuesday, November 3
On Election Day
Polls are open 7 a.m.–8 p.m. Go to your assigned polling place. If you are in line at 8 p.m., you can vote.
Checked October 4, 2026. Sources: Farmington Hills election dates and hours, official sample ballot, and Michigan absentee voting instructions, including military and overseas exceptions. Confirm address-specific instructions with your city or township clerk.