Vote Michaud, Ninemeier, and Aboufadel for FHPS school board

Vote This November to Support Forest Hills Public Schools

Most Forest Hills Public Schools’ Board of Education seats are on the ballot this fall with a crowded field of 13 vying for these roles. It is critical that we maintain a tradition of non-partisanship, student-centered excellence, and pro-public education perspectives on our school board by electing the right candidates. 

While voters and Forest Hills Public Schools residents may already be familiar with the service of other school board members, Support FHPS is pleased to endorse three candidates for Forest Hills Public Schools’ Board of Education who you may not already know:

  • Dr. CJ Michaud (PharmD) – Six-year term

  • Malorie Ninemeier (CPA) – Six-year term

  • Dr. Ed Aboufadel (PhD) – Two-year term

Support FHPS intentionally left the third six-year term open for community members to select a candidate who aligns with their vision for FHPS and the Board of Education. Candidates on our short-list for you to consider are Suzanne Callahan, Justin Sheldon, and Brian Spratke. 

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Meet the Super Three Candidates

  • C.J. Michaud

    C.J. Michaud

    CJ Michaud was appointed to Forest Hills Public Schools’ Board of Education in March 2022, feeling called to serve the district where he graduated and plans to send his four students. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree and worked on an intensive care floor before shifting into consulting. He is a regular school volunteer and advocate for Forest Hills Public Schools. Learn more about CJ and his endorsements:

    On Facebook

  • Malorie Ninemeier

    Malorie Ninemeier

    Malorie Ninemeier is a Forest Hills Public Schools mother of two and active PTO member. She serves as a finance manager with Spectrum Health. Her husband is the manager of the Amy Van Andel Library in Ada! Malorie is an open-minded, capable professional committed to collaborating with fellow board members. Learn more about Mal and her endorsements:

    On Facebook

    Online

  • Ed Aboufadel

    Ed Aboufadel

    Ed Aboufadel, or “Ed for Ed” is the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Grand Valley State University. He oversees faculty affairs (e.g., personnel, governance, policy) and academic facilities.  In his work in the Office of the Provost, he emphasizes the importance of responsiveness, clear and effective communication, creative problem solving, innovation, continual improvement, encouragement of faculty engagement, and rigor. Dr. Aboufadel is a professor of Mathematics and has received an Outstanding Teacher Award. His son proudly graduated from Forest Hills Public Schools. Learn more about Ed:

    On Facebook

    Online

Why We Endorse These Three Candidates

This decision by Support FHPS considered many different factors before endorsing candidates, including:

  • Responses to our Support FHPS candidate survey

  • Assessing outgoing expertise of candidates not seeking re-election (particularly around finance)

  • Participation in the Support FHPS candidate forum

  • Input from the Support FHPS community survey, which called for a mix of heritage and fresh board member faces, a focus on academic rigor, retaining teachers, and making FHPS a welcoming district to all

  • Alignment with our core values of support, safety, and success for all students

We are grateful for many of the candidates who have stepped up to serve the best interests of students. Rally around the Three for FHPS to protect the integrity of our schools on November 8 or by absentee. 

The Situation in Forest Hills Public Schools Right Now

School board elections don’t often draw much attention, but it’s critical that we elect Board of Education candidates who will continue serving in the best interests of our kids – and in a commitment to nonpartisan service. 

There are 13 candidates running for four seats on our school board. That’s the majority of our seven Board seats on the ballot this fall:

  • Three seats are open for six-year terms

  • One seat is open for a special two-year term

Support FHPS has been working for over a year to mitigate ongoing disruption in our district. 

Since last fall, outside interests and disinformation-fueled candidates have been advancing unwarranted recalls, hyper-partisan agendas and the newest school voucher program that would directly hurt Forest Hills Public Schools. While these tactics may appeal in other states – they are too extreme for Forest Hills and risk disrupting the standard of excellence and expertise that has led Forest Hills Public Schools to rank as a top 5 percent district nationally, elevate our property values, and set students up for a lifetime of success. These candidates running under a partisan platform are out for politics over our pupils.