BRIGHTON — Eight candidates are vying for four open seats on the Brighton Area Schools Board of Education.
Glenn Hodges, Matthew Morneault, Roger Myers, Anna Pennala, Kenneth Stahl, Katie Tierney, Kelli Uphaus and Alicia Urbain are seeking four-year terms Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Myers is the lone incumbent seeking re-election. Board Vice President Alicia Reid and Trustee John Conely declined to run again. Former Trustee Bill Trombley, who held the final open seat, was also ready to call it quits, and resigned in September. Andy Burchfield was appointed to serve the remainder of his term, until a new electee takes his place.
To help voters make their selection, The Daily sent a short questionnaire to each candidate. Their responses are below. Responses have been edited for accuracy, length and clarity.
Glenn Hodges
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Age: 60
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Current occupation and employer: Director of the Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership Program at the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University
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How long have you lived in the community? 16 years total, including the last six
Why are you running for school board?
I care deeply about the Brighton community, its school system and its children. The U.S. News and World Report ranked Brighton High School outside the top 1,000 schools in the nation and 38 in the state of Michigan. We can and should be doing better. Like any organization, leadership at the board level drives performance, since the board makes high-level strategic, personnel and resource allocation decisions.
I have the educational and experiential background to improve the quality of decision-making at the board level, which will lead to a higher performing school system and better student outcomes. Also, there has been conflict on the school board. I believe I can help reduce this conflict through improved issue framing and identification of better solutions, which more fully meet the needs of multiple stakeholders. In short, I can help make the board more effective, leading to a better school system and better student outcomes.
What values and/or experience would you bring to the school board?
I would bring a lot of common sense to the school board. I was raised in Brighton and understand and share the values and concerns of those who live here. I am a product of Brighton High School. I was an executive in strategy at Chrysler and am an educator at the Broad College of Business at Michigan State University. I have taught business and corporate strategy to more than 5,000 students.
I was awarded the “Faculty of Excellence” Award for the Executive MBA Program in May 2024. I am also the Director of the Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership program at MSU. This program was ranked fourth in the U.S. this year by the U.S. News and World Report. My background in strategy and as an educator and administrator would be highly beneficial for key school board activities, such as strategic planning, goal setting and performance measurement.
What issues in the school district are you focused on?
My issues of focus include excellence in education, student safety, transparency, fiscal responsibility and ensuring all stakeholders are respected, so we can build productive relationships and focus on solutions, rather than interpersonal conflict. This means working with other board members to improve the decision-making culture of the board. It also means working closely with parents, teachers, administrators and students to better understand their issues and preferred solutions to those issues.
Conflicts among multiple stakeholders are often driven by a lack of understanding of root causes of issues or by a perception that each decision is a contest to be won. Poor issue framing leads to poor solutions, which typically leads to winners and losers. This, in turn, leads to ongoing conflict. My goal is to improve the board’s decision-making culture, leading to better issue framing and solutions with reduced conflict. This will allow us to address the issues listed above.
What will be your top three priorities, if elected?
If elected, I will prioritize educational excellence in terms of standards, expectations, rankings and student outcomes. The goal should be to help each student identify and prepare for his or her best path forward in life, whether that begins with a university education, community college, vocational training, the military or some other form of learning that will lead to a productive, successful and happy life as they define it.
Another major priority is student safety. I would start the process with a review of current safety standards in our schools and benchmark how our school system compares to best-in-class schools. We would identify gaps and devise fiscally sound solutions for rapid implementation. A third priority would be to review the current Brighton Area Schools Strategic Plan, which was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This plan should be reviewed for continued relevancy and a new plan developed, if needed.
Campaign Facebook: Glenn Hodges for Brighton School Board
Campaign Website: electglennhodges.com
Matthew Morneault
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Age: 42
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Current occupation and employer: Director of Prospect Development and Strategies in the Office of Advancement for the College of Literature, Science and the Arts at the University of Michigan
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How long have you lived in the community? Since 2018
Why are you running for school board?
As a parent of two children in the school district, I am running for school board to show them community involvement is essential and worthwhile. Over the past six years, I have observed a shift from compromise and civil discourse to divisiveness and hostility. I will work to reduce that divisiveness and lower the hostility.
My years of experience in higher education fundraising have honed my ability to actively listen and build strong, lasting relationships — skills that will be crucial in a board that currently appears fractured. I am committed to restoring the respect our dedicated staff — teachers, paraprofessionals, janitorial, and cafeteria workers — deserve across the district. I will strive to foster a more collaborative and respectful environment on the board and am dedicated to advocating for the holistic needs of all students, ensuring their physical, mental and emotional well-being are central to our district’s long-term planning.
What values and/or experience would you bring to the school board?
My natural thought process is to think deeply before speaking, a trait that would be highly beneficial on the board. This approach stems from a lifelong challenge with a speech impediment, which, while difficult at times, has instilled in me the importance of choosing my words thoughtfully and intentionally. It has taught me the power of clear, well-considered communication, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to discussions and decision-making processes.
I’ve come to see this as a strength that enables me to listen carefully, reflect and provide measured and impactful input. As someone not originally from the area (and who) has not been heavily involved in politics, I can take on a board role without the expectational baggage that either of those experiences tends to bring. I can join the board with a clean slate and an open mind as to what is possible for the future of our district.
What issues in the school district are you focused on?
Rebuilding trust and transparency between the school board and the community is essential for fostering a positive and collaborative environment. Open communication and active community engagement will help bridge any divides and ensure the board is accountable to those it serves. Additionally, teacher recruitment and retention must remain a top priority. Ensuring competitive compensation, professional development and a supportive work environment will attract and keep high-quality educators in our district.
Effective instructional space utilization is another key concern, as our growing student population requires thoughtful planning to accommodate their needs without sacrificing the quality of education. Finally, maintaining budgetary restraint in a financially shifting society is critical to ensuring the district remains fiscally responsible. We must prioritize spending that directly benefits students while being mindful of long-term sustainability, ensuring that our schools remain strong and well-funded despite economic uncertainties.
What will be your top three priorities, if elected?
As our student population grows, so does the need for paraprofessionals and intervention specialists to support students with individualized academic plans. The board must ensure proper funding and resources for these roles while strengthening the district’s Response to Intervention Plan, allowing all students to progress at their own pace.
Additionally, expanding district-provided transportation for off-campus programs, such as vocational training and dual enrollment, ensures equitable access for all students, regardless of their family’s transportation options. This fosters educational equity and opens opportunities for every student. Minimizing bus ride times is also essential for students’ well-being, allowing more time for homework, extracurriculars and family interactions. To make this possible, the transportation department must receive the financial support needed to retain and recruit qualified drivers, ensuring efficient and safe transportation services for all.
Campaign Facebook: Matt Morneault for BAS Board
Roger Myers
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Age: 57
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Current occupation and employer: Attorney at Myers and Myers, PLLC
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How long have you lived in the community? 27 years
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History of elected positions held, if applicable: Board member since 2016
Why are you running for school board?
I am seeking re-election for a third term on the Brighton School Board. When I was first elected in 2016, my four children were thriving in Brighton Area Schools due to the tremendous academic experience and diverse opportunities available to all students in the district. I wanted to join the board to support and expand that strong foundation on which our district is built.
I am proud of the successes we have achieved over the past eight years to further those initiatives, as well as the significant investments we have made in our employees, facilities, technology and safety and security measures, while at the same time increasing our budget surplus every year. However, we cannot become complacent and there is more work to be done to build on those recent successes. I want to continue being part of the leadership team to make BAS the best it can be.
What values and/or experience would you bring to the school board?
As the only incumbent in this election, I uniquely possess a vast amount of institutional knowledge of the district in general and the board in particular. During my eight-year board tenure, I have served in numerous leadership positions, including secretary the first four years and president the past four years. I also have extensive experience as a member of the following committees: executive (chair), finance (chair), bond/facilities (chair), academic, and policy/HR.
Through these roles, I had key input into the decisions on all important issues facing the district. As a business owner, attorney and mediator, I understand the importance of operating in a fiscally responsible manner, properly managing resources to effectuate growth and positive change, being respectful of others and making difficult decisions based upon a measured consideration of all information. Those qualities have served me well in being an effective leader for the district.
What issues in the school district are you focused on?
We are fortunate now to be one of the very few districts that possess the combination of academic excellence, financial stability and growth; an unwavering commitment to safety and security; first-class facilities and a diversity of opportunities for students outside of the classroom. My focus as a board member always has been, and always will be, on supporting and promoting those initiatives.
In addition, a key component to the success of our district is the advancement of the goals and strategies identified in the Strategic Plan, which the Board adopted in 2022. The Strategic Plan represents the five-year vision for the district based on the collaborative input from parents, students, staff and administration, and identifies measurable student achievement, post-secondary attainment and culture for learning and growth as its primary objectives. All decisions made by the board should be in furtherance of the Strategic Plan objectives and strategies.
What will be your top three priorities, if elected?
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Academic excellence. BAS is one of a few public schools throughout Michigan whose standardized test scores increased from pre-COVID levels to post-pandemic levels, but there’s still much more work to be done to overcome learning deficits caused by the pandemic.
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Fiscal responsibility. During my tenure, our fund equity has gone from $2.3 million (2016) to $21.5 million. We must remain fiscally responsible while continuing to make important investments in our students, employees, technology and facilities. Proper management of our School of Choice and Shared Services Programs, from which we derive significant revenue, is vitally important.
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Safety and security. We have prioritized investment in safety/security measures. We now have armed liaison officers or security personnel in every building and have significantly enhanced our safety/security technology support systems. Despite a recent glowing report from a third-party auditor of our security protocols, we must always stay vigilant.
Campaign Website: myersforbrightonkids.com
Anna Pennala
Why are you running for school board?
I have a vested interest in our district with three children who attend Brighton Area Schools, and I want to see continued success. We have a strong community, and an important part of a strong community is its school district. Brighton is a destination district that is full of opportunities for all students.
What values and/or experience would you bring to the school board?
I am an organized individual. I have enjoyed participating in different volunteer roles with the various teams my children have been on in Brighton. I have appreciated getting to know many Brighton students and families and believe a position with the school board would be a larger extension of that.
Over the past four years, I have attended or viewed many school board meetings. I am diligent about staying informed regarding what’s going on within our district. I appreciate the people who committed their time volunteering to make my experience as a student memorable, and I view this as an opportunity to give back.
What issues in the school district are you focused on?
Brighton is a great place to live. I want to see Brighton continue to be a strong family-based community that promotes traditional values with a focus on academics. I believe in standing with and for the values of this community that have brought us success in the past and will continue for generations to come. We need to focus on academics and avoid popular social trends that distract from learning. We need to emphasize the value of education, promote parental involvement, set clear expectations and encourage critical thinking.
What will be your top three priorities, if elected?
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Family. Family is the first and most important teacher that can be supported by a district that looks to meet academic needs.
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Community. A community is necessary to support our students because it does take a village to raise our kids. Whether the support comes from a teacher, a business owner or a friend, every child needs a safe and secure place to succeed
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Country. I am a proud American and believe it is necessary to teach our students that it’s good to have faith in our country. We live in a time where we have forgotten how to listen to each other. Yet, because of the sacrifice of generations before us, and brave men and women currently serving in our military, we still live in the best country on earth.
Campaign Website: annapennala.com
Kenneth Stahl
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Age: 56
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Current occupation and employer: Superintendent of Construction at Auch Construction in Pontiac
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How long have you lived in the community? 20 years
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History of elected positions held, if applicable: Board member from 2014-2022
Why are you running for school board?
My strong commitment to community involvement, my two very successful adult children, and all of the success they have as a result of the education and experiences they had in Brighton Schools — (also) as a result of the incredible teachers, administrators and staff, and my 15-year-old sophomore who is having much of the same success, and my love for the community of Brighton and the people who care so much about their schools. I want to continue my support to ensure great experiences and success for the future students of Brighton.
What values and/or experience would you bring to the school board?
My experience began in 2011 when I became the steering chair of the bond initiative that began the rebuilding of the infrastructure of Brighton Schools. It was this initiative that helped us stabilize and improve our district. Witnessing the achievements of my own children, who have thrived academically and socially within our system, has given me a profound understanding of the positive impact a well-supported and forward-thinking education can have.
(During) my eight-year tenure on the board from 2014 to 2022, (we saw) success through what can arguably be called the worst possible situation a school district could experience: COVID. During this time, we worked collectively and collaboratively to come up with and make decisions that helped us successfully navigate through these difficult times. As a result, Brighton Schools emerged stronger as a district and had attained some of the highest test scores achieved during this time.
What issues in the school district are you focused on?
Teacher Retention. Increasing demands and responsibilities can lead to stress and burnout, making teachers more likely to leave the profession. Access to adequate teaching resources, administrative support, and professional development opportunities can impact teachers’ job satisfaction. A positive, collaborative school environment can enhance retention. High turnover rates can disrupt continuity and impact student learning. Ensuring these factors is crucial for improving teacher retention in today’s educational landscape.
What will be your top three priorities, if elected?
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I will enhance collaborative decision-making, working diligently to create a more collaborative and transparent environment at the table.
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I will expand educational opportunities, broadening the scope of educational programs with a particular focus on integrating more trade-related skills and practical experiences into our curriculum.
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I will support student well-being and success with a commitment to implement programs and policies that promote student well-being, mental health and overall success.
Campaign Website/Facebook: N/A
Katie Tierney
Why are you running for school board?
For the past decade, I have been committed to enhancing our schools as a parent and student advocate, PTO member and coach for Scranton Robotics and Science Olympiad. My passion for student development drives me to seek innovative solutions within our district. I envision a collaborative environment that promotes tailored learning paths, reflecting each student’s unique interests and abilities.
My goal is to ensure our schools have the necessary resources for all learners to thrive and take pride in their work. I am dedicated to strengthening partnerships among parents, educators and community members, ensuring every voice contributes to shaping our schools’ future. Together, we can tackle important issues, such as improving curriculum, boosting reading scores, and enhancing student nutrition, creating a thriving educational environment where all students can succeed and grow.
What values and/or experience would you bring to the school board?
As a dedicated parent in the district and former substitute teacher, I bring a unique perspective to the school board, grounded in firsthand experience within our classrooms and community. My commitment to collaboration is reflected in my role as PTO treasurer, where I prioritized fiscal responsibility, ensuring that funds were allocated effectively to enhance student opportunities.
I believe in fostering an environment of civility and respect, where all voices are valued and heard. My experience has taught me the importance of building strong partnerships among parents, educators and community members to support our students’ diverse needs. I am passionate about advocating for initiatives that promote student success while maintaining accountability in our budgeting processes. By combining my collaborative spirit with a dedication to responsible governance, I aim to contribute positively to our school board, ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of our students and their futures.
What issues in the school district are you focused on?
Key issues I would like to see improved are academic excellence, collaboration within our district and student nutrition. To enhance academic excellence, I advocate for an updated science curriculum at the middle school level that engages students with current concepts and fosters interest in STEM fields.
Additionally, offering more math tracks in middle school will accommodate diverse learning abilities, ensuring every student can thrive. Improving reading scores is also a priority; implementing the science of reading will help students develop strong literacy skills. At the elementary level, increasing experiential learning opportunities — such as hands-on projects and field trips — will ignite curiosity and promote deeper understanding among young learners.
Collaboration is essential; fostering strong partnerships between families, educators and the community will create a supportive environment for all students. Lastly, prioritizing student nutrition is vital, as healthy meals significantly impact cognitive function and overall well-being, contributing to a more enriching educational experience for every student.
What will be your top three priorities, if elected?
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Academic achievement/excellence: I am committed to supporting all students by ensuring diverse academic pathways are accessible. This includes revisiting qualification pathways for advanced classes and differentiating opportunities in ELA and math at the elementary and intermediate levels. Additionally, I will promote more hands-on, project-based learning to address the varied needs of our students.
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Fiscal responsibility. I aim to prioritize needs, set clear expectations, and foster compromise while effectively budgeting for future requirements, ensuring that our resources are allocated wisely.
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Collaboration. I will work to bridge the gap between the school board, teachers, administrators and the community, fostering open communication and teamwork. Additionally, I recognize the importance of student nutrition in academic success and will seek ways to provide more nutritionally rich food options, as well as focus on student development to prepare our children for real-world challenges.
Campaign Website: tierney4bas.com
Kelli Uphaus
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Age: 45
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Current occupation and employer: Owner at Rogue Studio
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How long have you lived in the community? Almost11 years
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History of elected positions held, if applicable: Vice Chair of the Livingston County Department of Human Services
Why are you running for school board?
I am running for school board with the hope of introducing more trade and learning options to our curriculum and encouraging the participation of local community business in that process. I am also hoping to represent a more transparent and inclusive voice for the taxpayers of our district. By April of this year, our school board spent almost $100,000 in legal fees with no clear indication as to why. I’ve found that garnering a response from our current board president on this subject is nearly impossible.
What values and/or experience would you bring to the school board?
I have worked in the service industry for more than 25 years. I believe that being a board member is just that, acting in service of my community. In my career, I have been blessed with knowledge and history from those who came before me, with experiences from so many demographic backgrounds. I believe this has truly taught me how to listen with empathy and problem solve with many different perspectives of thought.
What issues in the school district are you focused on?
My biggest issue with our district is transparent communication with parents and guardians and opening up a wider variety of learning pathways and modalities to our student body. I believe hands-on options for learning various life and trade skills will help prepare students for any avenue they choose for their future, while providing them skills they can use for life.
What will be your top three priorities, if elected?
My first priority is transparency to the public in every facet of departmental operations and spending. My second priority is to generate local business support for trade cooperatives. I currently run a salon cooperative and have enjoyed four years of successful, sustainable partnerships with this business model.
My third priority is cyber security and PII/technology safety. Currently, our board has approved over 20 partnership applications that share private and personal data of our students and families without informed consent. Through researching the partnerships outside of our county, (I’ve found) the data mining of our students is very alarming.
Campaign Website: uphaus4brighton.com
Alicia Urbain
Why are you running for school board?
I’m running for the Brighton Area School Board to ensure that every student receives the best education possible. Our focus must be on excellence, not division within the boardroom. While debate is good and needed, we can’t afford to lose qualified educators due to an unhealthy board culture. Early literacy is a key priority — our current 64% third-grade reading proficiency is unacceptable, and we need to work harder to improve these outcomes. Additionally, fiscal responsibility is essential. With declining enrollment and revenues, it’s crucial that we remain vigilant to make the most of our resources for students’ success.
What values and/or experience would you bring to the school board?
I bring a deep commitment to putting kids first in every decision. As an attorney specializing in education policy, I have extensive experience shaping laws that impact schools. I’ve worked on passing 13 state school aid budgets, ensuring that schools are funded effectively. Additionally, I serve on the state school safety commission, giving me insights into creating safer learning environments. My passion has always been to ensure that every child, regardless of background, family income or location, has access to an excellent education. I will work tirelessly to continue this mission on the school board.
What issues in the school district are you focused on?
I am focused on several key issues in our district. First, civility and respect must begin at the board level and be practiced throughout the schools. We need to improve K-3 reading proficiency, which is the foundation for future learning. Many students missed critical early reading instruction during COVID, and our focus must be on helping them catch up without pointing fingers — just working to fill the gaps.
I also believe parents are essential partners in their children’s education, and they should be included and welcomed. Lastly, excellence must be our standard — not just in academics but also in athletics, the arts, and extracurricular activities. We cannot settle for “good” when we can achieve “great.”
What will be your top three priorities, if elected?
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Early literacy. Ensuring all students are proficient in reading by third grade is critical. We need to eliminate the Lucy Calkins Teacher’s College ELA Curriculum and adopt research-based Science of Reading that provide better outcomes for our students.
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Fiscal responsibility. As revenues decline, maintaining a healthy fiscal status will be essential to keeping our district strong. We must be vigilant with budgeting to ensure every dollar is spent wisely to benefit students.
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Civility and respect. The board must model civility and respect in all interactions. Creating a positive, respectful environment, even when having a contentious and needed debate, starts at the top and sets the tone for our schools and community.
Campaign Facebook: Alicia Urbain for a Brighter Brighton – School Board Candidate
Campaign Website: aliciaurbain4bas.com
— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Introducing all eight candidates running for Brighton School Board
