Only Three Candidates File for Four Open East Lansing School Board Seats

Only three candidates applied to run for the four seats up for election on the East Lansing School Board. The filing passed at 4 p.m. Tuesday to run in the Nov. 3 election. 

Abbie Tykocki and Tali Faris-Hylen are seeking reelection, while Delia Fernández-Jones is running for the board for the first time, according to filings posted on the Ingham County Clerk’s website. Candidates are seeking four-year terms on the board that begin in 2027.

With only three candidates seeking four seats, there are two options for filling the remaining seat.

Former East Lansing City Clerk Marie Wicks told East Lansing Info that individuals have until the Friday before the election to file a declaration of intent to run as a write-in candidate.

If no one runs a write-in campaign, the school board can solicit applicants for the vacant seat and appoint its final member. The last time this happened was in 2023, when Estrella Torrez was appointed to the board.

Tykocki told ELi that because she was originally elected to a partial two-year term in 2024, she feels her work on the board is only getting started. She said guiding responsible technology usage within the district will be a priority if she retains her seat.

“I’m excited to continue learning from our technology staff, teachers and students as we work to ensure technology is used responsibly and ethically,” she said. “Helping students become informed and capable digital citizens while also reaping the benefits of screen-free learning.”

Faris-Hylen said in a text to ELi that she loves serving East Lansing but believes the work extends beyond the immediate community.

“In a time where our government is actively dismantling our educational system,” she said, “it’s more important than ever to strengthen our local districts and advocate for equitable public education opportunities and funding for all.”

Fernández-Jones, an associate professor in Michigan State University’s Department of History, did not respond to a request for comment before publication.

Trustees Terah Vincent-Chambers and Kath Edsall both declined to run for reelection.

Vincent-Chambers told ELi that with an “experienced, capable board and a strong superintendent and administrative team” in place, she felt the district is in great hands moving forward.

Editor’s note: Marie Wicks serves on ELi’s volunteer board of directors.