Three seats are up for election for the Board of the Mount Pleasant Public Schools (MPPS) on Nov. 3. Five candidates are in the race including Niki Bicking, Kyle Lamar Ready, Derek Snyder, Nathan Tomson and Margarita Wilson.
Ready and Snyder did not reply to Central Michigan Life’s request for comment. The remaining candidates were asked the following four questions.
CM Life: Why do you want to run for School Board Trustee?
Margarita Wilson: I honestly think that all the professional experiences I have been through in my 20 years as an educator have prepared me for this role, and I know I can help the district accomplish its strategic plan goals, especially having taught there for 11 years. There are many struggles the education world faces, but this district’s leadership has also taken many steps to address them and to continue providing the <a href="https://comicvibe.com/the-best-horror-cosplays-of-new-york-comic-con-2026/” title=”The Best Horror Cosplays of New York Comic Con 2026″>best education possible for our students and community. I want to be part of the team that helps address these problems head-on in a thoughtful and collaborative way, working toward the best possible outcomes and solutions. I am deeply invested in this district’s success!
Niki Bicking: I’ve heard about the mental health problems that kids have ended up in hospitals (for). We’ve heard that even at the middle school, there’s been kids finding…a flask, an alcohol flask and that was just in the middle school, within Fancher. I heard about (kids) trying to jump the fence and running to the street. Honestly, I just want to help.
Nathan Tomson: I have a vested interest in the education of our local youth. We currently have a senior at the high school and a grandchild that will start school in a few years. I am a lifelong student and educator and I want to be sure all voices are being heard in district decisions.
CM Life: What do you bring to the table that the rest of the candidates can’t?
Margarita Wilson: I have the perspective of an “insider,” as in having been in the shoes of those who actually implement the changes the board decides on in the district. It is a view that can shed light into the way those decisions posed to the board can actually affect those who are expected to implement them. My experience as an educator gives me an important perspective. I would bring my knowledge of curriculum, instruction, teacher development and student needs to the questions I ask, but I would not assume that my experience gives me all of the answers.
Niki Bicking: Listening without bias or discrimination. I know a lot of people think one way or the other, but being an independent thinker, you have to think independently and listen to both sides, listen to the community, listen to the students and it’s simple, just listening. Less talk, less promises, less fake stuff, the more just, “What can I do for you?” “how can I serve you in the community?”
Nathan Tomson:I bring a wealth of experience taking Michigan School Board Association (MASB) education classes. No other candidate has a similar level of experience with the MASB. I am also the only candidate that has a financial certification through MASB, which consisted of specific classes around understanding school finance and how to manage large district budgets. I have also been a parent in the district longer than any of the other candidates, so my extensive interactions with district employees will be valuable as a continued board member.
CM Life: Is there anything that the public should know about you?
Margarita Wilson: If elected, I would draw on my experience to ask informed questions, review evidence, listen carefully, develop responsible policies, provide appropriate oversight and make decisions collaboratively with my fellow board members. I would approach board service with confidence in the value of my experience as an educator and educational leader, and humility in recognizing that no individual board member has all the answers. I want MPPS to be a district where students are challenged and supported, educators are supported and valued as professionals, families feel genuinely heard and the community has confidence that its school board is making thoughtful, transparent, student-centered decisions.
Niki Bicking: I’m not my name. I am my actions. They will not see me typically, because I do not want to be voted for just for a pretty sign or anything like that. I want it to be specifically, “Hey, you don’t need to know, because you know that I’m just there to do what I’m supposed to do.”
Nathan Tomson: While I was appointed back onto the board in August of 2026, I have been attending most board meetings since January of 2025. I am the only candidate that has consistently been in attendance at board meetings that was not a sitting board member. I have the first-hand context of all those board discussions and can draw on that information as we continue making informed decisions about our district.
