Six people are running for five seats on the Norway-Vulcan school board | News, Sports, Vacancies

Five candidates are on Tuesday’s ballot for four four-year terms on the Norway-Vulcan Region School Board.

They are Marybeth Langin, Joseph Occhetti, Joey Pontbriand, April Van Eynd and incumbent Joseph F. Reik. Incumbents William O’Brion, Corey Heigl and Todd Proctor did not seek re-election.

Board member Jenny DeDecker is the only candidate for a part-time term that ends December 31, 2026.

The five candidates for four four-year seats were asked two basic questions about their candidacies: Why did they decide to run for school board and what do they think they will bring to the board? Their answers and other information are below:

Marybeth Langin

Age: 42

Summary: Human Resources Specialist at Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center for the past four years; at VA from 2013-14. He served as a U.S. Navy helicopter mechanic and as an HVAC electrician in the National Guard, including one combat tour in Baghdad, Iraq. He received a teaching degree in elementary education with a major in history from Northern Michigan University and a master’s degree in business, leadership and strategic planning from Michigan State University. Husband David teaches algebra at NVAS; They have three sons studying in district schools. Helped coach her son’s elementary basketball program and worked in Little League and travel basketball.

Previous elected positions: First time running for public office.

“A strong school system is the heart of a community, its pillar. We have wonderful teachers and amazing staff in Norwegian schools. I have three children in this school system. With a background in public service, military service, and parents in the military, it (running for school board) seemed like the right thing to do. When my dad came out, he actually ran for school board (Gwynn) and won. I saw the value he brought to his life and the value he brought to the school system.

“I am very passionate about education. I want students to get the best education. “I have skills that I think will be valuable to the school.”

Joseph Occhietti

Age: 33

Experience: Full-time project manager/estimator for Sikora Sheet Metal in Iron Mountain. He also works part-time as a sheet metal training instructor. A lifelong resident of Norway, a graduate of Norwegian High School, he now has a child at NVAS.

Previous elected positions: First time running for public office.

“(I ran for school board) primarily because there was a need and I felt I could make a positive contribution to our community. As a higher level educator, I see the quality of academic skills being imparted in public education in the Upper Peninsula and there seems to be an overall downward trend in recent years. Developing sound policies that will help prepare our students for a rapidly changing world is the primary motivation behind my decision.

“(I bring to the board) a parent and educator perspective based on experience serving as chairs of various private committees in the past. Desire to make decisions that effectively manage the business of the school and ultimately maximize the overall educational potential of NVAS students.”

Joey Pontbriand

Age: 37

Experience: North American Municipal Manager, two years with SANY America, Peachtree, Georgia. She holds a degree in Physical Education and Coaching from Northern Michigan University. He served as an athletic director in the North Central and Iron Mountain school districts. Has a son who is in third grade at a Norwegian primary school. Norwegian high school graduate. He coached—mostly boys and girls basketball—at Norway, North Central, Iron Mountain and Gwynne high schools, as well as Kingsford High School. MHSAA judge, 13 years old. Member of the board of the Norwegian Little League.

Previous elected positions: First time running for public office.

“I am running for a seat on the school board for a very few simple reasons. I want to give back to the school district, which has been an important part of my life and has had a decisive influence on my life’s path. I feel that my professional experience has given me the chance to contribute as a board member and contribute to the positive growth of the district. I want to make sure that we are committed to helping retain and provide our faculty with a place where they want to work and have a work/learning environment that they are proud of.

“I bring administrative experience and an understanding of budgets, employee retention and school/community engagement. I want to provide opportunities for communication between the community and the district while increasing alumni participation. The district has a strong teaching and support staff and very experienced administrators. I hope to help support them while improving not only the day-to-day operations, but also maintaining the excellent day-to-day experience that students have at Norway-Vulcan Schools!”

Joseph F. Rake

Age: 74

Background information: Private entrepreneur, managing annuity portfolios for 48 years. Three daughters graduated from Norway High School, the last in 2023. I have been practicing martial arts since I was 25 years old.

Previous elected positions: Completed first four-year term on school board.

“Four years ago, I ran for Norway-Vulcan School Board to support my children’s school district in a way that I could make a difference. I am running now because there will be a lot of turnover on the board, many very experienced members will no longer be running, and there is a definite need for some experienced board members to provide some continuity on the new board.

“I don’t have any kids in K-12 yet, but there are a number of in-progress and upcoming graduations that would definitely benefit someone who has been there. I have been a public school parent for 37 years, have 48 years of self-employed experience serving the financial investment needs of individuals, and generally get along with people quite well.”

April Van Eynde

Age: 41

Background: Operates a food truck selling Indian tacos during the summer months. Focused on raising children 6 and 4 years old, the last six years; both are new students in the Norway-Vulcan school system. Previously managed six LaFaive stations/convenience stores in the region for approximately two and a half years. Born and raised in Norway, graduated from Norwegian High School. Was on the Head Start committee.

Previous elected positions: First time running for public office.

“There just weren’t enough people running for school board (initially)… I thought somebody should do it.

“I think I bring a good and honest opinion to the board. I know a lot of people in the community. I talk to people easily and they know me well.”

Jenny DeDecker

Age: 42

Experience: Professor of Qualitative Research and Informed Leadership, Saybrook University, Oakland, California. Owner of the Full Moon Rising wellness studio in Norway for the last 10 years. The husband graduated from Norway High School; they have one of their two children still studying at NVAS.

Previous elected positions: Completes his second four-year term on the board of directors.