Hi, I'm Michelle Fernelius. 

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I’m a wife, mom, advocate, and proud Hayward community member. My husband and I are raising two children in HUSD, and like many families, we’ve experienced both the strengths and challenges of navigating our public schools.

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My roots in the East Bay run deep. My husband and I both attended schools in the San Lorenzo Unified School District, and education has been important in my family for generations. My grandfather earned a master’s degree in Special Education and worked as a special educator in Fremont. My grandmother worked as an administrator in the business department at Cal State East Bay, where my father attended and where I later earned my master’s degree in Biostatistics. My aunt attended Chabot College before transferring to San José State University, where I also earned my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. These connections gave me a lasting appreciation for the role public education plays in creating opportunity and strengthening our communities.

 

My connection to Hayward also goes back decades. I joined Job’s Daughters in Hayward in 1994, where I developed lasting friendships and learned the value of leadership, service, and helping young people build confidence. This year, my daughter became a member as well, making that connection especially meaningful to our family.

 

My journey into education advocacy began as a parent. I spent years attending IEP meetings, learning about services and supports, asking questions, and working alongside educators to help my children succeed. Those experiences showed me how important communication, inclusion, and strong partnerships between schools and families truly are.

 

Over the years, I became more involved in our school community, serving in leadership roles including Parent Ambassador Lead, Special Education Advocacy Alliance (SPEDAA) Vice Chair, School Site Decision Making, School Site Council, and PTO leadership at Eldridge Elementary. Through those roles, I’ve worked alongside families, educators, staff, and district leaders to strengthen communication, build partnerships, and ensure families have a meaningful voice.

 

These experiences have also taught me the importance of reflecting, being open to different perspectives, and being willing to grow. As a parent, I will always advocate strongly for my children. As a Board member, my responsibility would be broader: to consider the needs of all students, respect the professional expertise of educators and staff, and make decisions based on what is best for the district as a whole. I understand that serving on the Board requires collaboration, thoughtful oversight, and a commitment to learning from others.

 

The visual and performing arts have also been an important part of my family’s educational experience. I participated in band throughout school, and my husband was involved in choir. We understand how arts education can help students build confidence, creativity, discipline, connection, and a sense of belonging. I believe visual and performing arts should be treated as an essential part of a well-rounded education—not as an extra.

 

Professionally, I work in data and analytics, helping organizations make informed decisions. My education and career have taught me to ask thoughtful questions, examine information carefully, understand different perspectives, and focus on facts while never losing sight of the people behind the numbers.

 

My family has also faced challenges that reinforced the value of perseverance, advocacy, and community support. Those experiences shaped how I approach problem-solving and deepened my commitment to helping students and families feel supported, valued, and included.

 

I’m running for the HUSD Board of Education because I believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, every family deserves to be heard, and every school deserves leaders who will listen, learn, and work collaboratively. By working together, families, educators, staff, and the community can build schools where all students have the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

 

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me. I look forward to listening, learning, and working together to help HUSD students reach their full potential.

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— Michelle