A total of eight candidates entered the race to fill two six-year terms on the Vicksburg Board of Education, those held by long-time board members Virgil Knowles and Carol Lohman, who did not seek re-election. The candidates who filed are Jaime Buikema, Rick Burmeister, Elizabeth Castleberry, Lisa Hostetler, Kathy Miller, Alex LaPorte, Lucas Hillard and Michele O’Neill. Miller has been prevented from running on a technicality although her name will remain on the ballot. In addition to that ballot, Ron Centofanti, appointed to the school board to fill a post vacated by former trustee Jennifer Buikema, is running unopposed to finish her term ending Dec. 31. 2028.
Jaime Buikema
I grew up in Hudsonville, Michigan and always planned on raising my family in Michigan. I have a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Hope College “Go Dutch” where I also met my wife, Jennifer. 12 years ago our careers took us to southwest Michigan and we decided on Vicksburg for our family of 5 for all it has to offer. We envisioned being an active part of a school system and community that fit our values and reminded us both of communities that we thrived in growing up. My main reasons for running for the school board are to serve our community and use the skills that I’ve learned in my career as an engineer, program manager, plant manager and most importantly, as a father of 3, to help the school system continue to improve and to keep the district accountable. What differentiates me from other candidates is that I’m not coming in with a preconceived agenda. I believe in listening first to all the stakeholders, improving our communication with each other, finding and agreeing upon common goals and understanding our gaps to these goals while working toward having the right strategy to achieve them.
Rick Burmeister
If elected, Rick will work to integrate and grow the strong conservative values of parental rights/transparency, safety, and educational advancement at Vicksburg Schools. Originally from Portage, Rick, his wife Kristin, and three daughters relocated to Vicksburg in 2021 for its smaller, conservative community atmosphere. With a background in mechanical engineering from Kettering University, Rick has spent time in the automotive industry before moving to Stryker, where he has worked for 13 years in various roles. Additionally, he has served as the executive pastor at Radiant Church for the last seven years, enhancing his leadership and community involvement skills. Rick’s campaign focuses on creating a safe, academically rigorous, and morally sound educational environment. His vision for the Vicksburg schools includes upholding conservative principles to prepare students for future success. He seeks to leverage his problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and community commitment to foster an educational setting that aligns with the values of the Vicksburg community. For more information visit www.vicksburgschools.com.
Elizabeth Castleberry
My name is Elizabeth Castleberry and I am honored to run for the VCS board of education. I currently have one daughter who will be in VCS next year and in many ways, she is my inspiration for running. I am a librarian of 14 years and have my master’s degree in library and information studies. To me, learning is a lifelong journey. I believe that all students should have the social and emotional support they need to foster learning and personal growth. Strong communication is key to ensure our schools remain inclusive and productive. Students must feel safe and welcomed regardless of their race, identity or level of ability. This leads to a culture of kindness that is conducive to learning. I have been endorsed by the Vicksburg Education Association (VEA), Michigan Education Association (MEA) and the Electrical Workers Union 131.
My policy priorities are:
- Equality and respect for all students.
- The freedom and right to read
- Competitive salaries for teachers
- Increased early literacy initiatives.
I am confident that my personal and professional experiences have prepared me to serve on the VCS board of education, and I hope to have your support!
Ron Centofanti
I am honored to serve as a trustee on the Vicksburg Schools Board of Education, a role I’ve held for the past year. My wife, Melissa, and I have lived in Vicksburg for 23 years, where we’ve raised our three daughters—two of whom recently graduated from Vicksburg High School and are now in college, while our youngest is still in high school. I have worked at Stryker for 20 years, currently as a senior project manager in the Global Real Estate and Facilities Department. Serving as a trustee has been a rewarding way to give back to our community. I enjoy collaborating with our schools’ administration and staff and believe our focus should remain on educating our children despite social and political distractions. Our district is fortunate to have exceptional art and sports programs that are vital for a well-rounded education. As a trustee, I am committed to focusing on being a responsible steward of the financial resources entrusted to us and on the safety and well-being of our students. By concentrating on these priorities, we can continue to provide a supportive and secure environment for all students in Vicksburg. I look forward to continuing to serve our community in this important role.
Lucas Hillard
A Vicksburg graduate, it was never a question where to raise my children. Now a father of three, my wife and I have devoted the past 13 years and counting to making Vicksburg Schools better for all. Our love for VCS propelled us to becoming foster parents, eventually adopting our youngest child. During that time, I have been involved in and led Sunset Lake PTSO, Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation, and Vicksburg Athletic Boosters. I have also served on the VCS Citizens Bond Committee, a member of the Vicksburg Lions Club, and former captain with South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority. A great mentor once told me, “Vicksburg is the Center of the Universe… If you want to make something better, do it in your hometown but make it better for everyone.” His words hold true in my guidance today. Inquire with teachers, principals, and parents, you will hear… “Lucas will take the time to listen to every side before making a decision that is best for all students.” VCS rivals the offerings of larger districts both academically and athletically, while not losing the small hometown feel. I will fight to keep it that way and “Lead with footprints to follow, not scars to heal.”
Lisa Hostetler
I am the wife of Karry Hostetler. Together we have five children, two who graduated from Vicksburg Community Schools and three from Kalamazoo Public Schools. We own Hostetler Custom Homes, which has been in business since 1994. I have been a registered nurse in Kalamazoo County for 38 years. I have a master’s degree in nursing education which exemplifies my love for health and for education. I believe that our schools should provide a high-quality education that prepares our students for future success. The Board of Education must focus on positioning kids for success. I will work on enhancing and promoting policies that prioritize academic excellence, mental health support, and equitable access to resources for all students. I will defend parental rights, ensure safe spaces for all students, and focus on academic outcomes which includes preparing students for college and providing opportunities for the trades industry. I have been a Parent Teacher Organization president and vice president as well as serving on various decision-making committees with the previous superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools, Dr. Michael Rice. For more information, see my detailed bio at http://www.vicksburgschoolboard.com.
Alex LaPorte
As a proud 2011 graduate of Vicksburg Community Schools, I have always valued the education and support I received from our district. After earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from Central Michigan University in 2015 and a master’s degree in geography from Western Michigan University in 2018, I now serve as a project planning coordinator with the Michigan Department of Transportation. In addition to my professional career, I have served in the Michigan Army National Guard since 2011 and currently hold the rank of captain. My military experience has instilled in me the importance of leadership, discipline, and community service. My wife and I recently moved back to Vicksburg, where we plan to raise our future family. She is a physician assistant, and together, we believe in the power of education to shape successful lives. As a candidate for the school board, I am committed to supporting the continued growth and success of our district. This includes advocating for students pursuing both college and careers in the trades, ensuring they have access to the resources and training they need. I look forward to giving back to the schools that shaped my future.
Michele O’Neill
I am Michele O’Neill. I believe the right person in the right place can make a real difference. I would be honored to serve on the Vicksburg School Board. I moved to Vicksburg 25 years ago because the schools had a great reputation. They lived up to that promise. My daughter is a Vicksburg graduate. My grandson will start in the system this fall. When my daughter was in high school, I was the Vicksburg Band Parents vice president, and I went to band camp! From 2011 to 2016 I volunteered with Gryphon Place in Kalamazoo as a crisis intervention specialist and a certified civil mediator. The active listening and conflict resolution skills I learned and practiced have become second nature to me. As a board member, I would advocate for a safe, supportive learning environment for every student, work collaboratively with staff, parents and students to address their issues, and include their perspectives in our decision-making process. I would be actively involved in discussions involving budgets, maintaining fiscal responsibility while providing the best possible services. I would strive to make sure our teacher and staff compensation and benefit packages remain competitive, to maintain the best personnel for our facilities. I would support our strong school system and maintain the high-quality education it provides for our community. If you have any questions for me, I can be reached at micheleoneill5522@gmail.com.
