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IRON MOUNTAIN -- Iron Mountain has the only contested school board race in Dickinson County on Tuesday.
Four candidates are on the ballot for two four-year Iron Mountain School Board terms: Jay Gibbs, Eli Ward and incumbents Shari Picucci-White and Juan Saldana.
Some basic information on their candidacy --
Jay Gibbs
Background: Gibbs, 35, stated he is a 2009 Iron Mountain High School graduate, a husband and parent of two young Mountaineers. He also is staff representative and organizer with the United Food and Commercial Workers. He attends Bay College and will be transferring to Central Michigan University for public and nonprofit administration.
Past elected office: First time seeking public office.
Statement: "As a parent and community member, I believe strong public schools are essential to Iron Mountain's future. I want to help expand and sustain our arts and performing arts programs, continue growing career pathways through partnerships with local businesses and skilled trades, and make our district a place where excellent educators want to work and stay. I believe that every student deserves a safe place to learn and as many opportunities to succeed as possible, regardless of the path they choose after graduation.
"My experience as a union representative -- and dad -- has taught me to listen, ask difficult questions, navigate disagreements and work toward practical solutions. I would bring a young working parent's perspective, a commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility and a willingness to collaborate with educators, families and my fellow board members. Above all, I believe public service means being accountable to the people we serve."
Shari Picucci-White
Background: She is chief financial officer for B&B Electrical Contractors LLC. She graduated from Iron Mountain High School and has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Michigan State University. She also is treasurer of the Iron Mountain Athletic Booster Club. She has a son attending Iron Mountain schools.
Past elected office: Picucci-White was named to a vacant school board seat in January 2021, then was elected to her current term in November 2022. She has been board president since January 2025.
Statement: On the Iron Mountain Public Schools website, Picucci-White said she "is a proud graduate of Iron Mountain High School and is honored to have the opportunity to give back not only for her son, but for all the students at Iron Mountain."
Juan Saldana
Background: Saldana, 47, is general manager of Advance Auto Parts in Iron Mountain. He has an associate degree in business management from Bay College. His wife is an educational assistant at North Elementary School and he has four children.
Past elected office: Previously ran for school board. Served one term on the Iron Mountain City Council after being elected in 2017. Won a partial school board term in 2024 that ends Dec. 31.
Statement: On the district's website, Saldana said he decided to run for school board because he "'believes that education can open many opportunities for a successful future.' He believes in giving back to the community and supporting and advocating for our students, as they are representing not only the area, but an entire community that wants each and every one of them to reach their full potential at obtaining their goals. He also hopes his Hispanic background will bring ESL students together and feel that they 'belong here in the school' and to enhance diversity groups in the whole district."
Eli Ward
Background: Ward, 49, is president and general manager of Northern RV Center. He graduated from Kingsford High School in 1995 and Northern Michigan University in 2000. He coaches the Iron Mountain/Kingsford High School varsity bowling team. Both daughters have attended Iron Mountain Public Schools since kindergarten; one now is at Northern Michigan University, the other an IMHS freshman.
Past elected office: Appointed to school board in July 2023. Fell short in bid for re-election in November 2024.
Statement: "Having served on both the Iron Mountain School Board and the Community Schools Board allowed me to better understand why we have such outstanding schools and teachers but also the challenges that we face as a district. … The teachers, staff, coaches, curriculum and facilities at Iron Mountain Schools have given my daughters the opportunity to succeed. I want to make sure this continues for every child in our district.
"I am not afraid to put in the work. I am passionate about what I believe but I also understand that I am not always right. I compromise well with others but also walk a hard line when it comes to common sense, 'right or wrong' issues. I care deeply about our children and our staff. I also firmly believe that the main responsibility of a school board is to make decisions that promote a safe, healthy, happy, and educational environment for our students, teachers and support staff while remaining fiscally responsible to the district. I do not believe a school board room is a place to push personal or political agendas. 'School board member' is not just a title you hold. It is a position you serve through hard work, dedication, and time."