Flores wins race for School Board Seat 6

Michael Flores gives a speech at the Harmony Bar and Grill after being elected to the Madison School Board (Rachel Schulze/Madison Commons)Michael Flores, a Madison firefighter and paramedic with three children in Madison schools, will fill Seat 6 on the school board, after receiving 62.4 percent of the vote in the April 1 election, defeating former police officer Wayne Strong.

Throughout his campaign, Flores discussed how his experience growing up in a Spanish-speaking, low-income household in Madison would bring a unique perspective to the school board. There are no other Latinos or Madison Metropolitan School District alumni on the school board.

TJ Mertz is the only other board member with children currently in MMSD.

“I think it’s always good to have a diverse perspective on the board,” said school board member James Howard, who occupies Seat 4.

Specific MMSD programs and initiatives that Flores backs include dual-language immersion, restorative justice and the Transition Education Program. He opposes privatizing education and favors investing in public schools. He supports personalizing students’ schooling experiences while also giving students well-rounded education.

Kati Walsh, a teacher at Randall Elementary School, praised Flores’ listening skills, saying he knows how to listen to parents as well as students and teachers.

“I hear the [board members] when they talk at school board meetings, which ones listen to teachers and which ones don’t,” Walsh said. “So to have another school board member that listens is a huge deal.”

The spot Flores will fill is being vacated by Marj Passman, a veteran teacher not seeking a third term after first being elected in 2008.

“It’s been an absolute honor to share the stage with my fellow board members, and one of the things that always felt was strong is this district is the integrity,” Passman said at a school board meeting the night before the election.

Both Flores and Strong had run for school board in the past, with Mary Burke (who has donated money to Madison Commons for education coverage) beating Flores in 2012, and Dean Loumos narrowly winning over Strong in 2013. 

Strong’s campaign this year prioritized creating safe learning spaces for students, increased academic expectations for all students and narrowing the achievement gap. His supporters felt his experience made him a strong candidate. 

"I felt Strong offered a greater depth of experience, in part because he has had more years to gain skills, network within Madison and reflect on his personal and professional experiences and with the needs of our community," said former teacher Nan Youngerman.

“I want to commend [Strong]. It was a very challenging race. I’m here to represent all of our community,” Flores said. “I hope I can represent, as well, the people who support him.”