In My Own Words: My Full Livingston Daily School Board Candidate Questionnaire
The Livingston Daily recently published its Howell Public Schools Board of Education candidate questionnaire, offering voters an opportunity to learn more about the people seeking to serve our district.
I appreciate the newspaper taking the time to ask these questions and share candidates' perspectives. As noted in the article, responses were edited for length and clarity.
I understand the need to condense information when covering multiple candidates, but I also believe voters benefit from having the complete picture. School board decisions are rarely simple, and I think it's important for people to understand not only what candidates believe, but also the experiences, values, and reasoning that inform their decisions.
So I'm sharing my original responses in full, exactly as I submitted them.
One factual clarification: The published article states that I was appointed to the Howell Public Schools Board of Education in July. I was actually appointed in June 2026 to fill a vacant seat. This is my first time seeking election to public office.
Below are my complete responses.
Please share your name, age, profession and how long you've lived in the district.
Breanne Green, 45. I work in early childhood education, family engagement, literacy, and community outreach. I have lived in the Howell Public Schools district since 2012, for 14 years.
History of elected positions held, if applicable.
I was appointed to the Howell Public Schools Board of Education in June 2026 to fill a vacant seat. This is my first time seeking election to public office.
What is your experience with public education?
My involvement in public education began when my children were very young. I have a current Howell High School junior and a Howell graduate, and I've been actively involved in our schools since moving to Howell in 2012.
Over the years, I've participated in PTOs, school improvement efforts, MTSS implementation, parent advisory committees, the district's bond leadership team, band and athletic boosters, and numerous school and community events. I've volunteered regularly, attended superintendent coffee chats, and sought opportunities to better understand how our schools operate and make decisions.
Professionally, my work in early childhood education, family engagement, and literacy has strengthened my knowledge of child development, educational systems, early intervention, and the importance of strong partnerships between schools, families, and communities.
I've also traveled several times to Lansing to advocate for children and families and built relationships with educators, organizations, state leaders, and legislators across the political spectrum.
Since joining the Howell school board in June 2026, I've continued learning through governance training, committee service, school visits, and district initiatives.
Why are you running for school board?
I care a great deal about Howell and want it to remain a strong community where people want to live, work, raise families, and send their children to school.
For 14 years, I've spent my time showing up, volunteering, helping wherever I could, building relationships, and working alongside others to strengthen our schools and community. I started as a parent wanting to be involved in my children's education, but my commitment has always extended beyond my own family. I care about all of our students, their families, and Howell's future.
I believe strong public schools benefit everyone, whether or not they have children enrolled. They are essential to a thriving community.
For me, school board service isn't about partisan agendas. It's about our shared responsibility to children, responsible stewardship of community resources, and ensuring every student has meaningful opportunities to succeed.
I've learned that people with different experiences and beliefs can accomplish a great deal when they listen to one another and remain focused on common goals. I want to continue bringing that approach to school governance, asking thoughtful questions, making informed decisions, and helping Howell Public Schools remain a district our community can be proud of.
What relevant experiences do you bring to the role?
I bring experience in education, family engagement, community leadership, advocacy, strategic planning, and systems improvement.
One of the accomplishments I'm most proud of is helping build a Family Coalition that brings together parents and caregivers from many different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We began before the pandemic and continued through a period of tremendous change.
That work is very intentional. We have a strategic plan and a shared purpose. I take care to build relationships gradually, facilitate meaningful conversations, and regularly bring everyone back to the goals we have agreed upon. Even when people see things differently, we learn from one another and work together because we remain focused on children and families.
That is just one of the experiences that has shaped my approach to leadership. I believe strong relationships, clear goals, thoughtful facilitation, and a willingness to listen make meaningful progress possible.
I also hold a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in management from Northwood University. My experience includes local and statewide leadership, advocacy, partnerships with organizations and legislators across the political spectrum, and years of participation in school improvement and district planning.
As a current trustee serving on the Finance and Bond Oversight committees, I've continued developing my knowledge of governance, policy, fiscal oversight, and district operations through hands-on experience and Michigan Association of School Boards training.
What do you see as the most important issues for the district over the next four years?
Over the next four years, I believe Howell Public Schools must remain focused on improving student achievement, creating safe and supportive learning environments, preparing students for their futures, and maintaining long-term financial sustainability.
Academic success requires looking beyond district averages. We need to understand which students are making progress, where gaps remain, and whether our interventions are producing meaningful improvements, particularly in literacy and mathematics.
Student well-being, belonging, attendance, and safety also require sustained attention. Students learn best when they feel connected, supported, and challenged.
We must continue providing opportunities that prepare students for different futures, including college, skilled trades, employment, and independent adult life.
Our community has made significant investments in our schools. We have a responsibility to manage resources transparently and sustainably while being intentional about implementing our district's strategic plan, monitoring progress, and adjusting when the evidence shows we need to do better.
What do you see as the district's strengths? What needs to improve?
As Livingston County's largest school district, Howell Public Schools offers such a great range of opportunities. Our students benefit from dedicated educators, strong graduation outcomes, Spanish immersion, advanced coursework, career and technical education, extracurricular activities, and specialized programs supporting different interests and learning needs.
Our challenge is ensuring those opportunities translate into success for every student.
We need continued improvement in literacy and mathematics, effective academic interventions, stronger attendance, and learning environments where students feel safe, connected, and supported.
I believe we must examine student outcomes beyond districtwide averages, listen to students, families, and educators, and evaluate whether our strategies are working.
Continuous improvement means recognizing what we're doing well while being willing to change what isn't producing the results students deserve.
Continuing the Conversation
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my background, experiences, and priorities.
I believe our community is strongest when people are informed, engaged, and willing to listen to one another. We don't have to agree on every issue to share a commitment to the success of Howell's students.
I welcome thoughtful questions and conversations about our schools, the opportunities ahead, and how we can continue improving outcomes for every student.
Learn more or connect with me:
Website: https://www.greenforhowell.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenForHowell/
Breanne Green is a current trustee of the Howell Public Schools Board of Education and a candidate for the partial term ending December 2030.
