Highland Park School District moves into a new chapter as recently elected board officers emphasize a pledge to keep children at the forefront of every decision. The Highland Park School District (HPSD) Board of Education introduced these officers at its first meeting of the year. President Cheryl Sanford, Vice President Famika Roberts, Treasurer Cassandra Walker, and Secretary Yolanda Harrison form the core leadership group. Trustees Janet Spight White, Doris Harris, and Linda Wheeler join them in service. Each member brings a dedication to world-class education and a plan to help every scholar achieve full potential.
Sanford is one of the longest-tenured members of the board, having served since 2016. Her steady guidance has supported the district’s emergence from state receivership in 2018. She has extensive leadership experience, including 19 years at the Michigan Workforce Development Institute, with two years as CEO. She now works as director of workforce planning for MUST Construction Careers. Her commitment to Highland Park reflects an unwavering focus on putting children first, guided by the belief that a solid education opens doors for lifelong success.
“I am honored to serve as the board of education president for the School District of the City of Highland Park for 2025,” Sanford said. “I look forward to working with our new, highly qualified board members committed to putting children first.” She outlined goals for the coming year, urging collaboration with the community. She aims to build on prior achievements while expanding opportunities for post-secondary training. She wants families to recognize the strong connection between academic growth and economic stability.
“I plan to work collaboratively with my fellow board members to update our educational plan to enhance our young scholars’ learning experience, grow the district to include post-secondary training for youth and adults, and promote awareness so our scholars will understand the correlation between education and economic stability,” Sanford said. “I hope the community will lean in to find out about the progress at Barber Preparatory Academy and hold us accountable.” Her words underscore a direct approach to addressing systemic needs.
Roberts, Walker, and Harrison were elected in November 2024. Each has longstanding ties to Highland Park’s civic life and looks forward to raising the district’s profile. Roberts serves as the founder and CEO of Sisters with Helping Hands, a nonprofit launched in 2014 with a mission to plant communal gardens and foster community unity. She also holds over three decades of corporate experience, including two years in human resources. She now works as a project manager for the City of Detroit.
Walker graduated from Highland Park High School and previously served as board president. She has been a visible civic advocate for many years. Since 1985, she has remained an active member of Westside Mothers, a welfare rights organization. She now serves as director there. Her commitment to Highland Park arises from a desire to give back to the community that shaped her. Harrison brings a passion for helping residents achieve self-sufficiency, linking them to resources and services that nurture growth. She values partnerships that advance educational equity for local families.
Sanford envisions close collaboration among all board officers. She expects each individual to contribute fresh ideas that challenge the status quo. That synergy rests on the premise that every student can flourish when supported by a dedicated network of educators and community members. The goal is to create a culture that celebrates academic success and personal development. Each board member recognizes that strong civic engagement can help shift the district toward a brighter future. The presence of trustees White, Harris, and Wheeler adds another layer of expertise, grounded in a deep love for Highland Park.
HPSD Chief Education Officer, Isaiah Pettway, has expressed faith in this newly formed leadership team. “I have the utmost confidence in our Board,” Pettway said. “Everyone who serves is a dedicated community leader with a bottomless well of love for Highland Park and its kids. They work every day to support an environment where every child can thrive academically, emotionally and socially. I am thrilled to have a team of such dedicated and talented individuals who share our children first vision.” His statement reflects an optimism that resonates across classrooms and community centers.
The new board believes that accountability and transparency strengthen public trust in local education. Members seek to encourage family engagement. The board plans to share regular updates on important developments, including the progress at Barber Preparatory Academy. There is a shared opinion that students benefit when parents, educators, and civic leaders remain united. Sanford wants the community to take advantage of open dialogues and to stay active in every phase of decision-making. She hopes to see more residents at board meetings, where questions can be asked and concerns can be voiced.
Vice President Roberts intends to align her advocacy work with these broader objectives. She believes in planting seeds for growth—both literally, through community gardens, and figuratively, through mentorship opportunities. Her aim is to help children see what is possible when determination meets supportive resources. Walker, a lifelong Highland Parker, stresses the duty to uplift future generations. She speaks from a background that includes decades of grassroots activism. Harrison brings her own dedication to linking families with services that expand possibilities. Each officer echoes a hope for unity, with the district’s children at the center.
Sanford reflects on the district’s climb from years of struggle. She remembers moments when state oversight cast doubt on local autonomy. She credits those who refused to give up. That includes teachers who showed up each day, parents who demanded solutions, and administrators who collaborated on financial recovery. The district now stands on firmer ground. Challenges persist, and Sanford remains convinced that continued perseverance will transform Highland Park schools into a strong educational hub. She calls on the entire community to invest time and energy, believing that real momentum emerges when all voices come together.
HPSD’s Board of Education meets on the second Tuesday of each month. The next session is set for Tuesday, Feb. 11. This platform allows concerned residents to gather, speak, and learn about current initiatives. The board’s officers invite parents, neighbors, and stakeholders to witness the work being done. Many in Highland Park sense a turning point, led by leaders who see education as the key to long-term success. That sense of hope is grounded in a clear directive: children come first. The district’s officers stand ready to prove their commitment through policy, partnership, and consistent advocacy.
Sanford appreciates every reminder that the district belongs to the people. She respects the legacy of those who served before her. Her vision includes training programs for youth and adults, expansion of academic opportunities, and better pathways to careers. She views an education as a bridge between current circumstances and future possibilities. Students who receive a strong start can progress to higher learning, vocational programs, or other avenues that promote stability. This board acknowledges the community’s high expectations. Each officer pledges to remain accessible and responsive, recognizing that change requires continuous effort.
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