Milan Area School Board
Angela Chidester
Together We Learn
Our children need our support in order to succeed. That means working together to ensure their success.
My Commitments
What I Believe
Believing it is living it
Student Success First
Every decision made should start with one question: is this good for our kids?Student Engagement is of particular interest to me. None of the work that is done matters if the students are not engaged. Student Engagement is such an interesting thing, and it’s constantly evolving. It appears to me that it is a challenge that is always present and demanding creative solutions.
Fiscal Responsibility
Your tax dollars deserve respect. Thoughtful, accountable spending, and smart investments that serve students. We can do more with what we have when we're honest about priorities. It is also important to make sure that people know where to go if they want to be informed about spending. Everything is published, if the community wants to be aware.
Community Voice
Parents, teachers, and neighbors have a real seat at the table — not just a public comment period. Open forums, coffee chats, emails — help us to make sure the board reflects the community it serves. Together, we learn.
Safe, Welcoming Schools
Every child deserves to walk into school feeling safe and valued. Advocacy for safety protocols, mental health support, and a school culture where every student belongs is important for the overall wellbeing of our student body. We have the responsibility to provide for the safety and welfare of students, fostering an environment that is conducive to learning
Make a Difference
Support the Campaign(coming soon)
This campaign runs on the generosity of neighbors like you. Every dollar goes directly toward reaching voters, printing materials, and making sure this message is heard across Milan. I'm grateful for every bit of support.
— Angela
Thank You to Our Supporters
This campaign wouldn't be possible without the incredible people of Milan who believe in a better future for our schools.
Get Involved
Show Your Support — Request a Yard Sign
Request a free yard sign and we'll get it to you before Election Day.
About the Candidate
Meet Angela
I'm not running because politics is my career. I'm running because I believe we do better together.
I have lived in Milan with my family since 2009. I have two children in the school district, 18-year-old Anson who just graduated from High School, and 15-year-old Julian who just graduated from the Middle School. My experiences with the school district have been mostly in volunteering and participation in my children’s classrooms. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. I pursued a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology at MSU before ultimately deciding on a career at the Advanced Genomics Core at the University of Michigan. I have been there now for 21 years. I am fortunate to have some teaching experience to give me the benefit of that perspective. I taught Laboratory courses in Biology at my alma mater for a time.
I have been a leader with Milan Cub Scout Pack #3491 since 2014, and Milan Boy Scout Troop #0449 since 2021. At various times I have been Den Leader, Committee Member, Cub Master, Fundraising Chair, Advancement Chair, Membership and Recruitment Chair, and District Fundraising Chair for Southeast Michigan. Each position has given me experience and skills in effectively running a group, serving youth, organizing effective leadership, developing a vision for success, and being a model leader. I have invested myself in training and leadership at all levels. I was awarded the District Award of Merit in 2018. I was awarded Wood Badge certification by Scouts BSA in December 2022, which is an advanced national leadership course that has been a model training course adopted by Fortune 500 companies.
I’m newly elected to the Greater Milan Area Community Foundation (GMACF) Board of Trustees. Through endowment funds managed by GMACF in partnership with the Community Foundation of Monroe County, the Foundation is able to support organizations such as the Historical Society, Aid in Milan, and the Library. I’m running for the School Board because I have a passion for and desire to serve my community. Milan Area Schools has always had my love and support. At this time, I feel a draw to step up and offer what I can to give back. The school board deserves a candidate to fill a role that will be difficult at times. I am up for the challenge of serving the students, the families, the staff, the board, and the Superintendent.
I'd be honored to earn your vote.