Abbie Tykocki for East Lansing Board of Education

Hi, I’m Abbie.

I’m running to be re-elected to a four-year term on the school board for East Lansing Public Schools.

Mother to a MacDonald Middle Schooler and Rescue Pup, Business Manager for Riverwalk Theatre in Downtown Lansing, MSU & Columbia College Alumnus. Affably persistent problem-solver.

I'm running for reelection because I believe my best work is still ahead.

Over the past two years on school board, I've gained valuable experience, earned advanced training in school governance and finance, and worked to support strong fiscal stewardship, strengthen intergovernmental relationships, and promoting student mental health and safety.

I'm ready to keep building on that progress for East Lansing’s students.

BOARD ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Michigan Association of School Boards
Level 1 Certified Board Member Award

Michigan Association of School Boards
Finance Certification

Adopted a Safe and Supportive School Environment Resolution
- Approved a districtwide resolution reaffirming the Board's commitment to maintaining welcoming, inclusive, and safe schools for every student regardless of background or identity.
Adopted the 2025–26 and 2026-27 district budgets
- Approved the annual operating budget while maintaining required budget transparency.
- Continued oversight of district finances amid changing state funding.
Advanced the 2024 voter-approved Safety, Security and Accessibility Bond
- Authorized the sale of bond proceeds to finance construction and safety improvements approved by voters including the new central administration building and security upgrades across district facilities.
Secured additional 31aa mental health and school safety funding
- Authorized a plan to create a Director of Safety, Security and Student Support.

ADVOCACY & REPRESENTATION

Member-at-Large - Say Yes 4 Ingham ISD Kids Bond Committee

Co-Chair - East Lansing Public Library Millage Renewal Ballot Committee

Crisis Advocate - MSU Center for Survivors Advocacy & Crisis Intervention Team

LEADERSHIP

President - Pinecrest Neighborhood Association (2019-2023)

Emerging Leader Program Graduate - City of East Lansing (Class of 2019)

EDUCATIONAL INSIGHT

Covid-19 Planning Community Member - ELPS Return to School Work Group

MSU Arts, Cultural Management & Museum Studies Core Faculty

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Chair - Lansing Regional SmartZone Board (2024-Present)

Arts Commissioner - City of East Lansing

Endorsements

We need school board members who work collaboratively and always put students first. Having served alongside Abbie on the Board, I’ve seen those qualities in action. My support for her has only grown over our time working together, and I’m proud to endorse her for another term serving East Lansing Public Schools.

Dr. Terah Venzant Chambers
MSU Professor of K-12 Educational Administration
Current ELPS School Board Member
Abbie represents our East Lansing community in every way possible. She is not afraid to take tough positions in support of our kids, our neighborhoods or our collective vision for the future. She is a true champion.

Ron Bacon
Asst. Varsity Football coach for ELHS
Former Mayor of East Lansing
With Abbie you get the creative problem solving brain of an arts administrator. Her work on the SmartZone board and Arts Commission demonstrated her ability to engage different sectors of our community to ensure public funds are used for art and tech-based entrepreneurship in a way that is truly representational.

Jessy Gregg,
Owner Seams Fabri
Former East Lansing Mayor
I have had the privilege of working with Abbie on several issues impacting the City of East Lansing. She brings great ideas, enthusiasm, and a steadfast commitment to serve East Lansing citizens. She is a great voice on the East Lansing School Board.

Peter Dewan
East Lansing Economic
Development Corporation
After serving on the East Lansing School Board for nine years, I know the kind of leadership our schools need, and I'm proud to endorse Abbie Tykocki for School Board. Her demonstated commitment to educational excellence, equity, and ensuring every student feels valued and supported makes her a thoughtful, compassionate advocate for our students, families, and community.

Nell Kuhnmeunch
ELPS Board President 2015-2017