Incumbents Share Priorities Ahead of School Board Election
Two incumbent Cedar Springs Board of Education members seeking re-election have shared more about their backgrounds, priorities and reasons for running to retain their seats.
April Patin and Mistie Bowser are both seeking full four-year terms on the Cedar Springs Public Schools Board of Education in the November election. Their responses were received after The Bugle’s initial candidate article went to press.
Voters in the Cedar Springs Public Schools district will decide four full-term Board of Education seats, along with one partial-term seat ending in 2028. Candidates seeking full four-year terms include incumbents Bowser and Patin, along with Rick Bell, AnneMarie Slater, Heidi Armock, Jenna Hess and Alix Hudson. Incumbent Brent Willett is seeking the partial term.
April Patin
April Patin is running to retain her seat on the Cedar Springs Board of Education.
Patin graduated with a degree in paralegal studies and currently works as a senior associate in accounting. She said her background gives her experience with accounting practices and an understanding of the legal ethics connected to serving on the board.
Patin has been part of the Cedar Springs community for more than 20 years. Her children attended Cedar Springs Public Schools, with her youngest child graduating in 2026.
“Being on the board has been a blessing for me,” Patin said. “I enjoy being a part of my children’s education and having an opportunity to create a positive impact on important decision-making processes where I can as I am only one of seven members.”
Patin said she understands challenges facing the district, including turnover among educators, lower student enrollment and the current deficit.
When she joined the Board of Education, Patin said her goals included protecting students and helping improve test scores. While she said scores have improved, she believes there is still more work to do.
Patin said one area she would like to focus on is reducing student technology use, especially in reading and writing, and returning to more paper-and-pencil work.
“I would like to add to that growth by proposing CSPS go back to basics with getting rid of technology use for the kids specifically for reading and writing, asking kids to use paper and pencil again,” Patin said.
She said using memorization skills, spelling words and creating logical sentences by hand can be more engaging and beneficial than relying heavily on technology.
“Using technology has made it easier for kids to not use their thinking skills and rely on tools like AI and autocorrect to do the work for them,” Patin said. “We should encourage and foster the ability to think outside the box and work hard for what they want.”
Patin said reading and writing are foundational to learning in other areas and should remain a major focus for the district. She also said moving back toward pencil-and-paper work could save the district money on technology-related costs while helping address the deficit.
“I would like to work closely with our staff and educators to improve upon these areas of focus,” Patin said, adding that stronger collaboration could also help build relationships and reduce the loss of strong teachers.
Patin also said she would like to revisit recently adopted policies that could affect school safety to make sure the district is following best practices.
“With that said, if it is the will of the Lord that I am re-elected, then I will look forward to collaborating and executing beneficial changes with current and future BOE members, as well as staff, educators, and our new superintendent,” Patin said.
Mistie Bowser
Mistie Bowser is also seeking re-election to a four-year seat on the Cedar Springs Board of Education.
Bowser has lived in Cedar Springs for 26 years and is the mother of four Cedar Springs graduates. She is also a grandmother to four future Red Hawks.
Bowser said she has spent many years involved in the district as a parent, volunteer and supporter of student activities.
“I have always attended football, soccer, softball and hockey games as all my kids were Cedar Springs athletes and I miss watching them play,” Bowser said. “I spent many hours volunteering in their classes and for the PTO. I feel the more parents are involved in school the better the kids do.”
Bowser earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising and communications from Grand Valley State University. Her career has included work in television and radio media, as well as business sales.
She has also held leadership roles with nonprofit organizations, including serving as president of MADD Kent County and on the public policy committee for the State of Michigan. Bowser also served as president of Region A in Michigan for the American Lung Association and was named the 2016 Lung Force Hero for Michigan, an honor that included recognition in Washington, D.C.
“I take pride and happiness in serving my community as I’ve done it for over 25 years,” Bowser said.
Bowser said she is seeking re-election because she believes there is still more work to do.
“I’m seeking re-election for my seat on the Cedar Springs School Board of Education because my work is not done,” Bowser said. “I feel I still have more work to do to ensure our students are getting a top notch curriculum and a safe and inclusive environment, so they receive the best education.”
Bowser said she wants students to graduate feeling prepared to pursue their goals after high school. She said the district is making strong progress, and she hopes to continue helping move that work forward.
Among the top issues facing the district, Bowser pointed to the hiring of Cedar Springs Public Schools’ next superintendent.
“We are going to make sure they know we are an amazing district already but are welcoming new ideas to guide our district to continue to move upward in test scores and continue to give every opportunity to our students,” Bowser said.
She also said it is important that district staff feel heard and respected.
“We are an amazing district but there are places that we need to listen, grow and learn,” Bowser said.
Bowser said her experience in business, communications, nonprofit board leadership and legislative advocacy helps her understand policies and laws affecting the district.
“Communication is key to success and I understand how important it is to listen more than speak,” Bowser said.
She said she wants voters to know she is dedicated to students, staff and the community.
“I’ve spent the last nine years tirelessly ensuring that our district has the best and newest curriculum for all levels of learning, opportunities for advanced learning and learners that need more help, ensuring the best environment and opportunity for all athletics, arts, music and clubs,” Bowser said.
Bowser said she will continue listening to staff, students and the community about their wants and needs.
“I would love your vote to keep me serving on the board for another four years,” Bowser said.
The November election will determine who helps guide Cedar Springs Public Schools through leadership transition, budget decisions, enrollment challenges and planning for the district’s future.
