We the
parents.

Student success is founded on putting parents first.

Michelle Tomlinson

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Trustee Area 5

Visit Stanislaus County Elections
Our students deserve an education system that gives their parents a voice.

Michelle Tomlinson is a parent and student advocate with ten years of hands-on service in Modesto-area public schools. Through school site councils, parent leadership, budget oversight, and district policy work, she has helped families understand and navigate the systems that shape their children’s education.

Michelle supports teachers and values the expertise, care, and hard work they bring to the classroom. She believes students thrive when families, educators, and staff build positive relationships, listen to one another, set attainable goals, and hold the district accountable for results.

Parents first in practice

01

Voice for parents

Parents should be heard, respected, and represented in every decision that affects their children.

02

First stop in curriculum

Curriculum decisions should begin with families and make room for parent questions and input.

03

Instructional transparency

Families deserve clear, timely access to what is being taught and how instruction supports students.

04

Ten years of budget oversight

Michelle brings a decade of budget oversight through the district office and across different schools.

05

Deep district policy knowledge

A deep knowledge of district policy structure helps turn parent concerns into informed action.

Community endorsements

Parents, educators, trustees, community leaders, businesses, and organizations standing with Michelle.

Juan Alanis

Juan Alanis

California State Assembly Member · District 22

John Duarte

John Duarte

Former U.S. Representative · California’s 13th District

Kevin Lincoln

Kevin Lincoln

Candidate for Congress · California’s 13th District

Michelle Tomlinson will advocate for parents’ rights and sound policies that pursue academic success for our students. I endorse Michelle for Modesto City School Board.
Education leadership

YCCD trustees

Dr. Milton Richards

Dr. Milton Richards

YCCD Board President · Trustee Area 3

Nancy Hinton

Nancy Hinton

YCCD Trustee · Area 2

Michelle will be a fantastic addition to Modesto City board, Area 5. I endorse Michelle.
Leslie Beggs

Leslie Beggs

YCCD Trustee · Area 6

Scott Nicoterro

Scott Nicoterro

Administrator · Former Sipherd Elementary Principal

Dedicated mother, dedicated PTA member, dedicated school site council member. Over a decade of hands-on experience on the Modesto area school campuses. Michelle is the voice of our school communities, staff, parents/families, and most importantly, our amazing students.
Gene Johnson

Gene Johnson

Chair, Republican Party of Merced County · Former President, Merced County Republican Assembly

Personal endorsement; title and affiliations are listed for identification only.

Jana Ziganoukis

Former PTA President

We served as board members for the Sipherd Elementary School's PTA when our children attended there. She was very active in the school and supportive of all of the teachers, students, and parents. She is dedicated and will fight for what she believes in to make sure that the schools in the district excel. She is a positive and active member of her community. I feel that Michelle would be an asset to the Modesto City School Board.

Wayne Martin

Parent · Community Member

Michelle Tomlinson was a familiar and positive presence during the years my daughters were in elementary school, and our family saw firsthand how much she cared about students and the school community. She was involved, approachable, and genuinely invested in building relationships with families, which is exactly the kind of heart and commitment I believe matters on the Modesto City School Board.

Bryon Sordo

Retired Ustach Teacher

I was a teacher for 30 years in and around the Modesto area. I have known Ms Tomlinson for 40+ years. Since returning to the Modesto area after a successful real estate career, she has been a community advocate. Mrs. Tomlinson has been active on school and community committees and now feels a need to improve the educational system in Modesto. I know her desire to improve MCS will benefit the entire community, but especially the students of Modesto. Help Modesto's students, vote for Michelle Tomlinson for MCS board.

Stephanie Graves

Former VP · Christine Sipherd Elementary PTA

Michelle Tomlinson is a thoughtful, dedicated leader who genuinely listens. Her ability to bring together different perspectives and inspire participation has made a positive impact on students, parents, and our community. Modesto City Schools would be lucky to have such a strong advocate on their team.

Barbara Jensen

Retired Modesto Junior College Educator

I'm endorsing Michelle Tomlinson for Modesto City School Board, District 5. We need board members like Michelle Tomlinson who will put families first. With 10 years of budget oversight and deep knowledge of district policy, Michelle knows how to turn parent concerns into real action. Our students deserve better — and Michelle Tomlinson is the kind of leader who can help deliver it.

Kyle Westphal

Community Endorsement

I fully endorse my friend and fierce proponent, Michelle Tomlinson, for trustee of the Modesto City Schools Board District 5. She will be a fighter for parental rights and transparency in our district. Please join me in supporting her campaign.

Titles and affiliations are provided for identification only.

Have a question
for Michelle?

Reach the campaign directly about the race, volunteering, or neighborhood events.

Email Michelle