Candidates for the Board of Education

At the May 20, 2025 Annual School Budget Vote and Election of School Board members, there will be two (2) at-large vacancies created by the expiration, on June 30, 2025, of the terms of Michele Idzik and Joseph Lowry III, and one (1) at-large vacancy created by the expiration, on May 20, 2025, of the term of Dr. Kimberly Higgins, who was appointed to fill a vacancy that resulted from a Board member’s resignation.  The two candidates receiving the two highest vote totals will each be elected to full three-year terms to commence July 1, 2025 and to expire June 30, 2028, and the candidate receiving the third-highest vote total will be elected to a term to commence May 21, 2025 and to expire June 30, 2026.  Candidates are listed below in the order they will appear on the ballot.

Kimberly Higgins

My name is Dr. Kimberly Higgins, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for the Springville-Griffith Institute Board of Education.

As a lifelong resident of Springville and a 1988 graduate, I am deeply committed to the continued growth and success of our schools. I raised two children who are proud graduates of the SGI district, and I understand firsthand the importance of a strong, student-focused education system.

With 34 years of experience as a public-school educator and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, I bring a deep understanding of both classroom teaching and academic leadership. Throughout my career, I have remained dedicated to student-centered decision-making and creating learning environments where every child can thrive.

I believe that by working collaboratively—families, educators, and community members—we can ensure that SGI continues to offer an excellent education to all students. I would be honored to represent your voice on the Board of Education and to help guide the district with experience, integrity, and a heart for students.

Thank you for your support.

Michele Idzik

It has been an honor to serve on the SGI Board of Education for the past three years, two years as Vice President, and I am seeking re-election to continue the work. I am particularly proud of the strategic plan the district has enacted and its five pillars: wellness, autonomy, experiential learning, inclusion and belonging, and community connections. Everyday I see those pillars in action and hear how they are impacting families.

I live in Colden with my husband, Paul, and our children Josie (8) and James (6). Before I decided to stay home with our children, I earned a bachelor’s degree in global studies and worked in roles focused on grants and contract management, budget development, fiscal management and general administrative oversight. I am engaged in our community through my children’s sports, volunteering, and working locally. And in my spare time I am completing a masters degree in accounting.

I believe that providing our children with the best possible education is foundational to our community. Ensuring our district’s children have access to ample, diverse opportunities to learn and grow is my primary goal. By working toward these values, we are enhancing their experiences while attending school and preparing them for life after graduation. I believe in providing teachers, staff and administrators with the tools and resources they need to help each child succeed. And I believe the Board of Education must be transparent and responsible stewards of the district’s finances.

As a member of the Springville-Griffith Board of Education, I will continue to work with district staff, the community and fellow board members toward these goals. Thank you for your consideration.

Kathlynn G. Andrews

I am a retired educator from Alaska and married to Gerry Andrews, who grew up in Springville. We relocated here in 2016 to be with family. The Springville-Griffith Institute Central School District has served my relatives well as graduates, employees, and current students.

In Alaska I was the Coordinator for Career and Technical Education for the Matanuska-Susitna School District, the second largest district in Alaska. Much of my time was centered on curriculum and program development, including the opening of a technical high school. I fully believe in helping all students along the continuum to success through the public schools, while emphasizing critical thinking as well as skill and academic knowledge to prepare qualified citizens.

While in Alaska, I was a primary for projects and training for the State Department of Education and worked as an independent CTE consultant for several organizations including the Anchorage School District. I was also adjunct for the University of Alaska, Anchorage for teacher professional development and supervision of CTE student teachers. I retired as a consultant in 2020. My professional certificates from Alaska have expired, but I held both a teacher (grades 7-12) and a principal/administrative certificate (grades K-12).

I believe I can be an asset for the School District and Board because I care very much about students being successful. My professional experience has taught me to work within systems with oversight to make knowledge-based decisions.

Please vote for me, Kathy Andrews, for the current School Board openings.