Santoria Shepherd is an active Farmington Public Schools parent with children at both the elementary and high school levels. She has built a strong record of service by showing up, speaking up, and creating opportunities for families to feel connected, informed, and supported.
Known for building bridges across schools, families, and community partners, her work focuses on increasing access, strengthening communication, and supporting student success.
She is running for the Board of Education because she believes every student deserves opportunity, every family deserves a voice, and every decision should reflect accountability, partnership, and a commitment to children.
Santoria is also an active presence at Board of Education meetings, where she advocates for children, families, and a stronger partnership between district leadership and the community.
Through the Farmington African American Parent Network (FAAPN), Santoria Shepherd leads community-driven initiatives that center families and expand student opportunity. One of FAAPN’s cornerstone programs is free Saturday tutoring, held weekly from 9:00–11:00 AM at Farmington High School’s Media Center. This community-led effort brings together dedicated volunteers, including the Hackbots robotics team and engaged community members, to provide consistent academic support for students across grade levels.
Beyond tutoring, FAAPN serves as a powerful bridge between families and the district. Parents who come for tutoring often stay to connect, share concerns, and discuss their goals for their children. Santoria and FAAPN leadership intentionally turn those organic conversations into action—developing workshops, hosting community dialogues, and elevating parent voices directly to district leadership, including the Superintendent.
This work is rooted in a clear mission: to close the achievement gap while building trust, access, and opportunity for all students. By listening, collaborating, and creating solutions alongside families, Santoria has helped transform everyday moments into meaningful change—demonstrating the kind of leadership she will bring to the school board.
Santoria has been instrumental in organizing workshops and community conversations that make school systems more accessible for parents. Her work has included helping families understand how to use MiStar and Canvas, access Varsity Tutors, and better connect to available district resources.
She has also supported social-emotional conversations and parent-centered spaces for families navigating special education and school support systems.
Her community engagement has also included get-to-know-your-officer conversations and school-community dialogue in partnership with the Farmington Hills Police Department, helping families better understand school resource officers and their role in junior high and high school settings.
Santoria believes informed families and trusted relationships create stronger schools.
Santoria Shepherd earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Leadership and Business from Cleary University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She brings that education together with her lived experience as a parent and community leader to advocate for students and families.
Santoria also completed school board credits through Central Michigan University, focusing on school board governance and effective board service. This training strengthened her knowledge of policy, oversight, accountability, and what it takes to be an effective school board member. Central Michigan University is a respected and highly recognized institution, and this preparation adds meaningful depth to her candidacy.
Santoria’s commitment goes beyond volunteering. She has personally supported schools, student organizations, and educational initiatives throughout the district.
Santoria believes leadership should be active, visible, and invested. She has not only served our schools with her time, but also supported them through sponsorship, advocacy, and community partnership
I am running because I believe our district is strongest when families are engaged, students are supported, educators are respected, and board leadership is informed, transparent, and accountable. I want to bring my lived experience as a parent, my record of service across our schools, and my governance training to the Board of Education so that every decision keeps students at the center.
© Paid for by the supporters of Santoria Shepherd 2026
