About Michael
About Michael
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Our kids deserve more than "good enough."
I believe every child deserves a champion — someone who will ask the hard questions, fight the bureaucracy, and push to deliver high quality educational experiences.
My wife and I watched both of our kids struggle during the pandemic. We were lucky that both of us were home to help. Many parents had to go to work, and their kids had to navigate distance learning alone. A child's education shouldn't depend on luck. Closing that gap is one of the biggest reasons I am running.
Our schools need real leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves and do the work. I’ve been in the meetings and I have done the work, and I know I can make a difference. At Apple, where I've worked for 20 years as a Senior Data Scientist, my job is to be the voice of the customer. I've saved the company millions of dollars while making the products better for our customers. That kind of win-win, taking care of people and being a careful steward of resources, is what our district needs.
I am not looking for a career in politics. I believe that the School Board shouldn't be a stepping stone to higher office. And it isn't an entry level position either.
I have a long track record of serving the public, the community, and our local schools. I have the experience and the passion to facilitate the change our students need.
Experience:
San José Library and Early Education Commission (2016-2022, served on Digital Literacy Quality Standards sub-committee and as Commission Chair)
San José Unified Board Trustee (Appointed 2018)
Citizens Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) (2019 - 2021, chair)
Partners in Reading (PAR) Adult Literacy Tutor (2017 - 2019)
PTA member: Reed Elementary, Castillero Middle School, Pioneer High School (2016 - present)
Castillero Middle School School Site Council, Secretary (2025-2026)
Pioneer High School Education Foundation, President (2025 - present)
Biography
Michael was born in New Haven, CT and grew up with his parents and three sisters in the suburb of Hamden. As a child, he loved to play sports, particularly baseball and hockey, which he participated in through high school. Michael learned the importance of education at an early age from his grandmother, Adeline Melillo, who always made sure that he was getting good marks in school. She also taught him the value of hard work, how to be responsible with your money, and the importance of spending time with your family.
While still in elementary school, the family got an Apple II computer, and Michael's love of technology was born. That early interest would eventually lead him to a career at Apple, where he has worked for nearly 20 years.
Michael went to college at the University of Massachusetts and met his future wife Stacy when she handed him a job application at an Apple store near Boston. The couple relocated to the Bay Area in 2007 when Michael accepted a new position with the company. After spending time in several apartments scattered across Santa Clara county, Michael and Stacy decided to purchase a home in the Cambrian neighborhood of San Jose in 2012. Michael and Stacy now have two teenage children who attend Pioneer High School and Castillero Middle School. They attended Reed Elementary School and will always be proud Bobcats.
Michael served on the San José Library and Early Education Commission (LEEC) from 2016 until 2022 including one year as commission chairman. As a commissioner, Michael was a strong supporter of the Library's early education efforts such as "Wee Play San José" and the San José Bridge Libraries. The Bridge Libraries not only serve young children, but also low socioeconomic status families that utilize both the library materials as well as the family resource center (FRC) at each location. He also successfully advocated for the removal of late fees on all youth materials from the SJPL by working with City Council.
In addition to the LEEC, Michael also became a volunteer Partners in Reading(PAR) adult literacy tutor. PAR tutors provide one-on-one instruction with adults who read and/or write below a 9th grade level. By spending time each week with an adult learner, Michael saw firsthand how impactful community-based volunteer work can be on someone's life. It also showed him what was possible when you invest in people directly, and started his journey to find ways to make a bigger impact.
Michael and Stacy are avid dog lovers and have volunteered for years as foster parents to dogs in need of a stable home before being ready for adoption. He also enjoys the outdoors and spends many weekend mornings hiking across the many Santa Clara County parks.
Michael with Community Leaders
Michael with Community Leaders