Candidate for
Board Member; Cypress School District

Michael J. Mahony is a 17 year resident of Cypress. He has been married to Alison for 21 years and has 4 children (ages 19, 16, 8 and 6). He had 2 children already go through the Cypress School District and 2 others currently attending school in the Cypress School District. He was a paralegal for 6 years. He has run a technology services company in the City of Cypress for 10 years. As a member of the Executive Team for an Orange County restaurant delivery service, Michael made important decisions daily. Under his technology leadership, the delivery service increased from $4 million in annual revenue to over $26 million in annual revenue, with 80% of that business coming from the corporate website. Michael understands the hard decisions that must be made and how to compromise to get the job done.

Michael has been a PTA Board member at Clara J. King Elementary and Juliet Morris Elementary since 1995, serving in various capacities. He served as a volunteer coach for roller hockey for 5 years, a volunteer coach for AYSO Region 154, a volunteer coach for Pony baseball, a chess instructor and coach and a team official for various youth ice hockey teams. He gives of his time freely to benefit youth and adults alike. Along with Alison, he has received an Honorary Service Award for his willingness to volunteer in the school. He has taught chess to elementary-aged children since 2004. His passion for the plight of our schools has been evident during the past 15 years. Michael and Alison worked tirelessly along with other dedicated parents and District employees to pass Measure M in November 2009.

As the secretary of the Measure M Citizen's Oversight Committee, Michael has been watching out for the interests of the community as the Cypress School District modernizes its schools through the funds raised by Measure M. Though his experience with the Measure M campaign, the Measure M Citizen's Oversight Committee and his involvement in the decisions concerning the recent closure of two schools, Michael has seen a need that he feels must be filled.

While most citizens would agree that the Cypress Board of Trustees agonized over their decision to close two schools, the most commonly heard complaint was that the Board was too focused on administrative issues and not in touch with the needs, fears and concerns of the parents. As an active parent in the District, Michael would make an ideal Trustee, being a representative of the parents. Michael will spend time in the schools learning about the issues that affect them the most. Through his contact with the children and their parents, Michael will make informed and sensitive decisions and will ask the tough questions before doing so. Michael will take on the common complaint that the Board is not in touch with the needs, fears and concerns of the parents.

Michael believes that the role of the Board of Trustees should be to give the teachers the optimal environment for instructing their students. Through personal development plans and intelligent expense decisions, Michael believes he can give some additional leverage to the Board of Trustees as they guide the District through these tumultuous times.

Michael is currently endorsed by Ellen Friedmann, the President of the Cypress Board of Trustees.