Running for Us: Mary Ellen Kustin, School Board Candidate

Our next Running for Us profile focuses on Mary Ellen Kustin, candidate for Henderson County School Board. 

Those who have been following education in Henderson County have probably noticed a dramatic change in our school board over the past few years. For decades, the board was chosen in non-partisan races and was composed of a mix of Democrats, Republicans and Unaffiliated members who generally worked together for strong schools. In 2024, over the objections of many, the race was made partisan, greatly favoring the dominant Republican party and making it almost impossible for Unaffiliated candidates to run. More alarmingly, some of the newer school board members have used language similar to Moms for Liberty rhetoric about removing books and implementing other right-wing efforts that threaten the competitiveness of our public schools.

This is Mary Ellen’s third attempt to add balance to our increasingly conservative school board. We know Mary Ellen’s qualifications and goals have broad appeal and we encourage everyone to share her upbeat messaging to make sure this time is indeed a charm.   

HCDP: Thanks for joining us! Let’s start by looking at what has inspired you to step up to the plate and run for school board for the third time. It’s a big commitment of time, energy and resources—why do it again?   

MARY ELLEN: I first ran in 2022. I lost by a teeny tiny amount. Before I could run again in 2024, our state senator Tim Moffitt decided to make Henderson County Board of Public Education elections partisan. I don’t think school board elections or judgeships should be decided with partisan elections. But I also don’t think we can let elected officials change the rules to elections without fighting back. My dad always told me when you get knocked down to get back up, brush yourself off, and keep going. So that’s what I’m doing.

Beyond that, both my kids are learning and growing in Henderson County Public Schools and I come from a family of educators. I'm invested personally and professionally in strengthening all of our schools.

I’m running to make sure all students have the support they need to thrive — from access to healthy school breakfasts and lunches to teacher assistants and social workers. I’ve spent my career working across party lines and perspectives to find common ground. I’m ready to do the hard work it takes to bring people of all stripes together to make Henderson County a leader in public education. 

HCDP: You have a master’s degree in public policy and have worked in the nonprofit sector for years.  How did you land in your career?

MARY ELLEN: I was first drawn to organizations focused on safeguarding our environment where I focused on clean air and clean water issues. Since early 2023, I've been working at a local nonprofit to improve the lives of people in Henderson County. I love connecting with people from all walks of life through my work. We don't have to all believe the exact same things to love and respect each other. 

HCDP: How does your experience relate to the responsibilities of serving on the school board?

MARY ELLEN: My background aligns well with school board responsibilities. School board members are advocates in chief for students and their families. Because the school board considers and adopts an annual budget to present to the county commissioners for funding allocation, school board members must effectively communicate the needs of the school district and the public with our county commissioners and elected state officials. School board members are also responsible for creating and adopting local policies that align with state laws as well as hiring and overseeing the school superintendent who handles the day-to-day activities of our school district. 

Our school district's 3-year strategic plan will expire in 2027, and the school board must take a careful look at the data around staff retention, facilities and learning environments, community partnerships, and attendance and graduation rates. We can see how the district did in meeting the goals of the 2024-2027 strategic plan, craft policies to support reaching those we didn't meet, and build on the successes of this plan's implementation as we plan for the future.

HCDP: When you’re not at work or on the campaign trail, what’s your favorite thing to do in Henderson County?

MARY ELLEN: I love volunteering at my children's school! Our whole school community comes together for our annual dance party, and my husband and I have DJed the dance for the past few years, and it's a blast.

HCDP: That sounds like a lot of fun. Do you have any words of wisdom or final thoughts to share?

MARY ELLEN: My philosophy is the grass is always greener where you water it. My final thought is that at its core, our democracy depends on widespread access to high quality education. We therefore need strong public schools, and that starts right here at home.   

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Many thanks to Mary Ellen for talking with us! Learn more about her on her WEBSITE  and be sure to follow her social media, where she shares real life family adventures along with campaign news and educational goals: FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM.

Mary Ellen has been endorsed by several organizations including: