General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 • San Mateo County, CA
November 3, 2026 Election • San Mateo County

Academic Excellence, Accountability & Trust for SUHSD

Michael “Deks” Dekshenieks

Management Executive • Former Navy Officer • Parent of Two Menlo-Atherton Graduates

Candidate for Sequoia Union High School District Board of Trustees — Area D

Nearly a decade of direct collaboration with students, teachers, and administrators. Ready to lead on day one with disciplined budgeting, student safety, and restored honors opportunities.

EndorsedOfficially endorsed by Sathvik Nori (Incumbent SUHSD Trustee Area D), State Senator Josh Becker, and County Supervisor Ray Mueller.
Official Elect Deks Yard Sign - Michael Dekshenieks for SUHSD School Board Area D
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Area D
Menlo Park & M-A Community
10 Years
Direct SUHSD Youth & Sports Coaching
U.S. Navy
Former Officer & Operations Leader
Nov 3, 2026
General Election Day
Official Declaration

Michael Dekshenieks Candidate Statement

Management Executive / Parent

Michael Dekshenieks with local community members and students

My name is Michael “Deks” Dekshenieks, candidate for SUHSD Board, Area D. As a lacrosse coach and parent of two Menlo-Atherton graduates, I’ve spent nearly a decade in direct collaboration with the students, teachers, administrators, regional leaders and community members of SUHSD. I understand our challenges and will be ready to lead on day one.

In my professional roles as management executive and former Navy Officer, I’ve managed complex budgets and large operational efforts with focus and discipline. This is exactly how I’ll lead. My focus will be on academic excellence, student opportunity, data-driven policies, curriculum, student safety, teacher retention and the discipline to spend taxpayer dollars and resources skilfully.

“SUHSD is fortunate to offer unmatched educational access. This includes AP and honors options, career and technical training, state of the art technology, and access to quality mental health resources. However, our current Board has continued to eliminate academic opportunities, cut honors classes, and prioritize politics over students, all while disregarding parent input.”

We need to be better for our students, parents, and teachers. I hope to earn your vote as I work to regain the trust of every member of the SUHSD community.

MD

Michael “Deks” Dekshenieks

Candidate for SUHSD Trustee Area D • Election Day Nov 3, 2026

Action-Oriented Leadership

My 5 Priority Areas for SUHSD

A comprehensive vision focused on what matters most: academic excellence, student opportunity, safety, community partnership, and fiduciary discipline.

01

Student Safety

Physical & Psychological Well-being

This includes physical and psychological safety as a core fundamental for a community of learning.

02

Academic Excellence & Opportunity

High Expectations, Broad Access

Our core mission is to provide the opportunity for the best possible education for each student.

03

Data-Driven Policymaking

Evidence-Based Educational Leadership

We need to keep the main thing the main thing — data-driven, education-focused policy fundamentals.

04

Community Engagement

Authentic Partnerships with Parents & Teachers

This has to be more than just lip service — our students, their families, and our community are key components of any successful learning environment.

05

Responsible Financial Leadership

Fiduciary Discipline for Taxpayers & Students

Our property tax revenues continue to increase, while our enrollment is in decline and yet we are being told we have a structural deficit. We need to make sure we are asking the right questions when it comes to how we manage our budget.

Have feedback or questions about these priorities?

Michael meets directly with parents, students, and community members throughout Area D.

Connect with Michael
Broad Community Coalition

Endorsements for Michael Dekshenieks

Respected local elected officials, educational trustees, and regional leaders who trust Michael to lead the Sequoia Union High School District.

Sathvik Nori - SUHSD Trustee Area D

Sathvik Nori

Incumbent SUHSD Trustee Area D

Passing the Torch in Area D
Official Campaign Endorsement

“I have known Deks for the past seven years and have seen firsthand his deep commitment to students and families in our district. He is a thoughtful and dedicated advocate who understands the importance of ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed, which is why I am confident he will be a strong voice for Area D on the Board.”

Read Joint Statement PDFOfficial release regarding SUHSD Board of Trustees Area D
Josh Becker

Josh Becker

California State Senate (13th District)

Ray Mueller

Ray Mueller

San Mateo County Supervisor (District 3)

Rich Ginn

Rich Ginn

SUHSD Trustee Area C

Memo Morantes

Memo Morantes

Former San Mateo County Board of Education

Mark Dinan

Mark Dinan

East Palo Alto City Council

Paige Winikoff

Paige Winikoff

Former Las Lomitas School Board

Help Connect with Area D Neighbors

Volunteer to help Michael reach parents, educators, and community members throughout Area D.

Help with Outreach
Media Coverage & Reports

In The News

Recent articles and official statements covering the Sequoia Union High School District Trustee Area D election.

Official Campaign StatementAugust 2026

Joint Statement from Sathvik Nori and Michael Dekshenieks

Incumbent Area D Trustee Sathvik Nori announced he is not seeking re-election and is officially endorsing Michael “Deks” Dekshenieks to succeed him, urging Area D voters to unite behind Dekshenieks’s experienced leadership.

Key Takeaways:
•Nori urges voters to redirect their votes to Michael “Deks” Dekshenieks
•Highlights Dekshenieks’s 7+ years of dedicated service to local students and schools
•Dekshenieks pledges to advocate for academic excellence, budget discipline, and listening to community families
San Mateo Daily Journal by Ana MataAugust 22, 2026

Contested Races Emerge in Sequoia Union High School District Board Election

Coverage of the candidate filings in the Sequoia Union High School District, highlighting the pivotal race in Trustee Area D where management executive, Navy veteran, and M-A parent Michael Dekshenieks filed to lead the district toward academic focus.

Key Takeaways:
•Focus on the high-profile Trustee Area D race representing Menlo Park and surrounding communities
•Discussion of community demand for fiscal oversight, teacher retention, and protecting honors coursework
•Reporting on candidate qualifications and community endorsements ahead of the November 3 election
Palo Alto Daily PostAugust 19, 2026

A Look at Who is Running for Local Offices This Fall

Comprehensive regional election preview examining competitive local school board seats across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, spotlighting the critical Sequoia Union High School District Trustee Area D election.

Key Takeaways:
•Highlights key open and contested board seats in the Sequoia Union High School District
•Lists Michael Dekshenieks as candidate for Trustee Area D representing the Menlo-Atherton area
•Details election timeline leading up to the November 3, 2026 vote
Show Your Support in Area D

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Help build visibility across Menlo Park, Redwood City, and our SUHSD neighborhoods. Fill out the form, and our campaign team will deliver and install your yard sign for free!

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Area D Community Outreach

Email Me if You Would Like to Help with Area D Community Outreach

Neighbors talking to neighbors makes a meaningful difference. Reach out directly to help host a community conversation, walk a precinct, distribute information, or connect with Area D voters.

michael.deks.for.suhsd@gmail.com
Neighborhood Connections

Help connect the campaign with parents, teachers, and neighbors across Area D.

Host a Coffee or Meet & Greet

Invite friends and neighbors for an informal conversation with Michael.

Precinct Walking & Outreach

Distribute campaign literature in your neighborhood before election day.

Election Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Ballots arrive in mailboxes by early October for all registered San Mateo County voters.

Offer to Help with Community Outreach

Send a message here or email Michael directly using the address provided.

How would you like to help with Area D outreach?