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.

Management Executive / Parent

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.
Michael “Deks” Dekshenieks
Candidate for SUHSD Trustee Area D • Election Day Nov 3, 2026
A comprehensive vision focused on what matters most: academic excellence, student opportunity, safety, community partnership, and fiduciary discipline.
This includes physical and psychological safety as a core fundamental for a community of learning.
Our core mission is to provide the opportunity for the best possible education for each student.
We need to keep the main thing the main thing — data-driven, education-focused policy fundamentals.
This has to be more than just lip service — our students, their families, and our community are key components of any successful learning environment.
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.
Michael meets directly with parents, students, and community members throughout Area D.
Respected local elected officials, educational trustees, and regional leaders who trust Michael to lead the Sequoia Union High School District.

Incumbent SUHSD Trustee Area D
Passing the Torch in Area D“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.”

California State Senate (13th District)

San Mateo County Supervisor (District 3)

SUHSD Trustee Area C

Former San Mateo County Board of Education

East Palo Alto City Council

Former Las Lomitas School Board
Volunteer to help Michael reach parents, educators, and community members throughout Area D.
Help with OutreachRecent articles and official statements covering the Sequoia Union High School District Trustee Area D election.
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.
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.
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.
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michael.deks.for.suhsd@gmail.comHelp connect the campaign with parents, teachers, and neighbors across Area D.
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