Keely Crimando, a Birmingham resident and mortgage and financial services professional, is running for the Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.

Crimando and Omar Odeh are the two candidates listed for two six-year seats in the nonpartisan contest. Voters may choose up to two, according to Oakland County’s official candidate list. A separate contest will fill a partial term ending in December 2030.

Crimando responded to the Birmingham-Bloomfield Bulletin candidate questionnaire on Sept. 30. Unless otherwise noted, the information and responses below come from that questionnaire.

Asked why she is running, Crimando emphasized her connection to the district as a parent.

“I believe deeply in the power of strong public schools and the community that supports them,” she said. “As a mom of two girls in the district, this work is personal. They are my why, but so are the thousands of educators, students and families who call BPS home.”

“Every child in our district should have access to an excellent education, exceptional educators, safe and welcoming schools, and the opportunities they need to thrive,” she added.

Candidate information

Residence and family: Crimando and her husband, Michael, live in Birmingham with their two daughters, who attend Birmingham Public Schools.

Party affiliation: Crimando identified herself as a Democrat. The school board election is nonpartisan.

Occupation: Crimando said she has more than a decade of experience in mortgage and financial services, along with a background in public policy and community affairs.

She described experience in financial analysis, regulatory guidelines, client advocacy and helping families prepare financially.

Education: Crimando said she earned a Bachelor of Public Affairs from Wayne State University, with a concentration in public policy analysis, an international studies co-major and a minor in economics.

She later earned an MBA from Wayne State with a concentration in information systems management while working full time and raising a family.

Family in government: Crimando said no family members work in politics or government.

Experience and public service

Crimando previously served as vice president of government affairs for Wayne State University’s Student Senate. She said her work included voter registration, civic engagement, medical amnesty policy and advocacy for higher education funding.

“The position gave me valuable experience working with diverse stakeholders, navigating public policy, building consensus, and advocating for the needs of a large and diverse community,” she said.

Crimando also serves on Oxford High School’s Career and Technical Education Advisory Board, where she said she has helped students understand mortgage preparedness, credit and financial standards.

She reported volunteering with buildOn for more than 20 years, including helping build a school in Mali.

Asked what accomplishments prepare her for school board service, Crimando cited her education, career and volunteer work.

“These experiences taught me how to listen, analyze difficult issues, manage competing priorities, and work with others toward meaningful results,” she said.

On the issues

Meeting different student needs: Crimando identified ensuring that every student is appropriately challenged and supported as one of the district’s most pressing challenges.

“Birmingham Public Schools has a strong tradition of academic excellence, but excellence cannot mean a one-size-fits-all approach,” she said.

She supports strong core academics, early assistance for students who need additional support and opportunities for students ready for greater challenges.

Board oversight: Crimando said she would use data and input from educators, students and families to guide decisions.

“The Board’s role is to set policy, provide responsible fiscal oversight, establish clear expectations, and hold the district accountable for results,” she said.

Student well-being and educator support: Crimando said academic achievement, mental health, school safety and teacher retention are connected.

“Students are better positioned to achieve academically when they feel safe, supported, and connected to their schools, and none of that is possible without exceptional educators in our classrooms,” she said.

She said she would support strong academics while prioritizing student mental health and safety and helping the district retain outstanding educators.

Budget decisions: Crimando said the board should allocate resources responsibly and evaluate whether investments produce meaningful results.

“I would approach those decisions by examining data, listening to educators, students, and families, and considering both immediate needs and long-term consequences,” she said.

What she brings to the board: Crimando emphasized her combination of public policy, finance and community experience, along with her perspective as a parent of young students.

“I believe strong boards are built by people who can ask thoughtful questions, listen to different perspectives, understand complex information, and work collaboratively,” she said.

Advice that guides her

Asked for the best advice she has received, Crimando wrote: “Be kind.”

This profile draws primarily on Keely Crimando’s responses to the Birmingham-Bloomfield Bulletin candidate questionnaire, with additional information from Oakland County election records. Responses have been excerpted and paraphrased; direct quotations retain her wording.