Saint Michael Catholic School
We are committed to providing students an exemplary education centered on traditional Catholic values, inspiring them to walk with God, learn, grow, and serve.
School Advisory Board
The St. Michael’s School Board is made up of a diverse group of individuals, including the Principal, Priest, parishioners, parents, and local community members, all united by a commitment to support the school’s mission and ensure its continued growth and success. The board serves an important role in guiding the school’s policies, programs, and long-term planning, helping to shape the educational, moral, and faith-based development of its students.
Meetings are held once a month, on the first Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
Meet our School Board
Father Michael Alber
Priest
Karen Gostomski
Principal
Dee Powell
Board Chairperson
Dee is a proud St. Michael alum and parent of two students, with one future student. She and her husband, Chris, live in Blanchard, where they are raising their family with strong faith and community values. Dee joined the school board to stay engaged in decisions shaping students’ education and future. Since 2023, she has seen St. Michael grow through collaboration among staff, families, and parishioners. Her focus is on expanding enrollment, enhancing learning, and helping every student thrive. Dee welcomes conversation and encourages others to attend monthly meetings to share ideas and strengthen the school together.
Dave Miller
Board Vice Chairperson
Dave is a lifelong member of St. Michael's parish, an alumnus of St. Michael's school, and a father of four boys that attended St. Michael's school. Dave has been involved with all the various aspects of the parish, including Finance council, Pastoral council, Foundation board, and School board.
Lisa Smith
Board Secretary
Lisa chose to serve on the St. Michael School Board to help make thoughtful, well-informed decisions that benefit both students and staff. She is proud to continue her family’s strong connection to the school, with three generations having attended St. Michael. Lisa holds many fond memories of the St. Michael community and is committed to helping ensure that today’s students—and those in the future—have the same positive, meaningful experiences within a supportive and faith-filled environment.
Michelle Charron
Board Steward
Michelle is a fifth-generation St. Michael member who has long been dedicated to the parish and school community. A talented seamstress, she continues to contribute her time and skills in many ways. She serves as a school board member and choir member and is also a proud grandparent of St. Michael students. In addition to her current roles, she is a former St. Michael employee, further deepening her long-standing connection and commitment to the school and parish.
De Willman
Board Steward
De values St. Michael’s for its strong sense of community, seeing it as more than a school—a family that supports one another. She is the mother of two St. Michael’s graduates, who continue to draw on lessons they learned there in college and beyond. De credits the school’s education with setting her sons up for success in many areas of life. On the school board, she hopes to help nurture the same strong educational, moral, and faith-based foundation for current and future students, ensuring they have the guidance and support needed to grow and thrive.
Mikki Edwards
Board Steward
Mikki is a proud member of the St. Michael’s school board, currently serving her second term. St. Michael’s has been a central part of her family for over 100 years through both school and church connections. Drawing on her experience as an educator, Mikki is dedicated to helping the school grow and ensuring its students shine as a beacon in the community. She views her board service as a privilege and embodies the school’s mission, inspired by Matthew 19:14: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Claudia Rey-Perry
Board Steward
Claudia has been a parishioner of Saint Michael Parish for 20 years. A lifelong Catholic, she is also the proud mother of three Saint Michael alumni. Her deep-rooted faith drives her desire to ensure all children have access to quality Catholic education. This commitment to educational access, combined with a strong sense of civic duty and community service, led her to join the school board, as well as several other community boards in Isabella and Mecosta counties. In her free time, Claudia loves to spend as much time as possible with her cherished grandkids, Mateo and Nila.
Dianne Taylor
Board Steward
Dianne is originally from Detroit and attended Catholic schools from grades 5–12. She holds an Associate’s degree from Oakland Community College and a B.S. in Business from Ferris State University. Dianne moved to Barryton in 1972 after marrying and is the mother of three daughters, all St. Michael’s graduates. She worked 35 years at Old Kent Bank and Isabella Bank, retiring in 2015, and was widowed in 2011. Dianne previously served on the St. Michael’s School Board from 2016–2023 and has been Treasurer of the School Foundation since 2013. She looks forward to returning to the board.
Andrea St John
Board Steward
Andrea has a deep, five-generation connection to St. Michael’s School. She returned to St. Michael’s in 1999 as an art teacher before continuing her teaching career at Chippewa Hills High School, where she taught art for 22 years. Andrea retired in June 2025. She and her husband have three grown sons, three daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren. In her free time, Andrea enjoys spending time with family, horseback riding, drawing, painting, pottery, fishing, and hunting.
