About the candidate
Meet Mike Harvey
I'm a Bakersfield native — husband, father of three, and small-business owner. I believe our schools work best when academics come first and parents are treated as partners.
I'm Mike Harvey, a Bakersfield native, husband, father of three, and local small-business owner. I grew up working on my family's farm, where I learned that opportunity must be matched with hard work, responsibility, and accountability.
For nearly two decades, I have owned and operated a tech company supporting small businesses. That experience has taught me how to manage budgets, negotiate contracts, work with employees and vendors, solve difficult problems, and listen respectfully when people disagree.
I am running for the Bakersfield City School District Board because every child deserves a strong education and every parent deserves a meaningful voice. My priorities are improving academic performance, maintaining high standards, supporting safe and fair opportunities for students, and ensuring taxpayer dollars reach the classrooms and programs they are intended to support.
Schools should concentrate on teaching students the essential skills they need to succeed, not promoting political agendas. Families should have clear information, genuine educational choices, and confidence that district leaders will listen to their concerns.
I will bring practical business experience, independent judgment, and a commitment to transparency and responsible decision-making. I would be honored to earn your vote and serve Bakersfield's students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers.
Platform
Where Mike Stands
Academic Excellence
I believe reading, writing, mathematics, science, history and critical thinking must remain at the center of public education. The district should establish clear academic goals, report its progress in understandable terms and take corrective action when students fall behind.
Classrooms Focused on Education
Students should be taught how to think, not what to think. Instruction should be academically grounded, age-appropriate and free from political advocacy. Parents should also have reasonable access to curriculum information and a clear process for raising concerns.
Parents as Partners
Parents are essential partners in their children's education. They deserve timely information, meaningful input and a voice in decisions affecting their children. I support parental rights, charter schools and quality educational options that help families find the best environment for each student.
Student Athletics and Extracurricular Opportunities
I believe girls' athletics should remain fair, safe and competitive while every student is treated with dignity. I also recognize that athletics, arts and other extracurricular activities can provide students with confidence, discipline, friendship and belonging.
Responsible Stewardship
The public should be able to understand how district funds are being spent and whether funded programs are producing results. I will bring a business owner's approach to budgets, contracts and vendors. I will ask difficult questions, insist on transparency and work to ensure that resources reach students and classrooms.