Michael Pollack

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Michael Pollack

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

High school

North Bakersfield High School

Associate

Bakersfield Junior College

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve

Years of service

1992 - 2000

Personal

Birthplace

California

Profession

Data analyst

Contact

Campaign website

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Michael Pollack ran for election to the Kern County Board of Education to represent Area 6 in California. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Pollack completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Michael Pollack was born in California. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1992 to 2000. Pollack earned a high school diploma from North Bakersfield High School and an associate degree from Bakersfield Junior College. His career experience includes working as a data analyst.

Elections

2024

See also: Municipal elections in Kern County, California (2024)

General election

General election for Kern County Board of Education Trustee Area 6

Jim Robinson defeated incumbent Daniel Giordano and Michael Pollack in the general election for Kern County Board of Education Trustee Area 6 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Jim Robinson (Nonpartisan)	40.0	16,951
	Submit photo	Daniel Giordano (Nonpartisan)	37.5	15,883
		Michael Pollack (Nonpartisan)	22.5	9,506

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 42,340
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Pollack in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Michael Pollack completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pollack's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

With over two decades of comprehensive experience in healthcare management, emergency services, and data analytics, I bring a unique blend of leadership, administrative, and technical expertise to the role of school board trustee. My career has involved leading and supervising diverse teams in high-pressure environments, including emergency departments, and within larger organizational structures.

My background in the United States Marine Corps provided me with a solid foundation in communications, fostering exemplary leadership, team-building, and strategic problem-solving skills. Transitioning to data analytics in recent years, I have played a pivotal role in establishing data analytics departments, modernizing legacy systems, and utilizing data to drive strategic decisions and enhance operational efficiencies.

I have honed my ability to navigate complex data sets and translate them into actionable insights, optimizing processes, improving efficiency, and reducing costs. This analytical expertise and a compassionate commitment to community service position me well to contribute meaningfully to our school board.

As a trustee, I am dedicated to applying my diverse skill set to support and enhance the educational experience for all students. My strategic and data-driven approach will help inform policy decisions, promote operational efficiencies, and ensure that our schools are equipped to provide the highest quality education.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• As a school board candidate, I will focus on three key questions for every decision:

  Attendance: Regular attendance is crucial. I’ll support programs that address the root causes of absenteeism, fostering a supportive school environment that encourages student participation. Education Quality: Every policy should improve learning. I’ll promote technology integration, relevant curricula, and open communication to enhance education without unnecessary barriers. Test Scores: I’ll advocate evidence-based teaching, quality materials, and teacher development to ensure student academic success.

  Parental involvement is also vital, and I’ll champion initiatives that encourage active participation, building strong partnerships for student success
• Pro-Science and Fact-Based Education
• Advocating for school programs that focus on creating equitable learning environments for students of all races, ethnicities, abilities, genders, and backgrounds.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Support for Teacher Autonomy, Reproductive Health and Sex Education, Inclusive Curriculum, Anti-Censorship in Schools, Vaccination and Public Health Mandates

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, transparency, and a commitment to serving the community's best interests. They should prioritize fairness, listen to diverse perspectives, and make decisions based on facts and data to ensure equitable outcomes for all.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of a Board of Education member are to ensure high-quality education, improve student outcomes, support teachers, manage resources effectively, and advocate for policies that promote equity, inclusion, and academic success for all students.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I really just want to make the world a better place. I hate the mentality that if it was hard for me, it should be hard for you. My goal is to create a more supportive, equitable educational system where every student, regardless of background, has the tools and opportunities to succeed. I want to leave a legacy of fairness, where we break down barriers, uplift every child, and ensure that our schools prepare all students for a brighter future.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was when I was 13 years old. After school I swept the warehouse floor and cleaned the bathrooms of a business near my school. In all honesty, I was a terrible cleaner, teenage boys do not make good janitors.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Growing up Spiderman was my favorite superhero.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

I would support the diverse needs of our district by advocating for inclusive curricula, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and ensuring resources are allocated equitably. This includes supporting teacher autonomy, offering professional development, and creating safe, supportive environments for all students, staff, and families.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

CA Teacher's Association Sierra Service Center, Working Families Party, CA Democratic Party, Good Party.org, Planned Parenthood Advocates Mar Monte, Kern County Young Democratic Leaders, Democratic Women of Kern

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe in full financial transparency and strong government accountability. Elected officials must be clear about how public funds are used, ensuring resources directly benefit the community and schools, while maintaining the trust of the people they serve.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also

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External links

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Candidate

Kern County Board of Education Trustee Area 6

Website

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Facebook

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