Student Achievement
Put rigorous, student-centered learning and the support each student needs at the heart of every board decision.
Oak Park Board of Education • 2026
Educator. Advocate. Oak Park graduate. Building stronger schools by putting students, educators, families, and community trust at the center.
Kevin's path spans the student desk, the classroom, community leadership, and public service.
Kevin Keys III is an educator, author, speaker, community advocate, nonprofit leader, and public servant whose work centers on education, youth development, civic engagement, and creating opportunities for the next generation.
A proud Detroit native and K–12 graduate of Oak Park Schools, Kevin teaches Honors U.S. History and Government at University Prep High School. His work in education has included the elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as student success and educational leadership.
He earned a B.A. in Political Science from Miles College in two and a half years, then a Master of Education in Educational Administration—with concentrations in Higher Education and Human Resources—from Texas Southern University.
Beyond the classroom, Kevin currently serves as Director of Community and Educational Outreach for the Oakland County Black Caucus, as a commissioner on the City of Oak Park Arts, Culture & Diversity Commission, and as chairman of the Oak Park Juneteenth Commission. He is the commission's inaugural and youngest chair.
Kevin's advocacy has brought him to public meetings, community demonstrations, television news, workshops, and classrooms across the country. His focus remains consistent: student safety, educational accountability, transparency, educator support, and ensuring families' voices are heard.
He has hosted and produced programming about politics, culture, education, and civic engagement, including the HBCU Votes five-city tour and seasons of The Campus Rundown. He is also the author of the children's book The Perfect Crown, inspired by conversations about hair discrimination, identity, self-confidence, and the CROWN Act.
As Founder and CEO of Keys 2 Success, he develops students, educators, professionals, and emerging leaders through mentorship, scholarships, professional development, leadership training, consulting, and community programming. His leadership began at Miles College, where he held multiple student government and NAACP roles. He is also a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Now, as a candidate for the Oak Park Board of Education, Kevin brings the perspective of someone who has learned in Oak Park classrooms, taught in them, advocated from the community, and studied educational administration and governance.
A focused agenda for academic strength, supported educators, responsible stewardship, and renewed trust.
Put rigorous, student-centered learning and the support each student needs at the heart of every board decision.
Build the conditions that help excellent teachers and staff stay, grow, and serve students well.
Strengthen safe, responsive learning environments where students can feel supported and ready to learn.
Steward public resources carefully and keep student outcomes connected to spending decisions.
Make board decisions easier to understand and create meaningful ways for residents to be heard.
Restore confidence through accessible leadership, honest communication, and accountable governance.
Kevin's work connects education, youth leadership, culture, and civic life.
Honors U.S. History and Government teacher with experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings.
Classroom leadershipCity commissioner and Juneteenth Commission chairman who builds partnerships, programming, and scholarship opportunities.
Oak Park serviceChildren's author, speaker, host, and producer making education and civic conversations accessible to younger audiences.
Stories that move peopleFounder and CEO of Keys 2 Success, advancing mentorship, professional development, and emerging leaders.
Opportunity by designA public voice for student safety, accountability, transparent governance, and support for educators.
People-centered policyA K–12 product of Oak Park Schools bringing lived experience, professional preparation, and hometown commitment.
Rooted hereSelected reporting and official resources documenting Kevin's education advocacy, candidacy, and public service.
A national feature looks at Oak Park's funding challenges and Kevin's perspective as an alumnus, educator, and community leader.
Read the feature →Local 4 reports on Kevin's call for accountability, identifying him as a community advocate, Oak Park schools alum, and outspoken board critic.
Read the TV news coverage →Coverage of the board's 3–3 vote rejecting Kevin's appointment to an open trustee seat and his response that students were not the priority.
Read the print coverage →CBS Detroit covers the press conference Kevin hosted as students, teachers, and parents brought their concerns to the school board.
Watch the TV news coverage →The Michigan Education Association named Kevin among its recommended candidates for the Oak Park Schools Board of Education.
View the recommendation →A profile of Kevin's early public-service campaign, HBCU leadership background, and Keys 2 Success vision.
Read the profile →A Michigan House District 5 primary overview listing Kevin among the Democratic candidates.
Read the overview →A voter-guide profile covering Kevin's education, teaching experience, and public-service background.
View the profile →The public campaign organizer profile for People 4 Kevin Keys in Oak Park.
View the campaign page →Support grounded in service to the community and a shared commitment to strong public schools.
Mayor of the City of Oak Park
2026 candidate recommendation for Oak Park Schools Board of Education
Endorsed for Oak Park Board of Education
No upcoming events have been announced. More dates are coming soon—follow @specialk_20 on Instagram for appearances, forums, and community conversations.
Request Kevin for a speaking engagement, panel, workshop, school visit, or community event.
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Your support helps the campaign reach more Oak Park voters and keep students, educators, families, and community trust at the center of this race.
Kevin is running to bring steady, student-centered leadership to Oak Park Schools—and to make sure educators, families, and residents have a real voice in the decisions that shape our future.
Email: kevinkeys0520@gmail.com
Instagram: @specialk_20