Oak Park Board of Education • 2026

Kevin
Keys III

Educator. Advocate. Oak Park graduate. Building stronger schools by putting students, educators, families, and community trust at the center.

Portrait of Kevin Keys III in a navy suit and glasses
01 / Meet Kevin

Rooted in Oak Park.
Ready to serve.

Kevin's path spans the student desk, the classroom, community leadership, and public service.

Kevin Keys III speaking during a community conversation about education reform
“When communities invest in young people, educators, and families, they create opportunities that can change generations.”

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.

Read Kevin's full story

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.

02 / The work ahead

Schools worthy of every student.

A focused agenda for academic strength, supported educators, responsible stewardship, and renewed trust.

01

Student Achievement

Put rigorous, student-centered learning and the support each student needs at the heart of every board decision.

02

Educator Support & Retention

Build the conditions that help excellent teachers and staff stay, grow, and serve students well.

03

Safety & Student Wellness

Strengthen safe, responsive learning environments where students can feel supported and ready to learn.

04

Fiscal Responsibility

Steward public resources carefully and keep student outcomes connected to spending decisions.

05

Transparency

Make board decisions easier to understand and create meaningful ways for residents to be heard.

06

Community Trust

Restore confidence through accessible leadership, honest communication, and accountable governance.

03 / Experience

Service in every season.

Kevin's work connects education, youth leadership, culture, and civic life.

Educator

Honors U.S. History and Government teacher with experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings.

Classroom leadership

Community Builder

City commissioner and Juneteenth Commission chairman who builds partnerships, programming, and scholarship opportunities.

Oak Park service

Author & Communicator

Children's author, speaker, host, and producer making education and civic conversations accessible to younger audiences.

Stories that move people

Leadership Developer

Founder and CEO of Keys 2 Success, advancing mentorship, professional development, and emerging leaders.

Opportunity by design

Civic Advocate

A public voice for student safety, accountability, transparent governance, and support for educators.

People-centered policy

Oak Park Graduate

A K–12 product of Oak Park Schools bringing lived experience, professional preparation, and hometown commitment.

Rooted here
04 / In the news

Coverage & public record.

Selected reporting and official resources documenting Kevin's education advocacy, candidacy, and public service.

Kevin Keys III campaign portrait with the message Continue to Fight for Michigan Teachers and Students
New America • September 2026

On the edge of America's school-funding divide

A national feature looks at Oak Park's funding challenges and Kevin's perspective as an alumnus, educator, and community leader.

Read the feature →
WDIV Local 4 Detroit • April 27, 2026

Oak Park School Board faces accountability demands amid superintendent search controversy

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 →
The Oakland Press • April 1, 2026

Oak Park school board rejects lone candidate for open trustee seat

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 • Video

Parents, teachers raise concerns about Oak Park School District

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 →
MEA • 2026

Candidate Recommendation

The Michigan Education Association named Kevin among its recommended candidates for the Oak Park Schools Board of Education.

View the recommendation →
Historically Black Since • 2023

A young leader steps forward

A profile of Kevin's early public-service campaign, HBCU leadership background, and Keys 2 Success vision.

Read the profile →
Michigan Legislative Consultants • 2024

5th District primary overview

A Michigan House District 5 primary overview listing Kevin among the Democratic candidates.

Read the overview →
BallotReady

Candidate profile

A voter-guide profile covering Kevin's education, teaching experience, and public-service background.

View the profile →
05 / Endorsements

Trusted by leaders in Oak Park and education.

Support grounded in service to the community and a shared commitment to strong public schools.

Mayor Marian McClellan

Mayor of the City of Oak Park

Michigan Education Association

2026 candidate recommendation for Oak Park Schools Board of Education

Democrats of South Oakland County endorses Kevin Keys III for School Board

Democrats of South Oakland County (DSOC)

Endorsed for Oak Park Board of Education

Upcoming events.

No upcoming events have been announced. More dates are coming soon—follow @specialk_20 on Instagram for appearances, forums, and community conversations.

06 / Book Kevin

Bring the conversation to your community.

Request Kevin for a speaking engagement, panel, workshop, school visit, or community event.

Speaking topics

  • Education reform
  • Youth leadership
  • Civic engagement
  • HBCU & culture conversations

Your request will be prepared for kevinkeys0520@gmail.com in your email app. Review it there, then press Send.

Your booking email is prepared. Please review it in your email app and press Send to complete your request.

Kevin Keys III 2026 for Oak Park School Board of Education campaign mark

It takes a village.

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