Deanna Harless is running for a two-year partial term on the Rochester Community Schools Board of Education in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
She faces incumbent Laurin Gracey-Parker in the nonpartisan contest for one seat ending Dec. 31, 2028, according to Oakland County Times’ election coverage.
Voters may choose one candidate in this contest, which is separate from the election for two full-term seats.
This profile draws primarily on Harless’ responses to the Rochester Register candidate questionnaire. Unless otherwise noted, the information and responses below come from that questionnaire.
Asked why she is running, Harless pointed to her experience in education and financial planning, along with her perspective as a parent of two district students.
“As the current parent to two RCS middle schoolers, I know the importance of keeping the schools strong for families and for our community,” she said.
She also emphasized using evidence to guide decisions and making the board’s work transparent.
“I believe the board must listen to families, ask thoughtful questions, and make decisions that reflect the best interests of all students,” she said.
Candidate information
Residence: Rochester Hills.
Occupation: Harless said she is a director of financial planning and a wealth adviser. Before entering financial services, she taught first grade.
Education: Harless reported earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and completing additional education for financial licenses and professional designations.
Family: Harless said she and her husband live with their two middle school children and their pets.
Party affiliation: Harless described herself as independent. The school board election is nonpartisan.
Previous elected or appointed office: Harless reported none.
Family in politics or government: Harless said no family member works in politics or government.
Experience and public service
Harless serves as director of financial planning and a wealth adviser at Bernard Wealth Management, according to the firm’s website.
She holds the certified financial planner designation and said her work involves setting goals, monitoring progress and adjusting plans when circumstances change.
Asked what accomplishments prepare her for the board, Harless cited responsibility for roughly 350 clients and approximately $350 million in assets under management.
“I'm used to making data-driven decisions of high impact,” she said. “A large part of my job also includes communicating these decisions to stakeholders in a way that builds consensus and understanding.”
Harless also described years of community volunteering and working with people who hold differing views.
Her campaign biography lists involvement in school parent organizations, nonprofit organizations, church activities and youth basketball and volleyball coaching.
On the issues
Student outcomes and limited resources: Harless identified effective use of district resources as the most pressing challenge facing students and schools.
“Like most organizations, the district faces limited resources,” she said. “We need to be focused on how we are using those resources to make sure we are directing resources where they can do the maximum good for students and to improve student outcomes.”
She said the board and administration should establish clear goals, track program results and evaluate whether spending is helping the district meet those goals.
Balancing school priorities: Asked how the district should balance academic achievement, student mental health, school safety and teacher recruitment and retention, Harless said the board should work with administrators to determine how resources are allocated.
“Rochester Community Schools has immense resources - incredible talent, supportive families, and extensive financial resources,” she said. “I believe we can leverage all of these resources to be able to meet all these competing priorities.”
Financial oversight: Harless said her financial planning background would shape her approach to district decisions.
“My background includes setting goals, monitoring progress toward the goals, and adjusting plans to meet the goals,” she said. “I have a focus on data-driven decisions in every area.”
She said those skills would help her evaluate proposals and communicate decisions to families and other community members.
Collaboration and transparency: Harless said she wants the board to listen to families and consider different perspectives before making decisions.
“I have also been a volunteer in the community for a number of years, and have extensive experience working with people of differing opinions and bridging divides,” she said.
Advice that guides her
“You were given two ears and one mouth for a reason - always listen more than you talk,” Harless wrote.
This profile draws primarily on Deanna Harless’ responses to the Rochester Register candidate questionnaire, with additional information from her campaign website, her employer’s website and published election reporting. Responses have been excerpted and paraphrased; direct quotations retain her wording.
