Editor,
I am proud to personally endorse Nicolas Yendrzeski for the Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board.
All three of my daughters graduated from MUSD, and I have spent years supporting our schools, teachers, and students. I take our school board elections seriously, and I do not make endorsements lightly. Nicolas has earned my support.
Understands the student view.
Nicolas brings something we do not often see on a school board: a recent, firsthand understanding of what students experience. He graduated from Maricopa High School in 2024, so he knows how board decisions affect students and teachers in the classroom. He has also worked to engage students, start important conversations, and ask questions others may be unwilling to ask.
Determination matters
In 2024, Nicolas came within just 160 or so votes of winning a seat on the school board. A lot of people would have walked away after such a close loss. Nicolas stayed involved, continued listening and learning, and came back ready to try again. That says a lot about his determination and commitment to our community.
A school board member must listen to parents, teachers, and students. Board members must also protect taxpayer dollars, demand transparency, and be willing to ask tough questions. I believe Nicolas will do those things.
A fresh voice for MUSD
Nicolas is young, but I see that as a strength. He brings energy, a current perspective, and a real understanding of today’s schools. He also understands that getting things done requires hard work, cooperation, and respect.
I believe Nicolas will be an independent voice for MUSD students, families, teachers, and taxpayers. I encourage Maricopa voters to join me in supporting Nicolas Yendrzeski for the Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board.
Vince Manfredi
Vice Mayor, small business owner, MUSD volunteer, and father of MUSD graduates.
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This endorsement reflects my personal views and not the views of the city council as a whole. Vincent Manfredi also owns InMaricopa, and this is a letter written to the editor.
You can view other opinions and letters here.





![Maricopa Pantry co-founders Jim and Alice Shoaf speak to a small crowd at the food bank's groundbreaking of its permanent location in Hidden Valley on Nov. 20, 2025. [Monica D. Spencer]](https://inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/spencer-112025-maricopa-pantry-groundbreaking-3-300x200.jpg)









![Maricopa Pantry co-founders Jim and Alice Shoaf speak to a small crowd at the food bank's groundbreaking of its permanent location in Hidden Valley on Nov. 20, 2025. [Monica D. Spencer]](https://inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/spencer-112025-maricopa-pantry-groundbreaking-3-150x150.jpg)