Meet our Board - Iron Mountain Public Schools

Shari Picucci-White

President

Term expires 2026 picucci-whites@imschools.org

Shari Picucci-White is the Chief Financial Officer for B&B Electrical Contractors, LLC. She graduated from Iron Mountain High School and has her Bachelors in Accounting from Michigan State University. She also serves as the treasurer of the Iron Mountain Athletic Booster Club. Shari is a proud graduate of Iron Mountain High School and is honored to have the opportunity to give back not only for her son, but for all the students at Iron Mountain.

Ben DeRidder

Vice President

Term expires 2028 deridderb@imschools.org

Ben DeRidder is a local residential designer, parent, and husband to Iron Mountain 5th grade teacher, Audra DeRidder. He attended Kingsford High School and then Ferris State University, where he earned his BS in Business Administration and Minor in Marketing and Sales. He is “excited to be involved with the school and to make a positive impact with students, parents, and teachers" and for their daughter to attend kindergarten at Iron Mountain Public Schools soon!

Darren Petschar

Secretary

Term expires 2028 petschard@imschools.org

Darren Petschar is a retired elementary school principal (Woodland Elementary) and a current fourth grade teacher in the Niagara School District. Darren is the husband of Sherri and father to Elizabeth, Owen, and Teagan. He is an alumni of Iron Mountain High School, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, English, Math, and Science and his Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Michigan University. Throughout his time at Iron Mountain, he has been a member of various organizations such as the Drug Task Force, church committees, SAY Soccer, Little League, Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association, Borderline Principals Association, Boy Scouts, Booster Clubs, and other ad hoc committees and teams to create and promote various community activities. Darren feels that his “background and experience in different educational systems in both Michigan and Wisconsin will help the Iron Mountain Public Schools system be the best it can be for teachers, students, parents, and the community.”

Jennifer Solka

Treasurer

Term expires 2028 solkaj@imschools.org

Jennifer Solka is the Faculty and Curriculum Developer for NWTC Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. She is the wife to Jeff and mother to Nicole and Brady and stepmother to Jace and Brynn. Jennifer is a graduate of Iron Mountain High School, has her Bachelors in Education from Northern Michigan University and her Masters in Career and Technical Education from Concordia University. She is a part of the City of Iron Mountain Planning Commission. Jennifer decided to become a board member because it aligned with her education and interests. “Seeing students thrive in school and find their path in life is deeply important to me and why I became an educator myself.”

Lisa Carollo

Term expires 2028 carollol@imschools.org

Lisa Carollo is a local Occupational Therapist. As an IMHS graduate, she has a lot of pride in the Iron Mountain school district and wants to see the traditions of the Mountaineers continue in academics, music, and sports. She has her Bachelor of Science in Biological Science from Michigan Technological University and her Masters in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University. Lisa's family includes her husband, Jim, daughter, Angela, and son, Santino.

James Carollo

Term expires 2028 carolloj@imschools.org

James Carollo works at the Pasty Oven in Iron Mountain, Michigan. James is the husband of Lisa, and father to Angela and Santino. James has his Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of Montana and an MBA from Grand Valley State University. James is or has been involved in a variety of community organizations including the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation, the Tourist Association of the Dickinson County Area, the Dickinson County Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers for the St. Mary and St. Joseph church. James is an IMHS graduate, and his children are fourth generation Mountaineers. He has been involved with volunteering for the district for many years, and wants to see the district continue to improve and grow while maintaining the district traditions.

Juan Saldana

Term expires 2026 saldanaj@imschools.org

Juan Saldana is the General Manager of Advanced Auto Parts in Iron Mountain, Michigan. He is the husband of Jackie (North Elementary School), and father to Giovannie, Di’ Angelo, Julianna, and Auggie. Juan earned his Associate Degree in Business Management from Bay College and is a former City Council member for the City of Iron Mountain. Juan decided to run for School Board because he “believes that education can open many opportunities for a successful future.” He believes in giving back to the community and supporting and advocating for our students, as they are representing not only the area, but an entire community that wants each and every one of them to reach their full potential at obtaining their goals. He also hopes his Hispanic background will bring ESL students together and feel that they “belong here in the school” and to enhance diversity groups in the whole district.