A little bit about me...

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As an educator with over 20 years of experience, including 14 years in school administration focused on special education across three different school districts in Virginia, I've gained a unique insight into what truly drives successful school systems. My professional background as coordinator, assistant principal, assistant director of special education, and supervisor provides me with a valuable lens through which to assess leadership.

It is from this informed perspective that I wholeheartedly endorse Mike Procuk for the Frederick County School Board. My personal connection to Mike is multifaceted: he is my daughter's basketball coach and the father of her best friend, allowing me to observe his character closely. Furthermore, my husband serves as Mike's

assistant coach, and I often overhear them discussing each child's unique athletic, social, and emotional abilities. Mike frequently draws upon my husband’s school counseling experience to learn how to approach each child in a manner that will inspire them to be their best.

My connection to Mike extends to his wife, Jen, who you'll find volunteering daily at Greenwood Mill. Whether it's for the school play, PTA events, picture day, or simply providing hands-on support to staff, she's there. Together, Mike and Jen treat our daughter like another one of their own children, demonstrating their compassion and commitment to investing in the next generation.

I have witnessed Mike in action through his highly effective, efficient, and consistently communicative approach. He possesses an admirable quality: if Mike says it, he will do it. His integrity and dedication are exactly what's needed to serve the students of Frederick County. He is a dedicated family man who is passionate about helping all families and children achieve their fullest potential, including those with differing abilities.

Having known Mike for several years, both on our local Little League fields and off them, I know he is the type of leader our community needs. Every conversation with this man is an honest one. He listens, reflects before responding, and shows that he cares about our community. He is passionate about making sure our children have the best opportunity to develop and grow into outstanding citizens. Mike doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk when it comes to modeling leadership in our community.

Being a public educator in Virginia for 17 years, with three children currently attending Frederick County Public Schools, I see first hand how politicians are using their platform to gain votes and popularity, all while forgetting the same people they have vowed to support. These "decision makers" have been WRONG when it comes to public education. Sadly, some of these very same people are currently serving as representatives on our school board. Mike sees this, but he is not worried about producing the next 30 second sound bite or arguing nonsensically about the ideology you see on the news. Instead, he is ready to be the adult in the room who understands that we are talking about children. He knows that the decisions we make now will impact them for years to come.  He is willing to listen and do the right thing for OUR kids. He is ready to roll up his sleeves and get things done.

Mike respects the hard work that our area teachers put into their jobs daily and the nuances of the always-changing performance tasks they are given. He does this with the understanding that education IS, and SHOULD be, STUDENT FIRST.  Mike also understands that teachers need to feel supported in order to help ALL of our students succeed; not be put on notice by school board members vying for self-importance.

Mike is running to not only serve every child, parent, teacher, and family in the Red Bud District, but those in Frederick County who live outside of his district as well. This is because Mike understands his decisions on the school board will impact everyone and I know he is exactly the type of leader we need to move our school system forward!

My name is Ashley Verburg, and I am a proud 2019 graduate of James Wood High School. I earned my Bachelor's degree from Radford University in 2023, and a Master's degree in Education in 2024. I hold dual teaching endorsements in Early Childhood Special Education and Primary Education (Pre-K through 3rd grade), and I’m about to begin my second year teaching 1st grade in Montgomery County Public Schools in Southwest Virginia.

As a current teacher and a product of Frederick County Public Schools, I am very invested in the future of our school system. That’s why I believe Mike Procuk is exactly who we need on the school board.

The Procuk family has been a huge part of my life since I was 17 years old. When I first met Mike, he was pulling up and replacing the floorboards in his house. He paused to introduce himself and mentioned how important it was to have skills like that when it came to your own home. Since then, Mike has helped me learn many practical skills, including professional writing and personal budgeting. Anytime I have gone to him for help, he has always taken the time to either share his knowledge or help me find the resources I needed. He often shared stories about mentoring young soldiers in the same way, and it's clear he brings that same commitment and passion to his community. Mike isn't just going to be good for the school board, he's going to be exactly the kind of role model that the students of our county need.

Mike and Jen have shown up for me more times than I can count. I have many stories of Mike’s selflessness and compassion. Mike once drove 8 hours round trip so I wouldn’t have to drive alone from Radford to Winchester after finding out my mom was in the hospital and wouldn’t be with us much longer. Barely 6 months later, I called him at 4 in the morning because I had lost my grandfather in the night. During that time, I had been holding my family up and the Procuks were holding me up. Mike has truly been like a father to me. There has never been a problem too small, too embarrassing, or too crazy to ask Mike for help. He is a man that looks to help others and if there is something he can't take care of personally, he helps to find the people or resources to.

When I was preparing for my first year teaching, Mike generously purchased all of my classroom decorations, saying that teachers shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for those things. Since then, we’ve had many conversations about the challenges educators face. Both he and Jen continue to check in and support me as I grow in my career.

Mike shows deep dedication for our families, students, teachers, and community. He is already going above and beyond to care for our community as a mentor and coach. Imagine what he could do as a school board member.

I fully endorse Mike Procuk for the Frederick County School Board, and I’m excited for what his leadership could mean for the future of our schools!

My name is Chris Pownall, and I am proud to be deeply involved in the Frederick County community. I serve on the Board of Directors for the Frederick County American Little League, coach and umpire games, manage a 10U travel baseball team, and currently hold the role of Vice President for the Stonewall Ball Club—a nonprofit youth sports organization. Truthfully, I spend more hours volunteering in my community than I do at my day job.
The reason I do all of this? One name: Mike Procuk.
I met Mike in February of 2019 at “Meet the Team” night after registering my son for T-ball. Mike, the head coach, approached me, shook my hand, and asked, “Would you be interested in helping coach your son’s team this year?” At the time, I had no interest in coaching—especially not with T-ballers. But something about Mike made it hard to say no, so I said yes.
That season went well, and while we weren’t close friends at the time, I respected the guy. A few weeks later, out of the blue, Mike called and asked if I’d be willing to help clean up the field at Stonewall Elementary. It was July. It was hot. The last thing I wanted to do was pull weeds in the middle of summer. But again, it was hard to say no to him. So I drove to Mike’s house, dropped my kids off with his wife, and off we went to work on the field.
Before we even got started tearing up weeds, Mike paused and thanked me for showing up. He said, "I appreciate you being here. It would’ve been easy to say no, but you didn’t." That stuck with me. Then he added, "There just aren’t enough people who say yes anymore. Anyone who’s willing to give up their weekend to make something better for kids—that’s the kind of person who should be helping lead."
Then he asked me to run for the Little League board with him. I had zero interest in the politics of youth sports. But again—I couldn’t say no. And that moment changed the entire course of my life.
Since then, I’ve never stopped coaching. I’ve become an umpire. I’ve served on the Little League board, helped launch the Stonewall Ball Club, and now help oversee multiple youth sports programs. And while some days are incredibly frustrating, I love every second of it—and I owe all of it to Mike.

Mike challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. He helped me discover that community service and youth sports were something I truly cared about. He showed me that when you commit yourself to something bigger than you, the rewards are endless. Personal growth, confidence, resilience—these are things I never expected, but now I cherish.

Mike takes action. He doesn’t sit on the sidelines or wait for someone else to step in—if something needs to be fixed, he handles it. He’s focused, driven, and solutions-oriented. When a problem arises, Mike addresses it head-on and doesn’t rest until it’s resolved. Most importantly, every decision he makes is rooted in what’s best for kids. He’s not influenced by politics or outside noise—he leads with integrity, purpose, and a clear sense of what’s right.

Mike is a natural-born leader with unmatched charisma. There’s something about the way he carries himself that makes people want to follow his lead and work alongside him. He has an ability to inspire action—not by demanding it, but by living it. That’s what leadership should look like.
That’s the kind of person we need on the Frederick County School Board. Someone who listens. Someone who acts. Someone who shows up.
I’m proud to support Mike Procuk—not just because he’s a friend, but because I’ve seen the kind of leader he is. And I’m living proof of the difference he can make.

My name is Michael Banak. I’m a Veteran and have served as an Army civilian for over 25 years. I’m proud to give my full support and recommendation for Mike as a candidate for the Frederick County School Board.

I’ve known Mike for over a dozen years. We first met as colleagues, and over time he’s become a great friend. When it comes to supporting kids and his community, Mike is the real deal.

Mike is the kind of dad who lives for his kids. He’s incredibly devoted to his children and that same care and energy extends to every child around him. You’ll often find him coaching his daughters’ teams or cheering from the sidelines. He shows up, he encourages, and he celebrates every kid — win or lose. I’ve never seen him smile more than when he’s on the field or court, being the kind of role model every kid deserves.

Mike also doesn’t shy away from hard decisions. He has a “find a way, not walk away” mindset that has guided him through both personal and professional challenges. He puts others first and takes the time to listen, even when perspectives differ. He values dialogue and makes more informed, well-rounded decisions because of it.

Together with his incredible wife Jen, Mike leads with a strong sense of family and community. He is fiercely supportive, incredibly loyal, and genuinely kind. I truly believe Mike would be an outstanding member of the Frederick County School Board. He brings a loving parent’s perspective, a commitment to service, and a whole lot of common sense to the table.

He has my full vote of confidence.

It is with great pride and confidence that I endorse Mike for public office. Over the years, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the strength of his character and the depth of his commitment—not just to his family and friends, but to the greater community as well.

Mike's military service has instilled in him a powerful sense of duty, resilience, and leadership. These qualities, forged in service to our country, now guide his steadfast dedication to public service. He approaches every challenge with discipline and resolve, always putting the needs of others before his own.

Beyond his professional qualifications, what truly sets Mike apart is his compassion. I’ve personally seen him step up to help others in ways that go far beyond what’s expected—offering financial support in times of need, providing emotional strength during difficult moments, or simply being present as a caring listener. His ability to connect, to truly care, and to act with integrity reflects a heart committed to service.

Mike is not running to be in the spotlight—he's running to make a difference. His life of service, love for his community, and unwavering moral compass make him the leader we need. I wholeheartedly support Mike and encourage others to join me in standing behind a man who leads not only with courage but with genuine compassion.