Want to Be On the School Board?
There's an informational meeting tonight if you're interested in being appointed to the vacant spot on the Rochester Board of Education.
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Gerald Moore's resignation last week from the Rochester Board of Education has left an opening on the board. Board members plan to fill the position by Dec. 10, just in time for interviews with potential superintendent candidates to begin.
Moore resigned last Monday night. In an email to the board read by President Jennifer Berwick during the board's regular meeting, Moore said the travel demands of his job, which have intensified recently, caused him to resign.
"I cannot effectively provide the leadership and contributions necessary to continue as a board trustee," Moore wrote.
He thanked his board colleagues for their understanding over the past year, as he has had to attend many of the meetings remotely, via conference call.
Moore's term was set to expired Dec. 31, 2016. The school district's bylaws require the board to appoint a replacement within 30 days of a vacancy. That appointed member will serve until the next school election, which will be November 2014; that elected board member will serve until the end of 2016.
Here's what you need to know about the appointment process:
How do I apply?
Download an application here or print out the application that accompanies this story. Applications must be submitted to the board office by 3 p.m. Friday or sent by email to Jennifer Berwick, board president, at jberwick@rochester.k12.mi.us
What's required?
You must be a U.S. citizen and live in the Rochester Community Schools district. Board members are required to attend regular meetings, serve on committees and act as liaisons for schools.
Where do I find out more?
Interested applicants are invited to an informal meeting outlining the roles and responsibilities of board members at 6 p.m. tonight in the Graham Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the school Administration Building.
What's the timeline for appointing a board member?
- 3 p.m. Nov. 30: Application deadline
- 6 p.m. Dec. 3: Community members are invited to attend an open house to meet candidates from 6-6:45 p.m. Starting at 7 p.m., board members will interview applicants during a special meeting. Interviews are expected to take between 10-15 minutes each.
- 7 p.m. Dec. 5: The board will interview finalists during a special meeting.
- Dec. 10: The new board member will be sworn in and begin duties.
Oakland Township Resident
8:47 am on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
I would love to see a teacher or someone working in the field of education. This would be a nice compliment to the existing members. The Board might have tough decisions ahead as we find out more about radical changes such as the Oxford Foundation proposal. Having a teacher on the board will provide nice insight into the practicality of any changes we consider moving forward.
Richard Happening
3:42 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Perhaps the teacher could inform you that the word is "complement", not compliment.
Rochester Mom
4:41 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Richard should apply. Since he can't get elected maybe he will be appointed.
Michele Manhire
9:38 am on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
The selection process will be fast, and quite likely, not well attended by those who have the most at stake, sadly - the families of our District. The parents of this District need to participate in any way they can, as the Board will be making the final decision, as interviewers - not them, as voters. Let us hope the end result is someone who has STRENGTH of character, INSIGHTS into the system, and not just platitudes about how they "want the best for our kids." (Funny, that sentiment typically ends up with the kids' education being hurt anyway...) Why would we expect them to pick anyone of their own free will who is a challenging voice to the status quo? STEP UP PARENTS!!!!!
What a great opportunity this is for a new voice of reason to come to the Board!! I sincerely hope it arrives.
doug
11:33 am on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
I think teachers are great, buy how about having just one person who reperesents the parents and is not backed by the MEA or any other group. I would like to see someone who disagree's with the the standard quo. Not simply to create trouble, but to make sure that topics are fully debated. We don't have that today.
Erin
12:24 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Doug - great point. And someone who's not there to just be disagreeable, but to present well-researched, cogent arguments for somewhat different tacks to tackling our problems.
I would strongly recommend Joshua Raymond, as he's been consistently engaged as an well-infomed Education advocate.
http://rochestersage.org/
Michelle - yes, yes! Parents - we need to hear your voices!
Chris Gill
9:39 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
I like that idea too. I am a parent in RCS and an employee of another district. I would like an objective parent representative on the BOE in RCS. I think Joshua Raymond is a good choice, He is well versed and knowledgeable about issues in education, interested in improving our district, and passionate about educating all kids.
Richard Happening
7:30 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Richard is eligible for elekshun to not just appointment. He is good moving forward and backwordz. No truck to get to work tho.
Joshua Raymond
12:22 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
About 12-15 people came to last night's informational meeting and there may be others that did not attend.
Chris Gill
9:40 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wow, that is a a lot of interest. Good to know people care about our schools.
Joshua Raymond
9:33 am on Friday, November 30, 2012
Thank you for the kind words, Erin and Chris!
I would be honored to be selected to serve on the Board of Education. I believe I would work well with the current trustees to relentlessly improve our schools in meeting the diverse learning needs of all students. I am a parent in our schools and I would be a voice for parents in our schools.
More importantly, parents, come to the interviews, listen to the candidates, and make your voice heard on whichever one you believe would be best for our schools.
Karen
5:28 pm on Friday, November 30, 2012
I do not support Mr. Raymond. His support of Tom McMillin is of major concern to me. Mr. Raymond's views regarding McMillin's stances recent civil rights legislation and public education are not in line with what we need in a public school board member.