Harper Woods

Board takes seats, officers chosen

By April Lehmbeck
C & G Staff Writer

HARPER WOODS — The Harper Woods School Board officially sat its new members during a meeting Jan. 8 and chose its board officers.

Unless someone leaves their seat, this board will serve for two years with some seats up for re-election in November 2014. 

After state legislation changed the election cycle for schools to every even year during November elections, districts had to adjust their terms to get on that cycle. It affected Harper Woods, which previously had elections each May.

Some board members had months tacked on to their term to adjust to the new election cycle. The current board is the first board seated with the new schedule intact for the next four-year terms.

“As part of the legislation reference above, Board of Education elections will now occur on a bi-annual, rather than annual basis,” Superintendent Todd Biederwolf said in an email. “Accordingly, barring an unexpected resignation, this board will serve as comprised for both the 2013 and 2014 calendar years.   

“One of the advantages this legislative act brings is continuity in Board membership for a two-year period,” he said. “However, the Board of Education will continue to elect officers on an annual basis.”

They elected the 2013 officers during last week’s meeting, with the board not making any changes to their top officers. Brian Selburn, David Kien, Tracy Purnell and Jill Quarker will continue to be president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, respectively. 

Newly elected Regina Williams and Tabithia Mahone joined Joan Mannino as trustees.

When Gov. Rick Snyder signed the bills that changed the dates of school board elections in 2011, it was touted as a money-saving endeavor for districts.

“Utilizing a standard election cycle will cut administrative costs and help schools maintain focus on educating students,” Snyder stated in a press release at that time. “This change also allows for more consolidated elections so voters have the best opportunity to make their voices heard.”

You can reach C & G Staff Writer April Lehmbeck at alehmbeck@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1043.