Pettersen Resigns From Bloomfield Hills Schools Board; Applicants Needed

Bloomfield Hills Schools Board Member Kate Pettersen submitted her formal letter of resignation at last night's board meeting, effective immediately.

"It has been my pleasure to serve the community and the district," Pettersen said in her letter. "I have grown in knowledge and understanding of instruction and the unique complexities of public education. The staff of Bloomfield Hills Schools has been outstanding to work with, always professional, and with a true heart to serve the students and their families.”

Pettersen, elected to the board in 2008 and appointed secretary in 2010, announced last month that her family was leaving the district as her husband pursued a new job. Her husband, Mike Pettersen, is a pediatric cardiologist at the Children's Hospital of Michigan.

Her departure is bittersweet for other members of the board.

"Kate has demonstrated her passion for our children in public education both through her willingness to learn and energy for her trustee position," Board President Ingrid Day said in a written statement. "Kate exemplifies what it means to be unselfish in the role of serving others."

Day and the other board members are now tasked with appointing a replacement. Pettersen's term expires in December 2014, but any candidate for the position would need to be elected in November 2012 to fill the balance. State law allows the district 30 days from the resignation date to appoint a replacement before the county does.

District officials said application packets will be sent to those that send the board a letter of interest. The packets are due by 4 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10. Candidate interviews are scheduled for Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, each starting at 6 p.m. The board plans to select its newest member at it's regularly scheduled meeting on Nov. 17 and a special swearing-in ceremony is planned for Nov. 21.

Applicants must be:

• At least 18 years old
• A U.S. citizen and registered voter
• A Michigan resident for at least 30 days
• A resident of the school district

Those interested in applying should send a letter of interest, including name, address and contact information, by 4 p.m. on Nov. 2 to:

Board Trustee Search
c/o Ingrid Day, President
Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education
4175 Andover Road
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302.