Quick Hits: BHSD Shrinks Trustee Terms; Names New Special Education Director

Members of the Board of Education on Thursday voted to shrink their term of elected office from six to four years, but not until 2015.

The move, which passed 5-2, was in response to relatively new state laws that require school districts to hold elections during November of even-numbered years.

Since 2004, school districts have had the option of conducting school board elections in May or November during odd-numbered years. However, under the laws signed by Gov. Rick Snyder last November, school board elections will occur at the same time as presidential and gubernatorial elections. The board began discussing options in February and decided to reduce the terms, as several .

The law is intended to help districts save money by consolidating elections. The board decided to delay implementation because doing so now would open five seats for contention every other year. Waiting until 2015 reduces that to four seats.

Trustee Cynthia von Oeyen, who is in her third six-year term, said she was opposed to the change because of the potential impact on board experience, continuity and perspective. She noted the potential that the majority of the board could change every two years.

"I'm concerned about majority of board being turned over every other election," she said. "To me, that‘s not the benefit of the community, or gives a smoother succession."

Trustee Jacqueline El-Sayed, who was first elected to the board in 2010, said she believed the shortened term will help attract potential candidates that were intimidated by a six-year commitment.

"Having a good pool of individuals that are willing to serve, and having fresh eyes and community involvement is really important," she said. "I think it will really entice people."

There was no comment from the public on the issue at Thursday's meeting.

Baron Says He's Interested

announced he is considering a bid for the Board of Education in November. The retired automotive financial executive said he formed a committee called "Friends of Howard Baron," and has his eye on one of three positions up in the fall, according to a press release.

The committee will begin soliciting contributions and signatures to formally enter the race by August.

Baron, of Bloomfield Township, is actively involved with the district's Community Partnership Committees and he said he's made significant contributions to the Financial Communications, Relationship Outreach, and Curriculum sub-committees.

New Special Education Director

Pamela Schoemer was appointed the new director of special education by a unanimous vote Thursday. Schoemer was the special education director in the  Brandon School District since 2006 and also worked in the Birmingham Public Schools. She is succeeding long-time Special Education Director Carolyn Packard, who is retiring.

The two are working together on the transition, which should be complete by Schoemer's July 1 start date.

"Every experience I’ve had so far (in the district), it has been so warm and embracing and I can’t wait to start," she said.