Dearborn School Board President Resigns

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Applications are being taken by Dearborn Public Schools to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of school board president Aimee Schoelles, who is moving from Dearborn to take a job in Ohio.

Schoelles’ resignation was effective Tuesday, according to a news release from the school district. She had served as a trustee on the school board for 15 years.

“I was hesitant about applying (for the new job) because my heart’s in Dearborn, but it’s a great opportunity for me and my family,” Schoelles said. “I thought that I could drive it, but it’s a 75 mile drive one way.”

Trustees must live in the district in order to be a member of the board.

As a board member, Schoelles worked with four superintendents, three college presidents, and fourteen different trustees. Schoelles said she had to make many difficult decisions during her tenure.

“I am so incredibly grateful that the citizens of Dearborn put their trust in me, especially when it comes to their kids,” Schoelles said.

Early on in her career she and fellow board members made tough decisions on district boundaries, always a sensitive topic for parents. She shepherded the school board through state budget cuts, and was instrumental in the successful passage of the 2003 bond proposal that brought four new schools, building additions, and technology upgrades to the district. Again in 2013, her leadership helped in the success of the 2013 SMART Bond.

“Her leadership on the board, her leadership in the community is going to be sorely, sorely missed,” commented Dearborn Superintendent Brian Whiston, who is leaving his position to become the state school superintendent.

School officials and community members will salute Schoelles at a casual reception prior to the July 13 school board meeting.

With Schoelles stepping down, the board has 30 days from her resignation date – June 30 – to appoint a new trustee.

Anyone living in the Dearborn Public Schools district may apply for the vacant seat. Applications will be accepted from July 1 through July 9.

Those interested should hand deliver or send a letter of interest, resume and three references to the Dearborn Public Schools Administration Building, 18700 Audette, Room 6, Dearborn, MI 48124.

All materials must be in the Administration Building by 4 p.m. EDT on July 9.

The Board will review all submitted applications and select finalists to interview during the July 13, 2015 Board Meeting. Final interviews will occur at the July 20, 2015 Henry Ford College Board meeting followed by a selection of a new Board member to fill the open seat.

The applicant selected will serve until the next general election in November 2016.