Rochester Community Schools Board Member Resigns

ROCHESTER, MI — The Rochester Community School District Board of Education is looking to fill a trustee position after Treasurer Kristin Bull resigned from her post on Aug. 30.

"We thank Mrs. Bull for her years of service to Rochester Community Schools, Board President Michelle Bueltel said. "Kristin has many talents that have benefited the district over the years. She focused on collaboration and always keeping our students at the center of every decision."

Bull announced her resignation in an email, saying "it has been an honor and a privilege to serve this community in collaboration with the dedicated educators who show up every day for our kids."

"I step aside with hope that my successor will bring to this role the energy, resolve and clear focus needed to continue to move RCS forward," Bull said.

Bull's resignation comes after former Rochester Community Schools Superintendent Robert Shaner resigned in August after more than 16 months after parents asked him to step down following a lawsuit with a Rochester parent.

John Silveri, a resident of the Rochester area for 15 years, will appointed interim superintendent while the districts searches for someone to permanently fill the role.

Rochester Community Schools Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Debi Fragomeni said Bull has been a dedicated public servant, volunteering as a Board member to put the needs of students first.

"During her tenure, the Board ensured a balanced and equitable spending plan that supported high-quality student programs, such as the addition of the district’s orchestra program," Fragomeni said. "Bond and sinking fund programs were also overwhelmingly supported by the community to enhance safety and school security and provide long-lasting districtwide improvements. We are truly grateful for Kristin’s leadership and service to our community."

The Board said it will follow the Revised School Code and Michigan Election Law in appointing an eligible candidate to fill the vacant trustee position, which will begin immediately and run through Dec. 31, 2024.

Anyone interested in the position must submit an application and a resume to the board by 12 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13. Postmark dates will not be considered.

You can submit your application and resume online here or drop it off or mail the packet to: Rochester Community School District Administration Building, 52585 Dequindre Road, Rochester, MI 48307. The packets should be addressed: "To the Attention of Michelle Bueltel, President, Board of Education of the Rochester Community School District."

To be eligible to serve on the Rochester Community Schools Board of Education, candidates must be a qualified school elector. Being a qualified school elector means a candidate must be a registered voter in the district. Additionally, the candidate must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States of America, a resident of the state of Michigan for at least 30 days, and a resident of the Rochester Community School District.

Any individual who has been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty, deceit, fraud, or a breach of the public trust related to an elective office or position of government employment is disqualified from service on the Board.

The Board will identify applicants who will move to the interview phase during a regular meeting held on Monday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Stoney Creek High School media center, 6755 Sheldon Road in Rochester Hills.

On Wednesday, Sept. 27, a special meeting will be held to meet candidates, conduct public interviews, and select a trustee. The meeting is tentatively scheduled for 6 p.m.

General duties and responsibilities of a Board member include: coordinating initiatives with the superintendent of schools, establishing policy for the district on the advice of legal counsel, adopting the budget and aligning funding priorities with district goals, determining school facility needs and responding to community ideas.

Commitments include: attending and preparing for the Board of Education meetings and closed sessions, participating in school assignments, which average approximately six meetings or activities per year, participating in district liaison assignments, which average one per month (such as seats on committees within the greater Rochester area or within the Oakland Schools organization) and joining in commemoration ceremonies, to include commencements and honors events. Other duties may include approximately two additional meetings or activities per month.

The application timeline is as follows:

● Thursday, Aug. 31 – Vacancy announced to the community

● Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 12 p.m. – Deadline for receipt of applications

● Monday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. – Applicants moving to the interview phase will be identified during the meeting

● Wednesday, Sept. 27

6 p.m. – Open house to meet the candidates

6:30 p.m. – Candidate interviews, followed by the appointment of a trustee

Bull served as a trusted member of the Rochester Community School District Board of Education since 2015. During her tenure, she has held several officer positions, including three years as president.

Additional district and application information is available on the district website at: www.rochester.k12.mi.us.