By Crystal Hayduk
Chelsea School District Board of Education (BOE) Trustee Keri Poulter has resigned from her elected post, according to a letter read by Kristin van Reesema, BOE president, at the meeting on Jan. 10.
Poulter’s letter, dated Jan. 7, 2022, requested acceptance of her formal resignation effective immediately.
Poulter wrote that the decision to resign after serving for three years was difficult. “…Working beside some of the best public education administrators, educators and staff in the state has been a great honor.
“It’s been a great honor to serve a community that I love dearly.
“I wish you and the board of education well. I know that the board will always keep the best interest of our students and the Chelsea School District in mind,” she wrote in closing.
The process to fill the vacancy left by an incumbent’s resignation is addressed in Board Policy 0142.5, located here: https://go.boarddocs.com/mi/chel/Board.nsf/Public?open&id=policies#.
During the meeting, van Reesema reviewed the policy in depth. The board needs to fill the vacancy within 30 business days. If not, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District Board of Education will fill the opening by appointment.
The person who is selected to fill the vacancy will retain the position until the next regular school board election, Nov. 8, 2022.
Persons who would like to serve on the school board are asked to submit a letter of interest, a resume, and a notarized proof of residency preferably to the superintendent’s executive assistant, Vicky Lawrence, at [email protected]; or alternatively to BOE trustee Laura Bush at [email protected] no later than 3 p.m. on Jan. 28.
More information about the position will be available through a pop-up box on the district’s website at https://www.chelsea.k12.mi.us/. (It was not yet available at press time) or by contacting Vicky Lawrence at the above email or by calling (734) 433-2208 ext. 6088.
According to the board’s policy, the board may interview candidates, which would require a special public meeting.
Appointment of the new board member requires a majority vote by the full board.
The board expects to vote on the new trustee at its regular meeting on Feb. 14.
School board member terms run for six years. This November, voters will decide on four seats, which include the one vacated by Poulter. Other terms set to expire in 2022 are currently held by Laura Bush, Shawn Quilter, and Kristin van Reesema. It is unknown whether the incumbents will seek reelection.
