Potential candidates for the Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education have until Thursday, April 8 to file nominating petitions, and at least one more candidate is needed for the June 7 ballot.
Board President Karen Foyteck announced her intention to run for another four-year term, but Trustee Mary Ellen McLean said she will bow out this year.
‘It’s been eight years,? she said after Monday’s school board meeting. ‘My youngest daughter is graduating this year, and I think it’s time to devote time to other things.?
In making her announcement at the board meeting, McLean urged parents of elementary and middle school students to consider running for the board. While not citing it as a requirement, she later said only two of the remaining trustees will actually have children in the district.
‘I think it’s a perspective we’re lacking on the board,? she said. ‘I think it’s time to get some fresh blood in there.?
Deputy Superintendent David Reschke, who will again serve as election administrator for the annual school election, said nominating petitions are available at his office or by calling (248) 623-5413.
To earn a spot on the ballot, a nominee must gather at least 40 valid signatures of registered Clarkston school district voters. To register to vote, citizens may visit their local government clerk’s office or the Michigan Secretary of State’s office.
In addition to officially placing the two school board seats on the ballot, trustees approved a proposal for a two-year, 4.5-mill renewal of the ‘non-homestead? property tax for school operations.
The two-year renewal is a departure from tradition, but officials said it will bring its expiration to the same date as the rest of the 18-mill tax levy.
Under 1994’s ‘Proposal A,? the bulk of the local operating millage was shifted to a 6-mill, state-collected tax levy on all property.
The extra 18 mills, levied only on commercial, industrial, rental and second-residence property, is considered a local tax levy, and Clarkston schools elected several years ago to run partial renewals on an annual basis to counteract Headlee Amendment rollbacks.
While the district has again elected to administer their own election, the board approved a contract to again use services from Independence Township in relation to voter registration, verification and other election-related duties.
The cost, estimated between $12,000 and $13,000, includes printing of ballots and time for township employees. Because Oakland Community College will also have items for the ballot, the local district can expect partial reimbursement for ballot printing this year.
The total cost of the election, if entirely run by township officials, would be between $25,000 and $30,000, Reschke said. The school district will not necessarily save money under the current system, because of ‘soft costs? in school district labor, but board Vice President Ron Sullivan said it gives the district ‘more control? over the administration of the election.
School officials such as Reschke are required to follow state election procedures and maintain separate election-related functions in the same way a municipal clerk does for regular elections.