Clarkston is one vote away from moving May school elections to November.
Clarkston Board of Education hammered out details of a resolution to be discussed for possible vote at its Aug. 24 meeting. It will initially call for even-year November elections of board members serving six-year terms.
‘All options are still on the table,? said board President Stephen Hyer.
Trustee Barry Bomier opposes six-year terms.
‘Six years is a long time,? Bomier said. ‘This is hard work, sometimes grueling, sometimes emotionally draining ? that should be a consideration.?
But six years could give trustees a chance to learn the ropes and time to put that knowledge to use, said Trustee Rosalie Lieblang.
‘It would give you a chance to apply what you’ve learned,? Lieblang said.
It would also require a greater commitment, she said.
School elections in May cost about $44,000 each year, contracted with city, township and county clerks. Piggybacking on November even-year elections, cost to school district would be zero.
‘My goal is cost savings ? that’s the number one priority for me,? said Secretary Cheryl McGinnis.
Hyer disagreed.
‘It’s foolish to base the decision entirely on dollars,? he said.
November elections also place school-board candidates in a field of local, state, and federal office seekers, at risk of political interference and making campaigning more expensive, he said.
‘I don’t think the school board should go to those with the most money,? he said.
May elections, with their smaller vote turnout, are also vulnerable to special-interest influence, he said.
A stumbling block may be state law, which makes any switch to November elections permanent.
‘The decision to move to November is irreversible,? Hyer said. ‘That’s what irks me the most. I’m all in favor of trying it, and if it doesn’t work, going back.?
Also annoying is the history of the issue, with school districts pressured to solve problems caused by the state, Hyer said.
‘When I joined the board, school districts ran their own election ? they cost about $12,000,? he said. ‘Since consolidation forced districts to contract with townships or counties, the cost has become $45,000. It’s frustrating.?
Issues also include timing. Board members elected in May join the board in July, during summer break and budget cycles. Trustees elected in November would join the board in January, in the middle of the school year and in the midst of budget discussions.
Boatman said new trustees would have a sharper learning curve, but could handle it.
‘We talk about budget all year long,? she said.
According to research she collected earlier this year, 21 districts in Oakland County switched to November elections, annual, odd-year, or even-year. Clarkston is among seven districts with May elections.
Bomier is not impressed.
‘Just because our neighbors do it, doesn’t mean we have to do it,? Bomier said.
Odd-year November elections, with fewer elections to piggyback on, would cost about $30,000.
‘If we don’t go to even-year November, what sense would it make,? said Treasurer Joe Armstrong. ‘We’d might as well stay with May.?
Trustee Joan Patterson said voters she spoke with want cost savings with six-year terms, but others liked the greater accountability of four-year terms.
‘That was really interesting ? I was surprised,? she said.
The board’s final decision should be based on what’s best for the district, Hyer said.
‘Kids need the highest level of leadership,? he said.
The board will meet at 7 p.m., Monday, Aug. 24, at school administration, 6389 Clarkston Road. Call 248-623-5400.