Barry Bomier’s experience as a past school board member was cited as the primary reason for his selection to fill a vacancy on the Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education.
The choice was made Monday, July 12 by the six other trustees after interviewing seven applicants for the seat formerly held by Tony Miller.
Miller, elected in 2003, resigned effective July 1. His resignation came too late to include that seat on last month’s school election ballot, so the existing board was required to fill the vacancy.
Bomier will be sworn in at the July 26 meeting, and will serve until the 2005 school election (likely to be scheduled in May under new state election laws).
All seven hopefuls had submitted applications to the board, and the board conducted individual 10-minute interviews with each.
Trustees said all seven were qualified, but Trustee John Koval said Bomier’s service on the school board from 1994 to 1996 was the deciding factor, even though he knew many of the applicants personally.
‘I just had to remove the faces and go instead by the notes and resumes,? Koval said.
Trustee Sheila Hughes agreed. ‘He brings some knowledge and experience that we need.?
Trustee Ron Sullivan said that is an important consideration as the board prepares for a new school year and ongoing budget and construction issues.
‘We can hit the ground a little bit quicker than with some of the other candidates,? Sullivan said.
No other nominations were considered, although new Trustee Joan Patterson said she ‘struggled? with the decision, noting Jean Dasuqi’s qualifications as an early childhood specialist.
Bomier had previously admitted to not attending many school board meetings in recent months, but said his concern and passion for local schools have never waned.
‘When my term was up [in 1996], I felt very complete in my service at that time,? he said, but issues such as school funding and the reconfiguration of grades 6 through 9 are new challenges. ‘I think it’s going to challenge everyone’s ability to come together and go forward.?
Bomier previously earned ‘certified board member? status from the Michigan Association of School Boards, and said he would work hard to get up to speed on current issues and policies.
He also said he is ‘very comfortable? with the current district administration.
Bomier is program manager for military projects for Michelin and is involved in several community service activities. ‘It is my intention to restructure my time? to fulfill all the duties of a trustee, he said.
Other applicants included Jeffrey Allsteadt and Diane Weller, unsuccessful candidates in 2003 and 2004; Jean Dasuqi and Sherrill Kerby, who ran in 2003 but not 2004; and newcomers Robert Bice and Larry Stephens.
Citing a desire for ‘continuity? on the school board, Hughes asked Bomier if he would run for election next year.
Bomier, who was also an unsuccessful candidate in the June election, answered in the affirmative.
‘I was able to retrieve 83 of my campaign signs,? he said.