Goodrich- The school board is losing a veteran.
After almost two decades on the school board of trustees, Michael J. Thorp will step down effective May 6.
Thorp, 53, announced on Monday that, he, along with his wife Ginny are relocating to the Flint area after residing in the school district for more than 20 years.
‘After 18 years at Goodrich I’m extremely proud of our growth in the arts, athletics and academics. I’m passionate about the arts’when I started here we had one band’today our arts have expanded to include graphic arts, theater and music at several grades. We have a lot going for us here with the quality of teachers and supportive parents. When I voted, I put the students first, then taxpayers.?
Thorp, a Davison High School graduate, was a longtime broadcaster in television and radio including anchor for WJRT-TV ABC 12 in Flint. He was first appointed to the board in 1993 after then trustee Rudy Deschner, ran for Atlas Township supervisor. Later that year, Thorp was elected to the board to complete Deschner’s term, and reelected in 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2006. He served as both board president and vice-president.
Thorp’s current term will expire in 2011. The board will appoint an individual to fill Thorp’s seat within the next 30 days. That individual will serve until June 30, 2010 and run for the seat on the May 2010 school board ballot.
‘In the early 1990s when I started attending Goodrich School Board meetings we held them in the superintendent office’then maybe four or five people would attend,? said Thorp.
‘Not long after that we created a room for the board to meet. Today people are much more interested in education.?
Thorp worked to help establish the Goodrich Educational Foundation, is a member of the Michigan Association of School Boards, and the 100 District Leaders for Civic Engagement and Service-Learning network.
The Thorps have two daughters, Libby, a 2000 GHS graduate, and Ella, a 2008 GHS graduate. In 2000, he became a member of the Davison Hall of Fame. Thorp earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan-Flint and in 2001 was named a Distinguished Alumnus. In 1999 he was awarded U of M’s James Neubacher Award for service to people with disabilities.
‘I will always have an interest in education. I’m not sure if I’ll run for school board in the Flint School District’but in my opinion, the schools are the key to the success of the city. More so than the mayor’s office or city council in Flint.?
Filling the seat will be on the May 6 school board meeting agenda, at 6 p.m., Goodrich Central Offices.
Anyone interested may send a resume to: Joy Moll, 8029 S. Gale Rd, Goodrich, Mich.