Anew state election law meant 2004 had the final June school election, but when will it be scheduled in 2005?
Clarkston school officials appear to prefer the option of a May election, and will follow state-mandated procedures to establish that as an annual event.
‘It would pretty much keep the pattern of board service the way it is,? President Karen Foyteck said at the Monday, Aug. 9 school board meeting.
To establish the May election date, the board must pass a resolution and conduct a public hearing (tentatively scheduled for Oct. 11), because the intent of the new state law is to move school elections to November.
Deputy Superintendent David Reschke outlined several options, including those which could save money. (The district pays as much as $30,000 annually on elections.)
Having the school board elected during regular November elections, for example, would require the district to pay only a portion of the cost for ballot printing and election administration. Even with separate elections, the board could conduct every-other-year elections.
Treasurer Ron Sullivan objected to the every-other-year option, noting it would require a major change in the trustees’s terms of office.
Foyteck also objected to the November election date because of their ‘partisan? nature. Although non-partisan positions such as judges also appear on the general election ballot, Foyteck said voters could be confused.
‘People would make a leap of assumption, and it would be a threat,? she said.
Reschke said the annual May election would accomplish other benefits. Since special elections will now require a petition signed by registered voters, having a regularly scheduled election will help district officials plan for millage or bond elections.
‘We should be able to plan all our issues around the annual election,? he said.
Even when there are no special ballot questions, having at least two trustee seats up for election each year, Reschke believes it will be good for school concerns.
‘It gives the community a chance to talk to us about their needs on an annual basis,? he said. ‘It separates our issues from the general public election. It creates a time for people to really focus on educational issues.?
The new election law also mandates administration of all elections by municipal clerks, and Reschke believes a fair contract can be negotiated with the Independence Township Clerk’s office. While the school district has administered its own elections the past two years, the township clerk’s office has been credited with significant assistance.
Beginning in 2005, those elected will serve four-year terms of office, increasing from the current three.
In addition to the public hearing, the district will be required to develop a formal resolution which must be reviewed by legal counsel and the Michigan Secretary of State.