Goodrich-As the saying goes’the third time’s the charm.
For Mike Tripp, the second time around proved to be his charm.
Tripp was elected for a one year term on the Goodrich Board of Education at the reorganizational meeting on July 21 after losing in the initial school board election on June 9.
The vote was five to one, with new board member, Timothy Zirnhelt, voting no.
Tripp had previously been on the board for eight years and is eager to return.
Tripp has a background in accounting, and is the Director Internal Auditor for Hurley Medical Center in Flint. His focus for the upcoming year is keeping the budget balanced and he has a great interest in improving many of the advanced placement classes and those that are offered to ‘gifted students,? while concentrating on improvements to the overall curriculum.
‘Historically we have always been a very good board and I am confident we will continue to be this year.?
Tripp was initially defeated by Ken Rappuhn, who was elected as the board’s new vice-president, and Timothy Zirnhelt, who was appointed as trustee for his first term. The margin was small as Tripp was defeated by less than 30 votes by Zirnhelt.
During the reorganizational meeting, applicants were interviewed by the board with questions pertaining to experience that may be helpful to the board, intentions and overall opinions about what their involvement on the school board may be. The choice was between two applicants and Tripp is pleased to get the vote.
Every year the board elects new officers. The trustees serve four year terms, unless a position needs to be filled for less than that time frame, which was true in Tripp’s case meaning he will have to run in the school board election again next year for a four year term. He replaced Chris Maciag’s seat, who retired this year due to a job transfer.
‘I’m excited about and feel very good about their decision that was made. I am also happy they chose me because of how close the vote count was,? said Tripp.
Tripp was not the only board member receiving handshakes.
Michael J. Thorp, the board’s president for three years and board member for 11, was re-elected as president. No other applicants vied for the position and Thorp received a unanimous vote.
‘I think we have a great board that works well together. It is nice to have Michael (Tripp) back again. He has always been very good with the budget and brings a lot of good qualities to our board,? Thorp said.
Incumbent member, Ken Rappuhn, was satisfied with the board’s decision to nominate him as vice-president, switching his position from board trustee in only one year. He was nominated by board trustee Robert Chlebnik.
‘My role will basically be to fill in for the president when he can’t be there. I told the board that I was willing to do more, and to use me as they see fit. I’m eager to see what the upcoming year will bring,? said Rappuhn.