New Trustee Elizabeth Egan stepped up and into her new role Monday night, as Clarkston Board of Education President Steve Hyer swore her in.
Egan was one of six candidates interviewed prior to the regularly scheduled meeting to fill former board member Joe Armstrong’s seat.
Her business background, passion for learning and community involvement were a few attributes setting her apart from the other candidates, board members said.
‘I was very impressed,? said Trustee Joan Patterson. ‘She brings a strong financial background.?
Her business background and understanding finances can help as the board continually looks at the district’s budget.
She graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in packaging. She worked for DOW Chemical for 18 years, first starting out in marketing and product design.
She continued her education at Central Michigan University and earned her masters in business administration allowing her to go into strategic planning for DOW.
As a mother of two high school students, she stands as a role model continuing to learn.
‘I have a passion for education,? she told the board. ‘We are life-long learners. I would like us to instill passion in the kids for them to continue learning more.?
She also said, if chosen for the position, she would keep her focus on the students when making decisions.
‘We want to be fair for all the kids,? she said pointing out the board should choose criterias when making decisions – what impacts kids and what to preserve, while keeping positive communication.
‘In these tough economic rough times with limited resources that is when leadership shows,? said Egan. ‘I think if we were going to serve our community right, we would have more positive communication. We need to be ambassadors for our schools.?
Egan is an active PTA Council President as well as PTSA President and a parent volunteer. She is on the parent advisory committee working with Superintendent Dr. Albert Roberts.
She has also worked as a guest teacher in the schools and has seen the challenges teachers and students face on a daily basis.
The board members voted on three other candidates before Egan was chosen. The prior votes were split, 3-3.
Trustee Rosalie Lieblang moved to appoint Egan as new board member with support from Vice President Susan Boatman. The motion passed, 5-1, Secretary Cheryl McGinnis voting no.
All members were looking at different characteristics as each candidate was interviewed, McGinnis and Trustee Barry Bomier swayed for candidates with previous board experience to help guide them through current financial issues.
‘Experience speaks volumes,? said Bomier. ‘Experience and knowledge are on the top of my list.?
‘Prior experience is valuable,? said Lieblang. But, she noted, some candidates without previous experience had followed the financial process from the beginning and had knowledge of what the board faces in the budget cuts.
‘Usually when six or seven run for board, it is not for good purposes,? said Roberts. ‘We were fortunate to have seven with an agenda to help district for a better tomorrow than it is today. I appreciate all seven candidates.?
After Egan was sworn in, Lieblang was elected treasurer by the board.