WISD Board of Education Seeks to Fill Trustee Vacancy
Ann Arbor, Mich – Dr. Theresa Saunders, who has served with distinction as a Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) Trustee since 2015, has announced that she will step down from the Board of Education before the completion of her term, ending June 2027. Her resignation is effective October 8, 2024.
“Serving on the board of the WISD has been an incredible honor. The work we have done to build an inclusive school community has been both meaningful and humbling,” Dr. Saunders said. “I am thankful to have served a district with such passionate and dedicated educators.”
WISD Superintendent Naomi Norman expressed her deepest gratitude for Dr. Saunders’ exemplary service to the district. Norman noted that her service positively impacted children and families in Washtenaw County.
“Dr. Saunders has been an exemplary leader and board member for WISD,” Norman said. “Her unwavering commitment to educational access for all students has been instrumental in shaping our vision for a more inclusive education system, and she has been a driving force for change here in Washtenaw. We are deeply grateful for her public service.”
The district is now accepting letters of intent and resumes for candidates interested in filling the vacancy until the next WISD board election in June 2025.
Qualified applicants must be:
- A resident of one of the following school districts: Dexter, Chelsea, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Whitmore Lake, or Ypsilanti*
- Committed to WISD’s Educational Equity Policy
- A registered voter in the school district where they are a candidate
- 18 years of age or older
- Citizen of the United States
- Able to attend regularly scheduled board meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. every month, plus occasional workshops and special board meetings as needed.
Letters of intent should detail qualifications and experiences with public schools and school governance, as well as the applicant’s commitment to educational equity. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to equity, have prior board experience – particularly on a school board – and are actively involved and engaged within their community. It is preferred that applicants also have knowledge of public school systems, experience working with children and youth, and familiarity with or experience serving students with special needs.
Letters of intent and resumes should be submitted by Friday, October 4, 2024, to Board President Diane Hockett at WISDboard@washtenawisd.org. The board will review applications on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. They will then invite qualified candidates to interview on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at their regularly scheduled board meeting. After the final interview, the Board will make its selection and appoint a new trustee.
Inquiries can be sent to Diane Hockett, WISDboard@washtenawisd.org, or Superintendent Naomi Norman, nnorman@washtenawisd.org. Letters may be submitted electronically or mailed to: Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Attention: Diane Hockett, 1819 S. Wagner Road, P.O. Box 1406, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1406.
*Ann Arbor Public Schools residents are ineligible. State law dictates that no more than two members of the board may be from the same school district. WISD already has two sitting board members that reside within the boundaries of Ann Arbor Public Schools.