WISD Board Appoints New Trustee

At their regular meeting held on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) Board of Education interviewed five candidates to fill a vacancy left by Dr. Theresa Saunders on October 8, 2024. After three and a half hours of interviews and deliberation, the WISD Board of Education appointed Dorcas Musili, resident of Ypsilanti Community Schools, to fill the vacancy until the next board election in June 2025.

“Dorcas Musili understood the experiences of the many different students and families we serve at WISD,” stated WISD Board President Diane Hockett. “She spoke authentically of the experiences of rural students, immigrant and refugee students, students of color, special education students, and more. It was evident that she is passionate about ensuring all students have what they need to thrive. We look forward to welcoming Dorcas to the board.”

The district accepted letters of intent and resumes from interested candidates from September 17 through October 4, 2024. Qualified applicants needed to be a resident of the school district of Dexter, Chelsea, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Whitmore Lake, or Ypsilanti. Due to state law dictating that no more than two members of the board may be from the same school district, residents of Ann Arbor Public Schools were ineligible. Applicants also needed to be at least 18 years old, a registered voter in the school district where they are a candidate, and a citizen of the United States. The WISD Board also requested that applicants demonstrate a commitment to WISD’s Educational Equity Policy.

In addition to Musili, the WISD Board of Education interviewed Patricia Dignan of Ypsilanti, Sadaf Ali of Ypsilanti Township (Lincoln), Beth Kubitskey of Saline, and Jason Towler of Whitmore Lake.

Each interview lasted approximately 25-30 minutes, during which the Board asked a variety of questions where they sought to understand each candidate’s experiences, beliefs and priorities for public schools in Washtenaw County. 

The WISD Board of Education believed that Dorcas Musili would bring a unique perspective and passion for serving students and families. As an Ypsilanti Township resident, board certified nurse practitioner and registered nurse, and immigrant from Kenya, it was clear that Musili understood many different experiences of students in our school communities. 

“I believe that we should always do what’s right for the greater good and contribute to our community positively,” shared Musili during her interview with the WISD Board of Education. “We should work together, listen and try to understand each other’s experiences, and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. I hope to make a difference with the WISD.”

Musili will take her oath of office and be sworn in as a WISD Board Trustee on Friday, November 1, 2024.