Want to Be On the School Board?

Gerald Moore's resignation last week from the Rochester Board of Education has left an opening on the board. Board members plan to fill the position by Dec. 10, just in time for interviews with potential superintendent candidates to begin. 

Moore resigned last Monday night. In an email to the board read by President Jennifer Berwick during the board's regular meeting, Moore said the travel demands of his job, which have intensified recently, caused him to resign. 

"I cannot effectively provide the leadership and contributions necessary to continue as a board trustee," Moore wrote.

He thanked his board colleagues for their understanding over the past year, as he has had to attend many of the meetings remotely, via conference call. 

Moore's term was set to expired Dec. 31, 2016. The school district's bylaws require the board to appoint a replacement within 30 days of a vacancy. That appointed member will serve until the next school election, which will be November 2014; that elected board member will serve until the end of 2016.

Here's what you need to know about the appointment process:

How do I apply?

Download an application here or print out the application that accompanies this story. Applications must be submitted to the board office by 3 p.m. Friday or sent by email to Jennifer Berwick, board president, at jberwick@rochester.k12.mi.us 

What's required?

You must be a U.S. citizen and live in the Rochester Community Schools district. Board members are required to attend regular meetings, serve on committees and act as liaisons for schools. 

Where do I find out more?

Interested applicants are invited to an informal meeting outlining the roles and responsibilities of board members at 6 p.m. tonight in the Graham Conference Room on the 2nd floor of the school Administration Building.

What's the timeline for appointing a board member?

• 3 p.m. Nov. 30: Application deadline
• 6 p.m. Dec. 3: Community members are invited to attend an open house to meet candidates from 6-6:45 p.m. Starting at 7 p.m., board members will interview applicants during a special meeting. Interviews are expected to take between 10-15 minutes each.
• 7 p.m. Dec. 5: The board will interview finalists during a special meeting.
• Dec. 10: The new board member will be sworn in and begin duties.