Jackie Hart Joins Ferndale School Board
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Jan. 5, 2016)
Ferndale, MI – In a unanimous decision the Ferndale School Board has appointed Jackie Hart to serve as the next board trustee, filling the seat left vacant when Raylon Leaks-May was elected to Ferndale City Council.
Hart wrote in her application “Even though I’ve only been in the FPS district for 5 years, I have a vested interest in the success of the district, as a parent, volunteer, and homeowner. With the addition of new programs and changes being implemented in the district, our students are provided with many resources to help them perform well academically, professionally, and socially to be productive citizens in the community. I want to ensure that the vision and goals addressed in the strategic plan continue and are carried out successfully. ”
Michelle Foster, Michael Peacock, Chris Mahar and Warren Block also applied and were interviewed Monday evening.
The School Board also selected new officers for the year. Jennifer LaTosch is the President. Nan Kerr-Mueller is the Vice President. Amy Butters is the Secretary and Kevin Deegan-Krause is the Treasurer.
LaTosch said of the decision to select Hart, “We selected Jackie Hart, in a unanimous vote, as the new Ferndale School Board Trustee for several reasons. Jackie has been a dedicated volunteer in and for the Ferndale Public Schools for many years, she served on the Ferndale Education Foundation, was active in the PTSA (past Vice President, past Communications Chair, past Craft Fair Co-Chair, etc.), member of the JFK PTA, FMS School Improvement Team, in-class volunteer, member of the African American Parent Network, and most currently served on the Sinking Fund Committee.
“Her initial application and her statements last night focused on integrity, diversity, equity, open communication, and her passion for representing those who may not feel heard or who feel under-represented. As a parent of two children in Ferndale Schools and through her involvement, Jackie is familiar with our Strategic Plan and will hit the ground running, continuing our work toward quality, achievement and equity. The Board and the district as a whole will benefit from Jackie’s professional skills and personal insights. We were lucky to have five incredible applicants interested in completing Raylon Leaks-May’s term, which is just one example of the dedication and commitment of our community for our schools and our students. I am very thankful to all of the applicants, and very much looking forward to working with Jackie Hart as our new Trustee.”
The School Board Trustee position is a non-paying, volunteer position.  The board is responsible for the budget and setting policies for the Ferndale School District.  The District includes most of Ferndale, all of Pleasant Ridge, and parts of Oak Park and Royal Oak Township.
For more on Ferndale Schools see www.ferndaleschools.org.