SE Oakland News

Three new members were sworn in to the Royal Oak School Board at a recent meeting.

Newly-elected members Deborah Anderson, Michelle Cook, and Lauren Jasinski were sworn in by Judge Derek Meinecke of Michigan’s 44th District in front of family and community members.

“I'm excited once again for what this new school board that is beginning its administration is going to put forth for the students of our district. I'm excited about the leadership of all the members of our board,” Meinecke said. “From the court's perspective, the connection between the 44th District Court and our school district, I think, is the strongest connection between any court and any school district in the entire state of Michigan. 

"It comes from the leadership from the top and spreads throughout and permeates throughout the entire district through our parents, administrators and our students," he added. "I'm so glad that we have this connection, even in a ceremonial way to begin your term on the board.”

The board also nominated and voted on new board leadership for 2023 with Maryanne VanHaitsma chosen as board president and Erika Alexander vice president.

Also, Anderson was chosen board secretary, and Timothy Ciechorski was elected board treasurer.

The school board also swore in their first student representatives.

Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick introduced the five students, who had volunteered for the Justice 101 program, from Royal Oak High School. The students applied to the program and were chosen to be sworn in by Meinecke as well as honorary members. There were three junior students, Megan Haun, Cecilia Irwin and Ava Burke, and two seniors, Bridget Simonsen and Carina Lopiccolo.

“This is very nice for me because I know so many of these students," Meinecke said. "One of the great privileges I've had is being able to participate in our Justice 101 program." 

The student representatives introduced themselves at the end of the meeting, sharing how they went through the application process and what they’re looking forward to in working more closely with the school board.