Following two days of interviewing eighteen interested candidates, the Dexter Board of Education has appointed Jason Gold to fill the seat recently vacated by former Trustee Michael Wendorf. Announcing the appointment at a special meeting held Wednesday evening, the BOE is in compliance with Michigan state law stating the Board must fill any vacancy within 30 days. Gold’s term will run through the December 2020.
Gold is married with five children. He is a retired Ann Arbor Police Officer and currently works professionally as an advocate for youth, families, education, community, public safety, and health. He serves on the United Way of Washtenaw Board and the Michigan Children’s Trust Fund. Mr. Gold stated, “I am really thrilled to support the students, parents, and staff with their basic needs and educational needs so they can be Champion Learners.”
After sharing background information and pertinent information about themselves, candidates were asked to share why they are interested in serving on the Dexter Board of Education. Trustees questioned candidates on their view of current Board’s strengths and weaknesses, and specifically what they see as the biggest issue currently facing both the Board and the District.
Following each interview, the candidates then had the opportunity to ask questions of the Board.
Board members shared how impressed they were with the high caliber of candidates, and pleased that so many in the community were willing to step up and serve. Gold’s experience working as an advocate in schools, his record of volunteering and service and his previous board experience were just a few of the many positive comments shared by Board members when discussing his selection.
“I believe that Jason Gold will be an excellent board member and look forward to working with him,” said Board of Education President Julie Schumaker. “We had an excellent pool of 18 candidates who applied for the open school board seat. There were many extremely well-qualified individuals. I thank all the candidates for their willingness to serve the district.”
Following Gold’s appointment, Board members encouraged all candidates to continue their involvement with the District as there are three Board seats up for reelection in November 2020.
The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, March 9 at 7 p.m. in the Bates Board Room located at Bates School, 2704 Baker Road. A Board Community Chat is scheduled an hour prior at 6 p.m., same location.
