Board Vacancy Announcement

Due to the recent appointment of Krista Ritchard to the Egelston Township Clerk and Township Board then her subsequent resignation from the Oakridge Board of Education, Oakridge Public Schools is seeking applications for a vacant trustee position on the Oakridge Board of Education. The individual selected for appointment will fill the vacant position until the November 2028 elections have been held and certified and a newly elected individual has been sworn-in to fill the remainder of this 6-year term which expires December 31, 2030. 

Interested persons must submit a letter expressing interest, rationale, and qualifications to fill the board vacancy. Letters can be addressed to Board President Doug DeWitte and delivered to the Oakridge Administration Building at 275 South Wolf Lake Road, Muskegon, Michigan, 49442, no later than noon on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Applicants may be interviewed on Monday, August 10, 2026 at a public board meeting. The Board of Education may appoint a candidate to fill the vacancy on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at its regularly scheduled board meeting. If you have any questions concerning the role of the board of education and the responsibilities of a board member, please contact Tom Livezey, Superintendent of Oakridge Public Schools, at 231.788.7100.

Checklist for Qualified School Board Candidates

1. Put children first. A qualified school board candidate should believe that every student deserves an equal, quality education. They should have a true commitment to the successful future of all students in the district and a proven history of advocacy on their behalf.
2. No personal or political agenda. Board candidates shouldn’t be running on their own personal agenda or political aspirations. Instead, they must have a passion for public education and believe that all students are entitled to a quality education.
3. Provide leadership. A qualified school board candidate should be passionate about moving the district forward. To accomplish this, a candidate needs to be an innovative problem solver who’s effective in building consensus and isn’t adverse to change and reform.
4. Appreciate diverse viewpoints. A qualified candidate values positive cultures and demonstrates a willingness listen to alternate viewpoints focused on progress.
5. Understand budget and finances. Qualified school board candidates must understand their role as fiscal managers of the district with the responsibility of dedicating resources to the priorities of the district while maintaining a balanced budget.
6. Know educational policy. A qualified school board candidate should be somewhat familiar with education policy and the role of the school board in policy making.
7. Demonstrate integrity. A qualified school board candidate must be a person who has demonstrated honesty, integrity and trustworthiness and adheres to a high ethical standard.
8. Understands community outreach. A qualified school board candidate understands the importance of engaging the community in the school board’s decision-making process.
9. Expects accountability. A qualified school board candidate must be able to hold the superintendent accountable to the goals of the district and in turn recognize they are accountable to the community.