Trustee Michael Hawkins resigns March 18
By ZEINAB NAJM
Sunday Times Newspapers
TRENTON — Applications for a vacant seat on the Trenton Public Schools Board of Education are being accepted through April 8 following the resignation of a trustee.
Board Secretary and Trustee Michael Hawkins submitted his letter of resignation to the board March 18, effective immediately. He was absent from the March 22 board meeting where the announcement was made.
“Serving the district for over 13 years has been a great honor that I will always cherish,” Hawkins’ letter read. “I have come to meet and work with some outstanding people. Over that time, our district has seen tremendous progress and growth.
“I am confident that the foundation laid by John Savel, Larry Leapley, Rod Wakeham and now Doug Mentzer is very strong. Our current leadership team with the board and Mr. (Douglas) Mentzer and Ms. (Stephanie) O’Connor are ready to handle any task ahead.”
Hawkins did not specify what his next move would be, but wrote, “As I move along my path and seek out other opportunities in the future, I felt it was best to protect the integrity of the position by resigning my seat.”
He also said that throughout his years, the board has made tough decisions that have not always pleased everyone.
“I have always made my decisions on ‘what’s best for kids,’ rather than the easy choice,” the letter read. “Please know that I support everyone on the board and everyone in the district as I know they have the kids’ best interests in mind. Thank you for allowing me to serve you and serve with you.”
According to his LinkedIn page, Hawkins had been a school board member since November 2007, Trenton police officer since 2001 and police lieutenant since 2017.
He graduated from Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Siena Heights University.
With Hawkins’ resignation, Treasurer Heather Lear was voted as the new board secretary and Trustee Rebecca Caldwell as the new treasurer.
President Sean Gearhart said the board has 30 days from March 18 to appoint a new trustee who will serve the remainder of Hawkins’ term, through Dec. 31, 2022.
To apply for the vacant board trustee seat, applicants must be a registered voter in the Trenton Public Schools district, a resident of the school district, at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States and resident of the state of Michigan for at least 30 days.
Eligible residents can submit their letter of interest, resumé and application by 4 p.m. April 8 to the Office of the Superintendent at Trenton Public Schools, 2603 Charlton Road, Trenton, MI, 48183.
The board plans to review letters of interest and submitted material at its April 12 meeting where candidates are expected to be available for public interviews.
Applicants with questions regarding the vacancy or board trustee responsibilities can call Supt. Douglas Mentzer at 734-676-8600.
For more information or to download the application go to www.trentonschools.com.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected].)