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 Public
Voice Absent From ISD
by Rick Charmoli and Amy Sayre, Cadillac News, April 26,
2004
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The democratic
election process is based on the right to vote. However,
elections take place every two years regarding students in
Wexford, Missaukee and Osceola counties that the public never
gets a direct say in.
These counties intermediate school districts are part of
Michigan's majority when it comes to board elections. As with 54
of the 58 Michigan ISDs, these two ISDs do not hold popular
elections when it comes to selecting board members.
Instead, one representative from each of the ISD's districts is
called the day of the election to cast a vote, making the
election process one that is never seen by the general public.
"Personally I think our system works well," Terry Conklin,
Mecosta-Osceola ISD superintendent, said. "To say that the
people are not represented is untrue. Historically, we've had a
representative from every district, since as long as I know, on
the board."
Wexford-Missaukee ISD Superintendent Lynn Bollman said one
benefit of the current system is having equal representation
from each school district. If a popular election was done that
might not be true.
"We have seven districts and seven members," Bollman said. "So
each district has found a way to be represented."
When ISDs became established in 1964, each district was given a
choice when it came to popular elections.
"Currently in the statute, if my district said to me 'We would
like to have to have a popular election,' we could. If the
people were really unhappy they can call for an election,"
Conklin said.
But for Rep. Ruth Johnson, R-Oakland County, that may be the
danger. She said when ISD elections are held without the direct
voice of the public, it is harder to keep ISDs responsible for
their actions.
Her district's ISD had received state and national awards for
both its programming and fiscal responsibility in years past.
The Oakland County ISD now is the reason for many ISD changes
she is trying to create through Michigan legislation.
Oakland County's ISD has been the source of much controversy
since it was found to have mismanaged funds, awarded overpriced
project bids to close acquaintances and paid some administrators
over $200,000 a year - not including benefits.
Johnson has fought to get more accountability of state ISDs
through several house bills, some of which have been derailed by
ISD lobbyists. Unfortunately, accountability is not something
all ISDs adhere to, Johnson said, and she believes ISD elections
by way of a public vote will increase accountability of the
boards and the way they operate.
ISD representatives are elected every six years, which Johnson
believes is too long a term. She said if terms were shortened -
even to four years - accountability would increase. She also
acknowledges that not all district's operate in the same way
members of Oakland's ISD did, but she hopes through her pending
legislation no others will have the chance.
For now Bollman said the Wexford-Missaukee ISD will continue to
not have popular election because of how well the current system
is working.
"If we were a much larger Intermediate School District I may
feel different," Bollman said. "The Legislature may indeed
decide to change and whatever the Legislature decides we will
live with."
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