Four school board seats up for election on November ballot

Every two years, the Manchester Community Schools Board of Education holds an election for its 7-member board. This year, four seats are up for election–those belonging to Tom Mann, Chris Fegan, Jeremy Koch, and Karen Rothfuss. And at least two of those board members are not running for reelection.

Contacted via email, Jeremy Koch stated he was still undecided about whether to run for a second term.

Karen Rothfuss, who is completing her first term, said, “I do not intend to run for re-election. I have enjoyed my time on the board but with both my children graduated, I feel it’s time to step down and let someone else have an opportunity to serve.”

Chris Fegan, who has served three terms, said, “I do not plan to run again. I think people with current students may want to be more involved and I should step out of the way.

“Four new board members would be a lot of transition,” she added. “I hope some would remain for stability, but that is not my decision.”

Tom Mann did not respond in time for the Mirror deadline.

If you are interested in running, there is just a little over a month to go before the filing deadline. Nominating petitions, available from the County Clerk’s office, are due by 4 pm on July 21. Petitions for the Manchester Community Schools board must bear the signatures of 6-20 registered voters within the school district, along with an affidavit of identity, and do not require submission of campaign finance forms. Nominating petitions can be mailed upon request, according to Trish Reilly, Deputy Clerk.

The County Clerk’s office is currently open on a limited basis beginning June 15. According to the Washtenaw County website, “Effective June 15, 2020 the Clerk/Register’s office is available to the public in-person by appointment, only, in order to allow us to serve the public while carefully adhering to social distancing guidelines designed to protect the health of the public and staff. We encourage you to access our services online or by mail unless it is necessary to visit us in-person.” Learn about county online & by-mail services here.

For more information or to make an appointment at the Elections Division, contact by phone at (734) 222-6730 or email Elections@Washtenaw.org on or after June 15, 2020. Candidates, please click here for information on how to file to run for public office. Campaign finance paperwork can be submitted by email to elections@washtenaw.org.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.