Grosse Pointe School Board to Replace Walsh Within 30 Days

The Grosse Pointe Public School Board has 30 days to replace Brendan Walsh after he unexpectedly resigned from the elected position Thursday. Walsh's immediately effective resignation came the day before the district is on spring break, which elminates approximately 10 of the 30 days. 

Walsh, who has been on the board since 2005, was the board's treasurer and heavily involved in the budget process. In an announcement he posted on his own website, Walsh credits new professional responsibilities and the achievement of helping the district get to stable financial ground as the reasons for his resignation. A voicemail message left with Walsh has not been returned.

District Superintendent Tom Harwood said Friday the district will determine a process for any resident wishing to be considered to fulfill Walsh's term, which is about a year and a half. His term expires in December 2014. 

Walsh informed district officials and fellow board members of his resignation at about the same time he posted the announcement to his website, Harwood said. It was unexpected, Harwood said, but based on the information Walsh provided "it sounds as if it is what's best for both his personal and professional life."

Harwood said he believes there will be residents who are interested in serving in the position and he believes the board and district will be able to fill the position within the 30 day timeframe. Having spring break in the timeline does delay the start of the search process, Harwood said, but the board should still be able to complete the process.

A voice message left for board president Joan Dindoffer has not yet been returned. 

Former board president and current school board trustee Judy Gafa said Friday she was surprised by Walsh's resignation although there were signs. He had recently missed two meetings and he was becoming increasingly frustrated with board issues.

As the treasurer, Walsh did have a significant impact upon the budget process for the district, Gafa said. "So the budget process is pretty straight forward now," Gafa said. "I would have preferred he stayed on through the budget process but we'll be fine."

The many documents he created outlining the district's budget, fiscal trends and predictions, as well as changes in state funding remain with the district and are accessible as working documents, Gafa said. 

Chris Fenton, an assistant superintendent who handles business affairs for the district, will take over as the lead on the budget, Harwood said. Fenton has been a part of the budget process already and will simply take the lead, Harwood said. 

District officials are in the midst of planning and preparing the 2013/14 fiscal year budget. A key component is the teachers contract, which was negotiated and approved earlier this month. 

The budget must be approved by June 30 to take effect July 1 and now is prime worktime on the budget as the district evaluates enrollment projections, state funding and more. 

Ultimately, the board majority will decide who fills the vacancy. If the board is unable to make a decision within 30 days, the county's intermediate school district is responsible for making the decision. In this case it is Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency, or RESA. 

In addition to selecting a new trustee, the board will have to decide upon a new treasurer, Harwood said. The person to do it is likely one of the board members already in place, he said.