For Immediate Release: Charter School Board Member Announcement
For Immediate Release: July 6, 2012
*Board Members will be available for comment on July 9, 2012, following the board meeting.
Three Appointed to Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System Board
Emergency Manager Donald Weatherspoon has appointed three community leaders to the new board for the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy System. Carmella Ealom, Education Planner for the State of Michigan-Department of Human Services; Arthur Scott, Owner/Operator of JAAR, Inc. McDonald’s Corporation; and Darryl Todd, Paralegal will oversee the charter school set to open in the fall.
“I look forward to seeking the advice and input of these bright and qualified individuals,” said Weatherspoon. “Each of the selected board members brings relevant experience and a desire to see the students of Muskegon Heights succeed.”
The newly appointed board will work closely with Weatherspoon to guide the formation of the new school, set policy, manage resources effectively, and ensure that the students of Muskegon Heights receive a high quality education. The board will oversee the charter and confirm it meets all state and federal requirements, support and review the performance of the school leader and education service provider, and maintain accountability.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to receive a proper education,” said newly appointed board member Arthur Scott. “Today we are competing in a global market place; if our kids are not prepared we will continue to find ourselves in a secondary position. I feel an obligation and commitment to help them to succeed.”
The board members will swear a constitutional oath of office during their first meeting to be held on Monday, July 9, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., at the Muskegon Heights Board of Education Building located at 2603 Leahy Street. Weatherspoon will share his final selection for the charter school operator, review the signed contract with the board, and discuss any questions the board members may have. A press conference will immediately follow this meeting.
Carmella Ealom has worked to improve the lives of children in various roles over the past eight years. She currently serves as an Education Planner with the Michigan Department of Human Services. In this role, she assists foster care youth with their educational needs in Muskegon, Ottawa, and Allegan Counties. Ealom holds a Master of Arts in Counseling from Spring Arbor University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Psychology degree at Capella University.
Ealom said, “As a board member my goal is to assure that the children of Muskegon Heights have the academic foundation needed to compete and excel with other students within the county and throughout the nation.”
Arthur Scott is the Owner/Operator of JAAR, Inc. McDonalds Corporation which operates 9 McDonald’s in the Muskegon and Coopersville area. Scott is a well-known business leader. He has earned numerous awards during his 31-year career with McDonald’s Corporation.
Darryl Todd, a Muskegon Heights Public Schools graduate, is a former Account Executive with Pitney Bowes. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Todd recently completed a post-graduate certificate in paralegal studies with Davenport University. Mr. Todd has volunteered with Muskegon Heights Public Schools in the past. When asked why he is serving as a board member Todd said, “In every crisis there is an opportunity. I am excited and humbled to serve as a part of a solution that will return the school’s focus to preparing children to be productive citizens.”