Goodrich/Brandon School Districts-
On Tuesday, voters went to the polls in both Brandon and Goodrich School Districts.
In Goodrich incumbent Ken Rappuhn was re-elected to another four- term while new-commer Timothy Zirnhelt was elected to his first term replacing Shirley Kautman-Jones who retired after serving since July 1994.
In the Brandon School District incumbents Kenneth Quisenberry and Beth Nuccio retained their seats on the board defeating challenger William Conley.
Voter turnout in the Brandon District was rather light with only 2.2 percent of registered voters casting ballots. A total of 262 votes of 11,896 registered cast ballots. In Goodrich, about 12 percent of voters turned out where a total of 556 votes were cast of about 6,000 registered voters.
Newly elected Goodrich Board member Timothy Zirnhelt, 48, is a Metamora resident. He’s a stay-at -home dad of three with not only his children’s best interest in mind, but the children in Goodrich School systems as well.
‘I am excited about winning and I can’t wait to get started. I’m going to get my feet wet and do a lot of listening. It will be quite a learning experience.?
Zirnhelt said people have approached him about the school liaison issue and other safety concerns that parents and residents of Goodrich and Atlas townships have and he wanted to look into them during his term.
‘One main reason I wanted to run for the school board was my three kids. I want to go to bat for them because, after all, the kids are what it’s really about.
Incumbent Ken Rappuhn, 36, is an Atlas Township resident. He has been on the board for one year, and will now remain for another four.
‘I’m really pleased to be re-elected. I was getting a little nervous, but I’m happy to see how many people voted for me. The first year was definitely a learning experience. You can’t make changes and have things happen overnight, so I’m happy to now be on the board for the next four years so I can really examine issues.?
In the next four years, Rappuhn would like to see the music programs increase, as well as foreign language programs, especially with the new Fine Arts auditorium.
‘When I first saw the theatrical group perform, I was speechless. They were so good. We need to keep encouraging those types of programs.?
Rappuhn also said he would like to encourage programs for gifted children and also for children who may need someone at one time for further assistance.
The board’s support has been great. I will be sad to see Chris Maciag and Shirley Kautman-Jones leave us, but they have extended their support if I ever need them. That meant a lot to me.?
Candidate Mike Tripp extended congratulatory words for Rappuhn and Zirnhelt.
‘I would like to take a moment to congratulate Mr. Rappuhn and Mr. Zirnhelt on their election to the Board of Education for Goodrich Area Schools. I wish both of them the best. I would also like to say ‘thank you? to the many people that offered me their support whether it was by way of vote, or simply their words of encouragement.?
At the Special Goodrich Board meeting on June 9, Chris Maciag announced his resignation effective July 1. Maciag, currently serves as Vice President and had been an active member of the Negotiations Committee and has chaired the Activities Committee.
Maciag 41, was transferred to Atlanta to run the Southeast Sales Zone for AC Delco.
Maciag, was initially elected to the school board in 1997, re-elected in 2001 and served the last two years as Vice President.
‘What I’ll remember most about my years on the School Board is the outpouring of support from the community, the parents, the staff and the administration,’said Maciag.
‘Having met several representatives of other School Boards over the years, you begin to realize just how important that cooperation is.?
Maciag has been married to Therese for 20 years who has been actively involved in the Community Education Department at Goodrich. They have one daughter, Kate a sophomore at Goodrich High School.
The Board will hold special interviews for those interested in filling the position. Applicants may request an interview by writing a letter of interest to the Board President, Michael J. Thorp by July 14, 2003.