Dearborn, August 16, 2025
News Summary
The Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education is opening applications for a vacant trustee seat following the resignation of Irene Watts. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, registered voters of at least 18 years old, and residents of the district. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on August 25, and the board aims to appoint a new trustee who will serve until the elections are completed in November 2026. The board is responsible for overseeing district policies and budgets.
Dearborn, Michigan – Trustee Vacancy Announced by Local School Board
The Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education is currently seeking applications to fill a trustee seat vacancy following the resignation of Trustee Irene Watts. Watts vacated her position on August 11, 2025, citing her family’s move out of the district as the reason for her departure. She had been a member of the board since 2021 and held the title of vice president at the time of her resignation.
The board has a 30-day window to appoint a replacement for the vacant seat. The newly appointed trustee will serve until the school board elections are certified in November 2026. Members of the board, who are responsible for overseeing district policies, budgets, and hiring top educational leaders, are working quickly to fill this critical role.
Application Requirements and Deadline
Interested candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, registered voters aged 18 or older, and residents of the Dearborn Public School District, which encompasses nearly all of Dearborn and portions of Dearborn Heights.
Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025. Prospective trustees are required to complete a Google Form, attach a letter of interest, and provide three references. Additionally, a résumé should be emailed to the district. Printed copies of the résumé can also be delivered in person to the Administrative Service Center, located at 18700 Audette Street. The center operates on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Role and Responsibilities of the Board
The Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education meets twice a month—once to address district affairs and once for topics related to Henry Ford College, which the board also oversees. Though board members are not involved in the daily operations of the schools, they play a vital role in setting policy and budgets, hiring and evaluating the superintendent and college president, as well as approving union contracts and pay structures.
Trustees receive an annual compensation of $9,940, while the Board President earns an additional $1,000 annually. The application and interview process for the new trustee has yet to be scheduled, but the board is committed to ensuring a thorough selection process.
Current Board Initiatives
At present, the Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education is also seeking a new college president for Henry Ford College and evaluating potential infrastructure bond proposals for future ballots. More details about the board’s operations, meeting agendas, and presentations are available on the district’s Board of Education webpage, and residents can view board meetings on the district’s YouTube channel.
As the board navigates these changes, the community is encouraged to participate actively in the school district’s governance by applying for the vacant trustee seat or attending board meetings to stay informed about the educational decisions impacting the region.
FAQs
What prompted the resignation of Irene Watts?
Irene Watts resigned due to her family moving out of the Dearborn Public School District.
What are the eligibility requirements to apply for the trustee position?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, registered voters over the age of 18, and residents of the Dearborn Public School District.
When is the application deadline for the trustee position?
Applications must be received by 4 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025.
How much do board members get paid?
Board members receive an annual salary of $9,940, with the Board President earning an additional $1,000 per year.
Key Features of the Vacancy Announcement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vacancy | Trustee seat following Irene Watts’ resignation |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizen, registered voter, resident of the district |
| Application Deadline | August 25, 2025, at 4 p.m. |
| Duration of Service | Until November 2026 |
| Compensation | $9,940 annually, plus $1,000 for the President |
| Meeting Frequency | Twice a month |
| Submission Method | Google Form, résumé by email or in person |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Arab American News: Dearborn School Board Seeks Applicants
- Wikipedia: Dearborn, Michigan
- Patch: Dearborn Board of Education Taking Applications
- Google Search: Dearborn Public Schools
- Press & Guide: Dearborn School Board Vacancy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dearborn
- Free Press: Election Results for Dearborn Public Schools Board
- Google News: Dearborn School Board
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