Frankenmuth

Changing Hands: Recognizing Outgoing School Board Members The 2018 November Election sets the stage for changes to the Frankenmuth Board of Education. Three dedicated school board members will be departing after the December Board Meeting. Dan Wortman, Kevin Maurer, and Dave Harris attended monthly meetings, immersed themselves in school finance, participated in school improvement, and served as school ambassadors. Their tenure was not easy as they addressed challenges in school funding, declines in enrollment, and facility upkeep. Through it all, each member made decisions with the phrase, "Is this good for kids?" We are grateful for their time and talents. In 2006, former Board Member, Dennis Kraft, encouraged Dan Wortman to submit his name for consideration as an appointment with his resignation. As a parent of two students, Nathan and Stephanie, Dan saw this as another opportunity to serve to his community. "I am proud to have been involved in such an awesome community on so many levels -- Frankenmuth has sustained me during difficult times, has rewarded and challenged me, gives me daily hope, pride and a sense of family & belonging; and most of all has helped me raise two awesome young adults. I am proud to have served on a positive, highly functioning board, and to have always stayed focused on our students, administration, and community." Elected in 2010, Kevin Maurer wanted to give back to a school district that blessed both him and his family. He is most proud to be part of a Board that cooperates with and supports teachers and administrators. "Because of this mutual respect and cooperation, we can accomplish much as a district. Since implementing School of Choice, it has been exciting to watch our once-declining enrollment grow. Our district is blessed with visionary leaders and dedicated teachers who are constantly challenging and encouraging our students to achieve more. I've no doubt that the new board members will do an outstanding job." Stabilizing the general fund and encouraging a strong sinking fund were priorities for Dave Harris when he joined the Board in 2014. Dave asked questions, toured buildings and listened to his community when it came to school issues. He supported the increase of the sinking fund from 0.5 mills to 2.0 mills which enabled the administrative team to tackle more significant capital projects in the district. When faced with cutting student programs during the recession, he also helped to provide direction through controlled school of choice windows. November Voter Turnout Rivals That of Presidential Election On Tuesday, November 6, residents turned out to vote in near record numbers. The City of Frankenmuth had a 74.6 percent voter turnout. Residents cast ballots to elect the Mayor and three City Council members. Mary Anne Ackerman will replace Gary Rupprecht as Mayor after a 33 year tenure. New City Council members include Tom Meyer, Paul Lebrenz and Chad Ross. In addition to City positions, the Frankenmuth School Board elected four members: Travis Dafoe, Estella Grablick, Amy McAvoy and Colin Maurer. City Clerk Phil Kerns says the voting turn out was impressive and rivaled turnout in a Presidential election. "The number of absentee ballots received this year was equal to those received in the 2016 Presidential Election." Kerns pointed out that residents over the age of 60 can request to be placed on the "permanent" absentee ballot list. This means that an application for an absentee ballot will automatically be mailed to the voter. Even if you are on a permanent list, voters must always fill out an application. Absentee ballots cannot automatically be mailed without a completed application or request. For additional information on voting, residents should contact their local clerk: City of Frankenmuth – Phil Kerns, 989-652-9901 Frankenmuth Township – Luci Valone, 989-652-2011 Birch Run Township – Corey Trinklein, 989-624-9773 Blumfield Township – Lisa Roethlisberger, 989-652-2778 12 Dan Wortman Dave Harris Kevin Maurer

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