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Redford Union board member found to live outside district; resignation, appointment process discussed
Summary
Board leaders disclosed that an appointed board member was discovered to reside in a small Clarenceville Schools pocket of Redford Township, triggering advice to resign, a 30‑day appointment clock and discussion of vetting procedures.
The Redford Union Schools District No. 1 Board of Education on Nov. 11 said an appointed member discovered after Election Day that his residence falls inside a small portion of Clarenceville Schools, and the board discussed the member's immediate resignation and the process to fill the vacancy.
Board leadership said the appointee — identified in meeting discussion as Mr. McAfee — learned on Election Day that "he lives in that tiny little corner of Redford Township that is Clarenceville Schools" and "is prepared to tender his resignation, effective immediately." The board said it will post the vacancy and has 30 days to appoint a replacement once the resignation is effective.
The board read a letter from the local clerk’s office that said the candidate’s residency “does not meet the eligibility criteria” for the Redford Union School Board. The deputy clerk’s name was read aloud during the meeting while the letter was relayed to the board.
Board members discussed next steps and legal guidance. Board leaders reported consulting Brad Banasic, legal counsel at the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB). "He did send me the statute and the statute does say that as a district, we are not required even in the case of an appointee to vet that," a board member said during the meeting. The board also said MASB advised that the appointee should not participate in votes until the residency issue is resolved and he has resigned.
Members debated whether the district should adopt its own vetting process for future appointments. Several members said the error was an honest mistake but argued the district should add safeguards so future appointees' residency is verified before appointment. One board member noted it took the county clerk several days to discover the discrepancy and urged a clearer local process.
Board leadership said it will advertise the vacancy this week and recommended adding the appointment as a potential action item at the regular Dec. 9 meeting, while recognizing the 30‑day clock for filling the seat.
The board did not take a final vote on filling the vacancy at the Nov. 11 meeting. Members said they expect a written resignation from the appointee and will post a schedule for applications and interviews.
Clarifying details from the meeting: the board repeatedly described the affected area as a small corner where Redford Township intersects with Clarenceville Schools; the clerk’s office confirmed residency rules in writing; MASB counsel reviewed a statute (the meeting did not name the statute) and advised the district on participation and appointment process.
The district said it will post the vacancy and decide whether to interview candidates at the Dec. 9 regular meeting; the board urged any interested candidates to monitor district announcements for application deadlines.
