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L'Anse Creuse board delays vote on rejoining Michigan Association of School Boards until Jan. 27
Summary
After more than two hours of public comment and board debate, the L'Anse Creuse Board of Education voted 6–1 to table a decision on rejoining the Michigan Association of School Boards and asked staff and MASB for a detailed information packet for new members ahead of a Jan. 27 vote.
The L'Anse Creuse Board of Education on Dec. 16 voted to postpone a decision about rejoining the Michigan Association of School Boards, agreeing 6–1 to make the question a voting item at its Jan. 27, 2025 meeting.
The motion to table followed a presentation by Don Matruba of the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), who outlined MASB services including legal guidance, training, lobbying and member benefits, and estimated the district’s prorated dues at about $10,200 for the coming year. “We would love to see L'Anse Creuse back in the membership of MASB,” Matruba said, describing legal hotline access and member training as key services.
The discussion drew public comment and sharp board scrutiny. Sandra Herndon, a resident who spoke during the hearing of district patrons, questioned MASB’s approach and cited a national controversy involving the National School Boards Association, saying, “The NSBA colluded with their own government, lying and committing fraud to weaponize the Department of Justice against parents,” and urging caution about MASB influence on local boards.
Board members split over timing and information needs. Supporters said MASB training and legal resources help board members learn roles and fulfill fiduciary duties; others said the cost and the district’s ability to access similar services locally warranted caution. Several members argued that new board members should receive orientation materials before casting a vote in January. The board directed staff and MASB to provide a written packet that lists MASB’s catalog of courses, mission statement, fee schedule and specifics about the legal and lobbying services described at the meeting.
Sharon Ross moved to rejoin MASB earlier in the evening; that motion failed for lack of support. A later motion by board member John Doss to table the matter for a Jan. 27 vote carried on roll call: Missus Servio — Yes; Mister DeVille — Yes; Missus Dube — Yes; Mister Sellers — Yes; Mister Lipsky — Yes; Missus Ross — No.
The board’s action does not change membership immediately; it only schedules a formal vote for the Jan. 27 board meeting after the requested materials are distributed. The board asked the superintendent and MASB to prepare the information packet and to offer opportunities for new members to ask questions in advance of the January vote.
