Lapeer board appoints Casey Carpenter to fill trustee vacancy

The Lapeer Community Schools Board of Education on the evening heard from two candidates and appointed Casey Carpenter to fill the trustee seat vacated by Mrs. McKenna, whose resignation took effect Oct. 23, 2025. The appointment will run through Dec. 31, 2026, with the seat scheduled to appear on the November ballot for a two‑year term beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

Board Member (Speaker 11) moved to appoint Carpenter, saying, “I make a motion that Casey Carpenter be appointed to fill the vacancy on the board of education for the term ending 12/31/2026.” The motion was seconded by the member who had supported the candidate during the meeting (Speaker 7). In a roll call as spoken during the meeting, Doctor Watson voted no, Missus Levar voted yes, Mister Van Wagner voted no, Board Member (Speaker 11) voted yes, and the Board President (Speaker 1) recorded a yes; the motion carried by a 3–2 vote. The board then conducted the oath of office; an administrator read the oath and Carpenter signed to accept the position.

Carpenter told the board he would prioritize fiscal oversight, balanced budgeting and support for robotics and career‑ready programs, and cited his experience mentoring robotics teams and running a local business. At the meeting the board reminded the public that state law requires the board to fill a vacancy by appointment within 30 days; the appointee will serve until the end of 2026 and the seat will be on the next ballot for voters to choose the next full term.

The appointment was procedural and final for that vacancy; board members encouraged both candidates to consider running in the election when the seat appears on the ballot. The board reported no public comments were received on the appointment during the meeting.