Ousted trustee returns by appointment

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. - Madison District Schools Board of Education President Keith Beguhn lost his re-election bid in November, but will return to the board through a controversial appointment, according to the (Oakland County) Daily Tribune.

Beguhn will resign his seat next week due to losing the election, then immediately resume his seat because the board has appointed him to fill a vacancy left by another resignation, the Tribune reported. The second vacancy was created when board trustee Bob Gettings was elected to the city council and relinquished his school board position.

The Tribune described the process as a "controversial game of political chairs." Beguhn was appointed in a 4-2 vote of current board members — including a yes vote from himself, according to the Tribune. The candidates who bested him in the election do not take office until January, so they did not vote on his appointment.

Beguhn couldn't be reached for comment, the Tribune reported. Superintendent Gary Vettori told the Tribune that the appointment procedure was handled correctly and reviewed by the district attorney.

"It was a fiasco," Trustee Kenneth Melchert said of Beguhn interviewing for the post and then returning to his seat and voting for himself, the Tribune reported. Melchert was re-elected to a two-year term. He told the Tribune he has contacted county and state officials about the matter.

SOURCE:
(Oakland County) Daily Tribune, "Board appoints ousted trustee," Dec. 3, 2009

FURTHER READING:
Michigan Education Digest, "Schools move to November elections," Aug. 7, 2009