OAISD BOARD OF ED ANNOUNCES ELECTION FOR TWO EXPIRING SEATS
Holland, MI – The Ottawa Area ISD Board of Education is seeking candidates for two seats that will become available July 1, 2023, with terms ending June 30, 2029. The election will take place on June 5, 2023.
Both board seats are set to expire on June 30, 2023. Current Board Secretary and Holland resident Randy Schipper has announced he will seek re-election for another six-year term. John Siemion, current Board Vice President and Grand Haven resident, announced he will not seek re-election.
Siemion served 22 years on the Grand Haven Area Public Schools Board of Education, six years on the OAISD Board of Education and four years on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Association of School Boards. He retired from JSJ Corporation in 2012 and said this upcoming retirement would be the most impactful for him. He currently serves as OAISD Board Vice President.
“It has been so gratifying knowing I have made a difference in the lives of thousands of children over the years,” Siemion said. “I enjoyed working with my fellow board members and school staff, but I will miss the students the most.”
Addressing Siemion’s announcement, Ottawa Area ISD School Board President Carol Slagh said John is an engaged, upbeat and positive leader who visited buildings and programs and spent time getting to know staff members.
“John always wanted the best educational opportunities for our kids,” Slagh said. “He has been a pleasure to work with on the OAISD Board. We will miss John and wish him the best!”
Siemion added that he plans on traveling throughout the United States with his wife visiting their three children, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren enjoying life to its fullest.
OAISD Board members are elected by representatives from each constituent local district board of education served by the OAISD. Districts include Allendale, Coopersville, Grand Haven, Hamilton, Holland, Hudsonville, Jenison, Saugatuck, Spring Lake, West Ottawa, and Zeeland.
Persons interested in running for a seat on the OAISD Board must be registered voters in one of the constituent districts and file a nominating petition with at least forty valid elector signatures or pay a nonrefundable $100 filing fee. Petition packets can be picked up at the Ottawa County Clerk’s Office located at 12220 Fillmore Street in West Olive, Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Completed petitions or nonrefundable filing fee must be returned to Ottawa County Clerk’s Office no later than May 8, 2023, by 4:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Linda Brasser at 616.738-8940 x4005 or lbrasser@oaisd.org.
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
Ottawa Area ISD works collaboratively with schools and communities to meet the educational needs of students of all ages in the Ottawa area. By pooling resources and providing services regionally, Ottawa Area ISD provides important programs and services to local K‐12 school districts, charter, parochial and private schools and adults in the most cost‐effective ways possible. To learn more about Ottawa Area ISD visit www.oaisd.org
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