11/3/20 OFFICIAL Election Results: Northville Public Schools (updated 1/5/21)

Dear Northville School Families, Staff and Community Members,

The purpose of this communication is to provide an update to my November 23, 2020 letter regarding the official results of the November 3, 2020 Board of Education election. As you may remember, the fourth Board of Education position was tied between candidates James Mazurek and Kimberly Campbell-Voytal, each receiving 7856 votes.

On November 25, 2020, the Wayne County Board of County Canvassers held a tie-vote ceremony, with Mr. Mazurek selected as the “elected” candidate through a random-draw process. Ms. Campbell-Voytal requested a recount to the Board of County Canvassers that same day. A three-day hand recount conducted in the following weeks also resulted in a tie vote. The Wayne County Board of Canvassers voted 2-2 on December 22, not to initiate a second random-draw process, sought by Ms. Campbell-Voytal. The Board of County Canvassers also declined to second a motion to accept the result of the original tie-vote ceremony.

Under Michigan law, the Board of County Canvassers is in charge of canvassing votes and certifying the winner in a school board election. Around December 22, Mr. Mazurek presented the Secretary of the Board with a certificate of election issued by the Wayne County Clerk. The Northville School Board has no authority or discretion to reject a certificate as untimely or invalid, absent a court order to the contrary. Mr. Mazurek is the only candidate who presented a certificate of election for the fourth vacancy, prior to the start date of the term of office. As such, the District received the Acceptance of Office Form submitted by Mr. Mazurek, and administered the oath of office as required by state law on or before January 1, 2021.

In the event of litigation, and/or further action by the Wayne Board of County Canvassers to complete their statutory duties, the Northville Public Schools Board of Education and District welcomes a definitive outcome to the election, and are prepared to welcome and work with either of the two candidates, each of whom have equally strong community support given the results of the election.

The 2020 election serves as a reminder of the importance and value of every vote. Northville Public Schools is fortunate to be led and guided by a dedicated Board of Education, and to have a strong candidate pool of individuals willing to serve in this capacity. We are grateful for the strong support of our school community as we partner together to meet the needs of our students and our families.

Sincerely,
Mary Kay Gallagher
Superintendent


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11/23/2020 Communication

The official results of the Tuesday, November 3, 2020 election, as certified by the Wayne County Board of Canvassers as of November 18, 2020  to fill four open seats on the Northville Public Schools Board of Education are as follows:

 

Total

Sarah Prescott

11378

Lisa McIntyre

8831

Lindsey Wilson

7951

James Mazurek

7856*

Kimberly Campbell-Voytal

7856*

Sherrie Winfield

7729

Blake A. Mathie

5110

Harihar Kulkarni

3445

Douglas Miller

2911

Jonathan Edison (Write-in)

62
 
These tallies are derived from the official election results posted by Wayne County Board of Canvassers as of 11/18/20.  With the certification of the election resulting in a TIE between James Mazurek and Kimberly Campbell-Voytal for the fourth open seat on the NPS Board of Education, it is our understanding that the Wayne County Board of Canvassers will oversee a random draw between the tied candidates for the final seat of the Board of Education.  We anticipate that this process will take place following certification of the election by the State of Michigan Board of State Canvassers.  
 
Pending finalization of the election process, we look forward to congratulating returning Board of Education member Sarah Prescott, who has been elected to a second four-year term on the Board, and welcoming incoming Board members Lisa McIntyre, Lindsey Wilson, and either James Mazurek OR Kimberly Campbell-Voytal, whose terms begin January 1, 2021 and run through December 31, 2024. If selected through the random drawing resulting from a tie in votes, Mr. Mazurek would be returning to the Board of Education for a third term, as he previously served on the Board of Education from 2011 to 2018.
 
On behalf of the children, families, staff and community of Northville Public Schools, we also express our appreciation to current Board Members who are stepping down from the Board following many years of service, at the end of December: Cynthia Jankowski (9 years), Laurie Doner (4 years) and Matthew Wilk (8.5 years). We look forward to recognizing their contribution and service as Board of Education trustees at the December 8, 2020 Board of Education meeting.
 
I also want to take this opportunity to share the unofficial results of the county-wide, two-mill, six-year Wayne County Enhancement Millage renewal from 2022 to 2027, which was also on the November 3rd ballot. The measure, voted on by the residents of the more than 30 Wayne County school districts – including Northville – passed with approximately 68% of voters in favor of the millage and approximately 32% of voters opposed. The measure was likewise supported within the Northville Public Schools constituency with 59% in favor, and 41% opposed. The current 2.0 mill Enhancement Millage remains in effect until December, 2021, with the renewal of the millage going into effect beginning in January, 2022.
 
We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Northville Public Schools community, and we congratulate each of the individuals elected to serve on our Board of Education. We are fortunate to have so many individuals interested in serving on the Board, and feel that the close election results are indicative of the quality of candidates willing to serve our school district and community. We invite their continued participation in our schools and community, and know that we are a stronger district as a result of the tremendous level of parent, staff and community involvement in our schools. It is through our collective dedication, passion and advocacy for our students, our schools and community that we will advance our journey toward ensuring an exceptional and diverse educational experience for and with each and every one of our students.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mary Kay Gallagher
Superintendent

 

Attached Files