MARQUETTE — The Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education appointed a new member and appointed executive positions during its most recent meeting Dec. 6.

New addition to the MAPS Board, Cassidy Thomas, was met with a warm reception and applause from the other members. Replacing longtime member of the Board, James Hewitt, who served as Secretary/Treasurer since 2015.

During this last election cycle, a total of 34,308 votes were cast for the eight candidates for the MAPS Board of Education, with the three available seats going to incumbent president Kristen Cambensy with 6,842 votes, Cassidy Thomas with 5,846 votes and incumbent member Glenn Sarka with 4,750 votes. The unsuccessful candidates and their votes were; Ashley Mattson, 4,233; Sarah Mills-Gervais, 3,975; Jenn Tousignant, 3,404; Nathan Joyal, 2,643; and Jim Rankin, 2,615.

“I just wanted to thank everybody for welcoming me and being so good at teaching me what I am supposed to do,” said Thomas. “I would like to thank everyone who supported me and voted for me and participated in the election cycle. I am really excited to start.”

Following this the executive roles of the Board saw nominations, then appointments. Until next Jan.: Kristen Cambensy, who has been serving the board since 2015, has been appointed as the president simultaneously becoming the chairperson of the Board; Glenn Sarka, who has been serving the Board since 2019, has been appointed as the Vice-President; and Jason Zdunek as Secretary/Treasurer, who has been serving the Board since 2023.

“Motion passes, congratulations Mr. Zdunek,” said Cambensy.

MAPS received a $3,500 donation from John Prince of JP Electric Professionals, Inc., for clothing support for MAPS students. Which was received with much gratitude from the Board.

“Thank you John Prince and JP Electric for the donation,” said Cambensy. “It is appreciated by everyone in our MAPS community.”

The Board approved the naming of Thrun Law Firm as provider of legal services to MAPS.

“Thrun Law Firm, P.C. is Michigan’s premier public sector law firm, specializing in education and municipal law. In contrast to other law firms, public sector law is not just a “sideline” business or one of many practice areas for our firm,” said Thrun Law Firm on its website. “Instead, our attorneys focus almost exclusively on public sector law and representing the firm’s school district, public school academy, local government and other public sector clients across Michigan.”

MAPS, this time last year, found itself in a legal duel with Margaret Brumm over the Marquette Senior High School’s new nickname. During that time MAPS found great use working with Thrun Law Firm.

“Roughly since January of last year, during that time period working with them, I am happy with the relationship and the services provided,” said Assistant Superintendent of Finance James Lampman.

“Yeah, we’ve had a Thrun Law retainer for quite some time as legal counsel,” said Superintendent Zack Sedgwick. “The major change of last year was that we moved to their policy service. We have been pleased with them, they work with us on all fronts: finance, personnel, interpreting contracts, and other big functions; we definitely benefit from their expertise.”

The Board also made approvals to just over a dozen organizational meeting issues pertaining to the contract singing powers of multiple school directors. Following this, Board trustee Klipp, closed the meeting by touching on the main subjects of the assembly.

“Just congratulations to Cassidy (Thomas) and to everybody who stepped up and accepted the nominations for the executive committee its a lot of work and we really look forward to the leadership,” said Klipp. “Thank you of course to JP Electric, that is a substantial donation for a very good cause; its been very cold the last couple of days. And again, thanks to the Board, it is just a pleasure to work with you on behalf of kids.”

Antonio Anderson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. His email address is aanderson@miningjournal.net.