Pontiac Times

At their Jan. 9 school board meeting, the Pontiac City school district saw the swearing in of their new school board members.

The board welcomed Kenyada Bowman, Troy Craft, Sha’Quana David-Smith, Anisha Hannah and Marcus Terry to their swearing in ceremony filled with supportive family and friends.

Each of the trustees was able to be sworn in by a loved one and then the entire group took a brief recess to celebrate the occasion and take some pictures together. Bowman, David-Smith, Hannah and Terry were reelected.

“I'm very excited about this group of men and women who have over the years I've seen grow into the positions,” said Gill Garrett, the board’s president. “They've always been solid pillars for the Pontiac School District. The things that we have needed to accomplish were always grassroots and behind the scenes, and there's nothing like being at the decision making table. Now, after having some history and some knowledge, I finally feel at this moment, this is going to be a special group of board trustees.”

Superintendent Kelley Williams also recognized the members for their work in the district.

January is school board member appreciation month for the state of Michigan, so Williams read a proclamation from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) honoring all their hard work in governing and guiding the school district and community.

Board members received a lawn chair with the school colors and their name on it as a token of appreciation from the school administration.

During the meeting, the board said farewell to Dr. DeSheil L. Echols, their assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction who is retiring at the end of January.