Beth Lewis will fill remainder of HVS trustee's term

Huron Valley Schools Board of Education Trustee Chuck Dittmar resigned from his position on Monday, Nov. 19, one day before taking office as a trustee on the Highland Township Board of Trustees.

Newly-elected school board Trustee Beth Lewis will serve the remainder of Dittmar’s unexpired term once she is sworn in on Monday, Dec. 3. Dittmar’s term on the school board will expire on Dec. 31. Lewis will begin her full elected term effective Jan. 1.

“It has been my honor to serve the HVS (Huron Valley Schools) community, and a pleasure to serve with both current and former board members,” Dittmar said. “I have also had the distinct pleasure of working with many competent and caring members of the central office team, administrators, teachers and staff within the HVS family.”

Dittmar opted not to seek a third term on the school board. Instead, he entered the Highland Township trustee race and was elected in the Nov. 6 general election.

Dittmar also chose to step down from the school board early, citing a possible conflict of interest should the new Highland Township board reopen discussions with the school district regarding the possible purchase of the shuttered Highland Middle School building.

Legislation now under consideration in the state House and state Senate has compelled the school board to amend the March 31, 2013 deadline for Highland Township and Milford Village to make purchase offers on Highland Middle School and Baker Elementary School to Tuesday, Dec. 4.

According to Board of Education President Sean Carlson, the pending legislation would effectively “tie the hands of the district” from divesting of the buildings in an expeditious manner.

Carlson praised Dittmar’s service and dedication, calling him a “passionate advocate for Huron Valley Schools, its students, families and staff.”