By: Maria Allard | Roseville-Eastpointe Eastsider | Published January 19, 2025
EASTPOINTE — The Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education made history at its Jan. 13 meeting held at Eastpointe City Hall when Chineva Early was named school board president.
“I’d like to recognize Dr. Chineva Early as our first woman of color to serve as the president of Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education,” District Superintendent Christina Gibson said. “So congratulations, Dr. Early.”
“Thank you,” Early responded to a round of applause.
Last Monday’s meeting also included the organizational meeting in which new officers were elected, and incoming board members Darlene Whitby and Shelly Cioppa, and reelected board members Robert Roscoe and Edward Williams, took the oath of office, which was administered by Early. The four elected officials all won their seats during the Nov. 5, 2024, school board election. The new terms are for four years and expire at the end of December 2028.
Roscoe is now the board vice president while Williams retained his seat as secretary. Newcomer Whitby was voted in as treasurer. Addie Richardson will continue on as a trustee, and Cioppa was named as a trustee.
The organizational meeting occurred at a time in which school boards are honored. January is School Board Recognition Month, which is part of a national effort, cosponsored by the Michigan Association of School Boards and the National School Boards Association, to build community awareness and understanding about the role that school boards play in their communities.
In addition to the organizational meeting, the board now has a vacancy to fill. Trustee Cassie Gruenberg, first elected to the school board on Nov. 8, 2022, resigned her position effective Jan. 13 due to health reasons. She was not present at the meeting.
“Cassie has been a dedicated advocate for our students, staff, and community, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her service,” Gibson wrote in a letter to the community. “We wish her all the best.”
Gruenberg served at the same time as her husband, Jon Gruenberg, who — after serving approximately 22 years — lost his seat during the Nov. 5, 2024, general election.
School officials are inviting community members to apply to serve the remaining two years of Cassie Gruenberg’s term, which will expire on Dec. 31, 2026. Anyone interested in joining the board is asked to submit a letter of interest detailing why you wish to serve and how you can contribute to the board’s work, and a resume outlining your qualifications and relevant experience.
All application materials must be received by noon on Jan. 24. Applications can be emailed to wendy.kohlmann@eastpointeschools.org or delivered in person to: Eastpointe Community Schools Board of Education Office, 24685 Kelly Road, Eastpointe, MI 48021.
Potential candidates should plan to attend and be available for interviews during a special Board of Education meeting at 1 p.m. Jan. 30 at the 24685 Kelly Road location. The selected candidate will join the board at the regular meeting on Feb. 10.
For more about the role or the application process, contact district Executive Administrative Assistant Wendy Kohlmann in the Office of the Superintendent at (586) 533-3023.