School board features new majority
Four new members take Oath of Office
ALMONT — The Almont school district has experienced an up and down past 12 months or more, including the defeat of two millage requests and one sinking fund proposal.
School board members spent countless hours of planning and brainstorming ideas to try and come up with a funding solution.
The wear and tear of countless meetings, along with other issues, takes a toll on board members and too often, leads to resignations along the way.
Such was the case in Almont, along with voters selecting new members during an election in 2024.
Below are bios on four new board members who recently took their Oath of Office.
RUSSELL BUERO
•How long have you lived in the district? I have lived in the district since 2018. My family always had property in the area and we visited and stayed in the Tri-City area often. So once I was able to move out of Clinton Township, there was no doubt where we wanted to go.
•Why did you want to become a board member? I have always worked in community or volunteer positions throughout my life, church elder, baseball coach, flag football referee. Becoming a school board member seemed like a great way to have a positive impact on my community while also being engaged in programs and education of my own kids who are 5,6, and 10.
•What are a couple of goals you have in mind for Almont Community Schools (within the next 3-5 years)? We have such a close-knit community and I want to see the relationship between the school district and wider community repaired. Keeping curriculum focused on educating our students to succeed no matter their career path. Stay fiscally responsible with community funding to build trust and show accountability.
KATIE ROTARIUS
•How long have you lived in the district? Going on 8 years as of this upcoming November.
•Why did you want to become a board member? I felt it was time to step up and serve my community. My children are young and up and coming in the Almont District. I hope to bring fresh ideas, advocate for parents and teachers and help our community grow. Move forward in a positive direction.
Almont has been great to my family and me and now it is time to serve this awesome place so many of us call home. Almont strong!
•What are a couple of goals you have in mind for Almont Community Schools (within the next 3-5 years)? I’d love to put emphasis on open communication and collaboration between the district, parents, taxpayers and our community as a whole. Community involvement in decision making. Opportunities to further explore trade careers. To name a few.
JUSTIN BURNS
•How long have you lived in the district? We have lived in the district since 2002. We currently reside in our 3rd house in the district.
•Why did you want to become a board member? We have a third grader, I wanted to take an active role in helping to shape the district for the future.
•What are a couple of goals you have in mind for Almont Community Schools (within the next 3-5 years)? My goals for the district include: – Work with the superintendent and fellow board members to set and review policies that make sense for our community. – Help ensure we are managing our budget efficiently. – Help ensure we are providing safe environments for our students and staff.
ADAM ECKARDT
•How long have you lived in the district? My family and I have been in the Almont District since 2017.
•Why did you want to become a board member?’ I wanted to become a board member to support the students and faculty of Almont to be the best we can be. I have two young kids so I am very vested in the community.
•What are a couple of goals you have in mind for Almont Community Schools (within the next 3-5 years)? In the next 3-5 years I would like to see the sinking fund spent and to help get the school ready to move forward into the future.
