The Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education is taking applications for those interested in filling a vacant board position.
Trustee Irene Watts announced she is stepping down from the board because her family is moving out of the district. She has served on the board since 2021, and was vice president when she submitted her resignation letter on August 11.
The remaining trustees have 30 days to fill the vacant seat.
Board applicants must be U.S. citizens and registered voters over the age of 18 living in the Dearborn Public School District. Dearborn Public Schools covers almost all of Dearborn and a section of Dearborn Heights. (See the district map.)
Applications must be received by Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 at 4 p.m. Those interested in filling the vacancy can apply by completing a Google Form and attaching a letter of interest and three references. A resume will need to be emailed to the district. Printed copies of the information may also be submitted in person by bringing it to the Administrative Service Center, 18700 Audette St., Dearborn. The building is open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.
The person appointed to the vacant seat will serve until the next school board elections are certified in November 2026.
Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education members also serve as trustees for Henry Ford College.
The Board of Education sets district policy and budget, hires and evaluates both the superintendent and college president, approves union contracts and pay scales, and oversees construction and other major building issues. Trustees are not directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the schools or college.
Trustees are currently looking for a new president for Henry Ford College and discussing possibly putting an infrastructure bond for the district on a future ballot.
The Board of Education generally meets twice a month – once for the district and once for the college. Trustees also serve on various committees, which generally meet before the regular board meetings. Special meetings also may be called throughout the year.
Board members are not full-time employees, but do receive an annual pay of $9,940 with the Board President receiving an additional $1,000 a year.
To learn more about the operations of the board, look through agendas and presentations on the district’s Board of Education webpage or watch a board meeting on the district’s YouTube channel.
Trustees will review applications to fill the vacancy and plan to hold interviews for the position. The date for the interviews has not yet been set.