Crowded Field Seeks Vacant Plymouth-Canton School Board Seat

More than two dozen applicants are seeking a seat on the Plymouth-Canton Board of Education vacated by longtime board member Barry Simescu, according to a list provided by the district. 

Simescu resigned two weeks ago, citing increased responsibilities at work. Applicants had until Tuesday afternoon to submit a letter of intent to seek the seat. 

Of the 25 seeking the vacant, board-appointed seat, some might be familiar to Plymouth-Canton residents:

• Mike Andro, who ran for the board in November 2011.
• George Belvitch, former director of elementary education.
• Kate Borninski, member of Supporters of Academic Integrity in Plymouth-Canton who supported keeping Waterland and Beloved in Plymouth-Canton's AP English classrooms.
• Matt Dame, who ran for the board in November 2011 and challenged the district's use of the books Beloved and Waterland in AP English.
• Greg Demopoulos, who narrowly lost his seat as Canton Township Trustee in November 2012.
• Stephanie Goecke, who ran for the board in November 2011.
• Deb Madonna, director of Miracle League of Plymouth.
• John Nichols, who briefly sought a school board seat in November 2011.
• Julie Rowe, an alumnus of Plymouth-Canton who argued in favor of keeping Waterland and Beloved in AP English classrooms.
• Rita White, who ran for Plymouth Township Treasurer in November 2012.

Also seeking office are: Mark Alsager, Jeff Ames, Rene Chen, Amy (McCusker) Conway, Kim Crouch, Donald David, Benjamin Edmondson, Michael Fisher, Dave Hermann, Brian Jansen, Ed Krol, Patti McCoin, Shakira Robinson, Kevin Shankie and Don Turner. 

Interviews will begin Feb. 4.