Schools
Ellison, Justice, Moses Elected to Board of Education
Winners praise civility of election, vow to put community first.
The Board of Education election – the most hotlly contested race in Berkley and Huntington Woods – went down to the wire on Tuesday.
Board Vice President Paul Ellison and Ronald Justice were elected to fill two six-year terms, beating out Paul Honkala. Mitchell Moses, an interim board member by appointment, narrowly defeated Melissa Lampela to fill one partial term ending Dec. 31, 2015.
"I had tremendous support from Berkley school board members and people within the community who truly care about education. It is a victory for them," Ellison said Tuesday night during an Election Day afterglow event at in Berkley.
Find out what's happening in Huntington Woods-Berkleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The event was attended by Ellison, Justice, Moses, Board of Education members, BSD Superintendent Michael Simeck and briefly by Honkala, who stopped by to concede the election and congratulate Ellison.
When asked about moving forward post-election, Ellison responded: "I am concerned about the low turnout. There is a need for the school board to connect with the community more. We need to repair some trust that was lost within the community from the last school bond. We need to explain things better and allow the people the opportunity to have a voice."
Ellison added that it was very gracious of Honkala to congratulate him. Justice also praised Honkala during the afterglow event for inviting all of the candidates to take a break from campaigning and have lunch together Tuesday at .
Find out what's happening in Huntington Woods-Berkleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"It really showed that all candidates had positive intentions to help our school district improve," Justice said.
"I can't even begin to thank everyone involved in supporting my campaign, he said. "The support was overwhelming."
Justice said he plans to get up to speed on Lansing issues and how to advocate for the district as he prepares to join the board.
Board of Education, two six-year terms:
Board of Education, one partial term ending Dec. 31, 2015:
Melissa Lampela Mitchell Moses Total 1,531 1,610Editor's note: Some Oak Park residents also participated in the Berkley School District Board of Education election.
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