Board of Education Bids Farewell to Ryan O'Gorman

The Board of Education recognized departing member Ryan O'Gorman, whom Superintendent Michael Simeck called "a constant learner," during .

O'Gorman announced June 7 that he will step down from the board June 30. His family has purchased a home outside the district, which will disqualify him from serving as a trustee when he moves.

The board paid tribute to O'Gorman in front of a room full of parents and students, who themselves received accolades front the Board of Education earlier in the meeting, The board recognized the top 10 graduates and nine student athletes.

Simeck said he was glad so many families and students were at the meeting to honor O'Gorman, and invited the group of honorees to stay and have a slice of the giant cake, which read “Berkley Schools Wishes You Well.”

Also presented to O'Gorman was an illustrated copy of Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything.

Simeck said the board got the book for O'Gorman because “you have never seen a more curious guy in your life” and called him “a learner, which is an important thing to be as a board member and something we all really admire.”

Board of Education Vice President Paul Ellison said he was asked to serve as a mentor when O'Gorman first joined the board.

“I ended up learning more from him,” Ellison said.

Board President Marc Katz said O'Gorman was known for his ability to think about things intently, and that the board was appreciative.

"Thanks for your service," he told O'Gorman.

O'Gorman had kind words to return to board members.

“One thing that leaves me with confidence is that I know the district in in good hands,” he said. "I think it will be hard for anyone to come in here and not appreciate all that the board is doing.

“If they'd let me, I'd stick around. It's bittersweet,” said O'Gorman, who is moving to a larger home in Birmingham to accommodate his family of six. “We'll get to breathe.”

He said it was the right time to move, as a few of his children are in transitional years and headed to kindergarten and junior high in the fall.

Candidates who are seeking to serve O'Gorman's position are asked to submit an application, letter of interest and resume by June 30 to be considered. There are several ways to apply, according to Katz:

• An online application is posted at berkleyschools.org/boardofeducation and includes a section for the letter of interest. Email resume to lsuarez@berkleyschools.org.
• Applications also are available at the BSD Administrative Offices at the Avery Center, 14700 W. Lincoln, Oak Park, MI 48237, from 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
• Applications may be faxed to 248-837-8065 or mailed to the BSD Administrative Offices at the Avery Center, 14700 W. Lincoln, Oak Park, MI 48237, postmarked by June 30.

The board will review applicants July 11, and interviews will be held July 12, when the new trustee will be appointed, sworn in and begin serving. The appointee will serve until Dec. 31 and have the option to run in this November's general election.

Katz has announced that . Ellison's term ends in 2011, as well.

Correction: The appointee will have the option to run in the November 2011 election.