Washtenaw ISD Announces Board Trustee Resignation
WISD Board of Education Seeks to Fill Vacancy
Ann Arbor, Mich – Dr. Sarena Shivers, who has served as a Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) trustee since 2023, has announced she will step down from the Board of Education before the completion of her term, ending June 2029. Citing personal and professional obligations, her resignation will be effective July 31, 2026.
“It has been an absolute privilege to serve on the Washtenaw ISD Board of Education and advocate for all learners in our community,” stated Dr. Shivers. “I leave this role with a full heart and deep appreciation for the students, families, and educators we serve. Access to high-quality education is lifechanging, and the work of the WISD exemplifies just how powerful it can be from our littlest learners in Early Head Start to our older students in our Young Adult classrooms and beyond.”
WISD Superintendent Naomi Norman shared her deep appreciation for Dr. Shivers’ dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment to students and families in Washtenaw County.
“On behalf of our students, educators, and community, I want to thank Dr. Sarena Shivers for her service and for championing the success of every student. Her insights and advocacy have helped strengthen opportunities available to students, and our community is better because of her leadership.”
The district is now accepting letters of intent and resumes for candidates interested in filling the vacancy until the next WISD board election in June 2027.
Qualified applicants must be:
- A resident of one of the following school districts: Dexter, Chelsea, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Whitmore Lake, or Ypsilanti*
- Committed to WISD’s Educational Equity Policy
- A registered voter in the school district where they are a candidate
- 18 years of age or older
- Citizen of the United States
- Able to attend regularly scheduled board meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. every month, plus occasional workshops and special board meetings as needed.
Letters of intent should detail qualifications and experiences with public schools and school governance, as well as the applicant’s commitment to educational equity. Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to equity, have prior board experience – particularly on a school board – and are actively involved and engaged within their community. It is preferred that applicants also have knowledge of public school systems, experience working with children and youth, and familiarity with or experience serving students with special needs.
Letters of intent and resumes should be received by Tuesday, June 23, 2026, by Board President Mary Jane Tramontin either electronically at WISDboard@washtenawisd.org, or in person or by mail to: Washtenaw Intermediate School District, Attention: Mary Jane Tramontin, 1819 S. Wagner Road, P.O. Box 1406, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1406.
The board will review applications on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. They will then invite qualified candidates to interview on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, at a special board meeting. After the final interview, the Board will make its selection and appoint a new trustee.
*Ann Arbor Public Schools residents are ineligible. State law dictates that no more than two members of the board may be from the same school district. WISD already has two sitting board members that reside within the boundaries of Ann Arbor Public Schools.