MOUNT MORRIS- Lat Sorensen and Tanya Christie have resigned from the Mount Morris Schools Board of Education, according to their website.
According to meeting minutes, and the Genesee County Clerk’s office, elections division, Sorensen was appointed to the board at the start. He then lost his election in 2022, and was re-appointed a second time.
Christie, who placed third in the most recent school board race, won her election after an appointment of her own.
The current Board of Education posted a letter to the public regarding the two resignations:
The deadline to apply for the two positions is September 19th, 2023.
To qualify for an appointment you MUST:
1.) Be at least 18 years old, and a registered voter
2.) Reside/ Live in the Mount Morris School District
3.) *Having a child attend MM schools by schools of choice does not qualify.*
Whoever is appointed to the two positions must run again next year in 2024 to fill the remainder of the now two partial seats.
There will also be two other positions open in 2024, one of which is held by Jim Rauschenberger.
Regardless of who is appointed, majority of the board, (four seats), will be open in 2024.
The community is encouraged to not only apply for the two appointment(s) now, but run in 2024 for the four open seats.
Four seats; equals a majority. This could impact who holds the office of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
The Board received a ‘shake-up’ in 2022 when outsider Heather Mitchell won a seat, coming in first place. Mitchell had no support from the existing board and managed to win on her own merits.
According to Mount Morris Facebook Community pages, Board President Jim Rauschenberger and Board Vice President Pam Sprague have recruited most of the existing board members. It was found that some board members have ties with “McDonalds, USA”.
According to documents on the Mount Morris Schools website, Board President Jim Rauschenberger is a Consultant for McDonald’s USA.
Tanya Christie’s personal Facebook reveals she works as a Store Manager for McDonalds, USA.
Since Mitchell’s victory, Vice President Pam Sprague has taken to the comment section blasting Mitchell in her attempt to try and get more public attendance at meetings.
It has also been reported on a Mount Morris Community page that current Board Member Warren Tracey is very sick, has missed meetings, and may not be able to attend those upcoming.
One of the posts reveal that the community is encouraged to pray for Tracey and for a strong recovery.
Many in the community feel as if a third resignation could be approaching from Tracey due to his personal health.
As for Sorensen and Christie, they have been removed from the Mount Morris website, and their resignations are effective immediately.
Lat Sorensen is related to Genesee Township Treasurer, Tod Sorensen, who is also a former school board member for Kearsley Community Schools. Lat is also related to Steve Sorensen, the Mayor Pro-Tempor and City Councilman of Mount Morris City.
As for what the public can do:
1.) Apply for the appointments
2.) Show up to meetings
3.) Take Notes of the Happenings
4.) Get engaged
5.) Call and or email the current board members to let them know your concerns
6.) Run on the ballot in 2024
7.) Encourage your neighbor or friend to attend meetings, run for an appointment or be on the ballot
8.) Post on Social media group pages the information you find out on the times of any special meetings called
9.) Speak during public comments
10.) Research and write down what you find
The next regularly scheduled Mount Morris Board of Education meeting is September 12th and September 26th. Please be advised that a special meeting can be called at any time and to frequently refresh the board portal page for updates.
Resource link for Mount Morris Board of Education:
https://www.mtmorrisschools.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2151330&type=d&pREC_ID=2184268
Count on the Genesee Journal to attend the upcoming meetings and LIVE stream them for the public.
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