Former write-in candidate appointed to Atherton school board

Pictured: Katrina Royster

BURTON- Last year, Katrina Royster wanted to give back to the Atherton school district by running for school board. 

She missed the deadline to run for one of the two six year seats, and was forced to launch a write-in campaign. 

After staying persistent and engaged,  she has now been appointed to the board. 

Royster was one of three applicants along with Chuck Loader and Arthur Lucas. 

In her interview, Royster mentioned that she has kids in the district, and is very active in the schools. 

The board voted 5-0 to appoint Royster. Board member Bette Bigsby was absent. 

The Atherton School District has been under fire lately for staff criminal charges and school safety. 

In making his case to the board, candidate Chuck Loader said his background working with the Michigan State Police and Homeland Security would help with the recent school threats. 

The board went a different direction. 

Royster’s seat will be on the ballot next year as a partial term. 

The other two seats up for grabs will be Craig Lanter and Bette Bigsby. 

Lucas and Loader would be eligible to run at that point and seek the votes of the people. 

This is the second appointment to the Atherton Board of Education in two years with the last being Amber Barker in early 2022.