New board members for Muskegon Heights

MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WOOD) - Three people have been appointed by emergency manager Donald Weatherspoon to serve on the board of the new Muskegon Heights Public School Academy system.

Carmella Ealom, the education planner for the State of Michigan-Department of Human Services; Arthur Scott, the owner and operator of JAAR, Inc. McDonald's Corporation; and Darryl Todd, a paralegal will oversee the charter school set to open in the fall.

"I look forward to seeking the advice and input of these bright and qualified individuals," said Weatherspoon.  "Each of the selected board members brings relevant experience and a desire to see the students of Muskegon Heights succeed."

The new board will work closely with Weatherspoon to guide the formation of the new school including setting policies and managing resources effectively.

"Every child deserves the opportunity to receive a proper education," said newly appointed board member Arthur Scott. "Today we are competing in a global market place; if our kids are not prepared we will continue to find ourselves in a secondary position. I feel an obligation and commitment to help them to succeed."

Weatherspoon was appointed to help relieve the Muskegon Heights Public Schools district of more than $12 million in debt.

Carmella Ealom currently serves as an Education Planner with the Michigan Department of Human Services, where she assists foster care youth with their educational needs in Muskegon, Ottawa, and Allegan Counties.

Arthur Scott is the Owner/Operator of JAAR, Inc. McDonalds Corporation which operates nine McDonald's in the Muskegon and Coopersville areas.

Darryl Todd, a Muskegon Heights Public Schools graduate, is a former Account Executive with Pitney Bowes and has volunteered with Muskegon Heights Public Schools in the past. When asked why he is serving as a board member Todd said, "In every crisis there is an opportunity. I am excited and humbled to serve as a part of a solution that will return the school's focus to preparing children to be productive citizens."

The new board members will be available for comment on July 9 following the board meeting, which begins at 2 p.m. at the Muskegon Heights Board of Education building.