Novi School Board Fills Vacant Seat

NOVI, MI — The Novi Community School Board has appointed Tom Smith, the president of the Novi Educational Foundation, as an interim trustee to fill a vacancy until Dec. 31, 2018. Smith replaces Ann Glubzinski, who resigned last month.

Novi residents will have the opportunity to vote for Glubzinski’s permanent replacement at the Nov. 6 general election. A newly-elected trustee will then be sworn in on Jan. 1.

Current board members interviewed 21 candidates before unanimously selecting Smith, who is the managing director of Smith & Associates, an Ameriprise Financial advisory firm in Novi.

“The Board was overwhelmed with the response of this community in the recent call to serve out the term left by Mrs. Glubzinski,” said Board President Bobbie Murphy. “With so many highly-qualified candidates, the decision was a difficult one. But Tom has played an active role in working with our administration to guide the work of the Novi Educational Foundation in meeting needs that could otherwise be difficult for this district to fund. He has used his own time, talent and treasures to benefit the students in this district through that work. Along with his service through the NEF, the Board was impressed with Tom's understanding of the role of the board and his experiences in handling challenging circumstances. He was the unanimous choice for the position.”

The married father to three children – all of whom attend Novi Schools – Smith has lived in Novi for more than two decades. He has served on the NEF board for the past six years. He’s also a children’s liturgy leader at St. James Catholic Church in Novi, and a volunteer at Providence Park Hospital.

Dr. Steve Matthews, Novi Schools superintendent, was pleased to welcome Smith to his appointment by officiating the swearing in ceremony at last week’s board meeting.

“His ties to the community, his passion for students, his willingness to make things happen will be of great benefit to our board and to our school district,” Matthews said.

Smith said he hopes to “make a positive impact in the academic excellence and positive mental health of our students.”

Besides Smith's interim appointment, the trustee seats currently held by Dennis O'Connor and Tracey Stevenson are up for re-election in November.

Photo courtesy Novi Community Schools