January 26, 2005

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the following recent appointments to the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement Board: 

Gary W. Allen, Ed.D. of Mt. Pleasant, superintendent for Mt. Pleasant Public Schools.  Dr. Allen is appointed to represent school system superintendents for a term expiring March 30, 2005.  He succeeds Susan Bolton who has resigned.

Ivy Y. Bailey of Southfield, teacher for Birney Elementary/Detroit Public Schools.  Ms. Bailey is appointed to represent classroom teachers for a term expiring March 30, 2008.  She succeeds Linda Adams whose term has expired. 

William J. Lawson, Jr. of Plymouth, attorney in private practice.  Mr. Lawson is appointed to represent members who retired from a finance or operations management position for a term expiring March 30, 2008.  He succeeds John Cook whose term has expired. 

Martha K. Pichla of Sterling Heights, teacher for Fraser Public Schools.  Ms. Pichla is appointed to represent classroom teachers for a term expiring March 30, 2005.  She succeeds Michael Cassady who has resigned. 

Edwin E. Martinson of Ironwood, teacher for Ironwood Area Schools and Gogebic Community College, and member of the Gogebic-Ontonagon Intermediate School Board.  Mr. Martinson is appointed to represent elected members of reporting units’ boards of control for a term expiring March 30, 2005, and is reappointed for a term expiring March 30, 2008.  He succeeds Mark Pontti who has resigned.

Richard A. Montcalm of Monroe, assistant superintendent of business and finance for Utica Community Schools.  Mr. Montcalm is reappointed to represent school finance or operations managers who are not superintendents for a term expiring March 30, 2008.

The Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement Board is responsible for the investigation of the morality, service, compensation, and other experiences of members and beneficiaries of the public school retirement system, and is charged with investing and distributing any or all of the monies in the Michigan Public School Employees’ Retirement Fund.  Additionally, every five years the board must formulate and present a plan to direct the operation of the fund.   
 
These appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.