Lindley leaving Board of Trustees after 12 years of service at LMC

During meetings held this month, both the Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees and the Berrien RESA Board of Education accepted the resignation of longtime public education steward Dr. Michael Lindley.  

Dr. Lindley is moving to Indianapolis, Indiana, outside of district boundaries for both posts. He is currently serving on the Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees as a Trustee at Large. Dr. Lindley has served in multiple capacities on the College Board since 2010, with his current term set to expire on Dec. 31. He is also the Berrien RESA Board of Education President and has been a member of the district’s Board of Education since 2019. His Berrien RESA 6-year term was slated to end in June of 2025. His resignation is effective May 31. 

“Dr. Lindley’s commitment to public service and selfless dedication has made a tremendous impact that will be felt at Lake Michigan College for years to come,” LMC President Dr. Trevor Kubatzke said. “He’s been an integral part of the growth of the college, from the additions of the Hanson Technology Center and Welch Center for Wine and Viticulture Technology to the largest renovation and remodeling project in college history. We will certainly miss his sage advice and leadership, but we wish him all the best in Indianapolis.” 

His impact has been felt at the local school district level, too. 

“Dr. Lindley has been a true champion of public education,” said Eric Hoppstock, Superintendent of Berrien RESA. “Not only has he been a public servant as a board member, but he has also had a tremendous career as local district superintendent at multiple Berrien County school districts. He brought a wealth of knowledge to our Board meetings and provided keen financial insights and a strong focus on student outcomes, ensuring decisions were made both in a fiscally responsible and student-centered manner. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him well in Indianapolis.” 

Lake Michigan College’s Vacancy Process: 

The Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees consists of 7 members and is elected at large in the Community College District during the general elections. Members are elected for 6-year terms of office, which are staggered so that two and sometimes three expire every two years. Regular terms of office commence on Jan. 1, following the date of the general state election. The general election laws of the State govern all elections. 

Whenever a vacancy in the Board occurs, the remaining members of the Board, by majority vote, are empowered to fill the vacancy with a qualified elector of the Community College District. Any appointed person holds office until the next regular College election, at which time the electors of the Community College District fill the office for the unexpired portion of the term. 

Dr. Lindley’s term was to expire on Dec. 31. The Board has 30 days following the May 31 effective date to fill this vacancy. 

Berrien RESA’s Vacancy Process: 

For Berrien RESA, according to the Revised School Code, MCL 380.614, “A vacancy shall be filled by the remaining members of the intermediate school board until the next biennial election, at which time the vacancy shall be filled for the balance of the unexpired term.” Dr. Lindley’s term was to expire on June 30, 2025. The Berrien RESA Board of Education has 30 days following the May 31 effective date to fill this vacancy and plans to appoint a new member during a June 13 Special Board Meeting. 

The term of office of each member elected to an intermediate school board is 6 years and begins on July 1 following the election. Although the only School Code requirement to be an intermediate school board member is to be a registered voter in a constituent school district, the Berrien RESA Board of Education would prefer a candidate who is currently serving or who has previously served on a local school district board of education or similar board. 

Qualified and interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume listing work and volunteer experiences in writing by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8 to: 

Mrs. J. Allene Smith, Secretary, Berrien RESA Board of Education, P.O. Box 364, Berrien Springs, Michigan, 49103. 

Interested candidates should plan to participate in an interview session scheduled during a special Berrien RESA Board of Education Board Meeting on June 13, beginning at 2 p.m. at the Berrien RESA Administrative Conference Center, before the regular Board meeting. Questions may be directed to Eric Hoppstock, Superintendent, at eric.hoppstock@berrienresa.org.