Guido, McDonald Sworn in for Dearborn School Board

There was more going on than just chair-changing when the seven-member Dearborn Public Schools Board of Education swore in the two individuals .

Joseph Guido, who was both sworn in and elected by unanimous consent to the directorial appointment of board treasurer, began his fifth term on the school board at Monday night’s annual organizational meeting.

Additionally, newcomer Roxanne McDonald–a familiar face who has served as the vice president of the Dearborn Parent-Teacher Association Council–was sworn in for what will amount to a five-year term because of a new state law that disallows school board elections on odd-numbered years.

McDonald said after Monday night’s regular board meeting that she expects a busy, challenging first year.

“It’s a lot of information,” she said. “I hope that people are patient with me because there’s a lot to learn. My first priority is student achievement; sure, there’s finances and other issues, but student achievement is the measure by which we know our children are getting an education.”

Board appointments were also made. Mary Lane was named president, replacing outgoing president James Schoolmaster, who will return to his role as a trustee.

Pamela Adams was named vice president, replacing Mary Petlichkoff, who was unseated by McDonald in November; Hussein Berry was named secretary, replacing Mary Lane; and Guido was named treasurer, replacing Pamela Adams.

Lane said she expects to conquer a lot of issues during the next several months, and that she is thankful for the support of the community, the district administration and the staff.

“Thank you very much for your expressions of support,” she said. “I would also like to thank (outgoing) president Jim Schoolmaster for his good cheer. (The president of the school board) is a difficult position.”

Each directorial appointment lasts one year.

Though McDonald was told she will serve a five-year stint instead of a typical four-year term, it is unclear how the board will handle terms and elections in the future. Elections used to occur each year, with two seats opening up every year, followed by a singular seat at the end of the cycle.