One candidate to fill vacant Brandon School Board seat

The board of education received just one application for appointment to the seat vacated by Rob Privette last month.

Kim Kulaga, 36, is the sole candidate to complete the term ending Dec. 31, 2013. The board interviewed her at a special meeting Oct. 10.

Kulaga, a 1993 Brandon High School graduate, moved to Groveland Township and back into the district, three years ago.

“I wanted to bring my kids home to where I was raised,” said the mother of two children, Nick, 6, and Sophie, 5. “I believe in this community, this is where I want to be. I’m interested in this position as a way to serve my community.”

Kulaga is an e-learning specialist at Chrysler in Auburn Hills. For the past 12 years, she has worked in adult education and training in the corporate world, working for companies including Blue Cross, Ford, and General Motors, and has offered independent consulting for the healthcare industry. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Adrian College.

Kulaga said she believes there are areas of strength in the Brandon School District, as well as areas that need improvement.

“I would invite parents to be volunteers and make them feel welcome,” she said. “I want to make (the district) more accessible. The role of boardmembers is to provide continuity and consistency across all schools in the district. Money and the quality of education are the most important issues. I feel a different financial analysis is needed… I would love the opportunity to serve.”

While Kulaga is the sole candidate, her appointment is not certain, said Superintendent Lorrie McMahon.

“The board can appoint her or choose not to,” she said. “They will vote during the Monday meeting. If they choose not to appoint her, then Oakland Schools has the responsibility to appoint a person to our board.”

The board will vote during their next meeting, 6:30 p.m., Oct. 17, central district office, 1025 S. Ortonville Road.