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PAGE 2 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN October 21, 2021

ROMULUS
ROMULUS

Residents protest suspension of school superintendent

”
At least four members of the district had become a “laughing-
Romulus Community Schools Ms Pyles, you've got to go. stock” throughout the area.
Board of Education disagree School board member Pete
with several outspoken voters You're damaging this district. Bergeron questioned the legality
who elected them. It has nothing to do with of a closed door, four-hour meet-
During a second contentious ing which included the investiga-
meeting last week, the four board whether I like you or not. tor from law firm Clark Hill PLC,
members voted to continue the the auditor and Interim
administrative leave of Edmonson reported financial ongoing.” Superintendent Sean McNatt
Superintendent Dr. Benjamin discrepancies and practices to That financial consultant, which took place the day follow-
Edmondson despite the protests the board. The investigation into Mike Dixon, who has been work- ing Edmonson's leave. Bergeron,
of several audience members his concerns was halted when a ing in the district for several who left the board table and
including residents, students, a district employee filed a Title IX weeks, also drew criticism dur- spoke from the podium as a dis-
teachers’ union representative discrimination complaint against ing the meeting last week from trict citizen, questioned the legal-
and district employees who him in, what he claims, was retal- Sarah Carter, the president of the ity of having the independent
packed the meeting. iation. Romulus Education Association, investigator and the interim
Edmonson was placed on paid Both the district Business the union which represents dis- superintendent in place without
administrative leave two weeks Manager Steven Baker Jr. and trict teachers. She said paying discussion or approval by the Dr. Benjamin Edmondson
ago pending a “financial audit” the Human Resources Manager the consultant $120 an hour or entire board. Bergeron demand- You're damaging this district. It
of business practices and credit Margaret Hazlett have recently $1500 a day was “absolutely ed a legal opinion from the dis- has nothing to do with whether I
card charges. That decision was resigned their positions. In her unacceptable.” trict attorney as to the legality of like you or not.” She told the
approved by the same 4-3 vote of letter of resignation, Hazlett said, “I question your ethics and that meeting. He said he had audience and board members
the board members. Board “I can no longer in good con- integrity,” Carter told the board obtained a legal opinion which that the last straw was the meet-
President Debi Pyles confirmed science follow the leadership of members, and also expressed found the meeting in violation of ing during which Edmondson
at the meeting that Edmonson “is the Board of Education.” Baker concern about the recent hiring the Open Meetings Act. was placed on leave which she
not a target of the investigation,” said the final straw for him was of several employees with inter- Romulus resident Rita said was an “embarrassment.”
prompting more audience ques- “the order to begin pulling credit im contracts. Hampton told the board and Hampton said she was seeking
tions about the reasons for plac- card statements and documents The pay rate for the consult- audience that she had submitted signatures on the recall petition.
ing him on leave. for the board's consultant to ants was also criticized by Board paperwork that day to recall The motion to return
Shortly after being hired by review instead of assisting us Treasurer Ursula Wester. Later Pyles. Edmonson to his job failed by a 4-
the district in August of 2020, with the audit that is currently in the meeting, Wester said the “Ms Pyles, you've got to go. 3 vote of the board.
Romulus Police Department wins prestigious state accreditation

The Romulus Police Department had Chief Pfannes' leadership, as well as the
joined an elite group accredited by the hard work and commitment our police
Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation officers display every day in the field. I'm
Commission. excited about our city's future knowing we
The accreditation demonstrates the are doing everything we can to ensure that
departmental commitment to continue residents have the opportunity live, work
improvement and its mission to protect and play in a safe environment.”
and serve the residents of the city, noted Police Chief Robert Pfannes said the
Mayor LeRoy Burcroff. The Romulus accreditation was a cooperative effort.
department is one of “We are grateful
only 38 Michigan ” and fortunate to have
police agencies or 7 The Romulus Mayor Burcroff and
percent in the state to Police Department Romulus residents
win the prestigious supporting us during
accreditation. certainly earned this accreditation
Facilitated by the the accreditation. process. We remain
Michigan Association committed to excel-
Chiefs of Police lence and working col-
(MACP) and the Michigan Sheriffs' laboratively with the community on safety
Association (MSA), this voluntary accredi- efforts and initiatives moving forward,”
tation program requires the adoption of Pfannes said.
more than 100 rigorous professional stan- Robert Stevenson of the Michigan
dards and a thorough review of all poli- Association of Chiefs of Police presented
cies, procedures and practices to ensure the accreditation in front of city officials
compliance. Assessments are conducted and community members at the Oct. 4
by third-party assessors and require proof meeting of the Romulus City Council.
that the police department meets or “The Romulus Police Department cer-
exceeds those standards in order to earn tainly earned the accreditation. They
and keep its accreditation. worked hard each day to be exemplary
The primary goals of accreditation are: members of law enforcement. These men
To establish and maintain the best prac- and women are now part of an elite group
tices of the profession; to build or main- of only 38 other police agencies in
tain community trust and bolster confi- Michigan to hold this title,” Stevenson
dence in the agency; to improve service said.
and limit liability; to establish fair and The Romulus Police Department was
professional personnel practices and to recently awarded a $612,000 grant from
increase accountability to all stakeholders the American Rescue Plan. Funding from
“This accreditation means a lot the the grant will be used to replace all police Romulus Police Chief Robert Pfannes, right, and Accreditation Manager Capt. Damian
community,” said Burcroff. “I am proud of radios and hire additional officers. Hull show off the prestigious certificate of accreditation earned by the department.
City Halloween contests continue WAYNE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
CITY OF ROMULUS
NOTICE OF ELECTION
Halloween contests will continue to the city Facebook Page TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021
throughout the City of Romulus until Oct. @DowntownRomulus or emailed to
27. apusino@romulusgov.com. entries TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF ROMULUS:
Winners in the contest will be should include the full name and phone
announced Oct. 29 in categories includ- number of the entrant. Winners will be NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT AN ELECTION WILL BE HELD IN THE CITY OF ROMU-
LUS, COUNTY OF WAYNE, STATE OF MICHIGAN ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021.
ing Best Pumpkin Carving, Best announced on the Facebook page and THE POLLS WILL BE OPEN FROM 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Halloween Costume and Spookiest Yard. contacted separately for the award of
All entries must be digital photos prizes and ribbons. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following offices will appear on the ballot:
taken with either a camera or phone. The For more information about the con- Mayor (1), Clerk (1), Treasurer (1), and City Council (7) - all offices are four (4) years ending 2025.
photo entries should be direct messaged tests, call (734) 942-7545. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the following proposal will also appear on the ballot:

To subscribe to The Eagle associatednewspapers.net ROMULUS CITY CHARTER
PROPOSED AMENDMENT
SECTIONS 2.7, 6.12, 6.13, AND 11.10.
PUBLIC NOTICE Shall the City amend Section 2.7, 6.12, 6.13, and 11.10 of the City Charter to allow for the publica-
City of Romulus tion of legal notices and minutes of Council, Board, and Commission meetings in two electronic
Public Accuracy Test sites or in a newspaper of general circulation in the City and for the reappointment of the official
publications by Council every odd year beginning calendar year 2023? [ ] Yes [ ] No
To the qualified electors of the City of Romulus, Wayne County, and State of Michigan:
A copy of the ballot with the full text of the ballot proposal is posted and available at:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Accuracy Test for the electronic equipment that will Romulus City Clerk's Office, 11111 Wayne Road, Romulus, MI 48174
be used in Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,& 12 for the November 2, 2021
City/General Election is scheduled for Absentee ballots are available for all elections; registered voters may obtain an application for an
Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in the Romulus City Hall Council Chambers located absent voter ballot at the Romulus City Clerk's Office at Romulus City Hall, 11111 Wayne Road,
at 11111 Wayne Road, Romulus, MI 48174. Romulus, MI 48174.

The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the computer programming used to tab- The following are the locations designated as voting places for the said Election in the City of
ulate the votes cast at the election meets the requirements of Michigan Election Law. Romulus:
(MCL 168.798(1)
1, 7 & 10 Romulus Middle School, 37300 Wick Road
THIS IS AN OPEN MEETING 2 & 4 Halecreek Elementary School, 16200 Harrison Road
3, 8, & 9 Romulus Elementary School, 32200 Beverly Road
This notice is posted in compliance with PA 228 of 2020 as amended (Open Meetings Act), 12 Romulus Athletic Center, 35765 Northline Road
MCLA 41.72a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. (ADA). 5 Romulus Senior Center, 36525 Bibbins
Individuals with disabilities requiring aids or services should contact the City of Romulus 11 Barth Elementary School, 38207 Barth Road
Clerk's Office by writing or calling the following: 6 West Village Estates, 7040 Shawnee Dive (formerly known as Rudgate)
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, Clerk, 11111 Wayne Road, Romulus, MI 48174, 734-942-7540.
All polling locations are handicap accessible. To obtain election instructions in an alternative format
A copy of this notice is on file in the Office of the City Clerk. (audio or Braille), contact the Clerk's Office at 734-942-7540 prior to Election Day.
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg
City Clerk
Ellen L. Craig-Bragg, City Clerk City of Romulus
Publish: October 21, 2021 RM0608 - 102121 2.5 x 4.37 Publish: 10/21/2021 RM0609 - 102121 2.5 x 7.148