The Hillsdale County Intermediate School Board voted sole applicant Laurie Brendes to the board Feb. 6 to fill the vacancy left by Parke Hayes.
Brendes is on the Hillsdale Community Schools board also and has served there for 16 years. She believes that her knowledge and skill from that experience will be useful to the county board.
“I’m hoping that we can make sure that every child in the county gets a quality education,” Brendes said. “With limited budgets and resources we all have to work together to make sure that happens.”
Brendes said she feels confident about her new role and thinks Hayes would be happy about it too. She knew Hayes well and greatly admired his work as president of HCISD.
“His service to many organizations, especially to ISD, was amazing,” Brendes said. “There will never be another Parke. The joy he spread by his presence was amazing.”
HCISD Superintendent Michael Potts said Brendes is highly qualified for the job after serving on the Hillsdale Community Schools board. However, he said there is no way to replace Hayes.
“I don’t know if you could ever replace Parke,” Potts said. “He could do the work of three or four people. But we will carry on and do the best we can in his memory.”
Michelle Masta, the board’s former vice president, was elected president in January upon Hayes’ passing.
“I am very honored and humbled to accept the new position of the HCISD board president,” Masta said in a Wednesday press release. “I am also very saddened under the circumstances regarding the presidential position opening. Parke Hayes was my respected friend and mentor for many years. He will be terribly missed. Parke’s dedication and love for our community, especially the HCISD, are well known and were deeply appreciated. I’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill.”
Potts said Masta is qualified for the position and officiated many board meetings during Hayes’ struggle with health issues.
As president, Masta said she will focus on providing the funding for the highest quality teachers and technological assistance possible.
“Our children are the future that will ensure that our nation remains strong as a democracy,” Masta said. “We must provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.”
