Andrew Raymond Resigns from TCAPS Board; Vacancy to Be Posted

Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Trustee and Board Treasurer Andrew Raymond announced Monday he is resigning his position effective Tuesday, February 11 due to a career change. TCAPS must appoint someone to fill the rest of Raymond's term in the next 30 days, with the district set to post the vacancy this week and accept applications through February 26.

Raymond read a resignation letter out loud at Monday's TCAPS board meeting. A recent career change "has already required significantly more of my time," Raymond read. "While it's exciting for me personally, it is bittersweet as I have come to the necessary conclusion of resigning my seat on the TCAPS board. This decision was made after careful consideration, as I want to be fair to my fellow board members, administration and staff, and the students and families of this district. I know that I will no longer be able to dedicate the time and attention that I feel is required of me to do this role."

Raymond said he enjoyed his four-plus years serving on the board and "appreciated the opportunity to support this school district," adding he was "very proud of how this board has handled the business of the district over my tenure." He said that he hated "resigning in the middle of the commitment that I have made, but again I want to be fair to the district and to my family. I know that this decision will create additional unexpected work for the board, and I truly hope there are no hard feelings for that." Raymond noted he still has children within the TCAPS school system and intends to remain "very involved in their education," albeit as a parent and no longer a board member.

Board Chair Scott Newman-Bale said TCAPS is required to fill the rest of Raymond's term - which runs through the end of 2026 - in the next 30 days. Board members agreed to publicly post the vacancy this week, with applications expected to be available on the TCAPS website by the end of the week. TCAPS will accept applications through February 26 at 4pm. Depending on the number of applicants, the board will either meet March 3 to review applications and narrow down the field to a list of candidates they want to interview in person on March 10 or else - if the field is small enough - proceed directly to interviewing all candidates on March 10. The board is also expected to make their selection on March 10.

Raymond himself initially joined the TCAPS board as an appointee to fill a vacancy in 2020. He then ran and successfully defended his seat in the 2022 election.