The Port Huron Area School District Board of Education has a new president and vice president following a change of board leadership Monday afternoon. After nearly two hours of public comment and deliberation during the special session meeting, former president Brian Winters was removed of his title as board president in a 4-to-3 vote. Vice-president Denise Brooks elected to take his place, with Joe Bixler selected as vice president. The resolution to remove Winters as presidents stated he had a “lack of understanding” of the role of board president and did not have an “effective working relationship with the district’s administration.” Superintendent Jamie Cain, who’s communication with the board was brought in question Monday night, was absent from the meeting. The vote to reshuffle leadership saw support board members Denise Brooks, Tim McCulloch, Ann Murphy, and Joseph Bixler. Meanwhile Laurie Oldford, Hayley Alderman, and Brian Winters were opposed to the changes. Several dozen teachers and community members participated in the public comments section of the meeting, with many of them speaking in favor of keeping Winters in the president’s position. Although removed of his title, Brian Winters will remain on the Port Huron School Board through at least the end of his term in 2020.
