Portland St. Patrick Catholic School

January has been designated as School Board Appreciation Month. St. Patrick School does not officially have a School Board but instead has a School Commission. The School Commission serves as a consultative body for the pastor and the principal on matters concerning St. Patrick School. The School Commission is a diverse group of individuals who meet each month to discuss issues that are important to St. Patrick School students.

The seven School Commission members are chosen from school parents and/or members of the parish. Terms are for three years and a member can serve a second consecutive three year term at the discretion of the Pastor. Nominations are sought from the parish in May of each year and members are chosen through a discernment process like other parish committees and commissions.

The main duties of the Commission are to help develop the school public relations plan to attract and retain students. In conjunction with the Business Manager, Principal, and the Finance Committee, the commission also assists with the preparation of the school budget. The Commission also evaluates and advises on class size, dress code, fundraising, technology, school policy, standardized test scores, and many other subjects.

The members of the Commission are:

• Mr. Ralph Willemin is in his 6th year as a School Commission member. He serves as the Chairman of the commission and also serves on the Public Relations and Fundraising subcommittee. He and his wife Mary have a daughter attending St. Patrick School. Ralph is an alumni of St. Patrick School and is self employed as a mortgage broker.
• Mr. Ken Cook is in his second year and serves as the Vice Chairman of the commission. He serves on the Public Relations subcommittee. Ken and his wife Mary are both graduates of the school and they have three children attending the school. Ken has a Bachelor of Arts degree from MSU and an MBA from GVSU and is employed by Follet Library Resources.
• Mr. George Rutherford is a past Chairman and has served as member of the commission for three years. He and his wife Linda have two children who are graduates of the school. George has a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology and an MBA from Michigan State University and works for Sparrow Health Systems as the VP/COO of Ionia Memorial Hospital. George serves as the Commission’s liaison to the Father Flohe Foundation.
• Mr. Dan Lawless is in his second year on the School Commission and serves as Chair of the Fundraising subcommittee. Dan is also the President of the Athletic Association. Dan is a graduate of Portland High School and he and wife Denise have one child who is a graduate of St. Patrick School, one who is a graduate of Portland High School, and one child currently attending St. Patrick School. Dan received an Associate’s degree in Building Construction Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ferris State University and works as an Industrial Engineer for General Motors Lansing Delta Plant.
• Ms. Diane Bissell is in her fourth year serving on the School Commission. Diane has two children attending St. Patrick School. She is a graduate of Alma College with a dual major of Spanish and Business Administration with an emphasis in history. Diane graduated from the Detroit College of Law (now the MSU School of Law) and is employed as an attorney with the State of Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation.
• Mr. Mark Davis is new to the St. Patrick School Commission. His wife Laura is employed as a para pro at the school. Mark is a graduate of Portland High School. The Davis’ have two children who are alumni of St. Patrick School and two that are currently enrolled. Mark has a degree in Emergency Services from Lansing Community College and is employed as a Detective Sergeant and is in charge of the Detective Bureau and the Special Response Team with the Kentwood Police Department.
• Mr. Dave Zimmerman is new to the St. Patrick School Commission. Dave and his wife Amy are both graduates of St. Patrick School and have two children attending the school. He has a Bachelors degree in business from Central Michigan University and owns two local businesses.
• Mrs. Nancy Wohlscheid is the recording secretary for the commission. Nancy is a graduate of the school and she and her husband Brian have three children attending St. Patrick School.

The St. Patrick School Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month and encourages attendance. Meetings begin with Mass at 6:00 p.m. and reconvenes after Mass at 6:45 p.m. More information about the Commission, including meeting minutes, can be found under Administration on our school website www.portlandstpats.com.

I’d like to thank our fine Commission members for their time, talent, and dedication. Their knowledge, enthusiasm, and leadership are a vital part of our school’s success. If anyone has questions or concerns about the School Commission, feel free to contact Chairman Ralph Willemin at rewillemin@yahoo.com.