Board of Education

Our Board of Education Members at Whitmore Lake Public Schools

The Board of Education at Whitmore Lake Public Schools consists of members who work to establish a vision for the community. Through meetings and activities our members work hard to establish goals, strategies, and actions for achievement. Get to know the members of the board by reading their bios below.

Ken Dignan

WLPS Board of Education President

Being on the BOE since 2012, Ken serves as the President of the BOE as well as on various committies. He has been heavily involved in the community having served as Chairman of Northfield Township Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Director of Technology and Digital Marketing at Williams Brothers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Dundee and is on the Board of Directors at D3 Studios and Services. Married to Wendy (August 1997). His son, Riley, and daughter, Amanda, have attended WLPS. “Being an alumni to WL schools has created a certain passion for ensuring a great public school experience for every child in our region.”

Presently a member of Washtenaw Assoc. of School Boards, Washtenaw Alliance for Children & Youth, and Chairman of the Board for the Washtenaw Assoc. for Community Advocacy. WLPS Alumni, Class of 1991, attended both WCC & EMU. Various Certifications from Microsoft and Cisco. Email Ken

Laura Schwennesen

WLPS Board of Education Vice President

Serving on the BOE since January 2016, Laura currently serves on the Building and Siteand Academic Performance Committees.

Director of Contracts at Altarum Institute. Married to husband Jeff for 19 years. Son Matt, 14, and Claire, 13, attend WLPS. “The BOE has the challenging job of setting aspirational goals to guide our district going forward and then working to turn them into reality. I’m energized to continue to share all the great things about WL.”

I have lived in Whitmore Lake 18 years. Fenton High School. BS from Western Michigan University and working towards a Masters in Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Email Laura

Bob Henry

WLPS Board of Education Treasurer

Serving on the Board since 2008, Bob is currently appointed to BOE Finance Committee and the BOE Liaison to HeadStart.

Retired from WLPS. Wife, Gail, and family have lived in WL for over 36 years. Twin daughters graduated from WLHS in 1995. Daughter, Jill is currently a WLHS teacher. “I believe in this school district and I want to help it serve the needs of the children of this community in the future. And that’s why I would like to advocate for more advanced academic classes.”

Retired from Whitmore Lake Public Schools after 34 years as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. St. Mary of Redford High School. Eastern Michigan University graduate for B.S. and M.A. Email Bob

Michelle Kritzman

WLPS Board of Education Secretary

Serving on the BOE since December 2015, Shelli is currently appointed to BOE Finance, Superintendent’s Evaluation and Economic Performance Committees.

Nuclear Medical Physicist at Medical Physics Consultants. Married to Jim (March 1997). Mark, Luke and Joey attend Whitmore Lake. “This is a great community and I am excited to play a role in maintaining high academic standards and opportunities for extracurricular activity for all grade levels. I am enthusiastic to continue moving our district forward on a positive path.”

I have lived in Whitmore Lake over 20 years. I have represented WL on the Parent Advisory Committee at the WISD for seven years. Atherton High School (1989) Ferris State University BS in Nuclear Medicine Technology (1993) Wayne State University MS in Radiological Physics (2000) American Board of Radiology Certified Nuclear Medical Physicist. Email Michelle

Lee Cole

WLPS Board of Education Trustee

Mostly retired but prior taught English, served as a school psychologist, 14 years as an elementary principal, and 5 years as a Headmaster at a private school. And since 1972 had a private practice as a psychologist. Has also taught at MSU and EMU and served in the Marine Corps. Married to Dawn. Two sons: Christopher, who lives in Whitmore Lake and Jason, married to Anna who lives in Scio Township. Three grandkids: Ian 13, Abigail 11, Dylan 6 "In WLPS we have a dedicated staff who have given to the students and community in myriad ways from financial to their professional expertise. We have a superintendent who has wisdom as well as competence. A working and cooperative board will ensure that kind of oversight that helps all, students and staff, perform their jobs at the highest level."

Has lived in Whitmore Lake since 1998 and works with veterans when they return from deployment. Graduated from Flint Southwestern HSGraduated from University of Michigan with an AB Masters from MSU in education and psychology. Certification in therapy techniques. Email Lee

Lisa McCully

WLPS Board of Education Trustee

Serving on the BOE on the Building, Site and Recreation committee and Marketing and Communications committee, Lisa is excited to be the newest member of the BOE.

Salon owner and hair dresser. National Certified Color Educator for John Paul Mitchell Systems Independent sales for Nerium International skin care. Married to Dennis. Son Max is in 5th grade at WLES. “I want to help make WLPS better for our kids and help get the message out about how great we are, I see a lit of potential and want to help build our schools.”

Has lived in WL for over 20 years. 1980 graduate of Bentley High School in Livonia. Email Lisa

John Meadows Jr.

WLPS Board of Education Trustee

Crop Consultant and Dispatcher for Crop Production Service Married to wife, Ramona. Two children, Jamie & Natalie attend WLPS. "Stabilizing and growing our student population is critical to the success of WLPS and will be a top priority for me. I have lived in this community for over 40 years. I was educated and graduated from WLHS. I understand the value of a small school and a personalized education."

For several years I have been involved with WL Junior Football and Cheer, have worked on many projects for both the football fields and school grounds, and have been coaching basketball with the community recreation program. WLPS alumni. Michigan State University, B.S. in Food Systems Economics and Management Email John