Fink Resigns from ELPS Board; Special Meeting Being Held Today to Discuss Filling Her Seat

ELi has learned that Monica Fink, first elected to the East Lansing Public School (ELPS) Board in 2020, has resigned from her seat. Attempts to reach out to Fink have been unsuccessful. However, her board colleague Chris Martin told ELi the resignation stems from Fink’s decision to move out of the district.

The board will meet at 12:30 p.m. today (Sept. 29) on the lower level of East Lansing High School (ELHS) in the board meeting room to discuss the process for replacing Fink. The agenda has been posted.

This comes as the district administration continues to deal with backlash from the second suspension of MacDonald Middle School physical education teacher Dennis Petrowitz. The long-time teacher was suspended last May after using the “N-word” while addressing students. ELi reported Thursday (Sept. 28) on his second suspension for an “unprofessional verbal interaction” and calls from the community to remove Petrowitz from the classroom.

East Lansing’s Parent Advocacy Team (ELPAT) had planned a demonstration at MMS for this morning (Sept. 29). However, the group canceled the demonstration after learning Thursday evening from the middle school administration that Petrowitz’s suspension has been extended and he would not be returning to the classroom today.

Instead, ELPAT contributors suggested those wishing to speak about the situation should attend today’s board meeting and speak during public comment. The group is also planning to hold a community meeting on Tuesday (Oct. 3). The location, time and agenda are forthcoming.

Students at the middle school did stage a walkout this morning (Sept. 29) in reaction to the Petrowitz suspension. The walkout occurred about 9 a.m. and lasted about 35 minutes. Students at the middle school did stage a walkout this morning (Sept. 29) in reaction to the Petrowitz suspension. The walkout occurred about 9 a.m. and lasted about 35 minutes. MacDonald Middle School Principal Amy Martin provided details in a letter to families.

Mark Pontoni, ELHS teacher and president of the district’s teacher’s union, East Lansing Educational Association (ELEA), took to a private Facebook group for parents, students and staff Thursday (Sept. 28) to explain teacher’s rights.

“Teachers are not at-will employees,” Pontoni wrote. “They are covered by the Michigan Tenure Act and the contract between the district and the union. The ELEA is in the position to make sure every member’s rights are protected in the case of accusations of misconduct. This does not mean that we support any misconduct by teachers; it means they have rights that are protected by law and we aim to make sure those rights are honored.

“Community members have a valuable voice, and I am always interested to hear what is on the minds of people. We can become a better district by listening to all stakeholders. I think we are a better district as a result of community concerns expressed earlier this year. The district responded, and the union supported, many of the changes the community wanted to see. At the same time, no amount of outrage by the community can nullify the rights of the accused. There is a process, and both the district and the union are following exactly the procedures outlined and protected by law as we collaborate on a solution that’s best for kids.”

In a Thursday evening interview with ELi, Pontoni expanded on his Facebook post.

“People get so bent out of shape on social media,” he said. “That’s nothing new. Their concerns, they should express them, but to make demands that someone be fired by a specific date, that’s not how things work. People should not think that the public can fire people. This is a negotiated set of conditions. Teachers need to be protected by capricious accusations. Just look around the country at what teachers are being accused of with books and plays and lessons. We can’t let that happen here.”

Pontoni was also quick to say the union does not approve of Petrowitz’s alleged actions.

“It doesn’t mean the union doesn’t condone his conduct in any way. But we do protect his rights,” he said. “If it ends up that the accusations are what they are, the process will be followed.”

ELi will continue to provide updates on both the resignation of Fink and the Petrowitz situation.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a link to a letter with details about the walkout at MacDonald Middle School. (2:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 2023)