Bridgeport-Spaulding School Superintendent Placed on Leave Amid Recall Efforts
The Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District has placed Superintendent Mark Whelton on administrative leave as the school board contends with multiple recall petitions. This decision was made during a board meeting held on November 21, 2023, which was initially convened to discuss a proposed school safety grant.
Whelton revealed that the board’s president, Amy Morales, recessed the meeting for a private discussion with legal counsel outside the public forum. Upon reconvening, the board adopted a resolution placing him on leave pending an investigation. “I was not aware, nor was I informed, of any allegations requiring an investigation,” Whelton stated. He expressed confusion regarding the reasons for his suspension, noting that he still lacks clarity on the circumstances surrounding his leave.
This development coincides with efforts to recall several board members, a move initiated by local resident and parent Robert Shavrnoch. He filed petitions with the Saginaw County Clerk’s Office on November 5, 2023, targeting board members Brentoya Bray-Breamsy, Carmen Castillo, and Lucy Anne Erby. The petitions emerged after the board voted against extending Whelton’s contract, despite his effective ratings and contributions to the district.
Shavrnoch highlighted Whelton’s commendable performance, stating, “He scored 89 out of 100 points, and he’s amazing with our kids.” He described Whelton as a “hands-on superintendent” who is actively engaged with both students and staff.
The recall petitions state: “On October 27, 2025, (board member’s name) voted no on a motion to approve the renewal of the superintendent’s employment contract.” The board’s decision not to renew Whelton’s contract was met with criticism from the community, as many parents express dissatisfaction with the board’s actions.
With the language for the petitions approved, Shavrnoch is now tasked with gathering 1,478 signatures for each petition, aiming to have the recall language included on ballots during the upcoming May election. Shavrnoch believes that the board’s decision to place Whelton on leave strengthens his case for recalling the board members. He remarked, “It should have never happened. Those four board members are working on their own together.”
In a further complication, another resident, Megan Nobis, filed a petition against Morales, alleging that she violated the Michigan Open Meetings Act during the same meeting where the board voted against Whelton’s contract extension. This petition will be reviewed by the Saginaw County Election Commission on December 11, 2023.
Shavrnoch, who has three children enrolled in the district, plans to begin collecting signatures for the recall efforts soon. He expressed confidence in the support he has garnered from other parents, stating, “The parents have been amazing. They’re all ready to sign it.”
Whelton’s future with the Bridgeport-Spaulding district has been uncertain for some time. The board had previously appointed Thrun Law Firm as legal counsel for contract negotiations during a closed session on October 13, 2023. An earlier motion to extend Whelton’s contract failed with a 3-4 vote on October 27, 2023.
During this contentious period, board member Robert Lange expressed concern about the division within the board, stating, “When the Board becomes divided or distracted, the district suffers – especially those we’re here to serve.”
Whelton began his role as superintendent in June 2018, succeeding Carol Selby. His current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The situation continues to evolve as community members engage in discussions about the future of their school district.
