• From: Sean Cotton <cottons@gpschools.org>
    Date: Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 6:31 PM
    Subject: Re: One Last Outrage Before the Year is Out...You Should All Be Ashamed...
    To: XXXXX
    Cc: School Board <schoolboard@gpschools.org>


    XXXXX,

    Thank you for sharing your perspective. While I understand your passion regarding the Grosse Pointe Public School System, I believe it is important to address the inaccuracies and assumptions in your recent emails.

    Bylaws and Officer Roles:
    Per Board Bylaw 1.15: “Officers shall hold office for one year, or until their successors are elected and take office.” Until January 7th and the election of officers, I remain the duly elected Board President. This is not a matter of interpretation but a clear directive of our governing bylaws. I will continue to fulfill my duties as prescribed, regardless of external speculation or misrepresentation.

    Board Authority and Process:
    You have characterized the decision to hold a special meeting on December 26th as "entitlement and selfishness." However, special meetings are not only permissible but often necessary tools for governance, particularly when urgent matters arise. The timing, while inconvenient for some, reflects the gravity of our responsibilities, not a lack of consideration. Governance is not always comfortable or convenient, but it is always essential.

    Election Results and Representation:
    Respect for the recent election results does not negate the responsibilities of the Board through a transitional period. Suggesting that fulfilling these duties is somehow illegitimate disregards the principles of continuity and accountability. Leadership, even in transitional periods, demands resilience and adherence to the best interests of the District. Your narrative implies that ongoing governance is unnecessary, a notion that would leave the District without direction during critical moments.

    Engagement and Transparency:
    Your concerns about transparency are noted, though they appear contradictory. On one hand, you express outrage at the scheduling of a public meeting; on the other, you declare that "the community will be there in droves" to witness it. This underscores the importance of proceeding with such a meeting, as transparency thrives on visibility and engagement. The suggestion to cancel a public meeting conflicts with the principle of open governance that you claim to advocate.

    I trust this response provides ample clarity regarding the rationale and intent behind the decisions you have questioned. While your fervent objections are duly noted, I remain confident that all trustees (both former and current), alongside myself, are unwavering in our collective commitment to serving this community, its students, staff, and families with the professionalism, stability, and focus this role demands. This commitment stands firm, undeterred by the hyperbolic rhetoric and emotionally charged assertions of those with opposing views.

    Regards,

    Sean Cotton


    Sean P. Cotton
    President 

    Grosse Pointe Public School System


    cottons@gpschools.org

    www.gpschools.org

    20601 Morningside Dr, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236

    Note:  The opinions expressed in this email are those of the sender and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the balance of the Board of Trustees and/or the administration of the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Emails sent to or from this email address are accessible by the public under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).


    On Mon, Jan 6, 2025 at 4:55 PM XXXXX wrote:
    Ginny - 

    First off, I am a parent in this district. I think it is appalling that you speak to me thusly. You are an elected official. Please act like it. And please live the values you so often express publicly. Your private conduct is unbecoming. I want you to leave me alone. 

    However, I must  make it clear to you: Sean is not the presiding president of anything. There is NO BOARD PRESIDENT at this time. He is the highest ranking officer of the previous board. The term of that board expired on December 31, 2024. 

    I am cc'ing Ms. Worden again so that she can see for herself how you address GPPSS parents in emails.

    Thank you - XXXXX