Bland said he does community outreach to improve chronic absenteeism through his church. He hopes to continue that work on the board.

The new member will be selected by the board based on their interviews and other application materials.

Traci Ricks withdrew her candidacy Wednesday, a day before she was scheduled to be interviewed by the board.

The candidates include two who ran for the board last year.

The interviews will be held during four public meetings next week.

The board will vote to choose a new member on July 28.

There are two bills that would address cellphone use in Michigan schools. It’s uncertain which proposal will pass.

Maykol Bogoya-Duarte’s request to remain in the U.S. to finish school was denied Wednesday, his attorney said.

The board listened to two and a half hours of public comment before it released a statement urging for the student’s release.

The Western International High School student is 3.5 credits away from graduation, his attorney says. He is now fighting for his release.