Recall petitions launched against three Bridgeport Spaulding Community Schools board members amid dispute over superintendent decision

Organizers say signing allows voters to decide in a future election, while opponents question the recall and defend the board’s actions

BRIDGEPORT, Mich - Petition signatures are being collected to recall three members of the Bridgeport Spaulding Community Schools Board of Education.

The recall effort targets board members Brentoya Breamsy, Carmen Castillo, and Lucy Erby. Organizers say the petition drive follows the board’s decision not to renew the contract of Superintendent Mark Whelton, a move that has drawn public attention and criticism.

Under Michigan law, only registered voters who currently live within the Bridgeport Spaulding school district are eligible to sign the recall petitions. Organizers say individuals who assist with collecting signatures must be at least 18 years old and a United States citizen.

Supporters of the recall effort emphasize that signing a petition does not remove a board member from office. Instead, they say, it allows the issue to move forward to a recall election, where voters would make the final decision. Organizers also say residents who are undecided may still sign a petition and make their choice later at the polls.

While the recall effort is underway, verified reporting shows that some teachers, parents, and residents have publicly voiced support for Superintendent Whelton and questioned the board’s decision not to renew his contract. The Bridgeport Education Association, which represents district teachers, has publicly backed the superintendent and raised concerns about board leadership, according to local news coverage.

Two of the board members facing recall, Erby and Castillo, have appealed the approval of the recall petitions, challenging the process through the Saginaw County Election Commission, according to Ballotpedia.

Volunteers involved in the recall effort plan to go door to door and host petition signing events at local businesses in the coming weeks.