EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — In the latest of many news stories to come out of East Lansing recently, both the city clerk and deputy city clerk have resigned.
Mikell Frey, the communications administrator for East Lansing, tells 6 News that City Clerk Jennifer Shuster’s last day is next Friday, Feb. 10 and Deputy City Clerk Kathryn Gardner’s last day is Friday, Feb. 3.
Frey declined to release a copy of the resignation letters from Shuster and Gardner.
This news was first reported by East Lansing Info.
Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum expressed her understanding of people’s concerns.
“I know this is concerning to some people,” said Byrum. “Clerk Jennifer Shuster has served the East Lansing community for five years. She notified her precinct workers via email and let them all know that they were going to be in good hands.”
Byrum added that Shuster has a succession plan in place.
The City has additional leadership openings in human resources, public works and finance, just to name a few.
But why are so many people leaving?
“I know that the clerk and her deputy both received amazing offers that they couldn’t refuse,” continued Byrum. “I am not certain about all of the other departures in East Lansing.”
In just the last few weeks, East Lansing has been the subject of several controversies.
That includes the president of the East Lansing School Board resigning, the city manager being ousted, a student walkout over violence in the district, cancellation of a boys basketball game and school on Friday, and several lockdowns.
Currently, East Lansing’s Police Chief Kim Johnson Is also serving as the city manager.
On Monday, school leaders said they have considered more than 24 safety recommendations after a state-funded school safety review earlier this year.
