Board

Overview

The purpose of the WAY Michigan Board of Education is to oversee official business of the district. The School Board members invite students, parents, residents, community members and other interested parties to attend the meetings.

Documentation of board policies, meeting schedule, and past meeting minutes are available below.

Now Accepting!

We are accepting applications for new board members. All prospective applicants should contact the Board President for further information.

Board Meetings

Printable Board Meeting Calendar

The WAY Michigan board holds a public meeting the second working Thursday of each month, beginning at 6:00 pm, at WAY Michigan central office in Detroit, MI.

Meeting dates are posted at the school and are open to the community. If the meeting falls on a holiday, it will be rescheduled to the following week.

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Bio

Ms. Marquita J. Tharpe currently serves as Human Resources Director for a major oil company in southeastern Michigan. Her current role includes strategic leadership in the planning and implementation of quality-based, integrated human resources programs for all management and staff of the company. Prior to her current role, she had a distinguished career where she held positions of increasing responsibility and complexity within the charter school industry, including working for two educational service providers.

Ms. Tharpe’s education includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with a specialization in Criminal Deviance from University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State Law School.

In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for Way Michigan, Ms. Tharpe also serves on the board of a local non-profit. In her spare time, Ms. Tharpe enjoys spending time with family and friends; writing; reading; and binge-watching her favorite shows.

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Work experience includes over 25 years of capacity building in the fields of education, training and human services. David holds a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration and Policy with a specialty in Urban Planning and Economic Development from The University of Toledo. He also completed a Master’s degree in counseling and Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eastern Michigan University. His professional interests are in the area of social justice and its impact on the economic development of regional economies. Through a combination of volunteer and work history he has served on and/or had a leadership role on 18 non-profit boards. David is currently retained as District Lead Vice Chancellor for Educational Affairs at Wayne County Community College District.

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Dr. Tamara Halliburton's professional journey spans over three decades, and now, she is truly hitting her stride. With an unwavering dedication to her work, she has found fulfillment by delving into the realms of new technologies and aiding others in need.

Currently, Tamara holds the position of Product Owner, where she plays a pivotal role in guiding and overseeing the development of innovative products. Additionally, she has established her own behavioral health firm, where she not only leads as an Outpatient Therapist but also actively manages the operations.

Driven by her insatiable curiosity, Tamara has pursued academic excellence throughout her career. She holds distinguished degrees from esteemed institutions such as Wayne State University, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, and the Virginia University of Lynchburg.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Tamara finds joy in the company of her two beloved, albeit spoiled, dogs. When she's not busy caring for them, she finds solace in the pages of books, immerses herself in music, indulges in the magic of live musical performances, and admittedly spends a tad too much time engrossed in guilty pleasure television. Furthermore, she nurtures a profound aspiration to share her thoughts and experiences by penning her own book.

Dr. Tamara Halliburton's journey is a testament to her unwavering passion for knowledge, dedication to helping others, and an undying thirst for personal growth.

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Dr. Schequita Owens has been working in the field of education for the past 20 years in various roles such as Teacher Consultant, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support & 504 Plan Coordinator and Adjunct Faculty. Currently she is serving as the Academic Assistant Principal and Special Education Director with the school district in which she has been employed with for the past 12 years. Her credentials include her obtaining her Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction as well as having full approval as a Special Education Director through the Michigan Department of Education, K-12 Learning Disabilities Teaching Certificate, School Administrator Certificate and Central Office endorsement.

In her spare time Dr. Owens enjoys spending time with her family. Activities that she enjoys with her children include traveling, nature walks, and watching all genres of movies. In her summers she enjoys frequenting orchards to pick in season fruit.

Dr. Owens is committed to working in partnership with all stakeholders such as staff, students, parents and the community to provide the best educational environment possible for students to thrive socially and emotionally in order for them to work at the peak of their academic potential. It is an honor for Dr. Owens to have a positive impact within the community in which she works and serves.

Regular Board Meeting Notice of Cancellation