Rochester school board president resigns a week after being sued

The school board president of Rochester Community Schools has resigned a week after she and other board members were sued by a trustee the board censured last year.

Jessica Gupta announced her resignation, effective March 1, in a Feb. 10 email to board members.

“At this time, I’ve decided to refocus my time and energy differently,” Gupta wrote. “I will continue to support our district’s success from a different vantage point. I wish everyone involved in the district’s future the peace, discernment, and fortitude to move our schools forward positively for our students.”

Gupta led the board’s November censure of Carol Beth Litkouhi, a board member who blew the whistle on the district’s plans for a countywide tax hike in a Detroit News opinion column. Litkouhi, represented by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, sued the board and several named members Feb. 4.

Gupta’s resignation means she will be removed as a defendant, because Litkouhi is not seeking monetary damages. The suit aims to undo the censure and get a declaration that the recently adopted bylaw used to censure Litkouhi is unconstitutional. As Gupta will be off the board, the court cannot compel her to take action on the board’s behalf.

"President Gupta and I have had deep disagreements about how our board responds to parents, how clearly we communicate about academic results and tax proposals, and how much power should be centralized in the board president's role,” Litkouhisaid in an email to Michigan Capitol Confidential, adding that she hopes the board will reset its tone, refocus on academics and transparency, and rebuild trust with the community.

The district encourages eligible district residents to apply for the position. The board will follow the Revised School Code and Michigan Election Law in appointing a replacement trustee, whose term will last until after the November general election.

The school board did not respond to a request for comment.