By GENA JOHNSON Special to The Oakland Press


Published: Wednesday, December 30, 2009
          
Beth Borson - Secretary             Jeffrey Stewart - President


Two West Bloomfield School District Board of Education members are retiring after a combined 40 years of service.

Board officers Jeffrey Stewart and Beth Borson both will retire at the end of the year. Stewart, president of the board, leaves with 24 years of service. Board Secretary Borson has served for nearly 17 years.

With more than two decades of experience, Stewart said his greatest accomplishment was “lasting.”

“When you have had so many at bats, people are bound to remember a few good hits,” he said.

Stewart was praised by current board members for his eloquence, gentle approach and professional manner.

“You have the gift of a silver tongue, or should I say platinum,” said Nelson Hersh, vice president of the board. “You look at both sides of an issue, are able to change opinions and are fair to others.”

Borson received similar accolades from her colleagues, addressing her high standards and kindness.

“You are the summa cum laude of board members,” Hersh said, and he quoted Mark Twain: “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

Describing her accomplishments with the board she is most proud of, Borson said, “Giving back to the community and providing children with an excellent public education.”

Professionally, Borson is a real estate broker and partner at a RE/MAX office in Bloomfield Hills. She has seen her three adult children go through the West Bloomfield School District.

Stewart is a trial attorney and runs a law practice. His son is a senior at West Bloomfield High School.

Both Stewart and Borson said they plan to stay involved with the school district but in a less official capacity.

http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2009/12/30/news/local_news/doc4b3b25118a6ab923526735.txt