Michael Long, Tribal Court Judge and Local Attorney, Appointed to Fill Vacant Seat
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Northwest Education Services (North Ed) will once again have full membership following the appointment of Michael Long during a special meeting Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Long, who resides within the Suttons Bay Public Schools District, will officially take his oath of office on Oct. 7 as a representative of Leelanau County on the seven-member board that oversees the intermediate school district.
“I am eager to bring my background in public service, legal expertise and family-centered perspective to the important work of the board,” Long said in his application letter. “I would be honored to collaborate with fellow board members, district staff and the community to support policies and initiatives that prepare our students for success.”
Long, who has a juris doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School, is a licensed attorney and also serves as acting chief judge with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Tribal Court. Long has taught law classes at Ferris State University, Northwestern Michigan College, Davenport University and Lorman Education Services. He’s also served on the boards of numerous other organizations and municipalities, including locally with the Village of Suttons Bay, Leelanau County Early Childhood Development Commission and as an advisor to the board for the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center.
“Mr. Long has an exceptional track record of public service and we are grateful he has joined the North Ed Board of Education,” said Board President Rachael Birgy. “His work as an attorney and judge, and his experience with other organizations in our region will offer valuable perspective to help our board make sound decisions as we prioritize student needs.”
Long fills a seat on the board that was vacated by Jim Scherrer, who passed away shortly after resigning his role due to health complications. Scherrer, the former executive director of Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan, had served on the North Ed board since 2006 before announcing his retirement on Sept. 3, 2025. He passed away Sept. 15, 2025.
Long will serve the remainder of Scherrer’s term, through June 30, 2027.
The North Ed Board of Education meets once a month with occasional special meetings and work sessions. The board’s primary responsibilities are establishing a budget, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, approving official policies and guiding the direction of the district through actions taken at public meetings.
More information can be found at https://www.northwested.org/page/board-of-education
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Michael Long