Schoolcraft Village voters won’t need to make choices in November village or school board elections. On the village council, President Michael Rochholz, who was appointed to fill the remainder of former president Keith Gunnett’s term when Gunnett resigned, is unopposed for a new two-year term. Newcomers Jennifer Doorn and Shawn Rance are seeking four-year council terms to replace Rochholz and Russell Barnes, who is not seeking reelection. And incumbent Kirk Bergland is running for reelection to a four-year term. Village council candidates did not submit statements.
On the school board, members Wade Rutkoskie and Christopher Blodgett are unopposed for four-year terms. Both have submitted statements and photos.
Christopher Blodgett
My name is Christopher Blodgett, and I am proud to be a lifelong resident of Schoolcraft, where my parents, wife, and I are all alumni. I graduated from Schoolcraft in 1999 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business from Western Michigan University. Today, I own and manage C Blodgett Construction. My three children are currently enrolled at Schoolcraft Community Schools, actively participating in sports and other extracurricular activities. For the past two years, I have had the honor of serving on the school board. Our community thrives because of individuals who step forward and get involved. The diversity of our volunteers’ backgrounds strengthens our district, and I believe in continuing this tradition. As the world changes, so must Schoolcraft. We’ve made significant progress with new facilities and upgrades that benefit our kids and community, but there’s more work to be done. I’m committed to ensuring that SCS provides valuable opportunities in academics, arts, sciences, athletics, and beyond. I love our small community and want to keep Schoolcraft strong while offering our students the best possible experiences. Let’s continue to build on our successes and keep Schoolcraft a place where our children can thrive. GO EAGLES!
Wade Rutkoskie
My name is Wade Rutkoskie, and I am seeking re-election to a six-year term on the board. I have lived in Schoolcraft since age 5, and I graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1990. Cari, my wife of 27 years, runs two businesses from our home in Schoolcraft. My son, Thomas, is a 2024 graduate of Schoolcraft High School now a freshman at Oklahoma State. I received my bachelor’s degree in business administration from WMU in 1995. I have worked for several industries in the Kalamazoo area, including construction management and medical technology. Currently I am the director of product integration at Re:Build Tekna, a product development and manufacturing business, where I manage client relationships, contract negotiations, financial agreements, and other business development activities. Community service is important to me. I have worked on the school’s long-term strategic planning and bond committees, advised Junior Achievement, served on the board of of the Southwest Michigan Miracle League in Schoolcraft and an assistant coach for the Schoolcraft Clay Target Team. I would like to continue as a member of the school board to influence the direction of our school district. We have many complex issues to address, and my education, experience and passion for our kids and community will be an asset to the board, my way to give back to the community that has given me so much.
