The Hemlock Public School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Lindsay Kerry and Kaleigh Berent to the Board of Education. The appointments fill vacancies created by the departure of Trustee Hilary House (relocation outside the district) and Trustee Bryan Conger (stepping away to help coach softball and support high school athletics).
“Lindsay and Kaleigh bring deep commitment to kids, strong professional skill sets, and a spirit of service that reflects our community at its best,” said Board President Matt Wesener. “Their backgrounds in business, design, law, and compliance—combined with their roles as parents of young Huskies—will strengthen our governance team. We’re grateful for everyone who applied and interviewed, and we extend sincere thanks to Trustees House and Conger for their meaningful service.”
Superintendent Dr. Don Killingbeck welcomed the new trustees, noting their alignment with district priorities. “Our focus is simple and relentless: student success, a welcoming culture, and wise stewardship of resources. Lindsay’s fact-based approach and small-business experience, and Kaleigh’s legal and governance expertise, will help us keep that focus sharp. We’re excited to get to work together on behalf of our students, staff, and families.”
In keeping with Michigan election law, both appointees will serve immediately and will stand for the next regular school board election should they wish to continue their service.
About the Appointees
Lindsay Kerry
A Hemlock parent and long-time community member, Lindsay Kerry holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration. She began her career as an R&D toxicology chemist at Dow Chemical Company (2004–2011), later serving as a chemist and testing sales professional at Impact Analytical (2011–2014). Since 2014, Lindsay has been a commercial designer and co-owner at McNalley Office Service, where she partners with organizations—including school districts—on functional, budget-conscious furniture solutions.
As a parent of three young children who have started their educational journeys in Hemlock, Lindsay is committed to fact-based decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and a welcoming school culture that supports all families. She is particularly focused on affordability and access—from early childhood through elementary—and on continuous improvement rather than “the way things have always been done.”
Kaleigh Berent, JD
Kaleigh Berent is an attorney with a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University. She serves as a Senior Compliance Specialist with Athena Compliance Partners @ Covenant HealthCare, where she collaborates with the Board of Directors, CEO, and board committees on regulatory compliance, contracting, and governance. Her prior experience includes roles with Covenant HealthCare, Michigan DHHS–Office of Inspector General, and CACI International supporting the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Kaleigh is a youth soccer coach and proud T-ball mom, and she brings a fresh parent perspective from Hemlock’s youngest grades. Her priorities include attracting and retaining excellent educators, ensuring compliance and transparency, and elevating student opportunities across academics, arts, and athletics.
Gratitude for Outgoing Trustees
The district extends heartfelt thanks to Trustee Hilary House for her dedicated service prior to relocating, and to Trustee Bryan Conger for his contributions and continued commitment to students through coaching and support of high school athletics.