Carole Bannister has been a member on the Fraser Board for 27 years, and was first elected to the board in June of 1979. In her first election there were five people and Bannister stated that her victory wasn’t assured until the last votes were counted. What she really enjoys most about serving, as a board member is the many opportunities she has to attend student performances and activities. Bannister also really enjoys the fine and performing arts that FHS has to offer.

“Knowing that we have a good academic program that is respected throughout the county as well as the entire state, is something that gives me great pride,” said Bannister.

When she’s not serving as a board member, Bannister attends various sporting events that her grandchildren participate in at Henry Ford II. She is also a “ Queen Mother” of 80 ladies in the Red Hats of Clinton Township. Mahjongg is a weekly hobby for Bannister, which she plays with a group of friends. Some of the ways Bannister gives back to the community is as a docent at the Octagon House, helping with the Clinton Township annual blood drive, and being an Advanced Master Gardener. When she’s at home Bannister enjoys reading from some of her favorite authors like Robert Grisham, J.A. Jance, Michael Crichton, and Sue Grafton. She also enjoys the Harry Potter books and movies.

Bannister is a firm believer of being fair and just and thinks that diversity is exciting.

“I don’t discriminate against people based on their religion, race, or culture and Fraser is improving in that area,” said Bannister.

Before she retired Bannister worked as a school bus driver for the Macomb Intermediate School District for 27 years, transporting special need students ranging in age from 2 ½ to 26-year-old.

“It was a very satisfying profession and I loved it,” said Bannister.

Prior to working there, Bannister worked at Fraser Public Schools and Warren Woods Public Schools driving general education students.

Although Banister feels that Fraser Public Schools provides a great education for students, she also thinks that there is room for improvement.

“As the demands increase, we have to find a way to compete. We cannot allow ourselves to become complacent and must always be seeking better ways to communicate the information our students need in order to find the careers that will best serve them,” said Bannister.

Next year is when Bannister has to decide whether she will run for another term on the school board.

“I have always felt that if it ever stops being enjoyable, I would know that it is time to stop. So far that hasn’t happened,” said Bannister.