A familiar face has been appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education for Clintondale Community Schools.

Diane Zontini made her return to the Clintondale school board at last Monday’s meeting. She fills a vacancy created by the Jan. 6 death of Trustee Michael Manning, who had recently been reelected.

The retired licensed vocational instructor was chosen on a unanimous vote by the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD) at their board meeting earlier this month after Clintondale officials were deadlocked over the appointment.

“I want to be part of this board,” she said at the meeting. “I want to be part of the solutions to this board. I want to see unity, among all of us.”

She had been appointed to the Clintondale Board of Education to fill a vacancy from April 2023-Dec. 31, 2024.

Zontini did not seek reelection the school board last year when she announced her candidacy for the Clinton Township Board of Trustees. When she did not win election to the township board, she submitted her name to be one of two candidates for the Clintondale appointment.

Political newcomer William Rucker-Floyd was the other candidate seeking the appointment.

Clintondale board members had attempted — and failed — twice to reach a consensus on appointing another individual to replace Manning. They were tied 3-3 on naming a replacement in lengthy and emotional meetings that included racial overtones and other allegations.

In the event of a local school board being deadlocked, state law calls for the decision to be made by the local intermediate school district, in this case, the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD).

“Her previous service on the board and her business expertise will bring valuable perspective as we work together to support our mission and prepare students for their future,” Felicia Kaminski, president of the Clintondale school board, said in a news release.

Zontini, 72, a homeowner for 42 years, is a retired licensed vocational educator and a former longtime owner of a vocational school. She is a member of the Clinton Township Parks and Recreation Committee, a past member of the township’s Cultural Diversity Committee, and has been active in various township initiatives.

Standing before the Clintondale board at Monday’s meeting, Zontini said she supports “moving the district forward, but with dignity, honesty, integrity caring, empathy, and yes, sympathy, at times.”

Her term will continue through Dec. 31, 2026.

This is the latest in a series of appointments to fill various vacancies to the Clintondale Board of Education.

At least five people have resigned or otherwise left the district in recent years.

Clintondale board members earn a $300 monthly salary.