Michigan school districts spent $16 billion on school construction from 1996 to 2004, according to the Michigan Land Use Institute.

There are no statistics available on how much of that work went union - but it's a safe assumption that many billions of dollars went into the coffers of nonunion contractors and into the bank accounts of nonunion tradespeople.

This article is another reminder that the unionized building trades could use a few good men and women to run for school board positions and other public offices. Having friendly people in those public positions provides a platform to steer more of those billions toward qualified union contractors.

"Too often people think it's the other person's job to be on the school board," said Ed Haynor, a consultant for the West Michigan Public Alliance and a 22-year trustee on the Newaygo School Board. "But if we're to believe that completion of a unionized apprenticeship program is equivalent to a four-year degree, don't tell me that people in the trades aren't qualified to sit on a school board or city council."

Haynor said school boards often first look to each other, then to outside consultants like construction managers and architects, to make decisions on how to spend bond issue funds or even building maintenance money.

"School board are made up of people from a variety of backgrounds: pharmacists, bankers, housewives," Haynor said. "It is almost always seen as very helpful to have someone on that board with a background in issues that come before them. A construction worker could offer expertise on who to look for when it comes time to hire and help steer everyone in the right direction."

School district and local municipal bond issues for renovations and new construction are rare occurrences these days. Still, on Feb. 28, voters in seven school districts across Michigan will be asked to approve nine school bond issues totaling $368 million for facility renovations, improvements, and new construction.

The 2006 deadline for filing to participate in most school board elections in Michigan is Feb. 7 for the May 2 election, but some elections are held later in the year. Local city commission and city council offices may also be on your ballot.

Pulling the trigger on making the decision to run this year or a in future year probably won't be easy, but winning a seat has its rewards. "There are so many things you learn, sitting on a school board is a real eye-opener," Haynor said.