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Letters to the Editor

The allegations should not result in a special ballot

In the late ‘90s I served on the Alpena School Board for seven years. I also served as Alpena County Probate judge for fifteen years. The role of a school board member is not confined to board meetings. Rather, much more time is spent at committee meetings, communicating with school administrators, visiting the various schools, reading many reports and articles, and of course, spending a lot of time on the phone and in-person visits with constituents, etc. As probate judge I was able to review proposed ballots and ballot language before the voters entered the voter booth and ...

Gratitude for APS

Attending APS has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my education. The teachers and staff created an environment where I felt supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow both academically and personally. They consistently believed in my potential and pushed me to work harder while also making learning engaging and relevant. My most valuable experience has been being a part of the Early College program. Without this amazing opportunity presented by APS and ACC, I wouldn’t be graduating from ACC with an Associates Degree just one year after graduating from Alpena High ...

The school board member with the attendance problem

A couple months ago, a community member speaking to the school board during Community Comment time, referred to Sarah Costain as the school board member with the “attendance problem.” The community member never said Costain’s name, but everyone knew exactly who he was referencing. In Costain’s first year on the school board she missed over 30% of all school board meetings. If this was Costain’s employment she wouldn’t have a job by now. If she were a student she would be in a truancy program. It’s impossible to do any job when you simply do not show up. School board ...

Monica Dziesinski dug a hole for herself

In last Saturday’s paper, school board member, Monica Dziesinski, made statements justifying her vote on a paving bid. Her editorial was supposed to be a rebuttal to community perceptions of her questionable decision making and voting record. The legal jeopardy she may have put herself in with her explanation of why she voted to award an almost $700,000 contract to a higher bidder, Goodrich, is concerning. Not only is the information she provided in contrast to what the public was told regarding the quality of the asphalt the school system was purchasing, but it also appears she made ...

The school board member with the attendance problem

A couple months ago, a community member speaking to the school board during Community Comment time, referred to Sarah Costain as the school board member with the “attendance problem.” The community member never said Costain’s name, but everyone knew exactly who he was referencing. In Costain’s first year on the school board she missed over 30% of all school board meetings. If this was Costain’s employment she wouldn’t have a job by now. If she were a student she would be in a truancy program. It’s impossible to do any job when you simply do not show up. School board ...

Thank you Alpena school board!

I wanted to take a moment to thank the Alpena school board for what they’ve been accomplishing. Over the past several months, there has been no shortage of criticism and negative commentary, much of it louder than it is helpful. Through it all, this board has stayed focused and kept working. The focus sure shows! At the most recent meeting, the board approved moving forward with a new PE classroom and weight room. Anyone who has seen the current space—often called “the dungeon”—knows just how overdue this is. For years, it was talked about, but nothing changed. Now, it ...