Brown

ALPENA — Kevin Brown resigned from the Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District Board of Education on Thursday, citing medical reasons.

Brown, who was elected to the board in 2014, resigned because of a medical issue that came up that would limit his abilities, he said.

He is moving to Georgia with his wife, Linda, to be closer to family.

Brown said it’s been amazing to see programs develop and come into play during his five years on the board.

He has seen kids at Pied Piper School graduate and then work at Alpena Power Co. through the North Eastern Michigan Rehabilitation and Opportunity Center.

“You see them going through these programs to teach them how to interact in the real world and how to maintain themselves on their own and be independent,” Brown said. “To see them come in our door and work in our shop is fantastic, to know that the system does work.”

The programs in district and at Pied Piper have been the most fulfilling for Brown, he said, because students are learning a lot and interacting with others.

“There’s so many good things to look at,” Brown said. “That’s where I’m at, and just seeing the different programs and seeing them blossom and seeing how they actually do work.”

ESD Superintendent Scott Reynolds said during Thursday’s meeting that Brown has been a big part of the district while on the board.

“I consider it an honor to work with you and know that, wherever you go, you’re always going to be a part of our family,” Reynolds told Brown.

ESD officials have taken steps to post the vacancy in the community, Reynolds said. Eligible applicants will attend the board’s Oct. 10 meeting for an open interview. The board will then appoint someone, who would serve until the spring 2020 election.

If someone is not appointed in October, the district is required to notify the Michigan Department of Education, which would get involved to assist in filling the vacancy.

The spring 2020 election will determine a candidate to complete the remainder of Brown’s term, which is five years.

Julie Goldberg can be reached at 989-358-5688 or jgoldberg@thealpenanews.com. Follow her on Twitter @jkgoldberg12.