Courtesy Photo New Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District Board of Education members, Steve Genschaw (left) and Stephanie Couture (right) are pictured in a recent photo.

ALPENA — New Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District Board of Education members Steve Genschaw and Stephanie Couture are both looking to bring their knowledge and experience to their new positions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Steve and Stephanie to our Board of Education,” Justin Gluesing, AMA ESD superintendent, said in a press release. “Their passion for education will strengthen our ability to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our students and quality services to our local districts.”

Both Couture and Grenschaw officially began their duties as board members on July 13.

The two of them fill vacancies left by Joe Gentry and Norm Sommerfeld, who served on the board for two and 18 years respectively.

Genschaw is an Alpena resident who has recently retired from Alpena Public Schools with more than 30 years of experience under his belt working both in the classroom and working as a middle school principal.

“I am honored to still have my background and experience still be recognized as something that is valuable to the community,” Genschaw said.

One of Genschaw’s stated goals as a member of the AMA ESD board is to help foster and build greater collaboration between the various schools and groups that comprise the service district.

“My mission of focus is to provide leadership that helps build collaboration,” Genschaw said. “Collaboration with the existing AMA staff but also collaboration with partnering school districts.”

Genschaw currently works as an admissions representative for Northwoods University at Alpena Community College.

Stephanie Couture is also an Alpena resident who has been an active volunteer for Besser Elementary School as a former president of the Parents Advisory Committee and at Alpena High School as an active member of Kids and Parents United Together.

Her combined time at both comes to nearly 14 years of service.

“I thought it was time to change focus,” Couture said in regards to why she decided to seek out the board position. “Focus on continuing to grow and support the mission of Pied Piper along with the AMA ESD.”

As a member of the AMA ESD board, Couture is looking to further the development and mission of the Pied Piper School and act as a guide for parents and families.

“Alpena district is very lucky to have Pied Piper,” Couture said. “I just want to make sure that Piper stays strong,” she continued “I want to try to be there for families, help with questions and guide them, that’s another one of my personal goals.”