I’m writing today not just as a concerned community member, but as someone who is watching our school board take actions that raise a fundamental question — At what cost?

First, a higher bid for asphalt over a lower one, an unnecessary expense of taxpayer dollars. At what cost? At the cost of fiscal responsibility and public trust.

Then, the board voted down a rain garden — a project that was fully funded by grant monies. No cost to us, but full benefit to our students and environment. The majority rejected it. At what cost? At the cost of student opportunity, environmental sustainability and forward-thinking education.

Next, this board has discussed instituting a bathroom policy that threatens the dignity and privacy of students. At what cost? At the cost of legal liability and the well-being of kids who already face enough challenges.

This board discussed adding a second law firm, a law firm with no experience in public education law but aligned with certain personal and political beliefs. At what cost? At the cost of sound legal advice, credibility and efficiency.

And during the last workshop meeting, a comment was made by board member Sarah Costain during dress code discussion about providing “as many burqas as you want, like a full burqa” for female students that break the dress code. That’s not just offensive, it’s disgraceful. At what cost? At the cost of respect, cultural sensitivity and basic human decency.

These decisions, one after another, aren’t just missteps. They are signals. They tell us who and what this board prioritizes. But again I ask, At what cost?

I am watching as are others. I am keeping receipts. And I will continue to ask this question until it is answered not with words, but with responsible action.

VICKY LINDSAY

Alpena