Have you heard APS trustees Lawson, MacArthur, Hansen, Dziesnski, and Costain defending their decisions based on a mandate of the electorate? In recent elections I don’t recall any of those APS trustees mentioning they would go “rogue”, do you? “Rogue” is defined as a person that behaves in an aberrant or unpredictable way, typically with damaging or dangerous effects.

These Board members disregard Board governance by prioritizing personal agendas over those of APS and the community. This is evidenced by a pattern of ignoring the superintendent’s guidance and recommendations, micromanaging school operations, and undermining the Board’s collective goals.

Their self-interest includes proposing student policies of exclusion, hiring a law firm, Kallman Law, to buy their conservative opinion at approximately $300/hour; and refusing $150,000 in grant money for a rain garden, resulting in the loss of environmental benefits and relevant learning opportunities.

They have breached their code of ethics by authorizing an asphalt bid $3,600 higher than the lowest bid. This failure to adhere to fair, ethical, and transparent bidding practices puts the District in jeopardy of not receiving competitive bids in the future.

Their inappropriate rogue conduct includes:

1. Arguing with their own attorney from Thrun Law during training on how the Michigan School Code applies to awarding contracts for construction work

2. Ignoring the fact that APS had sent a letter of support for the rain garden grant in 2022 and paid for its design.

3. Disregarding the authority granted to licensed engineers insisting the rain garden would create a wetland.

4. Lacking engagement, Costain has attended only 66% of the Regular meetings, which would earn a D in any classroom.

These rogue Board members serve only their individual self and political interests. Children, families, and our community deserve better.

Diane Bauer

Alpena