On March 2nd school board members Eric Lawson, Sarah Costain and Monica Dziesinski attended a hearing for a determination of the factuality and clarity of the proposed language on the petitions for recalling these three from their school board positions. Due to space limitation, the petition lists only three of the many reasons these board members are facing a recall. The 3-member panel reviewing the language were Alpena County Clerk Keri Bertrand, Probate Court Judge Alan Curtis and Alpena County Treasurer Cindy Cebula.

It was interesting to note that not one person at the hearing was there in support of these board members. Not one person spoke on their behalf. Not even one. That speaks volumes. Following the 3-0 vote that determined the petition language met the criteria for being factual and sufficiently clear, these board members had 10 days to file an appeal on that decision. That 10-day window has come and gone without an appeal request from any of the three, meaning the recall effort will go forward.

It’s notable that 1982 is the last time the Alpena Public School System had a recall of elected school board members…44 years ago. So recall is not a common occurrence and suggests the concerns that have driven this effort are deep. A recent poll in the Alpena News asking readers if they supported this recall resulted in 85% answering yes, 9% no, and 6% not sure; strong evidence there is widespread community support for the recall.

These board members came to their positions with political agendas that have been costly and damaging to our school system. They have ignored, and at times even mocked, feedback they have received from students, parents and community members urging them to act in the best interests of our students. All dismissed. #We deserve better.

Diane O’Connor

Alpena