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Holcomb’s departure a loss for Alpena

One of Alpena’s community leaders will say goodbye this summer as he and his wife begin a new life adventure in Cassopolis.

Brent Holcomb, superintendent of the Alpena Public School District, announced Thursday he would be leaving the district at the end of the school year to become superintendent of the Lewis Cass Intermediate School District.

In announcing his resignation at the end of the current school year, Holcomb explained he had been looking for other opportunities “off and on” over the past year so that he could move closer to where his parents live.

Last month he was an alternative finalist for a superintendent’s position in Ionia, while last year he made it to the final round of cuts for a position in Holt.

In my opinion Holcomb, who took over as superintendent in 2007, will be remembered as one of Alpena’s better superintendents. He oversaw a district in financial trouble and was able to provide the right kind of leadership, perspective and hard decisions that ultimately led it to where it is today.

Consistently he has scored well in board evaluations, which speaks not only to his leadership qualities, but also to the relationship between he and his board. I have seen good leaders be handcuffed in the past by boards with agendas, but Holcomb and his boards seemed to work well together toward the good of the students in the schools.

In 2015, in describing one board evaluation, I had this to write in an editorial about his leadership:

“We believe if ever there was a man born for the moment, it is Brent Holcomb, superintendent of the Alpena Public School District.

“Holcomb arrived in Alpena at a challenging time for the school district’s finances, yet he has professionally guided the district through some very turbulent waters and seems to have the district headed in a right direction.”

When he leaves this summer, the district will come out of the state financial deficit and might actually have some reserves as well.

Make no mistake, this was not an easy decision for he and his wife. In Brent’s eyes, there are many things that make Alpena special and their decision, all the harder.

“I have always been amazed at the conviction of so many who champion the Alpena’s virtues,” he said. ” It has taught me that individuals with a passion shape our community for the better.”

Holcomb used Mike Kendziorski and the volunteering of his time, along with coordinating the help of area businesses and other volunteers to make the covered bridge and water tower at Island Park as an example of that Alpena passion.

“Jim Park, Gary Dawley, and the Besser Foundation board donating $50,000 to the school with the simple instructions to do something meaningful for students is notable.”

Holcomb said many people make Alpena special, and many groups do as well, such as the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, Feeding Kids Ministry and Alpena Community College.

“My list of examples could be endless, but I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the spirit of our teachers, support staff, and administration at Alpena Public Schools. Their dedication and caring on behalf of Alpena has taught me that the best community puts the needs of children first. Alpena is a pretty special town.”

I couldn’t agree more.

I wish he and his wife Alice the very best.

Bill Speer can be reached via email at bspeer@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 354-3111 ext. 331. Follow Bill on Twitter @billspeer13. Read his blog, More BS?(Bill Speer) at www.thealpenanews.com.

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