After just over four years on the Alpena Public Schools Board of Education, I have resigned.

It was an incredibly difficult decision, as I have really enjoyed my time on the board. But, with increasing demands on my time because of growing responsibilities at my job with the Chamber of Commerce, I found myself no longer able to give to the school board the time I felt I should give –and that they deserve from me as a board member.

Getting involved in something instead of watching from the sidelines sure does change your perspective.

I am a supporter of education. I believe that education, in all its forms, is the key to growth and success. Before getting elected to the board, I saw education mostly from the business perspective. I am also a product of the system, but that is just one perspective. It was very interesting to me to be on the board and gain an understanding for how decisions are made, how little control the local districts have, and how many influences there are on the decisions that are made.

As much as I wish it was, it is not as simple as just doing what is best for the students. Not everyone can even always agree on what is best for students. Then, add in politics and bureaucracy, and things get quite complicated, with little local control.

Me stepping down creates an opportunity for someone who cares about effectively educating our youth to step up and play an important role in achieving that goal.

Regarding the recent millage request, for the people who said that the need for a millage was about poor financial management, now would be a great time for you to get on the board so you can fully understand the reality of school funding and budget decisions. I hated that we had to ask for a millage, and I likely would have felt like many of those who voted no, prior to my time on the board. But, with the education I received during my time on the board, I learned the whole story and saw the bigger picture.

Also regarding the millage request, for the people who said any version of, “people are tired of giving because they never see results,” this is an incredible opportunity for you to understand exactly what money comes in, where it comes from, and where it is spent. You can also learn exactly what happened with the last school millage, how it was spent, and why another was requested.

Again, regarding the millage, for the people who suggested that funding should have been requested for just the bare minimum in needs, this is a great time for you to seek appointment to the board so you can see exactly what the needs are and then attempt to decide which ones are necessary and which ones are not. Good luck, as that is not an easy task.

For people who suggest that donations should be denied if they don’t go to the “right” things, this is an opportunity for you to be appointed to the board so you can be the one to suggest denying a donation that is specified by the donor where it be spent. To the people who suggest that the schools could be funded by the massive amounts of revenue that they believe beyond a doubt that legalization of recreational marijuana will bring in, please do some research. And, please, don’t seek appointment to the board at this time.

Getting involved as more than just a casual observer is a great way to learn the ins and outs of an organization, project, or topic.

Speaking out on a topic before you know the whole story is a great way to spread inaccurate information.

I am so thankful for my time on the board. I learned a tremendous amount. I will miss the work, the learning, and most of the people. I will not stop believing in the value of education. I hope that the people who step up to seek appointment to the vacancy I left seek it with an open mind, a willingness to learn, a passion for education, and an ability to understand the big picture.

We cannot possibly know everything until we educate ourselves and get more involved. People will always share their uneducated opinions and we cannot stop that.

We can control our own minds, though, and realize that not everything we read or hear is truth and that we are free to seek our own information.

Jackie Krawczak is president/CEO of the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce. Her column runs biweekly on Thursdays. Follow Jackie on Twitter @jkrawczak.