APS board handled debate well
We are impressed by the way Alpena Public School officials — board members, teachers, and administrative staff — handled a proposed new history course at the high school.
Earlier this month, board members learned a new course had been proposed — Perspectives of Democracy — and approval was sought from the board to have the two teachers working on the curriculum continue with development.
However, two board members asked for more information about the proposed course. In essence, the trustees wanted to know how the course would fit into the course tracks like Advanced Placement in the district, what prompted the need for the new course, and how the class would look with content and organization.
The board’s questions were legitimate and needed answers.
However, also legitimate was some concern expressed by Meaghan Gauthier, assistant superintendent for instruction, who said initially she didn’t want the teachers proceeding on the project if, ultimately, the course would be nixed.
What we appreciated about that story is how all sides came together, researched their concerns, rationally discussed the issues, and ultimately came to a conclusion that all found satisfactory.
At a meeting this week, the course is back on track, with a course outline expected to be ready for the board to review in a few months.
We appreciate the dedication of teachers willing to develop new curriculum. And we value the concern of the board to ensure the community’s interests and values are being considered.
That was a good example of all sides coming together to address an issue.
Theirs is a lesson others can learn from.