Speaking for my family, I would like to thank this incredible community for all of the support throughout the past few months. This has been one of the most challenging times our family has faced, and we’ve never felt alone in our fight. The petition has 500-plus signatures and every single name represents a piece of our hearts.

We’ve heard from community members, school leaders, teachers, business owners, medical teams, the State Police, Alpena police, retired law enforcement, political leaders from both parties, leaders of city programming, and the list goes on. We’ve also received support from across the nation, more specifically our near and dear North Carolina teaching family and students.

All of the support, and continued support, has given us hope and the drive to not give up. There have been severances and deals to throw in the towel, but Tom and our family refuse to give in because we know this community deserves better. Alpena is our home, and we have no plans of leaving.

Our biggest battle yet comes on Monday at 5:30 p.m. at the high school auditorium as Tom faces district leadership to fight for his integrity as an educator and man. There’s so much information that hasn’t been shared, has partially been shared, or just disregarded in general. It’s time that the community knows the truth about the district leadership of our schools.

This is the time that we need you, Alpena. Let’s make a powerful statement and pack the auditorium. We would love for you to be there shoulder-to-shoulder with us. It’s time to stand up and make our schools places of supported growth and learning where parents, educators, and students are comfortable having tough conversations without fear of retaliation.

Let your voices be heard!

HOLLY BERRIMAN,

Alpena