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For the last four years, the community has listened to APS board member AJ MacArthur complain that his business is under boycott by community members who disagree with his decisions and actions while on the school board. The community seems to feel MacArthur is on the board in service to something other than the public school system that thousands of Alpena County families depend on. It seems counterintuitive that MacArthur is on a public school board as he homeschools his children; always has and likely always will. During a recent board meeting, MacArthur said he would not be attending any school functions while on the board because that is not the way he chooses to spend his time. Traditionally, school board members do attend some school functions each school year to better know the community they serve and so the community can better know them.
To review, MacArthur homeschools his children and openly announced he will not participate in any school activities while he is on the school board. He spends board meeting time bitterly complaining about the community boycotting his business and says his livelihood is suffering as a result.
Yet, despite all that, MacArthur is seeking another 4-year term. MacArthur, along with Sarah Costain, Eric Lawson, and Monica Dziesinski comprise the current majority on our school board driving decisions that focus more on their personal interests (private schooling and homeschooling) rather than APS financial stability and student outcomes. They have plans. The plans benefit them so well that MacArthur is willing to take a personal financial hit.
This should raise alarms. As a parent and educator, I'm done with this nonsense. Send MacArthur on his way November 3rd. Vote for Evan Carlson, Sarah Fritz, Claire Kipfmiller, and
Kayla Ratz to restore a functioning school board.
Julie McCallum
Alpena