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Letters to the Editor

No special ballot, just public accountability

Mr. LaCross correctly noted that voters ultimately decide who serves on a school board, but his letter overlooked an important fact, there is no “special ballot” being created for this recall effort. If enough valid signatures are collected, the recall question would simply appear on the regular November ballot alongside other elections already taking place. No separate election or unnecessary expense is being proposed. More importantly, Mr. LaCross’s argument dismisses the legal process already followed. Recall language in Michigan is reviewed by a clarity and factuality ...

Community expects professionalism, transparency, respect for students

The issue facing APS is not about “three votes.” It is about a pattern of behavior that many in this community believe is incompatible with serving on a nonpartisan school board. Monica Dziesinski’s recent column frames criticism as political activism and personal attacks, but that ignores why so many citizens became concerned in the first place. This recall effort was not started by one political group or a handful of angry people. It has involved dozens of community members — parents, taxpayers, former students, and residents — who are frustrated by repeated division, ...

The recall doesn’t require a “special ballot”

On May 9th, a letter to the editor appeared from former probate judge Tom LaCross criticizing the effort to recall some school board members. After noting his prior experience as a probate judge, former judge LaCross stated that during his tenure, he “was able to review proposed ballots and ballot language.” He then made the following assertion: “The proposed language of the recall petition does not rise to the level of special ballot consideration.” LaCross fails to advise that this “special ballot consideration” is a notion of his own making, and any failure in reference ...

Where is the anti-bullying campaign now?

Does anyone remember the anti-bullying campaign of a few years ago? Given how little we hear about it today, one would infer that the problem is solved. Maybe it's a thing of the past elsewhere, but bullying is alive and well in Alpena public schools. Children are bullied mercilessly, with no evident repercussions. Name-calling, cyber-bullying, even physical assault, still the perpetrators are in school, with no punishment in sight. Situations are reported to teachers, principals, superintendents, up to the school board, where no satisfactory solutions are found. One wonders why? Bullied ...

The allegations should not result in a special ballot

In the late ‘90s I served on the Alpena School Board for seven years. I also served as Alpena County Probate judge for fifteen years. The role of a school board member is not confined to board meetings. Rather, much more time is spent at committee meetings, communicating with school administrators, visiting the various schools, reading many reports and articles, and of course, spending a lot of time on the phone and in-person visits with constituents, etc. As probate judge I was able to review proposed ballots and ballot language before the voters entered the voter booth and ...

Gratitude for APS

Attending APS has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my education. The teachers and staff created an environment where I felt supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow both academically and personally. They consistently believed in my potential and pushed me to work harder while also making learning engaging and relevant. My most valuable experience has been being a part of the Early College program. Without this amazing opportunity presented by APS and ACC, I wouldn’t be graduating from ACC with an Associates Degree just one year after graduating from Alpena High ...