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Letters to the Editor

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The school board member with the attendance problem

A couple months ago, a community member speaking to the school board during Community Comment time, referred to Sarah Costain as the school board member with the “attendance problem.” The community member never said Costain’s name, but everyone knew exactly who he was referencing. In ...

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 ...

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 ...