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Letters to the Editor

Proud of Alpena Public Schools

I am a proud product of public education. My entire K-12 experience was within Alpena Public Schools. Dedicated professional school staff including food service, custodians, teachers, and school secretaries set me up for long-term success. Without my public education I would not be where I am today. Following my graduation from Alpena High School, I attended Central Michigan University. My strong APS education allowed me to succeed which led to me being awarded a 45% tuition scholarship and becoming a Leadership Advancement Scholar. Beyond assisting me in obtaining large ...

School board should be unbiased

The purpose of serving on a school board is to govern with an unbiased perspective, keeping decisions focused with the best interest of students & the school system. It involves following established policy, respecting leadership and professional input from the superintendent, seeking legal advisement and making objective decisions without risking financial burden to the district. During my 20 year tenure as a board member on both the APS Board of Education and the AMA Intermediate School District, I was honored by the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) with an Award of ...

The fairgrounds

Everyone says “Not In My Backyard”. Recently the extension of Third Avenue to Tamarac Road (?) was suggested citing emergency vehicles could get there faster. People who built or bought very expensive homes protested. The Fairgrounds lies within the city limits. Homes were built along the river between the Fairgrounds and M-32. Taxable waterfront property. Then as people sought faster ways to get to M-32 traffic increased. Directly across from the Fairgrounds is housing commonly referred to as “The Projects”. The first housing built expressly for low income families. That ...

Truth and taxpayer dollars matter

School Board President Eric Lawson and Monica Dziesinski's letters to the editor two weekends ago and quotes in the news article May 4,2026, defended their vote to award an asphalt contract to a higher bidder. I invite everyone to view the YouTube videos and read minutes of the 01/27/25 regular board meeting and the 02/10/25 workshop meeting. APS Competitive Bid Policy states “All orders or contracts should be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.” Payne & Dolan Bid - $681,400 Goodrich Bid - $713,950 Goodric’s alternative bid - $685,000 (still $3,600 higher and for a ...

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, ...