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Letters to the Editor

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 ...

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 Costain’s first year on the school board she missed over 30% of all school board meetings. If this was Costain’s employment she wouldn’t have a job by now. If she were a student she would be in a truancy program. It’s impossible to do any job when you simply do not show up. School board ...

Monica Dziesinski dug a hole for herself

In last Saturday’s paper, school board member, Monica Dziesinski, made statements justifying her vote on a paving bid. Her editorial was supposed to be a rebuttal to community perceptions of her questionable decision making and voting record. The legal jeopardy she may have put herself in with her explanation of why she voted to award an almost $700,000 contract to a higher bidder, Goodrich, is concerning. Not only is the information she provided in contrast to what the public was told regarding the quality of the asphalt the school system was purchasing, but it also appears she made ...