001thinking maybe one thing we Yeah. Okay. I want to I've got a question for you. Do it afterwards. Yeah. >> Hello. Hello. Uh let us uh go ahead and uh begin our meeting. Uh and uh let's rise for the pledge. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. >> All right, if you would take a moment to uh review the consent agenda items. >> It's really hard to hear. Oh, is it because I'm not close enough to my mic? >> That's better. >> Go ahead and try it again. >> Is Is this better? >> Yeah. Okay, great. So, yes, uh if uh board members would go ahead and uh take a look at your
002agenda uh consent agenda items. Does anyone wish to pull any consent agenda item? All right. If not, let's continue to approval of the meeting agenda. Um, and uh you'll notice um that we do have the addition of the uh uh social media policy. There was a misunderstanding uh in our agenda building uh as to how that was going to happen exactly. But we actually uh got into a discussion of of policy and actually I think shed some light on how that's to be done. It's actually better uh if uh an item of policy discussion remains on the agenda as opposed to maybe getting skipped and then put on a a later uh meeting. So I think it's uh it's uh appropriate that it be there. So, I would uh uh suggest a motion uh to
003approve the agenda with the addition of the uh discussion of the social media policy proposed at the last workshop. >> Well, I would like to actually make a motion um to approve the agenda with the removal of that. And I agree with you 100% about keeping something on. I just um a little concerning I guess that this the agenda was posted online for the public uh at noon without this and even when I checked the agenda at 1:00 it was still without it. And so it's I think it's just a little hard when board members or the public show up for a meeting that I just I don't feel fully prepared when it's wasn't on there the way that it is now. that there's an addition on an agenda that board wasn't aware of. Um
004I just don't think is very transparent or fair for unless we would have known ahead of time because the agenda came out on Friday didn't look like this got posted online didn't look like this and then people show up. So I that my motion is to approve the agenda for tonight with the removal of that item. >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion of the motion? Just to clarify that, well, mine's really loud. Uh, just to clarify, the policy for having that on the agenda, what's the time frame for that is so many hours in advance. >> I don't believe there is a policy that that gives a a number of hours. >> Okay. >> Uh or anything like that. Um, the board can take up business uh as it chooses. Uh, I think the stipulation
005in the bylaws is just that it be uh if you make a change to the agenda that it be voted on. >> When did when did this change actually happened? >> Well, it it was um I think it was understood that our last meeting that we were going to be discussing it, but uh in building the agenda, it got left off because of misunderstanding that Dave and I had about uh the about the process and and first and second readings and things like that. That's all uh the uh uh the discussion that we had coming out of that was that we would just keep it on the agenda until the meeting in September, the regular board meeting, voting meeting in September where it would finally have action, but that it would not have uh any
006action tonight. It's just a sort of a an agenda placeholder, if you will. >> Right. No, and I get that. I agree. I just it I I know you two approved the agenda on Friday typically and then the board gets it or even earlier than that the board gets it. And so I just think it's um in light of the way it was handled this time. I would just I don't like the idea of agendas things being added to agendas at the last minute when pe not all people are aware. I understood that it was supposed to be on the agenda from last week's meeting. >> No, I did too. And I actually had texted uh Dave this morning and just asked and he said no, it the agenda was approved without it and that
007it would be on the September workshop. So >> yeah, we sent out the agenda on Friday and Thursday to you and AJ uh Friday to the board. Um and it was not on there. Um yeah. So um any other discussion? I mean it wouldn't I think it wouldn't be the first time that an item has been added to the agenda at the beginning of a meeting, but uh and again as far as boards go, that's not a wild and crazy thing, but I understand if you're uncomfortable. Um uh is there any other discussion? Uh hearing none. All in favor of the motion to approve the agenda with the removal of social media policy. Uh show of hands. All opposed to that motion. All right. Motion does not carry. Um is there uh another proposal? >>
008Motion to approve the agenda with uh the policy related items a added to the agenda as discussed. [Music] Second. Sorry. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second. Uh is there uh discussion? Hearing no discussion. All in favor of the motion raise your hand. Opposed. All right. Motion carried. Uh we have an approved meeting agenda. Uh we arrive now at the first opportunity for citizens or delegations to address the board. Uh just going through our guidelines quickly. Uh individuals addressing the board are asked to state their name. Uh address uh and or your group affiliation. Uh shall direct all comments to the board, not staff or other participants. Shall not make personal attacks against a school board member or school district employee by name. Shall be limited to 3 minutes duration. Shall not speak
009more once, excuse me. shall not speak more than once on the same topic unless all others who wish to speak on that topic have been heard. And this portion of the meeting shall be limited to 30 minutes, but the time frame will be extended if necessary so that no one's right to address the board will be denied. I'm Christina Schroer. I'm an IIA and I'm just want the board to be aware of >> Would you give us your address, please? Uh or where you're where you're from. >> Well, I'm sorry. >> Um I'll I'll just read it again. Individuals resting the board are asked to state their name, address, and or your group affiliation. So, >> I'm Christina Schroeder. I'm 3421 North Rude Road. I am an IIA for the district and I would like
010the board to be informed on how we were treated. At our past meeting on Monday with HR, they asked us to recruit people because we are short of IAS which we get and understand. But then they were we asked the B HR what are they doing to keep us what incentive are they keeping for us as regular employees? Our response was, "You're guaranteed a paycheck." And then conversation went back and forth and we can go to McDonald's and make more money. Well, HR said, "Go to McDonald's." Next question. I would just like you to be aware of if you want recruits and more employees, why do you treat your current employees that bend over backwards that works hard, they show up sick, they show up with stunts in their kidneys because they don't have any
011sick time. What are you going to do to keep those employees all? Good evening, Mr. President and members of the board. Uh, my name is Katherine Bousard, 746 Brenamman Street, Potterville, Michigan. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. I serve as the chief operating officer of Salt and Lake Global. I am also a member of the board of education in my hometown of Potterville. Just like you guys, I do want to clarify I'm speaking in my personal capacity today. However, you might wonder why I'm here in Alpena. My family for more than five generations has been invested in this community and I care very much about what happens in this community. And I wanted to speak to a couple issues that I've heard about all the way down state. The first is that I've
012heard this board is considering whether or not to contract with an attorney by the name of Dave Coleman. I've personally known him for over 20 years, had the privilege of working uh parallel in various capacities with him. He is truly one of the most brilliant attorneys, especially on education and civil rights that I have ever met. And if you're not aware of his full resume, he has represented numerous clients before the state of Michigan and United States Federal Supreme Court, particularly in matters pertaining to education. Um he has served as education counsel in K12 education, in collegiate level, taking on state universities like Western Michigan University when they violated student civil rights. and he has been a relentless champion for the underdog and and the underserved in those making sure that everyone is a recipient
013of the rights guaranteed by our constitution and so I cannot recommend him highly enough as a consult for this board if you ever have a question about what's constitutional left right limits things like that outstanding resource and and I highly recommend that you ratify that contract I also want to thank this board for your bold proposals to restore for common sense and protect all of the students, especially when it comes to private spaces and the books and other materials they might be presented with. I want to remind you, if I may, board member to board member, that we all take this oath to uphold the Constitution when we're first sworn into office. And that's really our first duty as we discharge our duties faithfully. And in the US Constitution, Article 6, Section 2, it says
014this quote, "The Constitution and the laws of the United States, which shall be made pursuant thereof shall be the supreme law of the land." That means laws like Title 9 that protect children on the basis of biological sex only are the supreme law of the land. I'm not an attorney, but again, I took that oath to uphold the Constitution. And that means I have to discharge federal law before I look at state law or other things. And also as a school board member, I have a duty just like each of you do to protect the children here. I've heard stories of students in Alpena public schools, girls trying to hold it all day because they're afraid of what might happen to them if they go in the bathroom where a biological male is present. You
015have a duty to protect those students and ensure that their safety is taken. And so I firmly support this board's proposed policy 5900. And I thank you for your time. Please continue standing strong. Thank you. Oh, I was just going to suggest uh anybody uh again if you're speaking on a topic and you have more to say um I invite uh again if everyone has spoken on that topic uh who wishes to then uh in the second public comment uh our precedent seems to be that people come back and tell us more. So >> thank you so much. >> Good evening Mr. President, members of the board. My name is Kristen Lee and I've traveled from Wayne County, 31193 Hill Street, Leavonia, Michigan to support your proactive work on policy 5900. As a Michigan parent,
016former public school teacher, and now the Michigan education director for citizens defending freedom, I want to thank you for your service, your courage, and your leadership. Your decisions are not only impacting this community, they're setting a powerful precedent for public education across Michigan. I commend your principled approach in working to adopt the student physical privacy policy 5900. It's a common sense measure that protects student privacy, safety, and dignity by basing facility use on biological sex while offering accommodations for those who need them. This policy reflects both compassion and protection. In addition, your decision to seek a second legal opinion from attorney David Coleman speaks volumes. He is a trusted expert in education law at both the local and constitutional level. In a time when many feel pressured to comply with state mandates that conflict with
017the US Constitution, your willingness to pause, assess, and seek clarity is exactly what strong leadership looks like. You're not alone in this. Many parents, educators, students, and citizens across Michigan stand with you and are inspired by your example. Section 380.10 10 of the Michigan Revised School Code makes it clear. It is the fundamental natural fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct the care, teaching, and education of their children. You were elected to do this important work for parents who want their students protected in this district. What is more, the Michigan Constitution in Article 8 Section 1 affirms religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind. Schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged. This statement reminds us that education is not merely about
018compliance. It is about cultivating virtue, wisdom, and the pursuit of truth. and your work here when grounded in these principles is helping preserve both liberty and excellence for generations to come. So I encourage you to stay the course as the Apostle Paul says in Galatians 6:9, "Do not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Please continue to exercise your elected duties with diligence, discernment, and courage. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to doing what is right by protecting children and honoring the rule of law. Thank you. Hello everybody. My name is Carrie Benavolio. Some people call me Congressman Carrie Benvolio. United States Congress, 113th Congress. I heard about what you were doing here and I just
019had to come up here and remind you of a few things. I'm also very pleased to see that every single one of you stood up before that flag and said the pledge of allegiance to the republic. Just a reminder, it's not a democracy, it's a republic. But in regards to um the decisions you are making and the Elliot Larson act, I want to read something to you uh other than supremacy clause in the constitution repres. That's why we have a republic and it's Norton versus Shelby County. Few attorneys, especially Thoon and a few others will tell you this, but it's called Norton versus Shelby County. While acts of a de facto incumbent of an office lawfully created by law existing are often held to be binding for reasons of public policy. The acts of a
020person assuming to fill and perform duties of an office which does not exist. Dure can have no validity whatever in law and in an unconstitutional act is not a law. It confers no rights. It imposes no duties. It affords no protection. It creates no office. It is in legal contemplation as an operative as though it had never been passed. You will find other than lawyers telling you because they only make money when they fight or argue that Norton versus Shelby County is used probably by a thousand other uh lawyers when they go against unconstitutional uh mandates from local, state, or even uh federal government. It's for instance the EPA. Every time we bring Norton versus Shelby County to the EPA, they stop settle the case. It's not going forward because they know in article one
021section 8, they're not listed. It's unconstitutional. There is an agency that's unconstitutional. The Elliot Larson Act, if you spend millions of dollars to get to the Scotas, you'll find they'll shut it down because it is unconstitutional. Thank you for the opportunity. Uh I forgot my address. I'm sorry. It's 4008 West uh Yellow Gate, Hover Lake, Michigan. God bless. Have a wonderful day. And thanks again. I'm Gordon Snow. I live at 173 North Lawn Street in Alpena. I served as an elementary teacher for 24 years in this district. Following that, 10 years as an elementary principal, also in this district before I retired in 2000. Instead of devoting your time and energy to personal and partisan or political agendas, as well as attempting to micromanage various aspects of this district, I propose that this board's membership
022make a concerted effort to learn more about district operations, the big picture. This is especially important since several members do not have children attending any of the district's schools. students are either homeschooled or they have attended parochial schools. Several members have little or no classroom experience other than when they were enrolled as students more than a few years ago. I'm not asking you to do anything that I didn't do during my 17 years on this board. Ride a school bus during the morning secondary or elementary run. Visit school buildings and observe the morning arrival times, lunch times, and afternoon dismissal times. Spend some time, recess time, at elementary playgrounds. Get into buildings. Visit classrooms. Be visible. Help chaperona field trip. Observe special programs such as ACES. Serve on special committees. The alumni hall of fame
023selection committee is one example. Besser Foundation many grants is another reinstatement hearings would be a third. Observe curriculum and textbook selection committees. Attend educational assemblies with guest speakers, award programs and pep assemblies. Attend staff meetings and professional development activities. Attend competitions beyond athletics. Attend concerts and holiday programs. New teacher orientation was held last week Thursday and Friday. Did any of you attend that? Districtwide open houses were held last Wednesday. How many of you attended those? Special events such as Science Olympiad, knowledge bowl, kaput activities, and robotics are certainly available. Volunteer, read to kids, help serve a special meal, share your special skills, interests, and hobbies. become familiar with curriculum offerings. Preschool, junior kindergarten, foreign languages, advanced placements courses, Alpena early college, career and technical courses, dual enrollment, and APS online options. Invest your time to
024become familiar with the operations of Alpena Public Schools. There's a lot to learn. Thank you. [Applause] There's not supposed to be any. >> That is true. Thank you. My name is Diane O' Conor and I'm from Alpena. And since the bathroom policy was brought up, um, I'm going to talk a little bit about that. In giving some thought to the Fair View bathroom policy this board is seeking to enact, I began wondering why this board didn't just use the bathroom policy from All Saints School. Two board members have their children enrolled in All Saints and one of these two in particular has been the most vocal about the need for a bathroom policy at APS. So naturally, I wondered why that board member didn't just use the bathroom policy from All Saints. Why look elsewhere?
025So I spoke to a couple of parents whose children attend All Saints and they were not aware there was a bathroom policy. I have to say at that point um I was a little suspicious, but what if there wasn't a bathroom policy at All Saints? But I was sure there had to be. So I looked at the policies posted on the All Saints website. Nothing there. I was able to procure the 43page school handbook of policies and procedures and still found nothing about a bathroom policy. Um, it is possible I'm not looking in the right place. But if there isn't a bathroom policy at all saints, I would have to question the sincerity of in particular those two board members. If the belief is that the Fairview bathroom policy is protective in some manner, wouldn't
026you want those same protections for your own children? Aren't you concerned about the safety and welfare of your own children in the school they attend? If there isn't a bathroom policy at all, Saints, these board members can't with any justification claim a bathroom policy isn't needed there because it's an elementary school. This would be a false rationalization because All Saints is an elementary and middle school. And it's researched evidenced that questions about how children see themselves in relationship to their bodies begins in the singledigit age group. There are many singledigit age group children at All Saints as well as 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, probably some 15y olds. Now, I'm not saying there isn't a bathroom policy at all saints. I'm just saying I couldn't find one. and I couldn't find anyone who knew anything
027about a bathroom policy. This makes at least the two board members who have their children enrolled at All Saints look very disingenuous about claims of how necessary it is to have one at APS. It also stirs up a question. >> That's your That's your three minutes. Um >> there was no timer going. >> Oh yes, we had one up here. That one's malfunctioning. Well, of course, but there sometimes there are technical difficulties. I'm sure you understand. >> My name is Barbish and I live in the city of Alpena. I've noticed an interesting trend with the Alpena public school board. There could be 12 people speaking during public comment or via email in support of a rain garden or in support of LGBTQ Q students or for any number of other issues that come before the
028board in the past 8 months. These comments fall on deaf ears. But if they receive one email or one person speaking in opposition to one of these topics, the trustees hyperfocus on that comment and want immediate change. One email suggesting that Pride Month is a religion stimulated an immediate rewrite of the social media policy. Big surprise. You heard that. I fear that decisions made by this board will lead to potential discrimination suits for Alpena public schools, putting an unnecessary financial burden on our school system. Trun ACLU and the community has warned the board, but those comments fall on deaf ears. The board should be listening and acting on all public comments. Personal, religious, and political agendas have no place on our nonpartisan public school board, nor do they belong on the backs of our children,
029but our concerns fall on deaf ears. At last month's board meeting, I spoke about a violation of the board's social media policy. I checked today and that post is still there. To my surprise, this trustee was involved in building a greenhouse at All Saints and states it's a place to grow something amazing in an outdoor space all classes can enjoy. I agree. The point here is that the greenhouse is good for children in a private school. But when it comes to a rain garden that would have given all our children in the public school a great experience, this person voted no. The board's supposed to serve all children. Our input fell on deaf ears. The July vote on common law has been rescended due to a parliamentary mistake and a search for loopholes. Our voices
030fall on deaf ears. If you personally needed a criminal defense lawyer, you would research and hire a law firm that specializes in criminal defense. You would not open your personal checkbook to pay for two lawyers. I don't understand how this board can justify using taxpayer dollars to pay Coleman, a second law firm, when Trun has more experience with public school law. It's taxpayer dollars. It's not the board's dollars. You've been taxed to be financially responsible with school district finances, and this decision is definitely board failure. Our voices fall on deaf ears. This board is not listening to this community. You have deaf ears. The community is not deaf. We are listening and we are watching. >> Hi, I'm Bonnie Alman and I didn't plan on speaking tonight, but uh something has just gotten into me
031that I have to. >> Pardon me. Address, ma'am. >> Um my address is 657 Michigan Avenue, Alpena, Michigan. >> Thank you. My daughter is starting teaching for her first time today at Bester Elementary and as her mother she followed she's following in special education. Now being I was in special education I can say I've been at all areas. I taught at elementary I taught at junior high, high school and back to the junior high. Sometimes I would go into the regular ed and we would co-e together. So, I've been in a lot of buildings and I've seen um a lot of school policies and a lot of school rules. I'm also not afraid to buck the system when I'm upset about something. I when my husband was on the school board, he's passed away now,
032but he was on the school board and I actually brought an issue to the school board. So, and it wasn't what, you know, he was actually going for. Oh, I'm not afraid of controversy, but I always admired a school board and a personnel that worked together. And it seemed like, you know, if there were issues that needed to be discussed and it needed to be investigated, they would come and um to the school board and it would be discussed in length and studied. Instead, I'm really concerned. What oath of office did you take? To follow the Republican book, The Religious Right, or to be a board of education member of Alpena Public Schools. on Facebook, I see that um one of the members here has quoted as saying how terrible the discipline is in the
033public schools, but how great and fantastic of what great men they're raising at all. I also see on Facebook that the um gardens were paid for and bought because gardens are beautiful to see, but yet for the public schools, no. you vote no for it. Also, that money from that person's father paid for those plants at that school. We had ours all paid for, too. But why didn't that father maybe pay for some of ours? So, I'm real concerned. Being I've been in all buildings, I have seen no troubles at HHS as far as bathroom problems, as far as TBJ or uh LGBTQ issues. Um they're dealt with on an individual basis. I have not seen problems in bathrooms. I used to have to go to the bathroom a lot, so I went to the
034quickest one often where all the students were and I was not afraid of anything. Okay. So, I don't see the troubles there. >> Um, >> pardon me, ma'am. That's your three minutes, but again, you could come back uh in the second public comment. >> Okay. Thank you very much. And I hope you listen to us and not just try to stomp your foot and say, "I'm right. I'm going to do it my way." >> That's your time, ma'am. Thank you. >> Okay. I took my time. [Applause] My name is Tammy Hinkle, 10695 Worth Road, Herod. I am an IIA at the at the schools. First of all, I want to thank you guys for what you do. I feel like you do a great job and everybody makes the decisions from what they believe and
035not everybody believes the same, but we still make those decisions accordingly. But that's about what I want to talk about. R2 was at the IIA meeting on Monday. Um the presence there was very intense. We have over I don't know for sure how many IAS but a hundred or some I I think. I'm not really sure. And I feel like a lot of them feel like they're not being heard. The issues that are important to them are not being addressed. And when they do try to say something new, they get shut down and and dis like they're not it's not important. Um, I don't know what the answer is to that, but I do feel like starting a school year with a bunch of people that are not happy with what's going on is probably
036not the best way to start it. And I think that um there's a lot of concerns that were were spoken of that were not spoken of irrationally or angrily, but just questions that were asked, but the responses back were more of it felt like they were more um attacking. They said that it was our sort of they said it was our responsibility to help find the recruits. We're short a lot of IAS for our our school. um it's hard to for everyone to promote that position if they have such animosity about what's being done in that position. So it it is something that I think that you need to look at because if you want to get other IAS and into these positions cuz we are short we're going to have to do something different
037than what we're doing right now. I've been there for 20ome years. I love my job and I've loved working with the kids. I know that there's some really important concerns that these these people have and when they're addressed, it's like they're just shut down, cut off at the feet, if that makes sense. So, I think that, you know, I don't know what's being done or what can be done, but you know, we had a contract. It's still not signed. It's been over a year and um that doesn't tell your IE that you appreciate them. So you know saying you appreciate and and and actually doing something in actions to show them you appreciate is two different things. Thank you. I'm Yvan Lefave Johnson. I live in Alpena Township. I'm a concerned taxpayer and the aunt
038of several APS students. I'd like to emphasize that I live in this community. I'm an Alpena High graduate and I pay property taxes in this district. Unlike some of the folks who spoke before me, I find it reprehensible that you choose to ignore input from students, parents, teachers, administrators, other community members, your own general counsel. If the carpet baggers who spoke here tonight want to line Coleman's pockets, I urge them to make donations directly to the political action committee of their choice. >> In fact, you board members can also do the same. You can make >> Let's not attack each other, please. >> I'm not attacking them. Stating a fact. They can make a donation to the public to the political action committee of their choice. Also, you board members could do the same. We
039taxpayers have told you time and time again, we don't want you wasting our money in that way. In fact, I think it's irresponsible of you to waste our taxpayer dollars at the tune of $275 an hour to support your own political, religious, or personal agenda. You continue to refer to our student outcomes and our students academic success as your big goals, but actions speak louder than words. When will you move on? Move past the potty talk and focus on our student success and do the business that we elected you to do. [Applause] Is there any further public comment at this time? >> Point of clarification. If someone wishes to speak a second time, is that appropriate to wait for the second public comment or is this a timing? I think if everyone has spoken on
040the topic uh involved and no one else is looking to speak, I think you could come speak again. I don't I I don't think we have to wait for the second uh the second one. Usually we do uh because of of the the time constraints, but if you'd like to speak again, come on up. >> Thank you. >> Do I need to state my name again? >> Why not? >> Okay. Um, again, Kathy Bassard, and again, speaking in my personal capacity, I just want to respond and add a little bit more information for the board to consider and state that first of all, when it comes to hiring Mr. Coleman or reevaluating some of these policies, it really is in the best interest of this district to make a small investment, not even 1% of
0411% of the district's annual budget, to get a second opinion on this. I'm not an attorney, but some would suggest that trun may or may not be um found to be malfcent in the legal counsel they've given your district if it looks anything like the district council that my district has received. The same for Niola. When you consider that the policies absolutely run a foul of federal law and title 9 and I have personal knowledge that a complaint has been filed with the US Department of Justice and US Department of Education where Alpena public schools is very prominently featured for attempting to stand in the way that you have and receiving the push back that you've received. And there is actually an ongoing investigation from those two agencies looking into this district and watching carefully
042how this board reacts and also how the state of Michigan reacts that is happening right now. Um I'm personally actually a plaintiff in that case for other reasons involving my own district, but it's a very broad investigation. The actions that you're taking now are 100% in the good governance and fiduciary interest of this district as well as student outcomes. thinking about how students might benefit from that. And because time is brief, um again, thank you for taking the stand you have for the five of you who've been a part of that. Um several cases are also moving before the US Supreme Court that will impact this and your board is taking action to get on the right side of the law before someone makes you. That's a phenomenal thing. But to the person who suggested
043that your religious values, your moral values have no place in this conversation in government, I'd like to remind you of what the founders of our government said. James Madison, father of the Constitution, said, "Cursed be all learning that is contrary to the word of God." Patrick Henry said, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionist, not by secularists, but by Christians, not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ." And I'll conclude from Alexander Hamilton who's not considered to be a particularly religious founding father. He quoted William Blackstone and said, "The law of nature which being co-evil with mankind and dictated by God himself is of course superior in obligation to any other, it is binding over all the globe in all countries and
044at all times. No human laws are of any validity if contrary to this to bring your faith and and your personal values. The reasons that people looked at you thought you're a person of moral character, good standing. You're a person that I would like to represent my family in my district. You and those values are the very reasons that you were elected to this board. And I hope that you'll continue to stand strong. Thank you so much and God bless. Are you speaking? >> I am. Is that all right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. Thought you were taking. >> Uh, no. I took enough of them. Hey, my name is Diane Bower. I'm from Alpena. I graduated from Alpena High. And I just wanted to let Diane know that actually Sarah answered that question in an
045email to me on March 21st. At All Saints, we do not have specific bathroom policies. Pardon me about Yeah, I think let's not direct uh comments directly to other people that way. >> Okay. Well, I'll let the I'll let the board know because you may not have read it or you may not have recalled this email when I question your uh the training policy that was magically appeared one day. At all saints, we do not have specific bathroom policies regarding gender identity. As we align our practices with Catholic teachings, our belief is rooted in the understanding that there are two genders and we honor the bi biological identity of a person a person is born with. This is adherence to our values is one of the reasons many parents choose to send their children to
046Catholic school like ours. They feel a sense of protection and alignment with their beliefs. Choosing to send children to a Catholic school is a deliberate decision made by parents who seek an end education that reflects their values. It's important to know that as a private Catholic institution, we are not a public school and our belief and practices should not be compared to those of public institutions. According to the Dasis of Gaylord's policies, all schools shall respect the biological sex of the human person as given by God and students and parents are expected to conduct themselves in accord with their Godgiven biological sex. While we uphold these values, we also emphasize the importance of respect and dignity for all individuals. We are committed to providing a supportive environment where every student feels safe and comfortable. We
047invite open dialogue with parents and students to ensure our community remains understanding and compassionate. Together we can foster a nurturing atmosphere that reflects our Catholic values. Warmest regard Sarah Costain. I graduated from a Catholic school and these are not the values I learned at St. Bernard's. Thank you very much for listening to our public comment tonight and listening to those values found here in our own community of Alpena. Bonnie Alman, Alpena, Michigan. I just wanted to make a comment that um as a retiree and a taxpayer um and as a past person here or past uh teacher, I have always respected our superintendent and Dave Rabinaw has given us nothing but his behavior showed us nothing but that we should be doing that instead of taking up time on these hot items that are politically
048ally hot items and listening to what we have to say that those things are not an issue. We should be looking at how how do we deal with mass violence? What do we deal with artificial intelligence? How do we get more funding so that our students can reach their potential? um uh how do we make sure that the curriculum matches the truth and not what some people want to say is the the truth nowadays. So again, please trust in your superintendent as board members. Listen to him. Listen to everybody here. get off the hot items and in these hard times, let's all work together and make the best public school that we can [Applause] carry Benvolio again. um 4008 West Yellowgate. And if you need my how to pronounce my name or spell it, just
049ask. I'll give you a card. Uh 20ome years I was a public school and private school teacher. Also taught charter schools. Um retired as a teacher from public schools and as a private school teacher. I was uh certified in both vocational and general ed and um have a master's degree in five undergraduate majors, not one, five. I taught uh somebody asked me in Congress uh actually a house historian. He said, "You were the most successful first term congressman in 50 years. What do you uh what do you credit to your ability to be so effective?" And I said, "Well, I taught special ed for the emotionally impaired for three years. Welcome to Congress. You're supposed to laugh at that point, right? Here's the problem. You cannot in a public school cannot talk about God, Jesus
050Christ, or the Bible that you can invite the drag queen in. Inappropriate. You send out a piece of paper asking permission. Now, folks, um, while while other people are speaking, that's me to call him, please. You don't You can't intimidate me. You can't I've dealt with the worst. As long as you're not shooting at me or dropping bombs, it's a good day. Okay? I've dealt with more than that. >> This is how they behave. This is the way it is. You want the left dictating to what's going on in your schools, you're going to have a complete breakdown. I taught at a Catholic school where the the the school administration stood behind the teachers. In public schools, it's the opposite. They stand behind the kid. And what happens? You want to improve education, improve the
051adults, the parents. They're number one responsible for how a student behaves. If you have a desire to be another sex, we will put you in the special ed class. That's the way it works. It's a mental illness whether you like it or not. That's the way it's dealt with. >> Biological. >> It's science. Folks, would you would you you're being disruptive. Would you like us to have sheriff's deputies here and have them remove people who disrupt their disrupt our >> form? Awful face. That's intimidation, >> Mr. Chairman. It's intimidation. >> I I agree. >> Uh I am speak private investigator. >> Uh there it doesn't bother me. They will be punished. I see my name on social media with a lie. They will be hit with a lawsuit quicker than they can say hello. Have
052a wonderful day. Thank you very much for the opportunity to listen. If you are intimidated, I'll give you my card. Just call me. We'll take care of it. Okay. Keep walking. [Music] >> That's right. >> Well, it can be. We could we could Yeah, >> yeah. Has it been How long How long have we been? >> Well, this is a new one. >> My name is Michael Kramer. I live in Alpena, Michigan. And I just have a very short comment. I'm a fairly well educated man and I think about these things very thoroughly. I don't have any comments about any of these bathroom issues I want to make a comment about. But what you guys are putting up with with the juvenile behavior from the citizens that are displaying that ridiculous behavior in this setting.
053I really really thank you very much for continuing to do your best to try to put up with this garbage and still do a righteous job and live up to the constitution of this country. And that's something that they don't understand and it's got to fall heavily on your shoulders to keep that focus. So, thank you very much. Okay. At this point, uh, we're going to defer further public comment until the second opportunity later in our meeting. So, I'm going to, uh, ask you all to remain seated. Um, and we'll pick this back up later. Thank you. Well, so we'll continue with our meeting. Our next item, uh, is approval of consent agenda items. I I move we approve the consent agenda items of the July 28th organizational meeting minutes and the August 18th regular
054meeting minutes [Applause] support. Okay, great. Um by its nature we typically don't uh uh discuss the consent agenda. So uh let's just have a show of hands. All in favor of approving the agenda say or raise your hand. All right. None opposed. Thank you. That carries. That brings us to uh uh section two, item A, the APS online catalog. So, we talked about this at our workshop. We've got John Studley here for any final questions. annual process of approving the uh the cataloges that are in front of us here. Um and so the motion is to approve the online catalog as presented. >> Thank you for coming. U any uh questions uh for John from board members. [Music] He walked all this way up to the microphone. So >> that's okay. We just wanted to
055delay his dinner for the night. >> Yeah. >> I'll make a motion I'll make a motion to approve the um APS online catalog as presented. >> Support. Okay. Very good. Uh any discussion hearing? No discussion. All in favor of the motion raise your hand. Okay. carried unanimously. Thank you. Um, sir, >> all right. Very good. >> Thank you, John. >> Do we want to save Ben the walk up? Same thing. Uh, athletic handbook presented to the board last week. >> B. Sorry. Sorry. Yes. Oh, I I do that all the time. Yes. So, uh the uh partnership uh Alpena partnership uh courses um which we discussed last week um and uh the uh administrative recommendation would be a motion to approve the Alpena family partnership courses as presented in the 2526 district online course catalog.
056>> I would offer that motion. >> Support. >> Great. Any discussion? All right. Hearing none. All in favor of the motion, raise your hand. All right, that carries unanimously. Thank you. All right. Um, now we can get to the uh athletic handbook. Um, and uh, does anybody have any questions? Should we have Ben come up? >> I move to approve the handbook as presented. >> Second support. >> Okay, I have a motion in support. Any further discussion of the approval of the athletic handbook? Hearing no further discussion, a show of hands uh for approval of the motion. >> Yes, >> I have to. Yes. >> Very good. Very good. All right. Uh that carries uh with one abstension. Uh thank you. Uh that brings us to uh the full-time people's status uh discussion from last
057week also. And uh do does anybody have any questions? Uh were you have any any thoughts? >> Yeah, just for the people in the audience this uh our pupil accounting laws or rules which allow us to um get funding from the state for our pupils. Uh requires that we just define what it means to be a full-time pupil. uh we just have to announce this each or uh vote on it each year. U again uh our two curriculum directors are here for any further questions but uh it's just a um process that's required for the pupil accounting process. >> I will um make a motion to adopt the requirements for 2025 2026 full-time pupil status. Okay. >> Second. >> Great. Do we have a motion and a second on full-time pupil status? Um the motion
058to adopt the requirements. Uh is there any discussion? All right. Hearing none. All in favor of the motion raise your hand. All right. That passes unanimously. Thank you. Um on to the paper bid. Uh copy paper bid recommendation. And uh Simon Simon is here. Any >> questions? Does anybody have any questions? >> Why did we put it in just >> the recommendate? Why didn't we have a a number? >> I think because they're all different prices, right? Like there's >> it just it's different than the other bids. That's why I'm I was just surprised it was wrote that way. >> Yeah, because it's a I mean, it's a case price. I mean, we're buying buy the case. We could buy purchase more than the, you know, we got an 840 case minimum that we're going
059to purchase, but we could purchase more. >> Okay. Just >> the normal. >> So, that's a price that we're locked in at, you know. >> Okay. >> It's not a a fixed a quantity that we purchase is not fixed, you know. It's if that's what you're referring to is not >> Yeah, that's I'll make a motion to approve contract paper group and staples as approved vendors support. >> Okay, we have a motion and support from from Eric. Uh any discussion of the uh copy paper bid recommendations? Um since we uh since we are getting into uh uh money uh and let's go ahead and uh have a roll call on this um unless there is any further discussion. Hearing none let's proceed. [Music] >> Member Fritz >> I. >> Member Minhart >> I. Member Costain.
060>> I. >> Member Hansen. >> I. >> Member Dazinski. >> I. >> Member MacArthur. >> I. >> Member Lawson. >> I. Motion carries. All right. Thank you, son. Um, so now we uh Does anybody have any questions for him on the uh whiteboard recommendation since he is still here? Not a motion would be in order. >> Oh, I have to say that I was at the high school for open house this week and you're right. They need new whiteboards. >> Yeah. >> As soon as we get them, >> we'll start putting them up. So, >> I move to approve the bid of $48,16 from Ever White Corporation as presented. >> Second. >> All right. Very good. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? No more questions hearing none. Let's proceed to a roll
061call on that as well. >> Member Minehart >> I. >> Dazinski. >> I. >> Member Hansen. >> I. >> Member Costain. >> I. >> Member MacArthur. >> I. >> Member Fritz. >> I. >> Member Lawson. >> I. All right, motion carries. >> Thank you. >> All right. Uh that brings us to uh new business policy related items. Um and you have a handout of the uh social media uh policy and changes as discussed last week. Any discussion? Dave, did you reach out to Neola? Was that somebody? You were going to reach out to somebody on it, I thought. >> Uh, not at this point. >> Not at this point. >> Going after a first reading. >> Okay. Did So, last week wasn't a first reading. >> No. No. Last week was not. >> Okay. I
062misunderstood that. Okay. But at this point now after a first reading then perhaps you could >> yeah if that's what the board like I would certainly >> okay the board like to hear from from Nola or or TR or >> on this uh because it is uh modifying a Neola policy I would reach out to Neola. >> Okay. >> Good. Any further discussion? All right. This will uh again this will be on Go ahead. >> Yeah. >> I just need some clarification on politically charged or controversial topics. >> I would say we probably could take some cues from uh what the students are and aren't allow allowed to do as far as attire. You know, what they're wearing at school. that would be uh you know flags or associations or or you know those those
063kinds of things that would be one particular way to go but um I think we would want to on the whole leave uh discretion to our administrators uh for the most part unless there's a particular question that we need to weigh in on I see Dave nodding I think he yes I would say um we would have questions um we do post um uh you know we we serve as a community board of what's going on. So uh we do post activities that are sponsored and held at churches in the area um that might not seem politically um charged or controversial. However, when we did bring in the speaker last year or we were going to bring in the speaker two years ago, um uh be because of his religious affiliations and things in his
064background that was quite controversial. So, um I guess I would just be looking for who's going to determine that. I don't know, you know, if that's controversial. Is it public feedback? Is it board desires? Um because both of those I would not see as controversial and yet they one of them certainly was. So >> Mhm. Well, um I would say that uh when it's one of those one of those things when you uh uh as an administrator if you see a student coming in with uh uh something that you feel you like clothing uh with a a flag or or you know whatever it is whatever it is that's deemed to be a message that isn't appropriate for school, you know, we can we could start from that. But if you'd like the board to
065uh give uh a little bit more direction on that, we could certainly talk about what that would look like. Um, >> yeah, I I think there if there's questions, we're we can always talk about it. >> Okay. I mean, we we post a lot of information and uh you know, the process is that people generally give it to us in advance. >> Um, >> so if the board wants to approve those, then I would be bringing those to the board to approve. >> That's fine. >> Well, that's one possibility. I mean, if there's, like I said, if there's something that you're questioning, I'm more than happy to hear anything. We probably too um maybe Dave and I will start with a discussion uh about this, the two of us, and then talk about more uh
066about what we might ask the board as far as clarification so that there could be some general principles that could be followed. I think that might might uh make things work a little bit better. But we'll start with a conversation with the two of us and we'll then we'll bring it we'll bring that question particular question to the board which is not necessarily um you know it's not like we're going to write a list of things in the policy but as far as um administration interpreting that policy I think that's where that discussion would go. So what was the motivation behind adding this to it when this this policy seems before this paragraph was added uh the policy seemed to be very clear what was the motivation of putting this uh you know just curious
067what was the motivation to put this in >> to even present this. I mean, my understanding is that uh there were there are people in the community who are concerned about Alpena public schools making a statement on a political subject and >> one particular political subject >> that this particular time around it was I think we talked about uh we did talk about a letter somebody mentioned a letter that was sent uh and that wasn't the only source for that uh that feedback from the community. So I think if we are uh uh going to uh you know look at what uh um how do I want to phrase that? Um if we're going to look at bringing our behavior into line with what we expect from our students uh I think it's a good
068discussion to have and I think this brings us closer to that. >> Can you refresh my memory and what was that letter about? There was just a uh there was a letter that was concerned about us posting about Pride Month when u uh you know some people found that very very uh controversial and I think we have to be careful. I think there's a sort of culture um in among some groups that believes that if something offends me it's really horrible. It has to be fixed and and but it you know if it offends you or something else offends you well I'm not really worried about that. So, I think in in the uh uh in the spirit of trying to bring our policies into a place where we are um being a little more
069evenhanded uh with particular uh regard to our community standards, sensibilities, uh things like that. I think this is a good step in that direction. >> Well, we also post about in February is Black History Month, uh AsianPacific Month, Hispanic Month. I don't you know I mean are those controversial? >> I would not say that those are controversial. >> Oh, okay. Any further discussion? >> Okay. >> All right. Hearing none, we'll proceed. Um >> so I'll reach out to Niola. >> Yes, I'll have that. >> Yes. Very good. >> Mhm. All right. Um, next item is our human resources staff update. Oh, she's there already. >> All right. Um, this is going to be long, so please bear with me. I'm going to try to pronounce everyone's names correctly. I just want to give everybody a
070quick update. We hired 48 staff for this school year and 27 of them joined us as APS teachers, six as will subteers and 15 support staff. So today will be a very long report. So for professional staff we have Elizabeth Hartley is elementary PE teacher working at Lincoln and Sanborn. Kirsten Wargo is a CTE marketing teacher. Navahas is a second grade teacher at Ella White. Julie James a fifth grade teacher at Sanborn. Alana Ryan a third grade teacher at Besser. Christa Meyer is Dana students at Besser. Samuel Vaughn an English learner language learner um his varying throughout the district. Lauren Allen is a science teacher at Thunder Bay. Scott Henwood is our new Lincoln Elementary principal. Maya Atkins is a fourth grade teacher at Sandborn. And Ray Guzman is our fifth grade teacher at Sandborn.
071For support staff, we have Marcy Tanner as an IIA, Elam Pelen, Emily Paleno as an instructional assistant, Eva Limbsky as an instructional assistant, Xotter as an instructional assistant, Wyatt Gerky as a CT welding prayer professional, Samantha Sarra as an instructional assistant, Jennifer Stevens as an instructional instructional assistant. Kathleen Thomas as a relief bus driver. Victoria Xan Christensen as a relief bus driver. Marie Garcowski as a bus attendant. Bry Hog Hog I can never say her name. Bry, sorry. Bry as a new as a secretary returning from um retirement. Dorene Escott is secretary, Stacy New House is cafeteria helper, and Todd Bowen is a custodian. We do have a couple resignations as well. Joanne Richards as an instructional assistant, Kelly Trombley as a special ed teacher, Erica Adaman as a cafeteria helper, Sharon um Sweet Hawk
072is a science teacher. Abigail Sadler is a second grade teacher. Cameron Schulz is an instructional assistant. Diane Grande as an elementary principal for Lincoln. Riley Kronac as an instructional assistant. And then I just want to say um thank you to Katherine Brown as an instructional assistant at Hanks. She retired with 13 years of service with us. Any questions? Hey Michelle, I was wondering with these resignations. I know that you do the exit interview. is that's like reate immediately when they resign or how far long after they're Christy reaches out as soon as there is a notice that they're resigning and then we try to get it before they leave but then she'll reach out again after they've left. >> Is there any way when those happen? Can we get those? >> Actually, you're going to
073have a report in September of a whole bunch of HR data. This going to be annual data and that will include that. >> Okay, perfect. Thank you. Yeah. Any other? Okay, >> thank you. >> All right, >> I will make a motion to approve the hiring of the new professional staff after completion of proper certification, testing, and other HR requirements. >> I support that. Great. Is there any discussion of the motion? All right, hearing none. Uh let's have a unless anybody wants to remember you can all request a roll call at any point if you ever get the notion. But uh for now I think we'll just have a show of hands uh in favor of the motion. Any opposed? No. All right, that carries unanimously. Thank you. All right, on to charitable gifts, I
074think. Am I turning my pages right? >> I think you got it. >> Okay. >> All right. Charitable gifts. Judy Calm neck calm and Betsy Hal generously donated a small laminator, a critter cage, and a wide variety of school supplies valued at $100 to support the students of Hinks Elementary. Leaf and Raz DLoon. Sorry. Darlene gave a generous monetary donation of $1,000 to support the students of AHS swim team. Leaf and Raz Dene gave a generous donation of $1,000 to support the students of the AHS knowledge bowl team. Charity Vest gave a generous monetary donation of $2,000 to support the students. Walmart of Alpena generously donated variet variet various school supplies valued at $100 to support the students of Lincoln Elementary. Star Staffing gave a generous donation of various school supplies valued at at $150
075to support the students of Elawite Elementary. Star Staffing gave a generous donation of various school supplies valued at $30 to support the students of Lincoln Elementary. Alpena Alona Area Credit Union gave a generous donation of metal tumbler, Gatorade, and snack val snacks valued at $100 to support the students of Lincoln Elementary. Alpena Alona Area Credit Union gave a generous donation of metal tumblers, Gatorades, and snacks valued at $900 to support the students of Fester Elementary. Staff Star Staffing and Citizens of Alpena generously donated school supplies valued at $150 to support the students of Fester Elementary. Alpena Exchange Club generously donated new American flags valued at $50 each to every APS school building. Verizon Wireless Tiffany Moinski generously donated a 100 backpacks filled with school supplies valued at $1,000 to support the students of Besser Elementary.
076Alpena Sheriff's Department and citizens of Alpena generously donated various school supplies valued at $300 to support the students of Besser Elementary. Recommendations motion to accept the gifts listed above with gratitude and a thank you. Thanks to the donors in writing for the generous gifts. You hear me making that motion? >> I make that motion. >> Second. >> All right. We have a motion and second. Any discussion of charable charitable gifts? Uh hearing none. Uh all in favor raise your hand. All right, that passes unanimously. Nobody opposed. Thank you very much. All right. Um, that brings us to our next uh >> opportunity for public comment. I got back. >> You got it. >> My name is Barb Beish and I live in the city of Alpena. I had no intentions of coming back up here,
077but at this board meeting, I have noticed bullying for people who are LGBTQ that are different than us. I will tell you, I had a uncle who was gay in the day before they opened the closets. I have a niece who's gay. I have a friend whose child was one and a half years old and I knew they were gay. Now, here are and I know that you all have had science classes. Here's some statistics. It's a scientific fact that humans come in two varieties. XX for female, XY for male. Except you can be born appearing female but have a five alpha reductus deficiency and grow a penis. At age 11, you can be born legally male with an X and a Y chromosome, but your body is insensitive to androgens. Now, I didn't practice
078this because I didn't know this way this board meeting was going to go. And you appear female. You can be born legally male with an X and a Y chromosome and have a penis and testes and a uterus and fallion tubes. You can be born legally male with an X and a Y chromosome, but your Y chromosome is missing. And your SRY gene, which gives you a female body. You can be born legally female with two X chromosomes, but one of the X has a SRY gene, which gives you a male body. You can born be born legally female with two X chromosomes and also a Y chromosome, which gives you a male body. You can be born legally female with two X chromosomes and your adrenaline gland doesn't produce enough cortisol and your body
079develops as male. You can be born with an XX chromosome or XY chromosome. So the next time you attempt to use science as justification for bigotry, remember that God created humans in many varieties and maybe stop trying to stuff everyone into little male and female checkbooks, check boxes. I don't believe that's what this board wants to do. I believe that we want to include everybody and welcome everybody. If you aren't, if you don't want LGBTQ students in the public school system, send your children to private schools. You're going to have LGBTQ students in the public schools. Thank you. [Applause] Um, my name is Penny Polarski. I am starting my 30th year as an IIA for Alpena Public Schools. And I have to say I don't care if you're male or female. I'm just going off
080this, but I'm going to go in a different direction. I love the kids of Alpena Public Schools. It doesn't matter if they're behavioral or if they're one-on- ones, if they're LGBTQ, if whatever. We need to love these children and make them respectable people in society. My second thing is the persona of instructional assistance needs to change. We have never felt I in my whole 30 years I've never felt um respected in the grounds that we need to be respected. We need to be listened to when we go to to um bargaining and and I've had I've had HR tell tell me that um everything is bargained. How many of HR has to bargain for 1% of your wages? 30 years of my job and my long there isn't longevity. You want people to stay and
081appreciate Alpena public schools HR. Do you have to fight for your raises or does a school board just say, "Oh, you're sufficient. You've done you've done your duty." We're not looked at in this way that we succeed every time. It's a 1%. Yeah. You know how much 1% of my income is? Probably about $200. Take 1% of an HR person, you're talking into the thousands of dollars already. I'm not saying that I am just here for the wages, but I have to live on wages, too. And I love these kids and I love working with staff members. And I know that none of your jobs are easy and neither are ours. But it's time to change that and respect us. if you want people to be present and not absent from because that's where our
082big problem is. We have newbies that are are not that are still under probation that was using way too much time calling in. What about us that have worked 30 years that have got 80 or so days accumulated? We're never gonna see a penny of it. If you want us to not use up our days before we retire, then offer something in return. >> That's three minutes. >> Thank you very much. [Music] Is there uh before we have repeats, is there any more new public comment? Um anyone who hasn't spoken yet? Yes. Let's let's uh have new people first. My name is Steretta Decar and I live in the city of Alpena. The IIA people are irreplaceable. I don't have any students in the public school system, but I have four grandchildren, three of which
083are special needs. One of my grandchildren has Down syndromes, has had 12 strokes, three brain surgeries, and has Moyaoya. If it wasn't for the IA people, she would not be a productive citizen. She works at Dairy Queen. She makes a wage and I a people deserve to make a wage and I thank them very much. Okay. Any more new public comment from anyone who hasn't spoken yet? Yes. Come on up. >> Thank you, Mr. President. My name is Gary Vanuk. I live in Mitchell Township, Alona County. Um, you know, people don't realize that we have lived under a constitution in this country for about 238 years. By federal law, schools are required on Constitution Day to go over the founding document. the con most countries their constitutions last 17 years and most of them have
084usually got violent overthrows that take place. I think it is very important because I brought this up to other school boards as well and uh as an American citizen I think Constitution Day needs to be observed properly in school and and just as a point of clarification it's going to be 250 years that we have declared our independence from England. The Constitution dates back to the Declaration of Independence and it sits on the Declaration of Independence. And our founders would have been very offended because when you when you read even the comments of Ben Franklin who called for prayer because the constitutional convention was going to break up, you should hear all his references he's made to scriptures. And furthermore, since the constitution sits on the declaration, it's kind of funny that the words in
085the declaration, they talk about creator, god of nature and nature's god, providence, and the one that judges righteously. I I I think you need to go back and start looking at the old letters our founders write wrote, which are in the Smithsonian Institute, and read them very carefully. I'm going to tell you this revisionist stuff is going to vanish real quickly when you read their exact words. Thank you, Mr. President. Okay. Anybody else who hasn't spoken yet? Okay, come on up. Um my name is Geneva French. I live in uh Lashine, Michigan. Um product of Alpena schools. My husband as well. Um our three children and now two of our grandchildren are attending Alpena schools. And um so I've been through every one of these with schoolboard meetings and I um I'm extremely sad to
086see the animosity and the split in this school board. It's disappointing. It's upsetting. Um and and I think you can do better. Okay? I think all of you can do better. But I'm I'm going to go I I just a point of education I think to tonight that I heard uh someone say about my sister was gay and I don't want anybody to think for a minute that she chose to be gay. Okay. Um she was born that way. She knew it since she was 5 years old that she liked girls. Um growing up in the 50s gay was not easy. It was very very difficult. Um, and and so I think when you're looking at someone who's transgender or who's gay and you say, "Well, they choose to do this." That's not why would
087you choose? My sister said that. Why would I choose to live like this when nobody likes me? When I'm ostracized, when I can't hold hands with the person I like, when I can't marry them. Um, and so I think you have to think about that. I can't imagine being gay. I'm not. But I also can empathize with someone who's different than I am. And I don't think I think I I think we also have to understand that gay people aren't pedophiles. The majority of 98% of all pedophiles are white males, heterosexuals. And and so I think education is an important part of these things. Um keeping in mind separation of of church and state and um we offer um someone brought up the Catholic school today and and you have choices in town here and
088I think it's important to make a choice that's right for your children. Um, and everybody can be nice about that and and having choices. Nobody's forcing anybody to go to the public schools. So, I think while you're doing those things, we have to have a lot more empathy that I'm hearing. Um, and open our minds to things too as well. um and understand that someone going through a transgender operation that's not done just by choosing to do that. >> Okay. >> Thank you. I'm Christina Schroer and I live at 3421 North Rude Road and I am an IIA. This is my 11th year. Just so you know, I barely make 15,000 annually. Can anyone live on 15,000? Is there any more new public comment from anyone who hasn't spoken yet? All right, let's have repeats.
089I I do want to I can you know sensing the mood in this room but I do want to um ask you all to uh uh let's let's have some decorum and also let's let's use the board's time wisely. Let's not use public comment for you all to get in shouting matches with each other because you disagree. So, I would really like you all rather than beating each other up. State your case. Look at me. You're addressing the board. You're addressing the president. And uh leave it at that. Thank you. >> Thank you again, Mr. President and board, for the opportunity to speak. My name is still Katherine Vasard of Potterville. I just want to address some things I haven't had an opportunity to speak with. I do know how difficult it is to handle
090school finance and pass a budget. And from the little bit that I've seen, this community does value its teachers and its students. But I will say it is so important that we pay good people a living wage. The best way to grow your business is to keep the good people you've got. And that's true for a school, too. Um, I did want to address something I didn't get to speak to earlier, which is the social media policy. And I just like to state that I really applaud the board for the work done on this. The first amendment is such a a tricky thing to navigate and it's so easy to do it wrong and I feel like there was some careful thoughtful effort put forth in this um to really keep the district on the
091right side of the law. And it's important to remember the school district is a government body that is speaking in a way they shouldn't I'm not up here when I say that our country was formed on Christian values not advocating for a theocracy at all but I am saying we should respect the values of those people of faith whatever that is when we talk about respecting people of of all varieties everyone deserves respect of course and it's one of those reasons that the board should be careful the district should be careful not to speak for one group but not another, especially on issues that are are very controversial. And the way this policy was written, it doesn't go after individual employees, staff members, or their freedom of expression, which is one of our most cherished
092rights in this country, to speak themselves personally as individuals. It's only in the district profile, on that social media account, on that platform when speaking for the district. And speaking of the district, the the job description of a school district under public law is very simple. Um, I want to read the other half of MCL 380.10, the beginning of our public school code. And it says that the public schools of the state serve the needs of the pupils by cooperating with the pupil's parents and legal guardians to develop the pupils number one, intellectual capabilities, and two, their vocational skills. Those two things, that's it. And so if what you're communicating on social media isn't advancing those two things, intellectual capabilities and vocational skills, maybe it's not something the district should really be commenting about, leave
093that to the parents to decide on. And I would also defer Mimmude v. Taylor. The recent Supreme Court case speaks to that and the role of parents in that. The last thing I want to mention is that um it was mentioned previously this evening that no one is forced to be in a public school. There's so many other options. I'm a huge champion of education choice personally. However, I just want to remind this board that MCL 380.1561, our state's compulsory education law, does make attendance in a public school compulsory unless a child's parents are lucky enough to afford one of those private school options. And it's all the more important then that this district act in such a way that we uphold the values of good governance and protect the diversity, the values of all
094students, their families, and their faith. Thank you so much for your consideration. >> Thank you. Anybody else? I think it's wonderful we had all this public comment. Otherwise, this would have been a really silly short meeting. So, thank goodness. Anybody else seeing anyone rising for further public comment? Where'd my agenda go? Um, on to letters and communications. Summer. The board received this letter from Joanne Pinkerton. Can everybody hear me? The Elliot Larson Civil Rights Act 453 of 1976 37.2404A does not prohibit the board of a school district or inter intermediate school district or the board of directors of a public school academy from establishing and maintaining a single gender school. class or program with a school is provided under sections 475 and 1146 of the revised school code. This district school this includes school districts,
095intermediate school districts and public school academy. The US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights announced on Friday that five Virginia school districts were in violation of Title 9 for allowing boys in female restrooms and locker rooms. If Dun Law Firm omitted this section of the Elliot Larson Civil Rights Act or the Title Nine of the Education Amendments of 1972 in their report to the board, then you need to hire a new law firm. Apparently, they have given the board an ideological opinion rather than a factual information. If a female student is harassed or assaulted in a bathroom, shower, or a locker room, do you really want this firm representing taxpayers? If they say there is no problem at AHS at this current time, then there should be no reason not to pass the Fairview
096policy. >> Thank you. Anything further? Okay. Um that would bring us to our superintendent update. >> Sure. Thank you. >> Take it away. >> Uh we had a great first day of school. Uh I began the day directing traffic at the high school. As you know, we have a new traffic pattern. Um, it involves a roundabout. Now, that is a controversial topic. So, there we go. Um, everyone >> I did. I did. >> I I saw Yeah, >> he pointed and told us exactly where to go. >> There you go. That could be construed. But anyway, uh, it was one, you know, again, parents and students were very good at following the new pattern. It seems to work out great. um a few hiccups here uh with buses stopping in a certain spot, but we
097got those all squared away. So, uh that was exciting. And then of course, thanks to Clark Johnson, CSI, our own APS tech team, and anyone else that I'm forgetting, Simon, that made this uh happen. I think that's a pretty good list there. Um you know, as you've been watching the project, the progress of these uh projects, um they they pulled off a lot of great work. Um, so obviously there's still work to be done. Um, but our site work again accommodated the staff and students without uh many issues. None that I know of myself. Um, and then of course we got to finish off the offices and and spaces in there. So our office staff is uh displaced until that. But again, kids were coming in, staff, students, uh, families, they were uh in in
098good mood and everything was going well. Uh I do know we had some uh a little bit of congestion around the junior high and I believe Basser um I'm assuming you know we haven't changed anything there. So as people just get back into the routine that should um improve. I would just throw out this thought that your walk in. So if we could uh you know just when you get to the safe part of the sidewalk start letting your students walk um you know that would help and then move on. That would help with the congestion. Um, I went to all the schools today and it was interesting to see in the morning, you know, everyone was doing their routines and getting back into the the practices and everything, but by the end of the
099day as I traveled around, they were starting to do uh instructional lessons. Um, and some catchy tunes on the alphabet out at Wilson. So, that was good to see. Um, but again, it was a wonderful day. Uh, everyone seemed to be in a good spirits and excited for the year to begin. I also just want to point out uh we have two SRO's one for the sheriff's dep uh or yes sheriff's department uh she is at the junior high so she's a uh sheriff uh liaison officer and then we also have Jason Culligan um our high school liaison officer through the Alpena public police department and then last year the police department dedicated officer Curtis to visit our city elementaryaries on Fridays and so she spends dedicated time at each of the buildings. Uh I
100saw her today over at Lincoln just uh letting everyone know that uh she would be there. Um but again, just great partnership. Uh we're happy to support with uh the sheriff's department and our police department. And of course, welcome to Scott Hendler, our new Lincoln principal, who arrived on scene Wednesday, I believe, of last Thursday of last week. Um, and he was out there greeting people and uh he's been working all weekend. So, uh, things are looking good at at Lincoln as well as across the whole district. >> All right. >> Hey, Dave, the junior high there is the sheriff full-time then or no? >> Uh, is officer? >> Okay, she is. Okay, perfect. Thank you. >> Could you also >> Both Both of them are too? Yeah. >> If you are dropping some off
101of high school, could you just pull up on Garden Street and let them walk the rest of the way? say, uh, pull up on Garden Street and let them walk >> like through the circle. >> Uh, it's not, you know, you saw it. People are driving and focused on getting in and getting out. So, I wouldn't recommend it. Uh, and then again, in the winter, too, um, it's going to have a lot of snow piled up. So, um, we want to get in the habit of just following that pattern. Um, one thing, if you did go at the high school, too, we had the barricade set up. Um once everyone's in the habit of following the pattern, if they do drop their child off in front of ASES, they would be able to go straight
102out to uh Garden Street versus making the loop into the main entrance. But we just wanted to get people in the habit of following the drop off procedure. Um and so we'll make that adjustment going forward. >> I had the barricade removed this afternoon. >> Did you let people go out? >> Yeah. Got it. And I'll tell you, so now we have three lanes exiting um on on Garden Street. You know, there's an entrance lane and then a right lane and a left lane. And I was watching that the whole time. There was rarely, if ever, uh a backup there because nobody we can accommodate so much traffic on the high school property now. Gets everyone off Garden Street. So there's no no wait in there. So again, I think it it went very well.
103All right. Any other uh questions for Dave about his report? >> All right. Uh thank you very much. Uh information and questions from board members. >> Oh, sorry. I have a few things. >> Well, you could Well, first of all, can we at the um workshops, can we add a discussion area to those maybe? So then I don't have like cuz there was a few things from last week that I wanted to ask do but we didn't have a chance for that. >> Yeah, we'll talk about that. Thanks for the suggestion. >> Um my first question you answered about the junior high about the safety there with the officer. My other question is where are we at with the road is with the oneway in like whatever came of that >> um >> safety wise
104>> uh you're talking about uh third street extension. >> Yeah extension or something. So, there's a way to if something happens at that junior high, there's only one way in. >> So, a couple of things to answer your question. I actually have a meeting with um community leaders tomorrow uh to talk about commissioning, um another road study because the last road study was done in 2003, I believe. Um, and so, um, I'm simply there representing the school district, but they're meeting tomorrow to potentially conduct another transportation study. Um, so really that's all I know at this point. Uh, I would say that the road commission has said in the past that they are simply looking for funding for that extension and once they find that funding that they would go ahead with that project. Um,
105so I'm not sure u how those two efforts align, but I can, you know, tell you what I hear tomorrow. U, but ultimately that would just result in a study uh to kind of redo uh update that old study. I I do want to be clear, we have talked about this going back a number of years with the sheriff's department, with the fire department, with the police department, with Michigan State Police. They are very clear in no uncertain terms if they need to get to the junior high, they're getting to the junior high. Um they will come through Meyer, they will go around cars, they will utilize whatever the driveway is through the green view area. Um they will find a way. um their statement. It would be great to have a second access to
106it, but our first responders are not saying that this is something they absolutely need to have done. Again, they've repeated many times that they will get there. Um, so as far as safety, uh, to me, the way the project was proposed, it it's more of a safety concern having traffic trying to get into that parking lot now from two different directions. And I'm getting confused on my directions, but if if now there is traffic coming towards uh, Bagley and Third Intersection, um, our buses exit out onto that portion of the road. they would no longer be able to exit out which then contributes to the congestion um in that that process. Um so and there's no talk about an additional turn lane or turn signal there or anything like that. So from the that information
107it it doesn't make much sense to me to now have traffic coming two directions when our buses need to get out um into one of those lanes. whereas now it's fairly clear because there's nobody coming from that direction. Um but you know I I shared those views with them back in April or or somewhere in there and again I don't know what the road commission is doing other than looking for funding at this point and then this other group of leaders were meeting tomorrow too. Uh and the commission I think is uh present at that as well um to talk about looking at another study. I wanted to just uh want just add uh you brought up something last one of the last times we talked about this that I thought was very interesting. When
108you look at that stretch of road um and you attempt to classify it, you know, there's an argument to be made that it looks like a rural highway. And point you brought up is that if we had mid thirdare uh you know for access from some other point too badly, we could have a lot of very high-speed traffic going by the uh the junior high all the time. And so my heart didn't break when that didn't come to fruition cuz I thought that was an excellent point. >> Yeah, the speed limit is 55 on that except during school hours it comes down. So um >> I think there's 35 posted on it, isn't there? >> And take a look it is 55. So >> really? >> Yep. >> That's funny cuz gravel roads are only
10945. >> Yeah. And that was one of the big issues, you I don't know if they they can resolve that because then you get into M DOT and all of that, but >> No, the road commission can post whatever speed they want on whatever road. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Long as it's not a state trunk line. >> Got it. Anyway, >> what else? What happened to SSR >> at the junior high? They don't have that anymore. Sustained silent reading. Oh, I don't know. >> Yeah, they haven't had it. >> They had it. I mean, they had it when I was there, but that was a long time ago. What happened to it? I couldn't tell you. I couldn't even tell you the time frame when it actually was changed. >> Would that be something good
110to look into as far as reading scores outcomes? >> You know, I think it's one of those things you got to balance it out because you have advisory too, which actually does component. There's only so, you know, because again, if you're going to take SSR, you're going to pull away some other time from the other classes because there's only so so much time in the day. So, I think you got to balance that out. What it means, you know, plus minuses on both sides. >> Yeah. >> Because again, you can't extend the day. So, that's what you're going to do. You're going to make the hour shorter already. So, >> so Matt, are you suggesting that they can use that time and advisory for activities like silent reading if they like? >> They have all
111sorts of things they do. They have a regular program. They do they do challenge days. I mean there's different things they do depending on what it is. Um but I think if you're going to focus it yeah homework I mean if you're going to focus that in I think you really focus remember all the students have English they all have that you know three years there plus the high school. So you know how's that building but again you don't just read in your English classes so pull it out and you know some of us had it back when we were in school um you know again it depends on what it is but if you're going to pull something out you're going to take away something to get something. Thank you. >> Um, and then
112this kind of this was from last week too. One more thing, uh, the Chromebooks, do you think maybe at some point Andy can maybe come in and talk to us just about like how are they locked and blocked? And then I Sarah, this got brought up because when you were at Emanuel, I don't know if you were there still or not, they had to block the public Wi-Fi there because the kids would get on to that and then they were able to get into whatever they wanted. Yeah. Yeah. >> We had to block the public Wi-Fi at Emanuel the years I were there. >> Yeah. I'm just wearing like like what blocks do we have on this so the kids aren't just getting on whatever they want. >> Yeah. He would certainly be able to
113answer a lot more questions. >> Um I would just share anecdotally that we used to uh chase websites and block websites and >> within a matter of minutes they found a workaround um you know on those things. So, uh, forget >> because of our because of our closeness to Besser. >> Oh, >> depending on where your classroom was, you could access >> or any other Wi-Fi around there. So, yeah, our tech guy put it in and we was blocked. >> Yeah, I'd like to just, you know, maybe something from Andy to like go through that and so we know what they're getting into. >> Our Wi-Fi is filtered at multiple levels. So, I have a different filtering than a student does and things like that, but >> he can absolutely go through the details there.
114>> Great. Oh, that sounds great. >> Um, okay. And then I just want to like make the comment too that I just want the public to know that personally and I'll say I as one board member I mean I get a lot of input from a lot of people. It's just not here all the time. So I just want you to be aware that I am listening and I am getting text messages and phone calls and people coming up to me and saying they don't feel comfortable coming here. So, I just want you all to know that there is a lot of comment that you may not hear. So, we are listening to you. Um, the other thing too to kind of go off some of the public comment here, I know that um was
115it a few months ago that uh legal analysis from Mike Cox Law Firm was given to us. Um, I'm just wondering maybe if we could have I know that you say quick conversations are no charge pretty much. maybe even have uh MASB uh Brad I think is his name um because on this the question was does Title 9 preempt Michigan's Elliot Lararsson Act answer yes. I'd like him to maybe look at this and say does he agree with this or not and possibly even asking Thrun to say yes or no if they agree with this legal analysis because Thrun did not mention Title 9 at all in their legal opinion to us. So I think that's very important that we do sort that out. So, if we can do that and then also too, um
116I don't know what to do about the IIA situation. I think we do need to take a look at that. >> Yeah, I'm curious how many uh IAS do we have? >> Do you have a total number? 115 >> and how many more do we need for this year? >> About 29. >> 25. >> Yeah. >> So, a couple of ways we could do it too. So Michelle will be providing a HR update with uh I shared in my update this weekend of the topics that she's going to be reporting on. Obviously if we're talking about the the contract and uh you know collectively bargained items, we can't do that in an open session. Um and um but we can you know kind of paint a picture of um just our body as a um
117employee groups and all of again tenure and age and um wage histories uh things like that. Um so she's going to do a presentation. We could do it at the workshop too and and dive a little bit deeper into some of those things. But again, if we're going to talk about a specific group's contract, we would need to go into a close session. And I don't know that we can necessarily go into that close session simply to talk about it. Um, certainly if we're in negotiations, we can, but uh, we did settle the contract and I think this board signed off on this most recent contract. >> That's what I was going to ask. I thought we had, but >> Yep. So, I'm not sure about the comment that we don't have a signed contract.
118Is there somewhere in our policies that as a board member we are not able to sit into those negotiations? Because I know I asked a few months back and was told I was not able to. >> Yeah, I think number one is separation of your role. That's that doesn't fall within your role. You oversee that process and approve the contracts, but um if you know anything needs to be grieved up to the board, then you're automatically not allowed to be a part of that because you were a part of the the lower process. So, >> Gotcha. Okay. Mhm. >> Monica, if you look in the uh data or the information I brought back from the uh council, the uh classes I went to, if you look starting um I have to look at the page
119number and not the slide. Um page 58, he does and this was given by that particular lawyer that you just spoke about, >> Brad Banisk. >> Yes. So that may gives you some clarification too. Yeah. >> Yeah. You talked about the state law and executive orders, but that's not the question. >> Okay. >> I'm I'm want Title 9 federal law. Is that it? >> Okay. Some of these items uh we can begin you some of your questions Dave and I can have a conversation and uh you know um that's a I think that's a good way to to get things rolling sometimes and then we can bring things back to the board. Um but uh we'll uh we'll be meeting as usual before uh our next meeting. Um building our agenda and having some of
120those discussions. Um any further information, questions, comments from board members. >> Oh, I would like to share something. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> All right. When I ran for this board, I was upfront about who I am. Those brochures that you guys um have talked about numerous times. The first line is, "Oh, I just lost it. I did. Hold on one second. Sorry, I typed out something nice. Okay. Um, well, the first line in it was that I'm Catholic. I shared openly that I'm Catholic. That is my faith and it is an important part of my life and that guides me guides how I serve my family and my community. I have never hidden it because transparency matters. You might not have agreed with my beliefs and I didn't expect you to vote for me,
121but here I am. Enough people saw that and picked me to be here. Supporting my children's school doesn't mean I'm against Alpena public schools. In fact, I have donated to APS pro projects and programs, sometimes quietly without recognation because I believe in supporting all kids in our community. I have spent countless hours coaching, volunteering, and building programs that benefit students whether they attend APS, All Saints, or our other um of our local programs. I have attended many APS events as well as volunteered as coach to coach children through APS where none of my kids were participating. But it's not shared. That's not why I do it. I also want to be clear outside this boardroom in my personal setting, I have the right to speak and to promote what I believe both the first amendment
122of the US Constitution, article 1, section five of the Michigan Constitution protects that right. My personal faith, my personal speech, and my personal support for my children's school are not a violation of anything. They are freedoms granted by law. I would never say anything bad about an APS student. My vote here have always been based on stewardship, priorities, and what I believe best serves students in the district. At this time, like any parent, I've invested my personal time, money, and labor into my children's education. That's not a conflict of interest. That's simply being a mother who steps in when she sees a need. Some of you, some of you will continue to spin my faith or my family's choices into something negative. But I want to be clear. My service on this board is not
123about political or personal attacks. It's about children making sure they have a safe school, strong opportunities, and a future worth building. I will continue to show up, to work hard, and to serve with honesty. I trust that our community can see the difference between genuine service and political spin. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else? All right. Um >> just a second. >> Oh, okay. >> Sarah started the charge. >> I would just ask um if having a child in the school system is a prerequisite to being here. I believe it says in policy uh that any elector in the uh district is eligible to run for school board. So the answer to that is no. >> Okay. I just go making sure because I know there are several other board members past and present
124that don't either. So I just getting a little tired of that charge getting thrown at us time after time from the public. >> Okay. Thank you. I would agree it's not necessarily productive to to do that. Um so I'm sure you know if people want to comment on things we actually do uh here as board members I think that's appropriate but uh attacking people for their choices or who they are I agree uh that's uh not I think we can do better. Let's put it that way. We can do better. Uh all right so um further information or uh comments questions from board members hearing none. We have reached the end of our agenda uh except for advanced planning discussion. Uh I'll let you read uh well I'll read the first couple. Uh there's board
125visitation on September 11th. I want to comment about that in just a second. Uh workshop uh is on September 15th and our next regular board meeting is uh September 22nd. Both of those uh meetings are here in this room. And um there uh with the board visitation uh somebody reminded us that we need to make sure that she knows what we want for lunch. And and if you're going, that's right. That's right. I'm assuming we're all going, but if you, you know, if you're not, let her know and let her know uh uh what you want for lunch. Um and u unless you unless you had made those choices the last time around and you just want those to stand. You can tell her yes, the same thing I said before. Um yeah, so that
126concludes our agenda and that concludes our meeting. Thank you all for coming. Thank you uh to the board for all your hard work and we'll see you next time.