Get to know 4 of 8 APS school board candidates

Voters in the Alpena Public Schools district will choose four members of the Board of Education from a field of eight. The winners will serve four years, from January 2027 through December 2030. Two sitting members, AJ MacArthur and Sarah Fritz, each in a first term, are seeking another one, and six newcomers are also on the ballot. The Alpena News published written and paraphrased answers from four of the eight: MacArthur, Lindsey Klein, Vincent Thomas and Robert Bruning.

On reading skills, Bruning proposed spending more on peer mentoring and switching curriculum if that falls short. Klein said families share responsibility and favored more programs such as family nights. MacArthur urged parents to read with their children, and Thomas wants more reading emphasis in the early grades. On the proposed $29 million bond, Bruning wants to review how money from the previous bond was spent before deciding. Klein sees a need for the work but wants documentation reviewed. MacArthur said he dislikes taxes but understands the request. Thomas said he is not yet familiar with it and is not opposed, noting the buildings are aging.

For staffing, Bruning suggested retention bonuses and relief from extra duties. Klein asked whether pay is a factor, citing a staff survey. MacArthur pointed to pressure from administration and from state and federal rules. Thomas favored longevity incentives and training other staff as substitute bus drivers. All four described keeping party politics out of board decisions, though MacArthur said personal values still shape how anyone views an issue.