Alpena Public Schools

Alpena Public Schools

Superintendent Update July 2026

Superintendent Update July 2026

Alpena Public Schools

July 9, 2026

7.8.26

4th of July Parade

Thank you to all who came out to support Alpena Public Schools as we walked in the 4th of July parade. I believe we had record-high involvement this year, and our float and school bus looked spectacular!

No Mil Increase

We are exploring a potential no-mil-increase bond extension to support our students and facilities. I want to address some of the questions and concerns that have surfaced in our community. I deeply value your feedback, and I want to ensure every member of our school community has accurate information. Learn more about what the No Mil Increase is by watching the June Board of Education meeting found here APS Board Workshop June 2026.

First and foremost, we pride ourselves on absolute transparency. Trust is the foundation of a strong school district, and we do not take that lightly.

Here is how you can always stay informed about our finances:

  • Open Meetings: Our annual budget process is entirely public. Every discussion, debate, and decision is conducted in meetings open to the community.

  • Accessible Records: All of our financial documents are readily available for anyone to view on our website at www.alpenaschools.com.

  • State-Regulated Data: If you click on the "Transparency Reporting" icon—the multi-colored circle featuring the Michigan silhouette—you will find extensive, detailed data about our district’s spending. This reporting is strictly governed and mandated by the State of Michigan, ensuring that our books are always open and accountable to the public.

Let’s Connect

A no-mil-increase bond extension is an opportunity to invest in our schools without raising your current tax rate, but it requires open dialogue to work. If you have questions about the district’s budget, how bond funding works, or why these facility needs exist, my door is always open.

Please feel free to reach out to my office—I am more than happy to sit down and discuss our financial stewardship with you.

Thank you for your continued partnership and investment in the future of Alpena’s students.

Getting Ready for the Upcoming School Year

Preparations are officially underway for another incredible school year! As we look ahead, I want to share two important enrollment processes and a deadline—Inter-District Transfers and Schools of Choice—along with an exciting update regarding our district transportation services. 

What is the Difference? And Which One is for Me?

An Inter-District Transfer allows families who reside within the Alpena Public Schools (APS) boundary to request that their student attend an APS building other than their assigned neighborhood school. For example, a family living in the Ella White boundary may apply for their student to attend Besser Elementary.

Inter-District Transfer Process & Timeline

The transfer window is the only time requests are accepted for the upcoming school year.

  • Application Period: Families may pick up and submit transfer requests starting now through July 24, 2026.

  • Review: All applications are sent to the Superintendent for final determination.

  • Notification: Decisions will be communicated to families during the week following the deadline.

  • Strict Deadline: No transfer requests will be accepted after July 24, 2026, until the following school year.

  • Approval: While APS will do its best to accommodate inter-district requests, approval of requests is not guaranteed.

Schools of Choice is the enrollment process for families who do not reside within the Alpena Public Schools boundary lines but wish to have their students attend an APS school.

Schools of Choice Process & Timeline

If you live outside the district and want to enroll in APS, you must follow the formal application and review process.

  • Application Window: The window to apply for Schools of Choice is currently open.

  • Submission: Families must complete a Schools of Choice application and submit it for district review.

  • Notification: Once the application is processed, the district will contact the family with a final enrollment decision.

  • Placement: Elementary enrollment is granted to the district, not to a specific building. While APS will do its best to accommodate school preferences, placement in a specific school cannot be guaranteed.

Which process should I use?

  • Inter-District Transfer: For current APS residents who want to switch to a different APS building.

  • Schools of Choice: For families living outside the APS district boundaries who want to enroll in APS.

Transportation to and From Childcare

As part of our Family and Community Partnership Strategic Plan goal, I am excited to share that in the 2026-27 school year, we will provide new transportation services for our families who utilize our local daycare centers. 

APS will now provide transportation to and from the daycare centers and elementary schools listed below:

The following transportation services will be available for elementary students:

  • Alpena Child Development Center: Servicing Besser, Ella White, and Lincoln.

  • Scribbles and Giggles: Servicing Besser and Hinks.

  • Totally Kids: Servicing Ella White

  • Sunrise Daycare: Servicing Ella White.

Boys and Girls Club Transportation from Besser, Ella White, and Lincoln

Interested families will need to contact transportation at 989-358-5793 to enroll for services. We hope this addition to our services eases scheduling and transportation concerns and provides peace of mind for our students and families.

Information for the 2026-27 School Year

Enjoy the rest of your summer break! Please note that essential updates—including classroom assignments and supply lists—will be released after August 1, 2026.

Because email is APS's official communication tool, all back-to-school updates will be sent directly to your inbox.