# APS Board Workshop 10-19-26

Alpena Public Schools’ board workshop on October 19, 2026, included updates on district professional development and school funding. Staff training covered curriculum and assessment, student-data monitoring, and use of educational tools including Magic School AI; feedback was generally positive, with requests for more targeted training and collaboration time. No contracts, vendor awards, or purchasing decisions were identified. The board discussed state school-safety funds of about $147 per student, which the district had declined because of liability and due-process concerns, and mental-health grant funds that administration said it could apply for without board action; board members expressed support for pursuing those funds. Members were also told that the state’s rural transportation fund is being depleted, putting roughly $550,000–$560,000 in annual support at risk and shifting costs to the district’s general fund; the transportation budget was described as about $2.2 million.

The board continued discussion of measurable goals for two-way communication with the broader community, including possible listening sessions and school events, with proposals to be circulated for further consideration. Public comment raised concerns about the handling and disposal of Alpena News sports booklets containing political advertising, as well as athletics and the Alpena Family Partnership program. The superintendent said the district followed its personnel procedures regarding a staff matter and described the booklet as a policy issue; discussion included improving notice to advertisers and reviewing how the policy is communicated. No board vote or spending action on these matters was reported.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 19, 2026

### Sources
- [APS Board Workshop 10-19-26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwGqIWQi7Oc) - Alpena Public Schools