Thomas Grigal says he is running against Gary Appel for the Traverse City Area Public Schools' board of education simply because Appel's seat was up for election.
"The funny thing is Gary Appel is awesome ..." Grigal said in an interview.
We agree. And we think Appel has earned a full four-year term.
Appel certainly has the qualifications. He's a former teacher and he manages educational consultants for a national nonprofit assigned to the Michigan Department of Education. He knows a lot about education and teaching but also brings commitment and real passion to the table.
Appel lists expansion of the Montessori program, the re-opening of Bertha Vos as an International Baccalaureate program and adding K-12 Spanish as major accomplishments.
Grigal says abandoning the art program for language was a mistake and many of those specialty programs aren't accessible for poorer families. He also says there's not enough dissension on the board.
Traverse City schools have made steady progress in recent years and Gary Appel is one of the major reasons. He has our endorsement.
Opinion
Related Photos
-
Gary Appel
Editorial: Appel for TCAPS board
-
-
Editorial: Fairness in enforcement must apply to meters
The issue: TC increasing Saturday parking meter enforcement. Our view: This can’t be a sometimes proposition.
Continued ... -
Letters to the Editor: 05/24/2013
Not listening?; We have been duped.
Continued ... -
Forum: Time to act now on military sexual assaults
America is facing an epidemic of sexual assaults in our military. The facts are truly frightening.
Continued ... -
Editorial: Investing in roads, schools will help Mich. recovery
The issue: State surplus to go mainly to roads, schools. Our view: Both areas need major new investment.
Continued ... -
Letters to the Editor: 05/23/2013
Proud of veterans; Allow flexibility.
Continued ... -
Forum: Two numbers about climate change we ignore
At Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, scientists are charting the passage of a milestone that, if ignored, heralds a future for civilization both tragic and chaotic.
Continued ... -
Phil Power: A route to new road dollars
Finding money to fix our crumbling roads has been by far the biggest (ahem) roadblock in Lansing for many months.
Continued ... - Wednesday, May 22, 2013
-
Editorial: Sewer investment could pair with road repairs
The issue: TC is considering a road bond. Our view: Marrying road and sewer work may be best investment.
Continued ... -
Letters to the Editor: 05/22/2013
Rules violate the law; Send some to jail.
Continued ... -
Another View: Abusing authority inexcusable
When people talk about government posing a threat to citizens, a common topic these days is unmanned drones.
Continued ... - Tuesday, May 21, 2013
-
Editorial: Earnings-based tuition an artificial construction
The issue: Some NMC programs to see stiff tuition hikes. Our view: Don’t base tuition on artificial ‘earnings’ projections.
Continued ... -
Letters to the Editor: 05/21/2013
Who awarded contract?; Who could want more?
Continued ... -
Forum: State gets ‘F’ for hidden campaign money
Just how much money was spent independently of candidates on elections for Michigan state office last year?
Continued ... - Monday, May 20, 2013
-
Cheers: 05/20/2013
To the late Bill Russell, a businessman who broke barriers all his life, including opening the region's first Indian-owned manufacturing plant in 1975.
Continued ... -
Letters to the Editor: 05/20/2013
In decline ever since; What I didn’t know.
Continued ... - Sunday, May 19, 2013
-
Editorial: Airport should give vets prominent recognition
The issue: Cherry Capital relegates veterans sign to luggage area. Our view: Either do it right or not at all.
Continued ... -
Letters to the Editor: 05/19/2013
Franz unresponsive; No Russian roulette.
Continued ... -
Forum: Clean energy, energy forums crucial
Developing a long-term energy plan and investing in clean energy is crucial to Michigan’s future. Gov. Rick Snyder’s recent energy forums are important first steps in developing such a plan.
Continued ... -
Jack Lessenberry: Pleasing voters not a priority
Once upon a time, legislators felt they had to try to give voters the laws they wanted. True, once in a great while. some took stands on principle that risked angering their constituents.
Continued ... -
George Weeks: Camp, Levin address IRS scandal
As Washington deals with cascading scandals, Michigan lawmakers are among leaders seeking bipartisan solutions.
Continued ... - Saturday, May 18, 2013
-
Letters to the Editor: 05/18/2013
A positive revision; What a legislature.
Continued ... -
Another View: Work to bring region together
It seems state Rep. Kurt Heise, R-Plymouth, doesn’t understand the meaning of “regional cooperation.”
Continued ... -
Another View: Animal neglect of any kind unacceptable
According to the Humane Society of the United States, Americans own about 78.2 million dogs and 86.4 million cats.
Continued ... -
Fact Check: Is Pentagon court-martialing on basis of faith?
Q: Has the Pentagon recently declared that sharing one’s faith is punishable by court-martial?
Continued ... - Friday, May 17, 2013
-
Editorial: Obama must set tone for IRS, Justice Dept.
The issue: IRS, Justice Department have much to answer for. Our view: Leadership begins and ends with President Obama.
Continued ...
-
Editorial: Fairness in enforcement must apply to meters
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
