Alpena Public Schools sees enrollment increase despite recent backlash

ALPENA, Mich. – Alpena Public Schools has seen an increase in enrollment.

The school district said numbers are up by 8 percent. Prior to the pandemic the district saw a decline in students.

School officials said they have the opportunity to bring a new and high level of resources to the students due to the increase.

The increase comes as frustrated parents have recently began withdrawing students from schools in response to its current mask mandate.

The intention is to keep their kids home for the duration of Count Day, with the hopes of impacting the district’s federal funding.

In a statement released to WBKB, in response to student withdrawals AMA ESD Superintendent Scott Reynolds said :

“Any belief that this will improve education for children, is not only misguided, it is wrong and will hurt children.”