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Berriman Reacts to Non-renewal of APS Contract

Following Monday’s Alpena school board meeting, Ella White Elementary Principal Tom Berriman will not see his contract renewed.

It all stems from an incident in November where he allegedly mishandled a situation with special needs student. While Berriman doesn’t agree with the board’s decision, he said he understands why they made the choice they did.

His time with APS will soon officially reach it’s end, but he believes there is a strong staff on hand that will continue providing quality education for their students. “I’ve been privileged to work with so many of them, both at the high school and at Ella White,” Berriman said. “I think parents should feel very lucky that we have the type of teachers in Alpena that we have. APS is a great place and I’m looking forward to watching my three children of my own growing up through the school system.”

As to what comes next, Berriman has not ruled out a return to education, but he will find his path to help continuing to improve the Alpena community. “Got some options open and just trying to see what works best for me and my family,” he said. “I don’t know where that path will take me but I’m just looking forward to finding that path and finding a way that we can contribute to the community and make it a better place.”