To the Journal editor::

We are the parents of four children and 10 grandchildren. My husband, Lowell, was a teacher for 31 years and an assistant principal at Marquette Senior High School for four years. Education has always been and still is a vital part of our lives.

On November 3rd, you will have the opportunity to elect two new members to the Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education. We hope that you will vote for Leigh Beth Freberg and Dan Audette.

Leigh Beth Freberg is a mother of two boys and a foster mother of 11. Her husband, Dan, is an alumnus of MSHS. She is on the board for Teaching Family Homes. She is an RN and has experience in the Emergency Department, ICU and Corrections. As we continue with this current pandemic and look to the future, it is imperative that we elect a person to our school board with medical knowledge and experience, giving our board needed depth.

Leigh hopes to help make MAPS a premier school district because her passion is to successfully launch all children into successful lives.

Dan Audette and his wife are lifelong residents of Marquette and alumni of Marquette Senior High School. They have two boys that are currently attending Marquette Area Public Schools. Dan is the owner of Code Electrical, Inc. He is a member of the Electricians Union and served on the JATC apprenticeship committee board. As a successful business owner, he contributes to Marquette’s economic health. Through his business, he offers students in the MAPS the opportunity to shadow and work side-by-side with his electricians.

He has made serving children of the Marquette area a priority in his life. He has coached and served on the board of Pop Warner Football for many years. He is also a ski coach.

Our country is experiencing an extreme shortage of skilled laborers. With Dan’s knowledge and experience in the trades, he will be the “missing link” on our school board, emphasizing the need for trade classes and trade schools.

With his knowledge of the construction industry, Dan would also be a valuable asset when seeking and reviewing bids for construction projects for repairs, improvements, or future building.

Please vote for Leigh Beth Freberg and Dan Audette so we can have a broad based, diverse Board of Education.

PEARL AND LOWELL LARSON SR.

Marquette