JASON AYRES
I was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, graduating from Lincoln High
School in 1989 and received my bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in
Fisheries in 1993 from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin. I moved to
Baraga County in 1991 for an internship with the Michigan DNR Fisheries
Division, and have considered L'Anse my home ever since. My wife, Violet, and I
have two children, Sierra and Austin, who both attend the L'Anse Area Schools.
I have been employed ty the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community since 1995 as the
Realty and DOT Officer. I have been an active member in the community and serve
or have served on several boards including the ITC Head Start-Early Head Start
Policy Council, Baraga County Economic Development Committee, KBIC Alternative
and Renewable Energy Committee, and L'Anse Sports Complex Committee.
I enjoy coaching L'Anse Hoops Basketball; hunting, fishing, rock, insect and
reptile collecting; and, spending time with my wife and children.
Education and community have always been very important to me and I am proud to
serve as a school board member.
JOAN BUGNI
Graduated from L'Anse High School in 1971, Joan is a lifetime resident of L'Anse. She has always been interested in the education of the young people in the L'Anse system. After attending school board meetings regularly for over 10 years, she decided to persue a seat on the board of education. She is currently in her fourth year of a four year term.
Joan has been married to husband Jerry for 32 years and they own their own business, Unique Images, Awards & Embroidery. After 37 years of teaching, Jerry recently retired from the L'Anse Area Schools. They have 3 children, all graduates of L'Anse High School and 5 grandchildren, 2 of whom attend the C.J. Sullivan Elementary School.
BETH DIX
I am a native to the L'Anse area, graduating from LHS in 1984. I completed
four years of college education and later worked in the real estate business for
12 years. My husband Dave and I have four children, Jordan 16, Cassie 13, Samuel
10 and Sarah 8. Before becoming a school board member, I was active in the
school, substitute teaching and volunteering. The interaction with the students
was a highlight for me. I continue to be active in the elementary PTO and serve
as the organization's president. Pursuing a seat on the school board was
important to me because of the interest that I have in the education of my
children. It is a privilege to be working towards a common goal of quality
education with the fine teachers, staff, administration, parents, students, and
fellow school board members of L'Anse Area Schools.
ANNE KOSKI
I am a 1976 graduate of L'Anse High School and a lifetime resident. My husband
Steve and I have three children, Kasey, Thomas and Andrew who have all graduated
from L'Anse High School. We own and operate Indian Country Sports, a sporting
goods store in downtown L'Anse. We have always strongly supported L'Anse, its
progress, and the school system by being very active in the community.
I am presently serving my fifth year as a school board member. It has been
challenging, educational, difficult, fun, and heartbreaking at times. Tough
decisions are made along with the great decisions that improve our school and
help the students get the best education possible. That is our ultimate goal and
we strive for this daily. I enjoy the challenge and hope to be involved for
years to come.
RENE' LEHTO
I graduated from Negaunee High School in 1968. I worked for the L'Anse Area
Schools for over 29 years as the high school secretary. I have always been
interested in the education of our young people and look forward to serving the
L'Anse Area Schools as a Board of Education member. I am sure it will be a
valuable learning experience.
My husband Hugo and I moved to L'Anse in 1969 and raised our four daughters.
They all graduated from L'Anse High School, and now all live in L'Anse. L'Anse
provided a good, solid education to all of my children. I have nine
grandchildren in the L'Anse schools, the oldest granddaughter will graduating
with the Class of 2008.
PATRICIA LOOSEMORE
Patricia (Patty) lives in L'Anse with her husband Doug and four children, Aaron
19, Courtney 17, and twins Miles and Nathan 10. She is graduating her second
child from LHS in 2005. Patty has an Associates Degree in business and is
currently working toward a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. She works full-time
as an administrative assistant for the Baraga County Road Commission. She joined
the school board in February, 2003. As a school board member, her desire is to
see that all students in the L'Anse School District are offered a "well-rounded"
education ensuing them success in their endeavors during high school and beyond.
SUZETTE REILLEY
I am a life long resident of Baraga County. I graduated from L'Anse High
School in 1989. I then attended Michigan Tech and received my Bachelors
degree in accounting. I worked as an accountant for five years and then
returned to school to attain my teaching certificate.
My husband, Pat and I have 4 children. Justin 16, Alexis 13, Jaden 5,
and Jaxon 8 months. We are active in many youth sports and we both are
members of the L'Anse Hockey board as well as the Keweenaw Bay hockey
board.
My husband and I own and operate the Baraga Drive In. Since the business
is seasonal I have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time in the
school as both a volunteer and as a substitute teacher. This has given
my an unique opportunity to learn about the school and meet the teachers
and support staff.
I am the newest board member. I was appointed in November of 2008. I
have learned a great deal in a short amount of time and realize that I
have a lot more to learn. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as a
board member and I strive to benefit the L'Anse School.