Comments

Still not used to AK wrote on Mar 18, 2009 6:03 PM:

" milehye2000 if your son told you the GSA is a "sex club" and missed the fact that the club is an alliance for homosexual and heterosexual oriented students to support each other, you should be glad you aren't paying directly for his education. If he read the posters, he'd know.
The sad thing is, you're even more ignorant than he is to try and post that sort of off-topic garbage on the net.
If you think it's so terrible he's going to CHS for that, why don't you take advantage of the other public schools in the Valley? "




Nice but Wrong wrote on Jan 11, 2009 5:40 PM:

" While it is nice that the school board wanted to fund the trip for the band, it is wrong. If they want to go, let the parents and community support that -- not my taxes. Back to basics - reading, writing and arithmetic. All others should be supported by parents or scholarships. Those that voted yes -- what on earth were you thinking? "




Jamin Burton wrote on Jan 7, 2009 10:31 AM:

" Thank You to ALL of those who have supported us and helped us. The last month has been miraculous. I feel privileged to work with so many amazing people. Students, parents, and the community are awe inspiring. "




Bean counter wrote on Jan 6, 2009 1:01 PM:

" If people want to see the band go to DC I think that each individual person should make a contribution. And if the Board members that voted in favor of giving the band the money want to see them go let them write a personal check to the cause. The kids are the ones that are caught in the middle of this mess. "




misty wrote on Jan 6, 2009 12:50 PM:

" I for one do not support the school board spending my tax money on travel for any reason for any group. Kids in Athletics need to fund raise or it comes out of the parents pocket... I do not care if it is a historic event... If I had a vote, I vote NO. Not that I do not support the band, just need to get other funds, my taxes are high enough and should not be used for this "




James Robilol wrote on Jan 5, 2009 5:31 PM:

" Each of those students' families receive permanent fund checks. Use some of that money. Better yet, before sending in the application for consider to the inaugural committee, Jamin should have made sure that they had the funds to pay for the trip. It's like putting a $1 deposit on a shiny new car when you have no way to pay for it and then hoping someone will see your public pleas and hand you a pile of cash to buy your dream. Sounds like Jamin went about this from the finish line rather than start. "




SPAGHETTI FEED FUNDRAISER wrote on Jan 5, 2009 2:46 PM:

" TUESDAY NIGHT AT THE ELKS LODGE ON FINGER LAKE. COME SUPPORT THE BAND! 5PM TO 8PM. "




raise the taxes wrote on Jan 5, 2009 2:46 PM:

" we need to raise the taxes on hard working people for this very reason. maybe a fed tax leveled against people from other states like AZ should pay just a little more so we can dole it out for trips and such. Something like the excise tax on phone bills that let me have a cell phone for a buck. Oh yeahhh. "




boro handouts wrote on Jan 5, 2009 6:11 AM:

" ya know, there are things we do as a civil socierty and helping out our good kids is one....go kids! Hope the board gives the money "




spudcracker wrote on Jan 5, 2009 3:26 AM:

" So, let me see. The school board decided on a split vote not to fund a band trip. And this is the reason for name calling and threats from both sides. Ok, take a breath, nobody died, the children are safe. If you want to help the band, donate. Your donation will help the band and it will make you feel better. "




want to support my community wrote on Jan 5, 2009 1:35 AM:

" I want to support my community, thats why I pay taxes. There is so much waste at times. These folks seem like they have skinnyied up their plan as skinny as it can go. Our Borough could learn a thing or two from them. I support them going as long as it is no frills "




watch for handouts wrote on Jan 4, 2009 3:09 PM:

" I am not a whiner nor a cheapskate - I pay my borough taxes and watch them sponser "feel good" projects with that money . As the saying goes " I work hard for my money" and if i want to donate some of that money to traveling bands, I will do so from my own wallet. I do not want to "donate" my property taxes for this project and the school board should not "donate " for me. "




brvak wrote on Jan 4, 2009 1:02 PM:

" At the sametime this has been in the paper I notice two high school sports teams have been outside playing in tournaments. I don't recall the school board giving either one of those teams money to travel out of state.
The decision to treat the band exactly the same as all other extra-cirricular activities groups was the correct one. It in itself is a teaching opportunity about self reliance, perseverance, and determination. Join me in clicking on the website and making a small donation. "




hoping for a school board reversal wrote on Jan 3, 2009 11:42 PM:

" I hope school board membr sullivan can get this voted on. It sure needs to happen. You know, if a student gave the story of a phone being wet etc, no teacher would accept that excuse. Step up to the plate school board! "




Proud of our State wrote on Jan 3, 2009 11:36 PM:

" I sure hope our state pitches in. We are the richest state and have to travel far just to get to America. Come on folks, whats wrong with this picture? Get on board Gatto and the bunch! "




comment wrote on Jan 3, 2009 1:37 PM:

" the reason why it was voted against was that if they got funding every team band or any other club would say it was unfair which would mean lowering the already tight budget of the school district. and the comment under you alaskans if we pay such small taxes dont you think that means lower funds leading to rejection of the band trip? "




life-long resident wrote on Jan 3, 2009 12:49 PM:

" Ignorance from afar, looks exactly like ignorance at home. No one has to come all the way up here to be able to spot it, "holy cow."
It's obvious most of these posters are from here. It's just when people don't agree with your opinions, you label them as outsiders.
I support the band on this one and I have no kids that go to Colony. "




Voter wrote on Jan 3, 2009 12:38 PM:

" Vote him out. As I understand it it has to be a unanimous vote for this to pass? I really hope the band makes it. Either way they will learn a valuable lesson for them and far more worth it if they get there on their own. "




RahRah wrote on Jan 3, 2009 10:53 AM:

" This community is Palin country, don't expect help. "




Janice wrote on Jan 3, 2009 9:50 AM:

" AND...if I had the cash, I would make sure they got to go, and have money to tour the Smithsonian while they were there. Please, everyone, chip in and help. This will be the trip of a lifetime for these students, and will show many of them other parts of the Nation that they will never otherwise get to see.
And, yes, band & choir were what kept me out of trouble as a kid, and it goes year round instead of your sports that are seasonal. "




Janice wrote on Jan 3, 2009 9:47 AM:

" If they would provide the music students with at least as much as all the sports programs get, I'm sure they'd have enough funds to go. Music is always cut short, underfunded and dropped before sports, yet Music is the one activity that will provide these students with the opportunity to make an income for the rest of their life. OH, and let's not forget all the studies that have been done that prove that Music increases test scores and school grades, teaches committment to oneself as well as to a team, provides much comfort at all time... "




Edward from AZ wrote on Jan 3, 2009 8:43 AM:

" Holy Cow wrote on Jan 3, 2009 12:57 AM:

" There certailnly appears to be an awful lot of you non Alaskans obsessed with our news. You must be fascinated with our beautiful state and our beautiful people. Why don't you come up and visit? See Alaska for yourself and meet some of the people. Then maybe you could come close to expressing a somewhat intelligient opinion. "
So do tell, what is unintelligent with the comments you refer??? "




Holy Cow wrote on Jan 3, 2009 12:57 AM:

" There certailnly appears to be an awful lot of you non Alaskans obsessed with our news. You must be fascinated with our beautiful state and our beautiful people. Why don't you come up and visit? See Alaska for yourself and meet some of the people. Then maybe you could come close to expressing a somewhat intelligient opinion. "




Brian Sullivan wrote on Jan 2, 2009 5:32 PM:

" I am working on a motion to "renew"... to revisit this vote at the 7 January meeting. I regret not being able to teleconfence in as planned. My cell phone became wet and shorted out and staff were unable to call me as arranged as I was travelling with my family out of state. I support this group attending the DC Parade. I would condition the financial support on seeing an additional academic requirement for band members writing a short report of some aspect of the DC trip ...Arlington, WA Monument, Vietnam Memorial. Would Frontiersman publish these? "




Come and git it wrote on Jan 1, 2009 11:31 PM:

" Carrs Grocery store will be the place on Jan 2 noon to 4 for Spagetti feed tickets, and other fund raisers, you wont miss this bunch,,,they will be the onest with the band hats on!

www.chsmusicboosters.com

www.palmerelks.org


I really think these folks will do it! "




Handout wrote on Jan 1, 2009 10:08 PM:

" Giving a select few money from public education dollars against school district policy is supporting our kids. It is called responsibility. It is called using the money for actual education for the whole district not just a group of kids. If you think I am wrong why don't you donate your money for the cause. "




reality check wrote on Jan 1, 2009 10:04 PM:

" To all that think we are whiners because we did not want public money to fund one small group over another wake up. I am sure if the band got the money from the school district then your child's team or group got invited on a trip you would expect the same handout and when you did not get it you would scream unfair. Yes it is historic but the district money is not there to fund trips for the band, football or any other team. Face it. "




FundRaiser wrote on Jan 1, 2009 7:16 PM:

" Band students will be selling tickets to a fund raiser dinner Friday and Saturday in local stores. Please help support them. They will also be fund raising Friday and Saturday at the Alaska Avalanche games. Attend the games and support the band. "




After wrote on Jan 1, 2009 6:33 PM:

" reading these comments. It looks as if the community is devided between cheap skates and people wanting to do something good for their childern.
The school board was split and represented the views of their community well. Funny though, the people crying the loudest, on here, are the people that ultimately got their way. The losers were the children and they are handling it well.
I'm glad not everyone in Wasilla are not complaining, cheap skate, know-it-alls. "




You Alaskans wrote on Jan 1, 2009 5:50 PM:

" Are pitiful...you receive more tax benefit than anyone, pay less tax dollars than everyone and all you do is whine, whine whine. Maybe you should get your oil industry to donate that dollar extra a gallon they charge you. Maybe Sarah can donate a $15,000 dollar campaign dress to support the band.
$15,000 to send an entire band to DC and all this crying. Way to go, way to support your kids! "




middle school parent wrote on Jan 1, 2009 4:13 PM:

" I am all for the kids raising money and going to D.C., but I have not once noticed any fund-raising in Wasilla. I have heard about the account at Wells Fargo, but what other activities have taken place? I'm guessing the majority of the fund-raising has been kept within the school and not included to those of us outside of Colony. "




oooh wrote on Jan 1, 2009 12:04 PM:

" I had concerns about the new school board members, and much to my surprise (not really), a couple of our newly elected can't face saying "no". A supposed fiscal responsible myrl thompson doesn't have the guts to say, "go earn your fare like the rest of the property tax payers". Maybe he doesn't understand how the role of "money in, money out" goes in a responsible government. Maybe mr. watchdog needs watching. "




MasMosTP wrote on Jan 1, 2009 11:01 AM:

" These band kids are wrong. No school funding, period! You're not representing the school or Valley, you'll be representing the entire state of Alaska. And to the snarlers commenting here, now shut your mouths to match your wallets. Kids, get in gear and raise the money yourselves. Then go to DC, stand proud, and tell the world what a great state Alaska is - except for the snivelers in the Valley. I wouldn’t bring them any honor by mentioning the community name. "




to wow wrote on Jan 1, 2009 10:46 AM:

" you must be a democrat ....... from Outside...... This is not about Sarah Palin, why, why, why do the Outsiders continue to to wrap her into every single story. Enough already. "




Alaskans dont quit wrote on Jan 1, 2009 8:53 AM:

" This funding by the sb was offered, not soliicited. When it didnt come through, we regrouped and are running at our goal hard. Folks in this state are great and recognize the opportunity and value of this trip....GO ALASKA!

And for everyone who said "you cant have a marching band in Alaska, take that"! "




To zach Hoyt wrote on Dec 31, 2008 10:40 PM:

" Why is it fair that public education dollars only be spent on Colony band. If you get tax money for a trip then don't you think other groups should have the same access? Secondly don't think the money would be better spent on school related activities that everyone can use. Not just a few. Because you don't pay for your education you feel you are entitled? The community did the right thing by questioning the money from the school board. When you get older and pay taxes you will understand. I now know why Colony is disliked. "




Wow wrote on Dec 31, 2008 9:43 PM:

" Is this a cesspool of ignorance? Let's just keep them out in the potato fields. I'll bet if Queen Palin had won the VP, they would be going 1st class to DC.
I'm for the kids. There's not much hope for the local yahoo grown-ups. If ignorance is bliss, Wasilla should be renamed, Happy Valley. "




Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 31, 2008 7:05 PM:

" Voter wrote on Dec 31, 2008 2:08 PM:

" Looks like we need to vote three members off the board. Colver you were irresponsible and Larson showed his true color with this vote. I suspect he will be a one term member. Thompson needs to go as well. Their vote showed irresponsibility and favoritism. Vote them out. "


Why?? The money in the budget is nor for one group but all the students. And I am sure there are many local schooll projects that need funding. "




Common Sense wrote on Dec 31, 2008 3:38 PM:

" Show everyone what you're really made of and finish getting those donations, sometimes it's the hard work that is the greatest reward. "




Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 31, 2008 3:37 PM:

" Becky78 wrote on Dec 31, 2008 12:53 PM:

" Sarah voted to raise the school board discretionary travel budget. So board members could go to the Parade on the districts dollar? An opportunity to represent our school district at a national event like this is an exceptionally good thing!! "


Bet there are better educational uses of these funds....birth control, need to finish High School, how to become a responsible citizen...... "




Zach Hoyt wrote on Dec 31, 2008 2:56 PM:

" As a member of the marching band,
I'm disappointed in the board's decision, but I'm more disappointed in the community's response to our trip.
Our music boosters don't raise money specifically for marching band, but also for three other music programs. Contrary to popular-belief, we have been fundraising, although several members put aside time to fundraise alongside Rachel's Challenge to help palmer fire victims. This band is representing Alaska and the MatSu Valley and we have been, are currently and will be working towards this trip. Thanks to those who contributed so far, we're grateful for your help. "




J from NJ wrote on Dec 31, 2008 2:36 PM:

" Given they the Palin family is reportedly going to be given $300,000, I'm thinking it would be a nice community gesture to write the band a check. "




Voter wrote on Dec 31, 2008 2:08 PM:

" Looks like we need to vote three members off the board. Colver you were irresponsible and Larson showed his true color with this vote. I suspect he will be a one term member. Thompson needs to go as well. Their vote showed irresponsibility and favoritism. Vote them out. "




Becky78 wrote on Dec 31, 2008 12:53 PM:

" Sarah voted to raise the school board discretionary travel budget. So board members could go to the Parade on the districts dollar? An opportunity to represent our school district at a national event like this is an exceptionally good thing!! "




Band Parent wrote on Dec 31, 2008 11:29 AM:

" Since the school board decision several people have come forward to donate money. Some of the budget has been reduced and travel will now include no hotels, rather sleeping on floors of a Virginia church.

The Knights Music Boosters have done an incredible job of working with what they have to make this dream a reality in an extremely short time frame.

Numbers change constantly, but we are still short. Please donate if you can. "




scout wrote on Dec 31, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Thanks to the school board for realizing how irresponsible (and immoral) it is to steal from someone (taxpayers) for the purpose of having fun. I believe if you want to play, then you should have to pay. "




Edward from AZ wrote on Dec 31, 2008 10:33 AM:

" Glad to see many of you agree that this trip is not a right. It would be a privelege, and therefore the bsnd member famoliies and band members needed to do their own fund raising earlier.

If they ended up not getting the invite they could have donated the raised funds or kept them in an account for future band activities.

Part of education is the learning of and accepting responsibilitie, soI firmly believe the Board acted properly. "




Boo wrote on Dec 31, 2008 9:52 AM:

" Those that voted against the funds for the trip have no need for shame, if they pay for the band then milehye2000 the Board will have to pay for the gay club to go to San Fran for the annual gay convention, this is only right and proper to not exclude any special club or group. Do they pay for swin teams to go outside? Get real here, these are t very special and select few that can and will get there own funding, quite your whining lest I have to pay for your special interest! "




brvak wrote on Dec 31, 2008 9:30 AM:

" I made my donation online but find it interesting that the day after the school board turns them down the boosters report they only need 6 thousand?
The article in the Anchorage Daily News from this mornings Mat-Su addition reports they are only 6k short. I am troubled by the request for funds if they were not needed. "




Not a CHS Band Mom wrote on Dec 31, 2008 9:02 AM:

" One of my greatestt high school memories is marching in Washington DC for the Cherry Blossom Festival. It was the most educational thing I probably got out of high school. I can't say I disagree with the school board on this, but I do know I will be making a donation for this trip. I would much rather my $ go to an experience of a lifetime, than to pay for some juvenile delinquent's court costs and vandalism. These are not the kids that are being raised with the entitled attitude! We need to support them! "




brvak wrote on Dec 31, 2008 8:35 AM:

" This was not the way to spend school district money. Good job school board! Now the rest of you join me in donating to the band to get them to Washington. "




This is good news. wrote on Dec 31, 2008 7:50 AM:

" Giving them the money is just another log on the "I am entitled" fire . Kids now days are being raised with the sense of entitlement without an ounce of "if you want it, work for it." Good for the Board. "




wasillaresident wrote on Dec 31, 2008 1:13 AM:

" This is a TON of money for the benefit of very few students. This was all a brain storm when everyone thought Palin was going to be elected, I'm sure. Just think what good this kind of money could do for a local charity. Come on guys, this is just stupid. "




cmh wrote on Dec 31, 2008 1:12 AM:

" "So far, a gauge on the Web site shows 12 percent of the $45,000 the band still needs to get to the Inaugural Parade."

Wow those band members are not great at math. 12% of 45k is only $5,400. So why did they need the school board to fork over $20,000 extra? Personal gain? That's doesn't sound like school spirit. If Su-Valley High could get their community to fund their trip several years ago, I don't see why the core area families can't afford to donate to their band. "




RZ wrote on Dec 30, 2008 9:01 PM:

" I heard on Valley Radio this afternoon that while the band was selected to play, it wasn't exactly out of the blue news because they to apply in order to be considered. If this is indeed the case, what were the plans of whoever submitted the application? Did they just assume the school board would cover the expenses if they were selected? Or did they not think that far ahead because they didn't think they really had a chance of winning? Either way it demonstrates extremely poor planning on someone's part. "




nobrainer wrote on Dec 30, 2008 8:05 PM:

" Why doesn't the school board "loan" the funds to the band with promise of a payback later, with interest, in order to give the band more time to raise the funds? Over the next 1 year, the band could do enough fund raisers to pay back the loan. "




npadilla wrote on Dec 30, 2008 7:54 PM:

" And do you think if Brian Sullivan's child was in the band he would have found it important enough to be there to vote? Unreal "




npadilla wrote on Dec 30, 2008 7:41 PM:

" Hamblem, Pougher & Welton should be ashamed of themselves.... "




notabandgeek wrote on Dec 30, 2008 5:48 PM:

" Marching at the inauguration of the President of the United States of America. But at least the district won't be like a cash cow now, will it. Congratulations. You made us proud. "




AK FishGirl wrote on Dec 30, 2008 5:01 PM:

" I have a list of Board members who voted against providing funds to the marching band. Next Mat-Su School Board election they and Mr. Sullivan who didn't even attend the meeting will get NO votes from me! Come on, fellow Valley-ites, let's get Alaska's only marching band to the Inauguration! Even the smallest of donations are a BIG help! "




milehye2000 wrote on Dec 30, 2008 3:26 PM:

" Shame on this school board yet again. As if it wasn't bad enough that my son goes to a school that supports a gay club (aka sex club), now students get no support for working hard and getting national recognition. "




ak curmudgeon wrote on Dec 30, 2008 12:42 PM:

" sarah said she was going to donate the raise she just received. maybe the band will be the recipient. "