2015 Mat-Su Borough School Board Questionnaires

Editor's note: Candidates in the Tuesday, Oct. 6 Mat-Su Borough election were asked by the Frontiersman to answer a series of questions leading up to the campaign. Scroll down to see answers from the four candidates on this year's ballot for Mat-Su Borough School Board: Deborah Retherford (Seat A), Sarah Welton (Seat B), and Seat E candidates Wade Long and Kelsey Trimmer. UPDATE: We've also included questionnaires filled out on Monday by the two write-in candidates, Mike Coons (Seat A) and Sacha Pettitt (Seat B), who filed as write-in candidates on Sept. 29.

DEBORAH RETHERFORD

Office Sought: School Board Seat A

Age: 51

Profession: Small Business Owner, Bookkeeping, Banking

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): Current Seat A incumbent

Why did you decide to seek elected office? In addition to a strong belief in community service, I believe education is the foundation of the future, the cornerstone for success as an individual and a community. We all share a responsibility to the children. As a life-long Alaskan, long time valley resident, small business owner and most importantly, parent of a school age child, I care deeply for all the children of our State and believe my experience and knowledge can help ensure the best education possible for all children.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign? Along with the challenges of meeting the needs of a diverse student population, varying abilities and sometimes unfavorable living conditions at home, we have the challenge of a shrinking State budget. In 3 years on the Board, I’ve seen many successful education strategies: community schools; charter schools & home-based learning. As an advocate for quality, equitable education for all students, I want to see all these programs continue. However, over 80% of our budget is people; education is a people business, and people don’t work for free. School funding comes primarily from the State, so tough choices have to be made at all levels. Our challenge is to, along with community members, show decision makers why Education is the best value for State dollars and should be a priority. We do this through maintaining our high standards of performance from employees and students and showing results. We get one shot at educating each child - it is not something we can postpone until revenue rebounds.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? As a former banker, and member of nonprofit boards, I understand budgets and the need for fiscal constraint. As a small business owner for 16 years, I also understand the impact schools have on our community. The quality of the school system is a #1 concern for people considering any move. I know the importance of those living wage jobs that make up our 3,000+ MSBSD workforce – our neighbors - people who keep their salaries here in our Valley. For all these reasons, we need to prioritize education funding. We have class sizes larger than ideal and we cannot afford to allow them to increase. Even maintaining current funding levels could result in future cuts, so advocating for adequate school funding is crucial. I know how to make difficult budget decisions by keeping my eye on the ball, thinking creatively and considering long-term needs, but we need to think beyond cuts. I understand the value of the involvement of parents, students, teachers, and administrators – working together with our community to secure quality education for all our students. I respect diverse points of view and believe all citizens need to be at the table and given the information to become advocates for our schools. We’re all in this together and can show that we support schools, students, teachers and local jobs. The School District has a responsibility to be transparent in our operations and to reach out to the community to educate and recruit those advocates.

Why should voters vote for you? School boards make important decisions and I believe the member’s role is to act strategically, in line with the interests and priorities of the entire community and work to make schools centerpieces of our neighborhoods and institutions of higher learning that garner the respect and pride of our community. I have a proven track record and the experience to ask key questions, demand thorough and transparent answers, research viable solutions and negotiate agreeable outcomes.

What else would you like voters to know about you? The most valuable experience I’ve had remains the time I’ve spent in the classroom and in the schools, volunteering over 500 hours in my child’s elementary school & talking to parents, educators and community members. These conversations have provided crucial information to inform my decisions about quality-of-education, equity and the fiscal challenges facing our district.

SACHA PETTITT

Office Sought: School Board Seat A

Age: 39

Profession: My experience for the past 12 years has been as an educator in the private, public and homeschool arenas.

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): None.

Why did you decide to seek elected office? I was already in the process of preparing to run for school board in 2016. I have witnessed many of the problems with our current system first hand. I believe people need to be the change we wish to see in the world, and I would like to be a part of the team that can actively create solutions.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign? Right now we accept Federal funding, attached to many strings, because of our ever-inflating budget. We are sacrificing the quality of our children’s education replacing proven best practices for untested theory in order to keep funding we could probably live without. Our teachers evaluation are being tied to student performance even though we know there are many variable factors that play into the equation that teachers cannot control. Students who speak English as a second language, others that face severe neglect and abuse at home, or those who have been socially promoted so much that they have given up hope for personal success in the classroom and become disrupters as a way to find achievement are just a few of the many variables the capable teachers deal with on a daily basis. Add overcrowded classrooms on top of that, and we are just compounding the battles a teacher will have to overcome to keep their jobs. Last, but not least, Common Core needs to be removed from our state. There seems to be a lot of double speak when it comes to this issue. I want it to be completely transparent. We need more common sense and less Common Core when it comes to our public education. People need to start looking at what the long-range goals of CC are and shift their focus from the immediate, because it doesn’t look too bad up close, to the big picture — What is the end result? The goal of CC is to shift control from teachers, parents, and the school board to Federal regulation and national standards. It violates privacy and is unconstitutional. This is not good for teachers, students, parents, or taxpayers.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? I hope to work with the other school board members using all of our vast insights and prior knowledge to create a budget that will cut the fluff allowing us to hire more teachers attaining smaller class sizes with the monies we already have allocated for the current year. I plan to review the method of teacher evaluation already set up in the Mat-Su and revise it, if needed, removing evaluation criteria directly tied to student achievement and standardized test scores. Lastly, I plan to bring transparency to the Common Core (CC) agenda. Although the State of Alaska is not officially CC, our standards mirror CC standards with less than a 4% difference. While we have laws in place to prohibit the use of State funding on CC material, we are till purchasing CC items used by every other state that has CC in place. This inconsistency needs to stop! I plan to work closely with Mat-Su Valley legislators to uphold the rights and laws we already have in place. This will simultaneously aid the removal of AMP testing as it is also a part of the CC spending cycle. With our legislators support, we will have a means to fight the Federal Board of Education and push this large-scale agenda out of Alaska.

Why should voters vote for you? I am a person who really listens to the concerns of the community (one of the reasons I am running this year as a Write-In candidate), no matter what party you are affiliated with. I am about what’s best for our kids and our district, not agendas. I will bring balance and integrity, I will seek answers for why we are doing things the way we are currently and actively pursue changes when motives are not directly for the best interest of our children. I believe in public education. That every child, no matter their socio-economic-standing, should have access to excellent academic training. Excellent education does not mean more money, but better use of the money we have.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I am running Independent because I do not feel the need to have my choices dictated by a parties “best” interest. I research and thoroughly think over every side presented to me. I choose what is best for the students and our community. When you vote, remember to fill in the bubble and also write the name. I cannot win this alone.

SARAH WELTON

Office Sought: School Board Seat B

Age: 63

Professions: Licensed Professional Counselor; Adjunct Instructor (Mat Su College); Pastor

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): I was appointed to the MSBSD school board in 2003 and have continued to serve 4 terms.

Why did you decide to seek elected office? I believe in public education. I have served on the board for 12 years and I am still passionate about education in our community for all of our children. I have skills in critical thinking, conflict resolution, research, and teamwork that I believe are essential in working for the community as a public servant. I have educational background as a student with many years of formal education completing my PhD in Organizational Psychology. I have teaching experience at the college level which requires that I know what skills are needed for students to be successful for college and career readiness.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign? In no particular order, the central issues of my campaign are to: ? a) work with the school district administration, the borough, and the State of Alaska to fund the classroom; b) address state testing; c) stay informed on the teacher evaluation issues; d) plan for the future students of Mat Su; and e) support the success of our current students.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? I will continue to support the administration in seeking out information about revenue sources and funding streams from alternative sources as well as directly requesting legislation to support our schools. I will seek to find areas for cost cutting including working with our unions to pursue solutions for practices that are increasingly unsustainable. I support the questioning of the value of testing and types of testing. Listening to constituents is part of the process as well as evaluating “What is best for children.” This is not just a catchy slogan but is the focus in my service to the community.

Why should voters vote for you? I believe in public education and know that it is what brings America together. Community is built through our public schools. I want the best for our children, all of our children, regardless of economics, religion, race, ethnicity, or capability.

What distinguishes you from your opposition? I have years of service on the school board and have taken my role very seriously spending time in professional development to learn how it all goes together. In addition, my teaching has introduced me to people from many backgrounds and belief systems so that I have connections to differences in thinking and planning in relation to the work of the school board. Working in mental health, I have in depth knowledge of human behavior and learning. My work in organizational psychology adds to my abilities to work within systems and understand business management and personnel issues.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I am a 32 year resident of Alaska, living in the borough since 1986. My children attended MSBSD schools and I have one grandchild who is enrolled in the district. I have many ties to the schools as many of my former students are teachers in our schools. My mission statement for my life is: To serve others and to find JOY in doing so! I am here to serve.

MIKE COONS

Office sought: Seat B Mat-Su School Board

Professions: 20 years United States Air Force, Dental Technician and Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Medical Readiness, and 20 years Paramedic, both volunteer and paid.

Previous elected office held if any: None

Why did decide to seek elected office? I was encouraged by many friends to take this on. Nobody had opposed Sarah Welton and people were frustrated about that. Sarah Welton is a true liberal and I am a true conservative. The divide between the two of us is wide. So, to allow her re-election without a contest was not an option I could turn down.

What do you see is the central issues of the campaign? First. Common Core/Testing is a big issue. I am 63 years old; I remember what it felt like being hit by the freight train of “new math” in the 5th grade. That ruined me on math from then on. What is passing for math today is unfathomable compared to the mid-1960's! Reading comprehension levels are down. The lack of reading comprehension is impacting our student’s ability to understand our national history, our founding documents such as the Magna Carta, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights and the US Constitution! Thus history is left wide opened for nonfactual revision and the students will not be able to see through the lie. Common Core is a nail, maybe the final one, in the coffin of education.

Second. There has been a very sad lack of public involvement in addressing the School Board and holding its feet to the fire. Why? Because when people testify, the non-verbal cues of current board members indicate that they are not actively listening. At past board meetings, people have noticed the board looking over the speaker, or not looking at the speaker at all, while they were testifying! This body language shows complete disregard for the individual and conveys that the information being presented is not worthwhile or important. I propose to implement guidelines of professionalism pertaining to the board actively listening to and providing a brief summary back to the speaker.

Third. The power of the Public Service Unions, specifically the NEA. The conflict of interest when an member of the School Board takes campaign contributions and then is part of the negotiations with the union is a travesty!

Lastly, the budget. The school boards budget, like so many other government budgets, start right where the last year’s budget stopped. They add a percentage increase, then reduce that increase a little and call it a cut budget. The only thing that was cut was the rise of the increase.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? I want to review past practice and teaching standards that worked, then adapt them. We, at the local level, have been bending to the will of the Federal Government, Department of Education, and then down to the State for far too long. The only way we win for the kids is to be the adults in the room and fight for them.

I want to put forward a simple rule change to the School Board. After the public comments and prior to the break, each member gets to comment on

what the public said. I'm not wanting a two way conversation, but a clear understanding that what the people said when the floor was opened was thought about and that the board understood the issue presented. The end result will be more people attending the School Board meetings because then they are listened to and truly engaged as the employers of the School Board.

I want to do a zero budget. One that so many families do at home. Known money in, bills to pay, electric, heat, insurance, etcetera, putting a name to each dollar budgeted. We can do the same with the School Budget.

We need as a School Board, to stop the conflict of negotiating with the Public Service Unions, period. We need to make clear to the Public Service Unions that the budget is finite, the interest is for the students, not the union dues to the unions.

Why should voters vote for you? I will work for the voters, my employers, to the best of my ability. I am fully retired and can put my entire focus towards the job at hand. I want to use that time to examine the current functioning of the School District. Find out the way things are being done, see what works, what does not work, and what can be improved. Then I want to get input from my employers, the people of the Mat-Su Borough, and implement the changes we decide on. I believe I can make some serious improvements and forward movement in the quality of education during my three-year term.

What distinguishes you from your opposition? I am fiscally conservative and from a social conservative standpoint; the Bill of Rights leads the way. I believe in the actual words and meanings of the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution (both State and US). I am not a party line person.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I will work with all members of the School Board toward the common goal, solid education. I will compromise with the other side to reach that desired end goal, but the days of conservatives compromising always toward the left is over. I will not compromise my principles, period.

WADE LONG

Office Sought: School Board Seat E

Age: 41

Profession: Service Manager for a Motorola Service Partner and Fire Fighter for MatSu Borough

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): NA

Why did you decide to seek elected office? I have children in MSBSD and want to be a part of the solution for the future of education in the Borough. We all know that future funds are at risk, drug abuse and crime is on a steep rise, prisons are bursting at the seams but then I found out that MSBSD has a graduation rate of 75% and some kids are having trouble meeting standards. I felt a grave concern since this is the fastest growing district in the state and funding is at risk. Then I developed ideas that are a cost savings and will promote learning.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign? The central issue of the campaign is that while MSBSD is the example for education in Alaska, the graduation rate needs to be WAY higher. And we need to surpass standards. Testing isn’t the end game, but I do support heavy involvement by volunteers, counseling and tutoring at the lower grade levels to excite learning more. School safety is a major issue as is staying on top of technology. I stand against common core and other politically tied standards; Alaska has the capability to support our own standards.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? Students need incentive to stay in school. We enhance relationships with businesses, UAA, unions, the military, etc. to better prepare students for the future. Not just for Alaska jobs, but to be global competitors. These partnerships will get students experience and/or college credit while in the upper grades. We enhance our relationship with the community to structure volunteering, tutoring and mentoring to primarily incite learning at the lowest grade levels. We develop tutoring at ALL grade levels using the student talent pool. Partner more with Police to decriminalize addiction and keep drugs away. Get the schools on universal safety plan.

Why should voters vote for you? I have the drive to do what it takes to stand up for education by supporting families and teachers. I will stand up against waste. I will stay on top of programs and evaluate the necessity of the ones that do not work. I will comb through budgets to ensure that every dollar spent has good return. I will tirelessly encourage participation from the community since we’re going to depend on you more and more the less money we get. I am an advocate for children and I am extremely driven by the struggling student.

What distinguishes you from your opposition? I am not a rubber stamp. I have cost saving ideas that promote learning and we are facing financially difficult times. I support teachers. I will listen and respond to the community because I value feedback and participation. Through the next two years, change will come. But we cannot let state budgets dictate the future of our children. Despite what path our government chooses, we will work together to keep our kids above par and still increase graduation rates. This is possible.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I am a father of 4 and have been married for 11 years to my very best friend, Tracey. I am Navy veteran, as is my wife. I am a structural and wildland fire fighter. I teach Sunday School to preschoolers. I am a math tutor. I am a mentor.

I serve.

I will serve the MSBSD, partner with the community and be a staunch advocate for students and teachers. Be a tutor; be a mentor.

KELSEY TRIMMER

Office Sought: School Board Seat E

Age: 39

Profession: Small Business Owner

Previous Elected Office Held (If Any): Appointed to School Board Seat E in April 2015

Why did you decide to seek elected office? I am dedicated to lifelong learning and education. I want to continue to be an active member in the decisions made for our district. My skills and experience are an asset to the school board, and I am committed to working with the board to address difficult issues and find the best solutions for our community. As a parent, education is important to the future of my children. As an employer, I want our schools to educate students to be employable, successful contributors to our community.

What do you see as the central issues of the campaign? The central issues of the campaign are the budget, and creating students who are ready to enter the work force, a trade school, or a university. A recent issue involving increased days for AMP testing is also important.

What specific plans or goals do you have to address those issues? The district is not allowed to run at a deficit. The amount the district receives from the state and the borough will be what the board has to work with. I hope to come up with suggestions to the assembly and the state that will help us, but my job will be to make sure the money we do receive is spent responsibly and we come up with creative ways to make it go as far as possible.

I hope to continue to create more vocational opportunities and business partnerships to train students.

I will fight extended days of AMP testing any way I can.

Why should voters vote for you? Voters should vote for me because I am an active community member. I live here, work here, and have employees here. I am passionate about education. I was appointed to the board in April. This has given me enough time to learn the responsibilities, dedication and time it takes to be a board member. Now, I ask the voters for time to put what I have learned to good use.

What distinguishes you from your opposition? As a recently appointed board member, I know the time it takes to serve. I am a local community member and local business owner, and have the flexibility to dedicate the time needed. As a recent college graduate from the University of Alaska system from an online program, I have fresh prospective to get our students ready for the 21st century way of learning, and to prepare them for today’s workforce. Because I am a business owner, a truck driver, and I have to work on my own equipment; I recognize the need for vocational and academic education.

What else would you like voters to know about you? As an 11-year Alaska resident, I have a vested interest in quality education and resources in our community. It is my responsibility as your representative to be easily accessible to the students, parents, and community members. I am a member of the Palmer Chamber of Commerce, Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, an associate member of the Valley Board of Realtors Young Professionals Network and I served as President of the Palmer Chapter of Business Networking International in 2014. I have served in the Navy and the National Guard and I am a lifelong member of Veterans of Foreign Wars.