Challenging school district leadership

When politicians disappoint us or propose ideas we do not feel reflect our values or vision, we can fire them at the next election. Sometimes, if bad enough, voters can even go to the work of a recall. But what about the people the government hires to represent the end user of a government service? These can include directors of various departments like Public Safety, Finance, Clerk, etc. They can also include leaders of school districts, such as a superintendent.

When parents and community members feel concerned about decisions made by their school superintendent or district policies, many don't realize they have real power to demand change. Understanding how to share your concerns is an essential part of participating in governance here in the Mat-Su.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District serves over 16,000 students across our vast region, and the superintendent holds tremendous influence over how (and where) our children learn. While the superintendent manages daily operations, they ultimately answer to the seven-member school board that residents elect. This relationship is key to understanding how change happens.

The superintendent serves at the pleasure of the School Board, meaning board members can vote to end their contract. However, convincing a majority of board members to take such dramatic action requires organized community effort and clear documentation of concerns.

Attend school board meetings, which are open to the public and held regularly at the district office in Palmer. Public comment periods allow community members to speak directly to board members. Be specific about your concerns and bring evidence rather than general complaints. Document problems with dates, names, and concrete examples. Other parents and community members who share your concerns should also attend and speak, showing board members that the issues are widespread rather than isolated complaints.

You may also learn a lot at these meetings about what happens and how the School Board operates, and learn information from the meeting report given by the Superintendent.

Written correspondence carries weight too. Send detailed letters or emails to individual board members explaining your position. Contact information for all board members is available on the school district website. Remember that board members are your neighbors and fellow residents who want to hear from constituents, especially when multiple people raise similar concerns. Also, they are people just like you; they deserve respect and kindness in your communications to them.

For broader policy changes that don't involve personnel decisions, you have additional options. You can formally petition the school board to consider new policies or revise existing ones.

Draft a clear petition stating exactly what policy you want changed and why. Gather signatures from other Mat-Su residents who support your position. While there's no magic number of signatures required, more signatures show stronger community support. Present your petition during a board meeting's public comment period, or submit it in writing beforehand so board members can review it.

Like everything else, there's a process that has to be followed. The school board can't just flip a switch on policy changes. This process takes time but ensures transparency. Stay engaged throughout by monitoring meeting agendas posted on the district website and attending relevant meetings.

The Mat-Su Borough School District website at matsuk12.us contains meeting schedules, board member contact information, current policies, and upcoming agenda items. The district office at 501 North Gulkana Street in Palmer can provide additional information during business hours. You can also call the district at 907-861-3500 for general inquiries. Remember, speak with the respect you would expect from them if they were calling you.

The community elects school board members. If current board members consistently ignore community concerns, you can support different candidates during elections or even run for a seat yourself. Board elections happen annually, and filing information becomes available through the borough clerk's office each spring.

Your voice and your neighbors' voices together create the pressure needed to improve our schools and ensure our children receive the education they deserve. It can also support education leadership that you support and appreciate. Speak up, speak often, and speak the future you want into existence.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.