Debate over, priorities set for schools

Peek at the Past: A look back in Mat-Su's history

NOTE: This appeared 20 years ago in the Sept. 14, 1981 edition of the Frontiersman

The borough school board, after much prodding by board member Karen Siry, reached a consensus on what goals should get priority from the school administrators.

The following four were selected as district priorities for the 1981-82 school year: 1. Develop a plan policy for goal setting -- both annually and a five-year plan. 2. Improve school-community relations. 3. Improve the teacher and principal evaluation process. 4. Improve discipline in schools.

Board member Ed Rhodes said he thought too many goals would confuse the issue.

"We have to put some of these things in the hands of the superintendent," Rhodes said.

Superintendent Kramer was on hand to receive concerns which centered on a staff which failed to teach students good communication skills.

He was encouraged to tighten up hiring practices and inservice programs but the board felt directives might be more in line than making these issues part of the district's goal plan.

In the Sept. 14, 198 edition, a classified reader would have found a few good deals -- by today's standards, of course. You could buy five acres in Sutton, with a two-bedroom cabin, for $20,000.

A four-bedroom, custom-built house in downtown Palmer cost $85,000.

In the television listings, popular shows like "Little House on the Prairie" and "M*A*S*H" were on during prime time.

One show from 1981 can still be found on television in 2001, much to the dismay of wives everywhere -- Monday Night Football.