Letters to the editor

An open letter to the MSBSD School Board

To the editor:

My name is Jacob Ross. I graduated from MSBSD in 2022. I am now majoring in health studies at Boise State University. I am here today to discuss how the golden rule applies to the current state of the district. My parents are both well-respected employees of the Mat-Su Borough School District. I can’t go anywhere without a student running up saying “Hi Mrs. Ross” or “Hey Mr. Ross”. They are loved for all they do that is above and beyond the job.

This district makes teaching more difficult every year by adding to staff duties with no additional compensation whatsoever. For teacher appreciation week, the teachers were re-gifted a hoo-rag from the arctic winter games with the suggestion that they should volunteer for these events. Teachers do a lot for our future generations, yet you can’t give them a true thank-you gift. You have no problem accepting bonuses on their behalf. Our superintendent accepted a $20,000 bonus for keeping our schools open during covid while teachers received nothing. This one-sided compensation does not live up to the golden rule. If money were an issue, all of the administration and school board would not have given themselves outrageous raises. Teachers are taking home less every year due to the insulting 2% raise you are offering them, which falls far below last year's inflation rate of 7%.

These new insurance plans being forced upon district employees were presented at the end of teacher appreciation week. You stole my parents' hard-earned joy at the end of the year. By imposing a new high-deductible insurance plan you guaranteed more stress on my family and the families of the teachers in our community.

I currently play hockey at Boise State University. Playing sports takes time and effort during school which is why it's important that students can determine on their own how big of a course load they can handle while still balancing sports, jobs, family, and studies. Increasing graduation requirements and mandating AP courses will hinder the number of activities a student can be part of.

The district has demonstrated levels of disrespect in how they have handled the negotiation process by neglecting our teachers and removing the voice of students and parents with additional graduation requirements. My absurd aspiration is that our leaders start living by the golden rule.

Jacob Ross,

Wasilla

Mat-Su Residents, we have a problem!

To the editor:

Regarding: Resolution No. 23-22 (Amending MSB 17.55 Setbacks), our Mat-Su Borough is re-doing the only regulations for water body setbacks. Ordinance Title 17.55 was established 50 years ago. The 75-foot setback was established to protect all water bodies in the Mat-Su Borough. It is disturbing Mat-Su residents are continuing the need to defend the setback to protect water quality but here we are again 35 or more years later.

In September 2022, two Mat-Su Assembly members asked the Planning Department to address setback issues. Since then, there have been three revisions to MSB setback code of regulations. Those dates in 2023 were March 6th, March 20th, and the third revision introduced May 15, 2023.

In brief, the first/second revisions were written allowing dwellings within the 75-foot setback with specific requirements. The third/current revision includes a dwelling setback down to 25 feet with specific requirements. The problem is who will enforce the new requirements with the costs involved. The MSB does not enforce codes – they create more problems by changing what codes are on the books.

The Mat-Su Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) was established by the Mat-Su Borough Assembly in 2007 to advise and make recommendations to the Assembly, Borough Manager, various boards, State, etc., regarding fish, wildlife, enforcement, habitat, etc., on these issues.

FWC opposed the change to the 75-foot setback. In their resolution, they wanted the Assembly to fail the ordinance. The first two revisions included FWC recommendations. However, the MSB third revision by MSB Planning had no FWC recommendations whatsoever!

The FWC resolution indicated Mat-Su Borough spent 20 million dollars over the years for protection of fish habitat with aquatic restoration projects. This setback change will undue what is accomplished to date.

Another problem! Currently over 800 violations are within the 75-foot setback. The third revision ‘eliminates’ all existing violations not in compliance of the 75-foot setback. Over the years, MSB did no enforcement to prevent buildings that are in violation of their code. This speaks loudly for the residents following rules and abiding with the 75-foot setback.

The third revision added Section F. This section allows structures within the 75-foot setback BUT NO LESS THAN 25 FEET with {costly} mitigation measures.

Bottom line is we are going backward. MSB has conducted multitude studies to protect water quality and shoreline habitat over the years. The setback revisions are inconsistent with what the FWC resolutions indicated.

It is of utmost importance that individuals need to attend the meetings to oppose the proposed changes for the setbacks. Letters also should be sent to the Assembly on the Friday before the meetings.

The information for setback meetings are as follows:

Planning Commission – Public Hearing – Monday, June 5, 2023- 6 pm – MSB Bldg.

MSB Assembly -Intro to Setbacks – Tuesday, June 20, 2023 – 6 pm – MSB Bldg.,

MSB Assembly – Public Hearing – Tuesday, July 18, 2023 – 6 pm – MSB Bldg. ,

Jean Holt,

Palmer