Moving forward after the earthquake: School district officials provide answers to frequently asked questions

MAT-SU — As Mat-Su Borough School District officials have surveyed damage at Valley schools after the massive earthquake that rocked Southcentral Alaska Nov. 30 and throughout the aftershocks that have followed, a variety of questions have surfaced as district staff members, students and families prepare to move forward.

District officials put together a list of frequently asked questions. Answers to those questions have been provided by the district. The information is below.

Q: When can I get my students personal belongings out of their locker or classrooms?

A: Students will be able to retrieve personal items when they return to school. To see when school resumes for your student’s school please see the projected school opening dates at www.matsuk12.us/earthquake. For schools that are not scheduled to open by Tuesday December 5, 2018 we will be communicating with parents about what options exist to obtain personal items. For student’s in the Houston attendance area, whose personal items may not be accessible for a longer period of time we are organizing an event where students will have access to replacement supplies and winter gear. More information about this will be released on Thursday, December 6, 2018.

Q: Will transfer buses be running for Career and Technical High School, Valley Pathways, Burchell, etc?

A: Yes, transfer buses will run as soon as the school to which the transfer bus runs to opens. However, home to school buses will not run until that school opens. For example, the transfer bus from CHS to CTHS will be running beginning on Thursday, December 6, 2018, when CTHS is scheduled to open. However, busses from home to CHS will not be running on Thursday as CHS is not scheduled to be open.

Q: Will make up days be required for these closure days?

A: No, Commissioner of Education, Michael Johnson has granted a waiver to AS 14.03.030 which is the law in Alaska that requires the school term to be at least 170 student days. We are very appreciative of the flexibility that has been granted by Commissioner Johnson in not having to develop an alternative school schedule in addition to the other recovery efforts that are also required in the aftermath of Friday’s quake.

Q: Will my student have to do make up work to earn credit for the first semester at the high school level?

A: No, teachers will be modifying assignment and coursework expectations to meet the modified time frame that school was in session for first semester. Students will not be given make up work for the days that were not in session due to Friday’s earthquake.

Q: Will the finals schedule for secondary schools change?

A: No, finals schedules have already been set and will not be adjusted.

Q: If I decide that I would like to enroll in Mat-Su Central School to home school for the remainder of this school year will I still have access to the parent allotment?

A: Yes, any families who would like to enroll their students in Mat-Su Central School will have access to a prorated allotment amount for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year. For

information regarding the enrollment process or the educational offerings available, please contact Mat-Su Central School at 907-746-9212.

Q: How do I know if my students school is on a boil water notice and where can I find more information about what it means?

A: All schools who are not on a city water system will be on a boil water notice until water can be tested consistent with the guidelines of the Department of Environmental Conservation. Safe drinking water will be available at all schools, however we recommend that all students come to school with a filled water bottle if they can. For information regarding what a boil water notice means please the Mat-Su web page dedicated to the Drinking Water Program or the State of Alaska Division of Water website.

Q: I have heard that the earthquake may have disturbed asbestos that exists in some of the District’s older buildings. Should I be concerned about this?

A: No, all schools had an initial visual inspection after the earthquake looking for any signs of a disturbance to asbestos-containing build materials. None were found upon initial review however, as a precaution a second AHERA review (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act.) was also completed with very few areas of concern arising. Remediation has already begun and will be completed prior to school opening. Of the Districts 47 schools, 14 contain no asbestos in any of the used building materials.

Q: Is there a concern with the air quality in schools after the disturbance of dust and debris that would have resulted from the earthquake?

A: Air quality has not been an area of concern, however, the District has contracted with an environmental firm to conduct air quality monitoring and testing all school sites as a precaution. If any concerns are detected remediation will begin as necessary.

Q: If I want to volunteer time or materials what can I do and where should I go?

A: Each school has different needs and requested supports that will be helpful as they recover from Friday’s Earthquake. If you are interested in volunteering either time, supplies or funds please contact students school or the school in your neighborhood for information on how you will be able to help.

Q: Will students who were schedule to take the SAT on Saturday, December 1, 2018 have their fees refunded or will there be a time to make-up the test?

A: SAT test are coordinated and schedule through the College Board. Individuals who were registered to take the test should receive an email from the College Board with information about the make-up test and what will be required to participate. If you do not receive this email please call the College Board at 1-866-756-7346.