Pair mount write-in candidacies for school board

WASILLA — A pair of Valley residents are making last-minute runs for the Mat-Su Borough School Board.

Mike Coons and Sacha Pettitt, both of Palmer, were added as official write-in candidates on Sept. 29, according to the Mat-Su Borough’s website. Both said they decided to run after being encouraged by friends.

“I said, ‘I’ll throw my name in there,’” Coons said.

The retiree from Lazy Mountain said he doesn’t have any kids in the district, but a keen interest in local education matters. Coons said his main issues are an opposition to Common Core curriculum and government-mandated testing; and support of more parental rights. He’s also not a fan of the way disciplinary matters are handled, and is in favor of stronger punishments for bullies.

Coons is challenging incumbent Sarah Welton, who currently holds Seat B on the board.

Both Coons and Pettitt said they’re doing most of their campaigning through their campaign Facebook pages and by talking to Valley voters.

Pettitt is a stay-at-home mom of two and a former teacher. She said she’s also opposed to Common Core curriculum and in favor of parents having more choice in their kids’ education.

“Your hands shouldn’t be tied,” she said.

Pettitt is trying to unseat incumbent Debby Retherford. She said she was encouraged to run by friends who expressed general frustration with the current board.

“They are so exasperated with what’s been going on,” she said.

Both of the write-in candidates said they were unsure of their chances to win, but said their whirlwind campaigns have been an enjoyable experience.

CORRECTION: This story has been corrected from a previous version which misstated Pettitt's hometown.