Poll looks at uniforms, construction

Mat-Su parents overwhelmingly support new school construction, but aren't as enthusiastic about mandatory school uniforms.

Although eventually expanded to include dozens of questions, the original intent of last month's telephone survey of more than 250 Mat-Su families was to gauge how much support there would be for a mandatory school uniform program.

As was the case in a survey conducted a number of years ago, the majority of those asked were opposed to the plan. In last month's poll, nearly 54 percent were strongly opposed and about 8 percent were mildly opposed. Nearly 14 percent said they strongly favor mandatory school uniforms, and 15 percent mildly favor it. About 10 percent said they were neutral.

School board member Linda Menard, who has championed the school uniform cause during her tenure, said she found the results somewhat encouraging.

"I think we're gaining ground," she said at last week's meeting when the board received the poll results.

With fewer parents opposed to the plan than in previous years, Menard asked the administration to see if any principals would be interested in leading a pilot program for school uniforms.

Also on the list of questions -- Do you support the construction of new school facilities? The issue has become increasingly relevant as the Mat-Su Borough considers putting an $80 million school bond proposal on the ballot in a special election this spring.

Although last month's telephone poll did not list any specific projects, a vast majority of those questioned were supportive. More than 75 percent strongly support new school facility construction and nearly 17 percent mildly support it. This left less than 9 percent who were neutral or not supportive.