School board members sought

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

MAT-SU -- With only two applicants so far, time is running out to apply for the vacant seat on the Mat-Su Borough School Board. The seat opened up last week when veteran board member Robert Johnson stepped down after 17 years of service.

The deadline is Monday, at 4:30 p.m., and Kim Floyd, information specialist for the Mat-Su Borough School District, encouraged anyone who is qualified and has an interest to apply.

"We've had some calls of interest but only two applicants, and we want a full slate of candidates to choose from," she said.

Typically 10 to 11 people apply for vacant seats, but with the holidays gearing up, Floyd said the timing of the application process may not be the best.

To be eligible, applicants must be residents of the Mat-Su Borough and at least 18 years old.

Those who qualify can mail, fax or e-mail their r/sum/ and letter of interest to the district. Mail should be sent to:

Chief School

Administrator, 501 N. Gulkana, Palmer, AK 99654. Faxes go to 761-4076 and e-mails may be sent to kim.floyd@matsuk12.us.

All applications should say, "Attention: Mike Chmielewski."

The current school board members will make a

decision Dec. 1 as to which applicants they want to interview further.

The person who is chosen would serve on the board from December to October before he or she would be up for re-election.

Board member duties include attending board meetings and staying current on the issues of education and advocacy and funding for public schools.

The new board member would also get a chance to participate in the upcoming budget process for next school year's budget.

For any additional information, people may call Kim Floyd at 746-9251.

Contact Joel Davidsonat joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.