SPECTRUM: Make education a priority

Individuals representing diverse viewpoints and experiences are elected to serve on school governing boards. Once elected, these individuals must work together with the superintendent to govern the district. That’s what boards do — they govern. These are difficult times to govern with difficult decisions to make as our revenue continues to decline, our expenses increase and our borough continues to grow.

Mat-Su families are proud of their schools. It is the reason many families move into or choose to stay in the borough. Our schools perform better that than the state averages. We have choice, innovation and our students are prepared for success beyond the K-12 years.

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, the Mat-Su Borough Assembly voted 6-1 to indefinitely postpone a vote on the proposed sales tax that is intended to support education. The Assembly also tasked the Borough Manager to form a committee with city officials, the school district, local business owners and community stakeholders to find a solution, together. This report is due on Nov. 1 back to the Assembly.

The time is now to find a solution to our low local contribution to education. It is the lowest of the Big 5 Districts in Alaska. There is a maximum allowable and the Mat-Su is not anywhere near that cap.

As the public asks more of our schools, the function of the district has never been more crucial. Families want their children to be a priority. Local leaders must come together to find a solution and fund education as a priority, paying lip service to supporting education is not enough. Our children and our future is worth it. We look forward to working with our local leaders on a local solution.

Dr. Donna Dearman is the president of the Mat-Su Borough School Board