Student Advisory Board meeting update

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Student Advisory Board Student Government Association, April 10, 2024

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) Student Advisory Board / Student Government Association, informally referred to as SAB, serves as an advisory board to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District School Board. Monthly, student representatives from each secondary school in the district come together to discuss issues and contribute to educational decisions.

On April 10th, 2024 SAB held a productive and constructive meeting at Wasilla High School. Birch Tree , Career Tech, Colony High, Fronteras , Houston High, Mat-Su Central, Mat-Su Middle College, Palmer High, Palmer Junior Middle, Su-Valley Jr/Sr, Teeland Middle, and Wasilla High were in attendance. Some middle schools were unable to attend due to AK Star Testing. Representatives then proceeded to give school reports about current projects such as: fundraisers, dances, clubs, spirit weeks, and end of school preparations.

Ben Kolendo, Student Advisory Board Representative, gave the representatives a report on current matters in our school district, and topics brought up during the MSBSD School Board Meetings from the past month. Kristin Shea, SAB Advisor, then explained election procedures to ensure impartiality, and nominations occurred. Incredible speeches were then given by the candidates, and a working lunch followed; where representatives were able to make their votes. I am happy to announce SAB’s new leadership stands as follows: Student Advisory Board Representative Ocelia Bell, President Lily Shea, Vice President Riley Flynn, Secretary Allison Devine, SABR Elect Earl Davidson, and Public Relations Officer Rianne Rowe.

After all votes were taken, students broke out into their respective committees. Representatives engaged in committee work, focusing on community outreach, special issues, and fundraising. SAB is pleased to announce our fundraiser “Geo Airlines” is scheduled for April 22nd 2024 at Career and Technical High School! This event aims to foster community and explore diverse cultures for elementary students in the MSBSD.

The next meeting is set for May 15th 2024, from 10:45-12:30. The SAB aims to ensure all student voices are heard, working towards positive changes in schools across the district. For more information, visit the MSBSD Student Advisory Board Instagram or website. Contact the Student Advisory Board Representative, Ben Kolendo, at 907-268-9946 or ben.kolendo@gmail.com for questions or inquiries.