Student Advisory Board meeting update

Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Student Advisory Board Student Government Association, January 18, 2024.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Student (MSBSD) 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.

The recent SAB meeting on January 17th, 2024, held at Wasilla High School, student representatives discussed many current issues they believe require attention. Representatives from all represented schools presented reports on ongoing events, including clubs, sports, dances, and fundraisers. Guests included Jeanne Troshynski (‘Read Banned Books’ Representative), Ole Larson (District 6 School Board Member), Reese Everet (Associate Superintendent), Katie Stavick (Frontiersman Reporter), and Patty Farren (American Charter Advisor).

After school reports were presented, the Student Advisory Board Representative / Head Student Representative, Ben Kolendo, provided a report on recent actions and proceedings of the MSBSD School Board.

During the meeting, Jeanne Troshynski discussed book banning in the district, emphasizing the importance of student participation in the monthly reading and discussion of banned books. The book of the month, "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen, was highlighted, and students were encouraged to engage in the discussions. The next valley-wide discussion is scheduled for February 13, from 6-7 pm.

Business in the meeting included amendments to various bylaws and a policy, approval of a new and modernized logo, and committee breakout sessions. Specific amendments discussed and passed, include an amendment to bylaw 0000 titled "Philosophy, Goals, Objectives, and Comprehensive Plans," creating policy 0300 SP titled, "Observations of Student Government." Additionally, amendments to bylaw 3000 titled "Meetings" resulted in the creation of policy 3400 SP titled "Emergency Meeting Procedures" and policy 3500 SP titled "Open Meeting Operations." Further changes were also made to policy 4200 SP, titled "Votes of the Executive Board." These amendments reflect the SAB's commitment to refining its operational framework and governance processes. Our current committees are: Special Issues, Fundraising, and Community Outreach.

President Quin Schachle informed representatives about a School Issue Report form on Google Classroom and encouraged them to read about a constitutional amendment before the next meeting.

The next meeting is set for Wednesday, February 14th, at Mat-Su Career and Technical High School. Meetings generally start between 10:30 and 11:00 depending on the bussing situation. 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 on Instagram or their website. Contact the Student Advisory Board Representative, Ben Kolendo, at 907-268-9946 or ben.kolendo@gmail.com for questions or inquiries.

Rianne Rowe, MSBSD SAB/SGA Public Relations Officer, on behalf of Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Students Advisory Board, Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Student Government Association.