Students stage impromptu walkout as Superintendent visits Houston High School

This morning, students from Houston High School staged an impromptu walkout after learning that Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani and other district officials were stopping by the school for a morning meeting with the principal, Chad Martin.

“We wanted to show, again, that we are not happy about the situation with Dr. Harmon,” said senior Kaia Hunsaker, who said she heard about the walkout through word-of-mouth among other students.

The walkout comes a week after students at the high school staged a walkout to promote support for a beloved teacher, Dr. MaryCatherine Harmon, who is not being retained for the next school year. Students are asking for administration to reverse the decision.

“We all really appreciate Dr. Harmon and what she does for us,” she said. “We’d like to know more about what’s happening, and that’s not something anyone is telling us.”

Hunsaker, who is finishing her first year at a public school after being homeschooled, says it has been interesting to see the participation and demonstrating for the things she cares about. She feels passionate about this particular reason for the student walkout and was glad to see so many classmates outside, protesting.

“I am happy to see so many come out, trying to get more attention to this.”

The students were vocal with their displeasure at losing Dr. Harmon, who teaches healthcare science classes, with some booing and chanting “We want Harmon,” as they spotted Dr. Trani and Associate Superintendent Dr. Reese Everett leaving the school. Neither spoke with any of the protesting students, and students soon returned to class after they left.

The MSBSD had no comment regarding the walkout this morning.

This is a developing story.