Teachers rally together outside district office

PALMER — Dozens of local teachers banded together with the help of family, friends, and various community members to hold a barbecue intended to raise awareness for their ongoing negotiations with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District prior to a special meeting and executive session Wednesday, June 28.

Union members and supporters, many of whom were adorned in red T-shirts that said, "#RED FOR ED," gathered in front of the district office to eat burgers, hot dogs, and other snacks while promoting their cause.

Retired MSBSD teacher Diane Shibe was pleased with the turnout. She said it was great to see so many supporters in spite of the rain.

"I'm pretty happy about that," Shibe said. "We just want to encourage the school board to have a little respect."

Bargaining team spokesperson Justin Lacoss said they have been negotiating for over two years and they're cautiously optimistic about the ultimate outcome. He said they're set to return to the bargaining table July 5.

"I think both sides want to get the best deal they can get. We're still having a lot of discussions… I would say we're hopeful. We're not expectant," Lacoss said. "You just never know where it could go."

Two of the main discussion points in the teacher negotiations center around salaries and health insurance. Lacoss said the latter is particularly concerning since the district wants to change their insurance from a time tested and trusted provider. He said this will have huge implications to local teachers and their families.

"It's really frustrating," Lacoss said.

Lacoss said the various teachers across the community have put themselves on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic amid the rising economic inflation, and they've continued to show up for work in spite of all the challenges. He said they plan to continue their outreach efforts over the course of the summer with plans to attend public events such as the annual 4th of July Parade in downtown Wasilla.

"Nobody's gonna help us if we don't help ourselves," Lacoss said.

According to Lacoss, the plan is to do everything they can to avoid a strike in the fall.

"Every teacher loves their students and they know it's going to be a big impact.

That's a huge decision for people to make," Lacoss said.

Lacoss said that he's taught physical education in the Valley for over two decades and this is his fifth time on the bargaining team. He said that he cherishes the opportunity to support local students and all his fellow teachers feel the same way.

"In every building I've worked in, nobody wants to see anyone fail," Lacoss said.

District officials ultimately decided to move to an executive session in regards to the teacher union negotiations.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com