Valley Tech needs parents

A new Mat-Su School District charter high school is planned to open in the fall of 2008 in Wasilla on part of 109 acres on Knik Road across from the Smith Ballfields.

Charter schools provide a choice for local students. This will be a technology high school — small school of 240 students with plans for 20 students per class. Greater individualized attention to students will allow them to progress at their own speed. Using the Standards Based Curriculum gives flexibility to tailor education to the individual with accountability.

Parents make the difference in charter schools, and now is the time to get more Mat-Su Valley residents involved in the decisions for this school. There is great community support from organizations, but grassroots efforts are needed now to assure success. This will be a school that can challenge students in an environment designed to help the gifted and those needing help. You are invited to attend Academic Policy Committee meetings that governs this public school.

This school will be built with private funds and then leased to the Mat-Su Borough School District. The plan includes a charter middle school and charter elementary school eventually on the same campus site. The high school is the only school presently approved.

Charter Schools Property Solutions is an outside developer proposing to build the school building on land leased from Knikatnu Native Corp. It is quite an accomplishment to get to where we are today. Now we need parents and students to help. A school of choice means an option. Innovation and creativity are welcome here.

For information, visit www.valleytechhigh.org or highlandtech.org, or call 376-3703.

Ken Ray,

Wasilla