Candidate Name

1. Over the last fifteen years, the state has shifted much of the cost for educating our students to municipalities and, ultimately, local taxpayers. As a member of the Anchorage Assembly, what will you do to reverse this trend?

2. When the school district budget

increases, rank the following in the order of

your priorities (rank 1-8 with 1 as high)

A.  Lower class size.

B. Give our students access to sports and other co-curricular activities.

C. Textbooks and supplies.

D. Provide competitive compensation to attract and retain quality teachers.

E. Hardware and software to support district wide operations.

F. Intervention programs such as after school and summer school programs.

G. Hire additional non-teaching staff.

H. New administrative initiatives.

3.What do you feel is the most important

 issue facing education in Anchorage

 today?

Assembly Seat B

Chris Blankenship

Work with the Assembly to shift more of the funding back to the State with the increase in oil revenue and taxes, to lower the burden on local taxpayers.

A.  3

B.  8

C.  2

D.  1

E.  5

F.  4

G.  7

H.  6

Funding. If the state and federal government wants to initiate higher standards of learning and teaching, such as testing before graduation and the “No Child Left Behind” act. They (state and federal government) need to …

Assembly Seat B

Patrick Flynn

Legislative and administration support for increasing contributions to constitutionally-mandated public education coupled with the apparent willingness to provide essential funding for special-needs students should be applauded by local officials to ensure this trend…

A.  1

B.  5

C.  4

D.  2

E.  7

F.  3

G.  6

H.  8

As Anchorage ’s population continues to diversify the effort to meet disparate educational needs will be very challenging. To do so successfully will require engaging communities at a cultural level.

We should note that Anchorage absorbs many high-cost (e.g. special needs) students from throughout Alaska , and provides venue for numerous state-level programs. I also support establishment of an education endowment similar to the Permanent…

Assembly Seat C

Bill Starr

NO RESPONSE

Assembly Seat C

Anthony Lemons

Many mandates come from the Federal Government. With that being the case, I will work hard to see that the federal government provides adequate funding to enable their mandates to be fulfilled, and to alleviate …

A.  5

B.  8

C.  1

D.  3

E.  2

F.  7

G.  6

H.  4

I feel that education as a whole, has shifted too much towards the political and agenda driven aspect of society. Our children need only an education and politics should never be part of it. There …

This question truly requires more in depth research of everything involved. I can not adequately answer this question with the limited information that I have at this time. In the end, the education of our …

Assembly Seat E

Harriet Drummond

I will work with the Legislature and Governor to ensure school funding keeps up with the needs and that they stick to their promise of forward funding.

A.  7

B.  6

C.  2

D.  1

E.  7

F.  3

G.  4

H.  8

Low teacher salaries and poor benefit packages causing difficulty in retention.

From what I understand, Anchorage is pretty close to that local effort cap in spite of our tax cap. I will insist upon proper state funding for ALL schools.

Assembly Seat E

Bert Hoak

NO RESPONSE

Assembly Seat E

Sherri Jackson

Remind the State of Alaska Constitution.

A.  3

B.  4

C.  1

D.  7

E.  6

F.  2

G.  5

H.  8

Making sure our curriculum(s) ALL adequately prepare our students to enter into the work force and / or college.

Again, State Constitution says state will provide.

Assembly Seat G

Dick Traini

 As an Anchorage Assembly member I will keep doing what we are doing now which is to work with the Anchorage School District on joint issues that both of us can support to build confidence …

A.  2

B.  5

C.  3

D.  1

E.  7

F.  4

G.  6

H.  8

I think the most important issue facing education today is forward funding of education. The state must forward fund education and build a stable fund for educations future. Currently, the school district lives year to …

I hear this old folk story when the issue of funding comes up, I have asked Steve Van Zant, the state tax assessor, what we can do to change this problem. He tells me there …

Assembly Seat G

Elvi Gray-Jackson

NO RESPONSE

Assembly Seat I

Jeremy Baker

WITHDRAWN

Assembly Seat I

Paul Bauer

Support the Assembly’s efforts through its Legislative Committee, and annual legislative program presented to the Legislature, to support increase state funding. Draft an Anchorage resolution on an annual basis making it politically clear what the …

A.  3

B.  7

C.  1

D.  2

E.  6

F.  4

G.  5

H.  8

Having a good, safe and undisruptive classroom environment for the education process to take place. Lower class sizes for a decent student to teacher ratio.

It is the state’s responsibilities along with its vast financial resources to assist in providing quality education to our residents. “Give us ( Anchorage ) a share of the resources and take the burden off property owners …

Assembly Seat I

Mike Gutierrez

I will work hard with our legislative delegation to support increased assistance to municipal governments for property tax relief.

A.  1

B.  4

C.  5

D.  2

E.  6

F.  3

G.  7

H.  8

The problem of gangs and youth violence is an issue for the entire community, not just the schools.

The legislature at this time is dealing with record surpluses due to high oil prices. Legislators are looking for ways to spend their windfall. I will push them to spend on education and local property tax relief. EXCEEDED 35

Assembly Seat K

Chris Birch

NO RESPONSE

Assembly Seat K

Jesse Busick

I would encourage the state legislature to be mindful of the special needs programs and the lack of funds provided per student each year. I would maintain an environment of awareness for the state.

A.  2

B.  5

C.  3

D.  1

E.  6

F.  4

G.  8

H.  7

The Parents!

I have found that most of the state legislators concerns stem from a lack of understanding and even ignorance. Continued first hand observance of the classroom should be required for the state legislature.

Assembly Seat K

Mike Kenny

Use of wind fall revenue and ultimately natural gas revenues to establish endowment within a Permanent Fund for Education structure. Permanent Fund for dividends would remain the same.

A.  1

B.  3

C.  2

D.  1

E.  4

F.  2

G. 5

H.  --

Preparing our students for a very competitive global ‘tomorrow.’ This may require an extended school year but will definitely require lower class size, recruitment and retention of a new generation of motivated and quality teachers.

I will support the budget ASD brings before the assembly. Understandably often ASD has not asked for funding to the max for operating expenses in order to leave room for capitol expenses. I would go …

1. One of the key responsibilities of the Anchorage School Board is to adopt a budget to provide all of our students an opportunity to meet standards. Please imagine the school district received an additional $100 in state funding and allocate that money within the following cost areas.

a. Lower class size

b. Give our students access to sports and other co-curricular activities

c. Textbooks and supplies

d. Provide competitive compensation to attract and retain quality teachers

e. Hardware and software to support district-wide operations

f. Intervention programs such as after school and summer school programs

g. Hire additional non-teaching staff

2. The purpose of a good retirement system is to attract a well-qualified, stable workforce. The   new defined contribution plan undermines this purpose. What will you do to help return Alaska to a defined benefit system?

3. What will you do as a member of the Anchorage School Board to attract and keep those quality teachers our children deserve? Please be specific.

4. Will you commit to working collaboratively with the Anchorage Education Association to secure adequate funding from the state legislature? If your answer is “yes,” then what would such a collaboration look like, and what specific strategies will you use?

5. Over the past few years, three programs have been proposed and/or implemented: 

• Incentive Program      • Reading course for recertification          • Videotaping instruction for recertification. 

    How effective do you feel these programs are (or would be)? Please be specific.

Question #1:
 …allocate $100 within the following cost areas:

a) 20%

b) 5%

c) 10%

d)  30%

e) 10%

f)  20%

g) 5%

Question #2:
 … to help return Alaska to a defined benefit system?

Unfortunately, a full defined benefit system is unaffordable today. I support an actively self-managed retirement system to include: maximum matching by ASD; modeled after Federal Retirement System (FERS); include partial defined benefit; several choices of…

Question #3:
 …what will you do to attract and keep those quality teachers?

My recommendations would include: improve and enforce student discipline policies to allow teachers to concentrate on teaching subject matter; establish a fund to provide financil assistance for teachers’ higher education; ensure any dollars saved are …

Question #4:
 …if yes, collaboration look like and specific strategies?

Yes. I would form a task force to include representatives from the entire Anchorage community – teachers, union representatives, business/industry leaders, political leaders, ASD, and parents. This task force would pressure legislators for increased funding. We …

Question #5: 
…How effective you feel programs are?

The incentive program can be very beneficial if administered properly and fairly. Rewards for performance can yield great results. The videotaping of a teacher’s instruction to include both content and method may be the most …

Question #1:
 …allocate $100 within the following cost areas:

a)  20%
b) 10%

c) 5%

d) 30%

e) 20%

f) 15%

g) --

Question #2:
 … to help return Alaska to a defined benefit system?

I will personally advocate for a return to defined benefits, and work to add a return to defined benefits to the school board and municipal legislative programs. A retirement system that cannot guarantee at lease …

Question #3:
 …what will you do to attract and keep those quality teachers?

I will work with the governor, legislature, and the assembly to ensure that ASD receives the funding necessary to provide district teachers a highly competitive wage and benefits plans so that the best applicants choose …

Question #4:
 …if yes, collaboration look like and specific strategies?

Yes. I will work with AEA in creating the school board’s legislative program, I will consult with AEA regarding lobbying the legislature in hopes of creating a joint strategy, and will share information I learn …

Question #5: 
…How effective you feel programs are?

I do not believe these programs would be effective. While reading performance must be improved, there is no reason to believe the new mandatory course will actually improve student performance. The videotape requirement is bizarre …

Question #1:
 …allocate $100 within the following cost areas:

a) 30%

b) 05%

c) 10%

d) 20%

e) 05%

f) 20%

g) 10%

Question #2:
 … to help return Alaska to a defined benefit system?

As a Human Resources professional with both public and private sector experience, I will work to educate the public and elected officials why a defined benefit retirement plan is needed.

Question #3:
 …what will you do to attract and keep those quality teachers?

The ASD Board should advocate for competitive wages and benefits, approve negotiated contracts, provide teachers a productive and positive work environment, and recognize ASD staff achievement.

Question #4:
 …if yes, collaboration look like and specific strategies?

Yes. I will listen to AEA issues. I believe we need to work together to gain public support while promoting a legislative agenda. I recently met with 9 legislators in Juneau who support additional funding.

Question #5: 
…How effective you feel programs are?

The incentive program is not successfully motivating employees. ASD’s current reading program is a success and should be locally controlled. Videotaping is intimidating, impossible to objectively evaluate and discourages new teachers from work at ASD.

Question #1:
 …allocate $100 within the following cost areas:

a) 20%

b) 10%

c) 20%

d) 30%

e) 5%

f) 5%

g) 10%

Question #2:
 … to help return Alaska to a defined benefit system?

Collaborate with others to come up with a strategic plan to accomplish the goal.

Question #3:
 …what will you do to attract and keep those quality teachers?

Attract: Support better pay and benefits so we are competitive. Support the recruitment effort with sufficient marketing dollars for a meaningful effort.

Keep: Treat teachers like clients. Take the time to understand their needs. Find …

Question #4:
 …if yes, collaboration look like and specific strategies?

Yes. We would meet to create a coordinated strategic approach. Assess the resources, identify the decision makers, inventory the strengths and weaknesses of the partners, and determine roles, goals and relationships. Be flexible to take …

Question #5: 
…How effective you feel programs are?

Incentive Program – I think incentives are effective but they need to be substantial to get the attention of the potential prospect and reward the effort.

Reading course for recertification – I don’t support this program. It …

Question #1:
 …allocate $100 within the following cost areas:

a) 15%

b) 10%

c) 15%

d) 40%

e) 10%

f)  5%

g) 5%

Question #2:
 … to help return Alaska to a defined benefit system?

As of this writing SB183 has been referred to the State Affairs Committee. Should this bill meet its demise, I would work with other board members to find an amicable solution to a serious dilemma.

Question #3:
 …what will you do to attract and keep those quality teachers?

Implementing incentive programs and reducing cost of recertification would be a first step. Also present the positive qualities of living in Anchorage to prospective teachers in the Lower 48.

Question #4:
 …if yes, collaboration look like and specific strategies?

I would work harmoniously with the association to advocate on behalf of the educational, financial, and overall needs of children in our schools. One strategy, among others, is to have open lines of communication with …

Question #5: 
…How effective you feel programs are?

A better system of recertification needs to be implemented. Evaluating the effectiveness of a teacher through a videotape does not always convey the full picture of what is happening within the classroom. The reading course …

Question #1:
 …allocate $100 within the following cost areas:

a) 100%

Question #2:
 … to help return Alaska to a defined benefit system?

I am concerned with comparing the allocation of resources – e.g. increased compensation for administrators, including the PERS/TRS impact, vs. adding another 2^nd grade teacher. A return to a defined benefit system can be reviewed – the …

Question #3:
 …what will you do to attract and keep those quality teachers?

Compensate quality teachers with quality compensation packages. Implement policies that allow teachers to do what they do best (e.g. Substitute our own accountability goals for NCLB when it makes sense). Direct budget dollars to classroom …

Question #4:
 …if yes, collaboration look like and specific strategies?

Yes. I attended the House Finance meeting on Feb. 6^th. Spending trajectories are under tremendous scrutiny (and rightfully so). The basic strategy revolves around demonstrating good stewardship of resources. We will work together to change …

Question #5: 
…How effective you feel programs are?

I do not know enough about these programs to opine on their effectiveness. We do need incentives, objectives, and metrics we can use as improvement tools. I would hate to have one videotaped class serve …

Question #1:
 …allocate $100 within the following cost areas:

a) 20%

b) 5%

c) 12%

d) 25%

e) 8%

f) 25%

g) 5%

Question #2:
 … to help return Alaska to a defined benefit system?

This is a complex issue that is being reviewed and worked at the state level. There are many details and issues with the current 401K plan that need to be addressed and worked.

Question #3:
 …what will you do to attract and keep those quality teachers?

Teachers need good salaries, respect, and parental support. We need to coordinate volunteers effectively to support our teachers and children. A good mentorship program and support from all levels of ASD.

Question #4:
 …if yes, collaboration look like and specific strategies?

Yes, I will continue to work with the legislators to inform and give my community position. I support PERS/TRS funding, the Revenue Sharing plan, forward funding, increased state funding and the debt reimbursement program.

Question #5: 
…How effective you feel programs are?

All of these programs should be specific school district based programs – not by the state. They all have issues as they are currently programmed. Incentive Program: this should be based on the dedicated teacher – reward …

Question #1:
 …allocate $100 within the following cost areas:

a) $30.00

b) --

c) $5.00

d) $25.00

e) $25.00

f) $5.00

g) $10.00

Question #2:
 … to help return Alaska to a defined benefit system?

If teachers feel the DBS best benefits them, then I would support them and encourage the state to do so.

Question #3:
 …what will you do to attract and keep those quality teachers?

I will ask the state/people to find funding so to:

-- increase benefits so employment levels meet the basic rules of economic supply and demand

-- improve presentation and planning tools

Question #4:
 …if yes, collaboration look like and specific strategies?

Yes, show the state/people the economic and social benefits of creating the best educational system in the country, i.e. a great education is a great investment.

Question #5: 
…How effective you feel programs are?

No effective. Public education has too few teachers. We should be giving the teachers better tools to work with (e.g. interactive whiteboards, remote student response systems) instead of making it more difficult to be a …

Question #1:
 …allocate $100 within the following cost areas:

a) 20%

b) 10%

c) 15%

d) 20%

e) 15%

f) 10%

g) 10%

Question #2:
 … to help return Alaska to a defined benefit system?

No response

Question #3:
 …what will you do to attract and keep those quality teachers?

I would offer competitive wages, good retirement package, opportunity for higher education for themselves. I would also try to negotiate discounts for our teacher at local businesses such as health clubs.

Question #4:
 …if yes, collaboration look like and specific strategies?

Yes. It would be a detailed plan to attract teachers as well as offer more choices to students. I would offer up examples of what we could accomplish and how our children would prosper

with …

Question #5: 
…How effective you feel programs are?

Incentive program retains qualified teachers and attracts prospective new teachers. Reading and videotaping instruction for recertification offers a choice to all who need by offering different opportunities for person to learn at own pace.

Question #1:
 …allocate $100 within the following cost areas:

a) 20%

b) 5%

c) 10%

d) 30%

e) 10%

f) 15%

g) 10%

Question #2:
 … to help return Alaska to a defined benefit system?

Explain in Juneau that DC is counter-productive: eliminating the least costly new DB contributors cuts-off funding for the exiting DB plan, while seeding the workforce with early-leavers who will be costly to replace.

Question #3:
 …what will you do to attract and keep those quality teachers?

Lobby the state board, governor and legislature to repeal video recertification and defined contribution. Increase teacher involvement in planning to achieve board goals. Solicit AEA input on attracting and keeping quality teachers.

Question #4:
 …if yes, collaboration look like and specific strategies?

Yes. We must show legislators and their constituents what educational gains we can achieve with adequate funds. No browbeating or chiding legislators, no partisan rhetoric. Advocate for forward-funding and fiscal planning with districts state-wide.

Question #5: 
…How effective you feel programs are?

The incentive program: poorly designed and implemented. Rewards for great gains make sense; participant and dollar caps do not. Reading course and video recertification should be repealed. Statewide negotiated rulemaking would avoid such impractical programs.

Question #1:
 …allocate $100 within the following cost areas:

a) 25

b) --

c) –

d) 25

e) –

f) 25

g) 25

Question #2:
 … to help return Alaska to a defined benefit system?

Although I support traditional retirement programs in the private sector, public sector worker’s needs are different. Alaska is the only state without a defined benefit system; we need to go back to that.

Question #3:
 …what will you do to attract and keep those quality teachers?

Pay competitive salaries, fund the mandates, smaller class sizes, integrate what works with conventional teaching methods with experiential, active, hands-on methods that ensure delivery of knowledge and proficiency. Teaching and learning should be an experience.

Question #4:
 …if yes, collaboration look like and specific strategies?

Yes. Local and state government, teachers, parents and community should focus on desired outcomes. First, we’ll design the system we want, and then commit to making it a reality by being accountable to the outcome.

Question #5: 
…How effective you feel programs are?

Merit pay should be part of a collective bargaining agreement. Schools are already mandated to reach proficiencies; the re-certification course adds an unnecessary layer. Videotaping is just one way to evaluate and assess teacher performance.