PACE Committee
Chairpersons: Lee Butterfield & Andy Holleman
Contact: Lee.Butterfield@anchorageEA.net or Andy.Holleman@AnchorageEA.net
Latest Information from AEA PACE
PACE is the Public Affairs Committee on Education – the part of AEA that looks at what is happening legislatively that affects our membership. Many members would just as soon ignore this part of the world, but the fact is that not all elected officials are public education advocates or public employee advocates, and legislation gets passed at the local, state, and national level that impacts your classroom and your life. If we want public education to prosper and teachers to be successful, participation in the political process is not an option – we have to be there. To this end, PACE sends out candidate questionnaires for local races and holds a candidate forum where AEA members have the chance to meet, talk with, and question the candidates for office. Candidates know that we're paying attention.
AEA PACE looks primarily at local issues. Issues come to the Anchorage Assembly about funding, regulations on public employees, and safety in our local schools. We also have a keen interest in having a pro-education school board. Citizens of Anchorage are fortunate to live in a city where the tradition of public hearings that influence the action of public boards is strong. We work to make sure members are aware of when they need to be at the table and that there is a seat ready for them.
When PACE feels that there are significant education issues about a candidate, bond, or referendum, the committee will move to make that position known to the membership and the general public.
Voting membership on the committee is outlined in the Policy Manual, but all members are welcome at PACE meetings to comment and to participate in PACE activities. All politically active members are encouraged to stay in touch with the committee. If you have ideas about where AEA should be headed in local politics, come to our next meeting.
For more information, contact one of the co-chairs. Lee Butterfield at Lee.Butterfield@anchorageEA.net and Andy Holleman at Andy.Holleman@AnchorageEA.net.
