Anchorage

Anchorage School Board candidate Q&A: How have you prepared for this job?

The Anchorage Daily News asked candidates for the April 2 election to the Anchorage School Board to answer a series of questions on issues facing those bodies. We’re publishing select responses daily. The answers were fact-checked when facts were cited and edited for spelling, grammar and writing style. Go here to see candidates answers to all the questions. For Assembly candidate surveys, click here.

Q: What specific steps have you taken to prepare for this job? What strengths do you bring to office, and what in your life demonstrates those strengths?

SEAT A

Kai Binkley Sims

A productive and engaged board member must understand the budget. I have worked hard to understand the proposed and adopted budgets from the outside looking in. Secondly, I have been a member of the parent advisory committee at my kids’ elementary school for six years. Lastly, and most importantly, I spend time in our schools. For years I have been volunteering to help teachers out in any way possible and have seen firsthand the challenges that face our teachers.

Margo Bellamy

My career as an educator and my service work in the Anchorage community has prepared me to serve on the school board. This experience has given me the knowledge, leadership and experience to understand the issues faced by our students, staff and families. I will listen, ask tough questions and remain laser-focused on improving educational outcomes for all students. I am collaborative, energetic, an innovative thinker and have the ability to work with diverse individuals and groups.

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SEAT B

David Nees

I have been an education activist since 1983, first as a classroom teacher, then upon retirement as a education researcher at AK Policy Forum. As a member of the Alaska House Sustainable Education Task Force, I was able to talk to the commissioner and policy makers as well as tour three of NWABD schools. I am a tireless advocate and promoter of the idea that every child regardless of socioeconomic standing has the ability to achieve their maximum potential, if given a fair chance.

Starr Marsett

Serving on the Anchorage School Board the last three years has prepared me for another three years of service.

Ronald Stafford did not respond to the survey.

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