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. To see all the responses, click here. For Assembly candidate surveys, click here.
Q: What will you do on the School Board to support students living in poverty, homeless students, and students in the foster care system?
SEAT A
Kai Binkley Sims
I would make every decision with the best interest of our under served population in mind. My heart breaks every time I hear about students whose needs aren’t being met outside of school. I have personally supported the Children’s Lunchbox, and would make it as easy as possible for all of our local non-profits to partner with the district to assist in meeting our kids’ needs.
Margo Bellamy
These are among our most vulnerable population of students who have unique needs and require vital services. I will work to support these students by making sure we access federal funding to ensure that their needs are met. Additionally, having conversations with Senators Murkowski and Sullivan to ensure that they advocate for these needs at the federal level.
SEAT B
David Nees
ASD has excellent programs for children in transition under the McKinney-Vento federal law. Providing continuity and opportunity is important. However, most of the students do not have access to optional or charter programs, because of the lottery timelines. This could be fixed by holding seats in those programs.
Starr Marsett
We need social workers in our schools that could work with families and students. Our community looks more and more at schools to save and care for our children.
Ronald Stafford did not respond to the survey.