OPINION: We’re voting yes on Prop. 1 for safe schools and a stronger Anchorage

Ensuring that our kids have safe schools with an adequate learning environment should not be a political or partisan issue. That is why we, as former mayors, are coming together to urge Anchorage voters to support the school bond in this year’s municipal election.

Up to 10,000 students from Chugiak to South Anchorage could see funding for critical projects like roof repairs, secure entry vestibules, seismic safety and planning for future projects in this year’s $62 million bond. Failing to pass this bond means these projects will not happen, and it’s not just our kids who pay the price.

Alaska businesses continue to face the challenging reality that for every two open positions, there is only one person to fill a job. Our schools — and this bond — are one of the critical tools to reverse this trend.

In order to be placed on the bond, each project must undergo a rigorous vetting and public process before being placed in priority order based on urgency and need. In some cases, significant amounts of money have already been invested in the planning and design process for these projects. If the bond fails to pass, not only do these projects stall and costs go up, but all the schools currently slotted for the next bond, may lose their spot in line to have their needs addressed.

As any business owner will tell you, continually kicking the can down the road on deferred maintenance means increased safety risks and costs. The vast majority of school upgrades happen exclusively through the bonding process making it even more important to pass the bond this year.

Our schools are incubators for the Anchorage economy. Any great city needs great schools to attract and retain people to live in Anchorage. If we fail to invest in our schools today, we will pay the price tomorrow. That is why we hope Anchorage voters will vote yes on the school bond when they receive their municipal ballots in the coming weeks.

Tony Knowles was mayor of Anchorage from 1982-1987.

Rick Mystrom was mayor of Anchorage from 1994-2000.

Mark Begich was mayor of Anchorage from 2003-2008.

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