It’s frustrating for Inlet View Elementary School families to see misinformation in public forums about the school replacement. As an Inlet View alumna and current Inlet View parent, I’d like to correct a recent misstatement.
A letter writer to the ADN said she voted against the recent school bond because of a lack of public input into the design. In fact, there was no lack of public input. The Anchorage School District formed a Building Design Committee consisting of the principal, teachers, parents and neighbors to supervise the process and propose a design. Following ASD procedures, the committee engaged the wider public. They built a website with drawings of the project (including alternatives), detailed technical studies and space for comments.
The committee engaged the public beyond ASD requirements, including presenting to the South Addition Community Council and holding other public meetings. The Urban Design Commission approved the design unanimously, and the chair stated that the Inlet View replacement had more public engagement than most projects.
Students and taxpayers were harmed by votes cast in ignorance of the facts. There were 24 schools on the bond with critical needs. These necessary upgrades and repairs will only become more expensive.
— Barbara Bundy
Anchorage
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