Mat-Su School Board Eliminates Student Representative

June 7, 2024

The Mat-Su school board decision, reported in the ADN, to eliminate its long standing student representative position is a sad development at a time when we need more youth engaging in decisions being made about the future of the state, including, most of all, their education.

It’s the wrong direction – we need more youth engagement, not less. That means positions with significance and time to build the knowledge and skills of the position – just like any adult in a similar position.

Imagine adults in school board positions being asked to rotate because there are so many community members to represent.

Moving to a rotating position dilutes the engagement and diminishes the significance of the participation. It is too bad if the input is inconvenient or challenges other views. It’s not the first time a school board, assembly, or legislature has some unique voices that challenge the status quo.

Alaska can do better. We must to be better.

Ky

Picture credit – “Students wear protest shirts and carry signs as former Mat-Su school board student representative Ben Kolendo listens to testimony at a board meeting in Palmer on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. The board limited the representative’s power at the meeting. (Bill Roth / ADN)”


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One response to “Mat-Su School Board Eliminates Student Representative”

  1. Dixie Avatar
    Dixie

    The issue is our kids have been offered liberal ideas and ways until we are able to correct the direction of state and leadership, we need to take full control of the helm! It is like operating during an emergency- one takes control and demand the kids stay clear until the crises is over so no one gets injured! This concept eliminating the student rep is temp – can be returned later! Yes they are important but there must be a reason!
    We definitely do not want to operate like Anchorage who has become dysfunctional and a sanctuary city!

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