School District Funding
Dear Editor: Having recently returned to Sitka after retiring from the U.S. Coast Guard, I believe my family’s experience adds perspective to the value of funding Sitka schools at 100% of the allowable municipal amount.
The decision to retire in Sitka was not an easy one, but the overriding reason we returned to this beautiful community was the high quality experience we know our daughter will gain by continuing her education within the Sitka School District. Teachers and administrators make the time to care about each student, valuing their uniqueness and encouraging individuality. Having lived in five different communities throughout three states within the last eight years, it is my experience that this is far less common in the Lower 48.
Families form the core of any community, and we should expend every possible effort to retain them in our wonderful town. Reducing funding by the amount suggested at last week’s meeting would inevitably affect the teacher/student dynamic in critical ways. My family chose Sitka schools because this dynamic is unique and I firmly believe other families considering staying in or relocating to Sitka will also thoroughly analyze the value of the school system.
It is vitally important and I urge all Sitkans to encourage assembly members to fully explore additional revenue options before deciding on any funding reductions to the Sitka School District.
Mike Carroll, Sitka
Alaska Budget
Dear Editor: I am cheering for the following from our Legislators.
Full funding for our fantastic school system. My daughter went through school in Sitka, and thrived by having caring wonderful teachers.
Expanding the ferry system so that ALL the communities served can have a schedule that is dependable and realistic for the needs of the people using them. There is no necessity of spending money for a road across Baranof Island.
Expand Medicaid so that more residents can have good health care insurance.
Keep the University of Alaska system supported for now and the future.
Institute an Alaska State Income Tax.
The recent suggestions for cuts in the Alaska budget seem unnecessary since there is really no fiscal crisis. The problems can be settled with use of part of the Permanent Fund Dividend and I firmly believe that this should be done.
There may be another dividend soon if a bill H.R.763 (energyinnovationact.org) passes on the national level. This will be a revenue neutral carbon fee (at point of entry), the Dividend will be distributed to every American household. This will stimulate alternative-energy technology investment. Alaska has much to GAIN: We have the potential for hydropower in areas that will not impact fish spawning. We have tidal power possibilities. We have an abundance of sun in the summer making solar power possible. (http://www.alaskajournal.com/2017-06-07) And we have the possibilities of wind power. This will give all businesses incentives, create jobs and reduce their carbon footprint.
If Alaska can build an 800-mile-long Trans-Alaska Pipeline System that stretches from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, surely we can manage to do something just as extraordinary with renewable energy.
Judith Kearns-Steffen, Sitka
Museum Auction
Dear Editor: We, the Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum, thank everyone who helped make this year’s Silent Auction a success, those who donated art and those who purchased it. The funds from this event help sponsor bringing in Alaska Native artists during the summer months for residencies during which Sitkans and visitors are able to observe and learn in class settings the creative processes behind the unique art created by our talented Native artists.
This year’s auction was highly successful raising a top dollar amount for the above purposes. Again, thank you.
Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum
