JKT Supports Education
Dear Editor: I am writing in support of Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins from my home in Thorne Bay on Prince of Wales Island. Jonathan has been a dynamic advocate for innovation in public education, and particularly for our district and our students, down to a personal student level.
When Jonathan comes to Prince of Wales he spends time in our small single-site schools, sometimes with as few as 10 students. He runs as the rabbit for our Island-wide elementary and middle school cross-country meets. He often meets with students in classes to discuss the Alaskan legislative process.
Jonathan is a fierce advocate for our communities and our district in the legislative arena as well. He played a key role in killing Rep. Lynn Gattis’ (R-Wasilla) bill to raise the enrollment threshold for Alaska schools from 10 to 25. It would’ve instantly shuttered as many as 65 schools across Alaska, including those in Hyder, Port Alexander, Pelican, Hollis, Kasaan, Coffman Cove, Whale Pass, and Naukati. Jonathan, working with AFN and other legislators, ensured this dire scenario did not come to be.
Jonathan has also secured funding for teacher housing on Prince of Wales Island during an era with limited capital funds.
Jonathan also advocates for our schools and rural communities in ways well beyond “conventional” legislative work. He builds relationships with everyone. This includes reporters across Alaska, and helped link our district with KTVA TV news in Anchorage to tell the story of our rural schools and some of the innovative programs we pride ourselves with our district. He has helped us share and tell our story, and continues to support us, in person, through policy and through funding.
That his opponent is attacking Jonathan as “ineffective” is laughable. He is one of the most effective legislators I’ve worked with.
Jonathan is the kind of legislator we in Southeast Alaska need, now more than ever. I am excited to vote for two more years of effective, high energy, hard-working representation in Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins.
Lauren Burch, Thorne Bay
