So far, two candidates have filed to run for the two open seats on the Sitka School Board.
Cass Pook has served on the board since 2000. She says she wants to continue the school board’s focus on closing the achievement gap, and make sure that state cuts don’t threaten crucial enrichment programs.
“There’s several things that contribute to a child’s education and it’s not just the core classes,” Pook said. “It’s the after-school activities, it’s the one-on-one tutoring so that they can get caught up on math or reading or writing — or just feeling good about themselves as a person.”
Ed Gray, meanwhile, is a newcomer. He hasn’t served on the school board before, though he’s been an active voice on education issues in town. He says he was prompted to run by concerns over new state standards, testing, and curriculum changes aligned with the national Common Core initiative.
“There’s a large number of people in our community who don’t feel represented,” Gray said. “So I want to be able to represent a worldview or opinion that might be different than, or counter to, what the majority of the school board feels, and has felt, and has acted on.”
As for the Sitka Assembly, current Deputy Mayor Matt Hunter has filed to run for a second term. There will be two open seats on the seven-member assembly.
Hunter was first elected in 2012. He says it took about two years to learn the intricacies of city government and finally feel like he could make a difference.
“The last year, I finally feel like I understand what’s going on, and I feel like I can make good decisions and informed decisions,” Hunter said. “It’s such a privilege to serve in that capacity, and it’s so neat to get to be part of the democratic process, and talk to so many people, that I’m reluctant to let it go.”
The filing deadline for candidates hoping to run for assembly or school board is Friday, August 7, at 5 p.m. Candidate packets are available from the City Clerk’s office.
The municipal election will be held on Tuesday, October 6.
