A former Sitka teacher who lost her job following steep budget cuts last spring is now trying for a seat on the Sitka School Board.
Amanda Williams taught eighth grade Science, and was one of 14 teachers subject to an unprecedented workforce reduction in the district, after Gov. Dunleavy vetoed the legislature’s education funding package.
But Williams says she doesn’t have an ax to grind. She realizes the school board – which includes her father-in-law Tom Williams – was forced to make the cuts. Rather, she says she has a professional interest in education, and she sees service on the board as a way to give back to the community.
She recently spoke about her decision to run with KCAW’s Robert Woolsey.
Note: Although she’s been active on committees over her career, this is Williams’ first time running for elected office. If elected, she will join her father-in-law, Tom Williams, on the board. Additionally, her husband, Jared, is the maintenance director for the district.
Williams: I am a teacher. I’ve been in the education industry for my whole life, really. I have been teaching in different communities throughout Alaska for 11 years, and I recently taught at Blatchley Middle School.
KCAW: What did you teach?
Williams: I taught eighth grade Science. With everything in life, there are silver linings. And so I do view everything as, you know, an opportunity to grow and develop. And I feel like that’s part of life, and part of the way things are. So I’m just looking at this as another opportunity to see what I can do next.
KCAW: What does that look like for you at this point?
Williams: I have talked to Mt. Edgecumbe High School, and I was offered a part-time position over there filling in, so I’m hoping that that will be something that develops more as well.
KCAW: Is it your goal to be back in the Sitka school district one day?
Williams: I feel like I want to do what’s best for kids, and maybe that role is in the classroom, and maybe that role is doing some other things. So, you know, and it’s part of why I decided to run for school board, is I feel like I have some fresh ideas and perspectives, so that I can throw those out there and see where I can go with that. We’ll see what the future holds when we get there, I guess.
KCAW: How long have you lived in Sitka?
Williams: This is my fourth year. So three full years in Sitka.
KCAW: Do you have kids in the school district?
Williams: I do. I have one kiddo in the school district now going on third grade, and another kiddo who graduated from Sitka high two years ago.
KCAW: Okay, that’s a big spread!
Williams: Yeah, 10 years.
KCAW: What prompted you to run for school board? Obviously, you have some time.
Williams: I see it as an opportunity to participate. I really do appreciate all individuals who serve on boards. I feel like it’s a meaningful way to contribute to the community and a meaningful way to contribute to society. In general, I really appreciate and have listened to board meetings and committee meetings and a few Assembly meetings. So my hat’s off to all the individuals that serve on boards. I feel like it’s a time consuming activity, and people give their heart to making tough decisions and facing challenges that will help the community.
KCAW: What do you see as the role of the school board, and what is your role going to be on the school board? How do you think you will dovetail into that group?
Williams: Well, one of the really interesting things that I hope to participate more in is the board does have a responsibility to review curriculum and to look at different curriculum options for teachers. So I hope to serve on curriculum committees where I can meet with teachers and look at different curriculum and just kind of see which type of curriculum would better suit the needs of the kids in Sitka. So I, I’ve been interested in curriculum development for a very long time, and with my education background, I have my Bachelor’s in science, but my Master’s in education – in teaching. And so that’s kind of what I’d hope to dive into.
KCAW: There are two open seats on the school board. You’re the only candidate who’s filed. What do you want to say to people who still have a chance to write in?
Williams: I would say I’m not a politician, and so I’m not one-hundred percent comfortable with being in the spotlight. But I am stepping out and challenging myself to try some new things. And that’s what I would say: Take that challenge. Dive in.
KCAW: Amanda, thanks for coming in.
Williams: You’re welcome.
