The Anchorage Daily News asked candidates for the April 2 election to the Anchorage School Board to answer a series of questions on issues facing those bodies. We’re publishing select responses daily. The answers were fact-checked when facts were cited and edited for spelling, grammar and writing style. To see all the responses, click here. For Assembly candidate surveys, click here.
Q: What is the largest budget you’ve managed? State the amount, length of time and your level of responsibility.
SEAT A
Kai Binkley Sims
At BP I was responsible for production of over 50 wells on the North Slope. I designed and managed multi-million dollar wellwork programs, to increase production, or bring inoperable wells back on line. I continued to do this type of work throughout my career at BP.
Margo Bellamy
As the principal of Wendler Middle School (1992-2001), I supervised and managed resources for an instructional staff of over 125 teachers and support staff. The operating budget, activity budget and grants for Wendler totaled just over $5 million.
SEAT B
David Nees
The ASD board decided to raise ASD budget 10% to $880 million, while facing the reality that we have 2,000 less students, the source of state funds. The ASD school board only sets budget goals and can modify the budget presented. The superintendent and staff propose and develop the budget. I review the ASD proposed budgets and Comprehensive Annual Financial Report on a regular basis to look for efficiencies and use of available funds to ensure maximum dollars go to the classroom.
Starr Marsett
The Anchorage School District for the last three years. Board Members are responsible for balancing the budget. The amount of the budget has averaged around $500 million.
Ronald Stafford did not respond to the survey.