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 are your thoughts on school vouchers or public support for private schools?
SEAT A
Kai Binkley Sims
Our state constitution limits the use of public funds for private education. I love the many choices for different types of education within ASD. Given the wide range of choices, I don’t see a need for vouchers at this time.
Margo Bellamy
I do not support the use of public funds to support vouchers for private schools.
SEAT B
David Nees
Private schools have a long history in Alaska, with all Native education being given out to Protestant missions in the late 1800s. They have had interesting results. Juneau was sued and lost because it would not enroll a mixed-race child in the white-only Juneau School District in the 30′s. Alaska educational funds are being used to fund students who enroll for correspondence and online courses. These educational materials that are offered by religious universities like Notre Dame and BYU.
Starr Marsett
I do not support vouchers. Take a look at Michigan and what it has done to their public school system.
Ronald Stafford did not respond to the survey.