Thanks, Anchorage Assembly, for supporting schools and families

The COVID-19 pandemic is destabilizing Anchorage. It’s hard to step back and figure out the best approach to deal with it. At the School Board level, we’re facing tough decisions about online instruction, safety measures in facilities and when and how we can re-open. Fortunately, we have a strong partner in the Anchorage Assembly. At a time when there are many risks to our community and families, I want to recognize the measures our local leadership has taken to mitigate those risks.

As a School Board member, I appreciate that the Anchorage Assembly stepped in on child care and early education. When the Anchorage School District had a gap in pre-K instruction, the Assembly filled in. As a result, more kids in our community will have quality early education during this pandemic, as well as a safe place to be when schools reopen. COVID-19 presents twin challenges for parents: More kids are at home, yet parents have to keep working, often also from home. The Anchorage Assembly recognized the challenges of this environment and is working with the School Board to support working families.

COVID-19’s economic impact is putting families at risk of going hungry. Our teachers understand firsthand that kids can’t succeed on an empty stomach. This pandemic has produced the worst unemployment in almost a century, and that means many families are struggling to pay rent and buy food to eat. The Anchorage School District has provided thousands of meals to students and their families throughout the pandemic, and the Anchorage Assembly also stepped up to ensure the Food Bank has the resources it needs. Our local government gets it: Our kids need to eat to succeed.

Around the world, we’ve seen how lockdowns and school closures are creating unprecedented stress on families. Along with economic stress is the increased the risk of domestic violence. We know our community has to be pro-active to address domestic violence, and that community partners like Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC) are critical. To ensure we have capacity in this time of need, the Assembly provided additional resources for AWAIC. We have to be there for our neighbors — especially for our children.

The Anchorage Assembly is stepping in to support our schools and students. It has been aggressive with business relief, including relief targeted to our hard-hit hospitality sector. In addition, the Assembly has implemented critical jobs programs to reduce unemployment that resulted from COVID-19. 

Our schools and students are experiencing economic, health and safety impacts because of COVID-19. During this challenging time, our local government’s leadership has been and continues to be critical. As one Anchorage School Board member, I see how important this support is and simply want to say “thank you” to our Anchorage Assembly.

Deena Mitchell is a parent of three Anchorage School District graduates and a member of the Anchorage School Board. The views represented here are her own.

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