Meet the Candidates - The School Board

Tamara Groshong, running for re-election to one of two open seats on the School Board

Occupation: New account representative, First Bank

Why would you like to run for the Board?

"I believe that education impacts the lives of our students. Children are the future and we need to see that they have the best possible chance to be successful in carrying out their dreams and making an impact in the world. I have volunteered my time with various local youth organizations and would like to continue serving our community for the betterment of our children."

What is the major issue you see the board having to address in the coming year?

"A declining budget continues

to be a major factor in education.

The School Board and district need to find creative methods of offering a quality education despite

increasing costs and declining revenues."

If the state's budget situation worsens, what measures ought Wrangell's school system take to ensure it can continue meeting

further cuts?

"We need to seek different

avenues to secure funding to maintain existing programs. I also believe that building partnerships, similar to

the one we have with the University of Alaska, will help Wrangell expand

the opportunities available to our students."

Aleisha Mollen, running for re-election to one of two open seats on the School Board

Occupation: Store manager, Wells Fargo

Why would you like to run for the board?

"Having served on the board for the past year, I now have a greater understanding of what the board faces and the

decisions that have been made and are still to be made. This has inspired an even greater desire to be a part of the solution and to make sure that we are doing what's best for kids-and what's best for staff as well, as that trickles down to the kids."

What is the major

issue you see the board having to address in the coming year?

"Last year was a very tough year for the schools and all associated here in Wrangell. I feel that based on what has

happened, relationship and team building is what we need the most work on. Whether this is within the schools

themselves, in the community, or with the board, we all have to work hard to communicate, get back on track, and move forward from here. When looking at what is best for kids, a team environment is definitely best, so we need to look at the why and find solutions to help us to all work together for the betterment of the education system in Wrangell."

If the State's budget situation worsens, what measures ought Wrangell's school system take to ensure it can continue meeting further funding cuts?

"Excellent question! First, I will say that cuts to personnel are the last thing that we want to make. That being said, I think we need to look not at where we can make cuts, but how we can bring in more money. We have a lot of property that is being unused at this time, so that is the first place that I think we start looking. There are many grants out there that we haven't looked at. We have to look beyond just cuts and just this year to the long-term solutions."

Rolland Howell,

running for one of two open seats on the School Board

Occupation: Truck driver

Why would you like to run for the Board?

"Wrangell has been my home for the last 26 years. I went to Wrangell high school , my daughter graduated here and my other two children will go to school here. This gives me a chance to give something back."

What is the major issue you see the board having to address in the coming year?

"I believe the school's budget is going to be a major issue. The school system will need to get creative in cutting costs, reducing waste, and looking for other monies that could create other more steady funding."

If the state's budget situation worsens, what measures ought Wrangell's school system take to ensure it can continue meeting further cuts?

"I would also like to work with the

teachers, getting their input on a lot of these issues. I truly believe that they are

the foundation on which a school is

built."

Beth Comstock,

running for an unexpired one-year term on the School Board

Occupation: Stay-at-home mom

Why would you like to run for school board?

"I have wanted to be on the school board for years and I finally have the time to dedicate to the position."

What is the major issue you see the board having to address in the coming year?

"The board currently is having an issue with communication with the staff and public. Due to lack of communication the board is being seen as removed from those that elected them."

If the state's budget situation worsens, what measures should Wrangell's school system take to ensure it can continue meeting further funding cuts?

"I haven't been through the budget process, so I am hesitant to make a blanket statement as to what can be cut, but in all decisions the students have to be placed first. The board and the administration are there for the students, and their education has to be the first priority."

Pamella McCloskey,

running for an unexpired one-year term on the School Board,

unable to submit a profile.