FAIRBANKS: Today, NEA-Alaska joined public education advocates across the state in celebrating the election of Grier Hopkins as Fairbanks Borough Mayor, and the maintenance of a pro-student, pro-public education Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board.
“We’re seeing voters head to the ballot box with students and public at the top of their minds,” said Tom Klaameyer, President of NEA-Alaska. “With November 5th on the horizon, we are confident but will continue to support candidates who prioritize public education over party.”
Grier Hopkins is a former state representative with a history of standing up for increased funding for the Base Student Allocation, and a leader on restoring pensions for Alaska public servants. As Mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, he’ll lend a powerful voice for change at the local and state levels of government.
“Fairbanks educators and their families have seen in real time the impact of flat funding from our elected leaders in the Alaska State Legislature,” said Danette Peterson, President of the Fairbanks Education Association. “Our members wanted change, and they turned out in a major way to help our recommended candidates get across the finish line. I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts and dedication, and I know it’s going to continue through November 5th.”
“We know that the rising cost of healthcare continues to erode wages and our school district’s budget, and it’s having real impacts on our community,” said April Johnson, President of the Education Support Staff Association, which represents non-certificated FNSBSD employees. “My hope is that with a new borough mayor, and a school board that is ready to face these problems head on, we can finally provide some relief to families and the support our students deserve.”
In addition to the election of Hopkins, Fairbanks school counselor Kristan Kelly was re-elected to a second term on the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly. Fairbanks educator Garrett Armstrong ran a spirited grassroots campaign and nearly defeated career politician Tammie Wilson for an open seat on the FNSB Borough Assembly.
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