Priorities

I know that securing Alaska's future starts with three crucial pillars: teacher recruitment, teacher retention, and adequately funded public education. Decades of legislative inaction and chronic underfunding have severely impacted our state’s ability to attract and keep highly qualified educators. Because Alaska remains the only state in the nation that denies new teachers and paraprofessionals full Social Security benefits and a defined-benefit pension, we are struggling to maintain the strong teaching workforce necessary for our students to succeed. I am dedicated to collaborating with local officials, state legislators, and community stakeholders to advocate the changes required to fully support our students and educators.

As a mother, I know that when we invest in targeted interventions and classroom support, our children thrive. I celebrate the recent strides our schools have made while keeping my eye on the future: ensuring every child in the district is a confident reader by the third grade. To get there, I will champion the expansion of early literacy programs, push for enhanced professional development for our educators, and work to engage parents as essential partners in their children’s educational success.

Parents are the first and most critical teachers in a child’s life. The curiosity and values nurtured around the kitchen table lay the groundwork for everything our students achieve in the classroom. Our education system shouldn't just talk to parents; it must actively partner with you, equipping you with the tools necessary to see your children thrive. I am committed to strengthening that bridge between home and school so that together, we can ensure every child reaches their highest potential both as students and as well-rounded citizens prepared for life after graduation.