Q&A from West High School Student — Kevin Zhang

Students asking questions in class.

Hi Mr. Rosales,

I am a student in West Anchorage High School. I am highly concerned about the current School Board's actions to implement the Academies of Anchorage.

If elected, will you support the Academies of Anchorage? What actions will you take for or against the Academies of Anchorage?

Hello Mr. Zhang!

This is the best question of the campaign so far.

I share your concerns about the school board adopting the Academies of Anchorage. I feel like it is a shift in the wrong direction when it comes to education.

The other side of it, we have a declining trained workforce and the board is clearly working alongside the unions to fix our labor problem. Which, is a good thing.

However, I feel that forcing students through these paths, limits every child's ability to reach their full potential. Kids and parents should have a clear path towards answering the question, 'what do I want to be when I grow up?' ASD has failed for many years teaching kids to grade level on the basics.

The Academies of Anchorage is a large shift that looks good on paper, but there is a big disconnect with what students and parents want. I hear you. I will be reaching out to the schools this weekend to see if I can come visit and do some Q&A. I'm open to anything. Overall, I do not think we need to overspend for a new plan when we are struggling on the basics. There simply is not the money, to make it happen. But, everyone involved is on board pushing forward regardless.

—Alex