Schools

My Plan to Boost Student Learning in Kenai Peninsula Schools

I’m dedicated to improving student learning and test results in our schools without jacking up the budget. Alaska’s kids, including those here on the Kenai Peninsula, deserve an education that stacks up nationally—strong in reading, math, and real-world skills—not excuses tied to funding. The Assembly shapes the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s budget, and I’ll use that leverage to push practical, results-focused solutions that get the most from what we’ve got. Here’s how, grounded in efficiency, accountability, and choice.

Alaska and Kenai’s Test Scores: We’re Lagging Despite the Cash

Alaska’s students consistently underperform compared to the national average, while school administrators insist our kids are getting a “quality” education. In the 2022 NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress), our 4th graders ranked 49th in reading (252 vs. the U.S. average of 216) and 47th in math (231 vs. 235), while 8th graders hit 48th in both (253 vs. 259 reading; 269 vs. 274 math). Kenai Peninsula Borough School District mirrors this—our 2022-23 state assessments show only 37% of students proficient in English Language Arts and 32% in math, well below top states. Yet, we spend big: Alaska’s per-pupil funding is around $17,000 annually, among the highest in the U.S.. The KPB district gets a hefty chunk—often roughly $150-160 million, including state and local funds.  

Learning from the Best: Focus and Discipline, Not Dollars

Top states don’t just spend—they spend smart. They drill down on core subjects: phonics-based reading, rigorous math, and teacher training that sticks to what works. Their schools ditch fads—less time on social experiments, more on mastery. I’ll urge our district to mirror that focus—cut the woke nonsense like DEI programs eating up resources and get back to reading, writing, and arithmetic. 

Consistent Funding, Yes—But Cut the Waste

Schools need steady support, but it needs to be spent wisely. As a business owner, if I can’t afford something, I have to find an alternative or do without—schools must too. We’re all stretched; teachers aren’t alone in that. I’ll push KPBSD to trim fat—administrative bloat, unused supplies—and redirect it to classrooms. Why buy new textbooks when last year’s sit in storage? Repair desks, not replace them. Free tools like Khan Academy could update lessons without big costs. Consistent funding matters, but wasting it while begging for more ignores who’s paying: you.

Merit-Based Pay: Reward Results, Not Tenure

Teachers and admins should earn based on student success, not just years served. I suggest the KPBSD ties bonuses to test score gains and learning benchmarks—if your students improve, you get a bonus; if they stagnate or slip, you’re on notice. Top performers could see 5-10% pay bumps, funded by trimming administrative bloat—no budget increase needed. Underperformers? After fair warning and support, they’d face replacement. This would light a fire under everyone to focus on results, not coasting, aligning pay with what matters: our kids’ progress. 

Charter Schools and Choice: Competition Drives Excellence

Charter schools, home school and school choice spark innovation and accountability. Alaska has charters like Soldotna’s Aurora Borealis, where smaller classes and tailored programs often outpace traditional schools in engagement and scores. Studies—like a 2021 Stanford analysis—show charters in urban areas boost reading and math gains by 0.08 to 0.12 standard deviations over public peers. I’ll advocate for parents to pick schools that fit their kids, forcing the district to step up or lose students—no extra cost, just market pressure (capitalism).

Recycling Resources: Stop the Spending Spiral

We don’t need new textbooks every year—recycle what works. I’ll push the district to inventory and reuse durable materials: last year’s algebra books, science lab gear, even desks. Trade between schools or repair instead of replace—Nikiski’s desks could serve Sterling with a little TLC. Online supplements, like free platforms (Khan Academy, CK-12), can update content without pricey purchases. This cuts waste, keeps funds in classrooms, and teaches kids responsibility with what we’ve got.

Ditch Wokeness, Bring Back Values

Schools should teach essentials—math, reading, history—not indoctrinate with DEI or trendy agendas. I’ll push KPBSD to drop divisive programs and refocus on what builds strong minds. 

Partnering with Local Industry for Real Skills

Our fishing, oil, and tourism jobs are classrooms waiting to happen. I’ll encourage the district to link with local businesses for mentorships or donated gear—like lumber for a construction class. This ties learning to careers, boosting engagement and practical know-how, all at zero cost beyond some coordination.

Why I’m In This—and Why I’m Your Guy

Our kids are falling behind—47th in math isn’t a trophy, especially with our funding. As a conservative, I reject more spending; I demand better results from what we have. My plan cuts waste, rewards success, and gives parents options—merit pay, charters, recycled resources, and local ties.

As a common sense conservative, I reject endless handouts; I demand efficiency and focus. My plan—mirroring top states, cutting waste, rewarding merit, expanding choice, and restoring essentials—gets results without taxing you dry. I’ll fight through the Assembly’s budget role, listening to you and pushing KPBSD to put students first. Vote for me on Oct 7, and let’s lift our students up—without taxing you more to do it.