Alexander Rosales and Jennifer Gracey Discuss the Anchorage School Board Seat A Race

Interview with Jennifer Gracey and Alexander Rosales Anchorage School Board Seat A

What I bring to the table if elected on April 1st

As a candidate for Seat A on the Anchorage School Board, I’ve been inspired by the energy surrounding education; both locally and nationally. My conversation with Jennifer Gracey touched on critical issues facing our schools, from cutting waste to ensuring safety, and how my experiences shape my approach. Here’s what I’d bring to the table if elected on April 1, 2025.

Cutting Waste with Purpose, Not a Chainsaw

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), championed by figures like Elon Musk and Javier Milei, has sparked buzz about slashing government waste. Locally, folks like Joel McKinney (who’s endorsed me, thanks, Joel!) have likened my approach to wielding a “chainsaw” to the Anchorage School District’s budget. I’ve already identified $2.6 million in savings in past roles, but I’m not about reckless cuts. My method is methodical: observe for two weeks, listen to teachers, parents, and staff, and target low-hanging fruit first. Why? Because charging in without understanding the system alienates people, like the advice I got from a chief in the military: don’t ruffle feathers until you know the lay of the land.

From there, it’s about asking, “What’s the worst thing about your job?” A teacher might just need a $100 happy light to thrive; small wins add up. Contrast this with the district’s tendency to throw out ballpark figures, like a $1,000 BSA increase or closing five to seven schools, without clear justification. I’d demand data-driven decisions, not guesswork, to ensure cuts serve students, not headlines.

Leveraging Technology for Transparency

Gracey raised a great point about modern tools. Alaska’s a big state, and Anchorage’s schools are complex, dozens of campuses, thousands of students. As a former military resource advisor (think CFO for a commander), I’ve wrestled with budgets and longed for tech to track every dollar. The district’s financial reports lack transparency, where’s the waste? Where’s the mismanagement? I’d push for systems that give real-time insights, cutting bloated administrative positions while empowering teachers and principals with precise data. Efficiency isn’t just about saving money; it’s about redirecting it to classrooms.

Safety First: A Personal Mission

School safety is my top priority. I’ve seen bullying firsthand, not just as a candidate facing online vitriol, but as a parent and former teacher hearing sixth graders say things at a band concert that’d make your jaw drop. Current policies tie teachers’ hands; they can’t act decisively without risking their jobs. Apps like Stop It, meant to report bullying, don’t even reliably notify parents or the district. This isn’t a teacher problem, it’s a systemic one. I’d overhaul policies to support staff, enforce accountability, and ensure kids feel safe. My own experience with harassment fuels this: I tell my kids, “Watch Dad, don’t let it get to you.” But we shouldn’t have to. Schools must be sanctuaries. Right Dr. Bryant?

Faith, Kids, and Community

President Trump’s recent words... “You are perfect exactly the way God made you”, hit home. Every child I greeted as a teacher, every face I saw in Afghanistan handing out toys, reinforced this: kids are precious, period. I’d fight for every single one, regardless of background, to thrive as they are. This ties into my bigger vision: Anchorage’s schools should anchor our community. We’ve slipped from the top ten nationally to the bottom, a travesty for alumni like Gracey and me, who call this home. I’d connect schools with churches, councils, and businesses, fostering a network that keeps families here. It’s not jobs or money, it’s belonging.

A Disruptor for Good

I don’t fit neatly on the left or right—I’m a middle-ground guy who loves his country and its people. That makes me a disruptor, and Anchorage needs one. In two years, I believe we can climb back to the top ten. It starts with listening, cutting smartly, modernizing, and prioritizing safety and community. Alaska’s unique—we can’t copy the Lower 48. Our kids deserve a system built for them.

Election day is April 1, 2025. Ballots go out March 11 and must be postmarked by the 1st—or vote in person that day. Let’s make this happen together. #Anchorage #AKElect #Education