Matanuska-Susitna Borough School Board candidate Ben Kolendo, stands outside the front doors of the Mat-Su Borough School District office building on Thursday, May 30, 2024. . But at the first meeting after relinquishing his duties, he stepped up to the podium and said he wants back in. Following six years as a student representative, Kolendo announced he’s running for a seat on the school board.
Friction between Kolendo and board members started in 2023 when the board was deciding how to select members for a. Kolendo’s pointed questions about the committee and ongoing contract negotiations with the teacher’s union led the board to change, removing the title of “board member” from the student position and prohibiting Kolendo from participating in discussions. Kolendo’s only chance to speak was a single report at the beginning of meetings.
Kolendo was born and raised in Alaska and graduated from Career Tech High School in Wasilla in May. He plans to study political science and public policy at the University of Alaska Anchorage starting in the fall. Kolendo would be 19 if elected in November — but he argues he brings more experience to the board than other candidates.
“I think this is actually the most interesting district because it has some of the most conservative groups, but also some of the most liberal groups,” Kolendo said. “It’s a really big stance of mine that I want to represent both sides. I believe that our school board should be bipartisan, and it should be crossing each side of the political line to what’s best with students.”
“You know I think it’s almost difficult to beat an incumbent and especially running to their left in the Mat-Su is probably nearly impossible,” Sumner said.
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