Student leaders say Anchorage will host statewide student‑government conference; Eagle River adopts full‑day phone restriction

Madison, the Anchorage School District student representative, told the school board on Aug. 19 that Anchorage will host the Alaska Association of Student Governments (AASG) fall conference in October at Alaska Pacific University and invited student-government advisers and student leaders to contact her adviser for registration and assistance.

Madison, who identified herself as president of the ASD student advisory board, said the regional theme will be “Anchoring New Change,” and that Anchorage last hosted the state conference 10 years ago. She described plans for student leadership from across the state to attend, praised the local student-team’s role as registrars and encouraged rural schools to seek participation support. Madison provided a contact email for advisers: lewis_danielle@asdk12.org.

Madison also reported on a new local school‑level policy at Eagle River High School: the site has implemented an all‑day ban on student phones. Under the district policy, high schools may allow phones during passing time and lunch, but Madison said Eagle River has chosen a consistent “all‑day” restriction similar to middle and elementary approaches, with medical exemptions and office procedures for parent contact. She said reactions among students and staff were mixed but that the school has systems to support communication and exemptions.

Board members asked whether the student advisory board (SAB) representation from Eagle River might pursue a resolution to make the site policy districtwide; Madison said advisers had discussed the possibility and that an SAB resolution could be brought forward if the Eagle River representatives chose to do so. No formal board action was taken; Madison’s comments were heard during the board’s reports section.