House Education Committee hears two nominees for State Board of Education; public testimony delayed

The House Education Committee on March 12 heard applications from Catherine McCollum of Palmer and Kimberly Bergey of Palmer for two at-large seats on the Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development, but the committee did not take confirmation votes after staff discovered public testimony on the nominations had not been properly noticed.

Both nominees described long careers in Alaska education and answered members’ questions about classroom practice, rural outreach and curriculum. Committee co-chair Representative Andy Storey said the committee would schedule another session to accept public testimony and complete the confirmation process.

The hearing matters because the board sets policy that affects curriculum, teacher certification and statewide programs such as the Reads Act implementation and literacy endorsements. McCollum and Bergey told the committee they would bring classroom and district-level perspectives to the board; McCollum described 32 years as a public school teacher and service on her local school board, and Bergey cited experience across Alaska in early-childhood through adult education and as a school principal.

During questioning, members pressed nominees on literacy policy, classroom technology and controversial curriculum topics. Catherine McCollum described herself as a longtime phonics proponent and said teachers should “teach the approved curriculum of the school board through the district” while remaining “cognizant of different opinions and different values” that students bring to the classroom. She said the Reads Act (often discussed as the science-of-reading reforms) has required adjustments but that teachers are starting to see results.

Kimberly Bergey said improving graduation rates requires “meeting the student where they’re at” and building relationships that give students hope and practical pathways to finish school. She described apprenticeships, internships and volunteer programs as effective ways to connect students to the workforce and encouraged a “clearing house” for successful local programs so districts can replicate them statewide.

Committee members also questioned nominees about book challenges, the use of public funds for private or religious education, and rural representation on the board. Bergey noted existing state law and the need to follow the constitution and statutes governing public funds; she said different solutions may be needed for urban, rural and bush communities.

Before the committee concluded, Chair Storey announced an administrative error: public testimony on the confirmations had not been noticed. The committee said it would reconvene or hold a remote hearing so members of the public may testify before the committee signs final confirmation papers. No confirmation votes were taken on March 12.

The committee provided no timetable for the return hearings; both nominees were thanked for their willingness to serve and told they would be contacted about the next steps.