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Resident alerts board to climbing wall equipment safety concerns at Anderson School
Summary
An Anderson resident told the board ropes and carabiners purchased for the school's climbing wall are improper for dynamic climbing, said she shared photos with a UAF climbing coordinator who confirmed the concern, and requested the district respond to her Nov. 6 email; board members acknowledged the request and pledged follow‑up.
During the public comment period, Crystal Gooden of Anderson told the board she had reviewed climbing equipment recently purchased for the Anderson School and believes the gear is improper for dynamic climbing use.
Gooden said she sent photos and documentation to the University of Alaska Fairbanks climbing coordinator, who "confirmed that it is improper equipment" for the activity, and that she had emailed the district on Nov. 6 seeking a reply. "My first concern is the expenditure of school district funds without full knowledge of proper equipment needed, which could have resulted in serious harm if there was not anyone to actually know the right equipment prior to use," she said.
Board members thanked Gooden for raising the issue and asked administration to follow up. Several members also raised the district website and email responsiveness as communication issues to be addressed so community safety concerns are acknowledged sooner.
The board did not take formal action at the meeting but asked staff to investigate the equipment procurement, consult technical expertise as needed, and respond to the commenter.
Gooden also expressed gratitude for community access to school facilities and said she wanted to help ensure activities remain safe and well‑supported.
