Position Paper

Charter Schools

Gary Wilken

Senator, West Fairbanks

I strongly support the charter school concept.

• Whenever more parents become involved in their children's education, the educational experience of those children is enhanced. I applaud the efforts of charter school advocates who, through their activism, vision, and dedication, foster greater parental involvement.

• Charter schools are very new; we must proceed with caution so not to hinder the education of this "new class" of students. I, like you, do not want this to become an experiment turned bad which may affect these children for life.

• In regards to funding, we realize current education budgets are tight. However, I will work to find and then fund the most satisfactory level of the charter school effort.

Senator: Gary Wilken 465-3709

Note: The purpose of this position paper is to give, at the current time, my position on any one subject. It should by no means be construed to be my final voting position. I pledged in my campaign to listen to all sides of the issues and I will do just that up until it is time to vote. The Alaskans which I represent from Districts 29 and 30 deserve an informed and reasoned vote; I will strive to provide both.