SANDI RYAN, FEA President: Good evening. My name is Sandi Ryan. I'm a 36 year teacher of mathematics and computer science, 29 of those right here in Fairbanks. And I currently serve, at least for the next 64 days, as the President of the Fairbanks Education Association. I do reside in Fairbanks. As we come to the end of another school year, we are also approaching the one year anniversary of an expired negotiated agreement between us and the District. November 9th, 2021, we began procedures for negotiation with what we called a pre-bargaining research summit. The idea was that the teams came together and they talked about common ground, hoping that when they came with the table with language, they would find a meeting of the minds. We were very hopeful.

That was 539 days ago.

The Fairbanks Education Association has never, never been forced to go on strike. In fact, I don't even know if we've ever taken a strike vote. We have always, always been able to work with administration and come to a respectful agreement. We will enter arbitration in early August and if that fails, we have one last shot at the table. If that also fails, we will take a strike vote.

(audience applauds)

(Sandi smiles) They're [the audience] taking my time.

I would like to acknowledge the Hutchinson High School Student Body for presenting Resolution #7 to the Alaska Association of Student Government. The resolution, which was overwhelmingly approved by the state body, supports the FEA and our right to strike, our right to work for a supportive educational environment, and our right for job security. Thank you, Alaska students, for your support and your respect. Tonight, our District is saying thank you to our current educators and for their years of service. However, without recognizing that the actions by this district, if they do not change, we will see the first ever teacher strike in Fairbanks.

(audience applauds)

CHRYA SANDERSON, FNSB School Board President: Thank you, Ms. Ryan, for your testimony. We have a—

APRIL SMITH, FNSB School Board Member: I just wanted to ask Ms. Sanderson if you could remind the audience to not clap after every testimony, we're going to be here all night. Thank you.

CS: Were there any clarifying questions that we needed to ask Ms. Ryan? (pause) Ms. Ryan, thank you for your testimony.

SR: Thank you, and thank you guys for your service.

(audience applauds once more)