February 24, 2026
Thank you to all of our members who participated in this year’s CEA election and to every candidate who stepped forward to serve. Member-driven leadership is the foundation of our union.
Beginning July 1, we are proud to recognize the following board members:
Vice President
Sherry Shaw
Treasurer
Ashley Mattingley
Members at Large
Sandra Havard
Sherie LaRue’
Howie Marks III
Mandy Swarthout
We appreciate their willingness to represent classified employees across the district and the work they are stepping into at a critical time for our schools and our workforce.
The District is currently considering the closure and consolidation of Larson Elementary, Meadow Lakes Elementary, and Glacier View Elementary as part of the FY27 budget process.
These are proposals — not final decisions.
The School Board will take action on the budget in early March, and the Borough Assembly process will continue through April. The outcome of those decisions will determine what happens next.
What we do know is this: these discussions are the direct result of continued underfunding of public education at the state and local level. When education is funded below the statutory cap, these are the real-world consequences for our students, our communities, and our jobs.
CEA leadership has been in the meetings at both Larson and Meadow Lakes, working directly with affected employees and making it clear that the contract — not rumor — will govern this process.
That means:

• seniority rights will be honored
• placements will be done correctly
• recall rights will be protected
• timelines will be enforced
• every classified employee will be represented through the entire process

We are also working in coordination with the teachers’ association so that both bargaining units move through this together with the same goal: protecting our employees and maintaining stability for students.
The decisions being discussed are not about buildings — they are about people. We will make sure every classified employee is protected and treated with the respect and contractual rights they have earned.
There are still multiple steps in this process, and nothing is finalized.
CEA will continue to:

• be present in the buildings
• provide clear and accurate information
• advocate for full and sustainable education funding
• enforce the contract at every step

This is difficult and emotional for our school communities. It is also exactly why our union exists.
You are not going through this alone.
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Rick Morgan
President
Mat-Su Classified Employees’ Association
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6177 E. Mountain Heather Rd Suite 6
Palmer, Alaska  99645-8442
Office (907) 373-0800 |  Cell (907) 355-6478

What are you waiting for??

Join CEA today!

Every voice is important and every education support professional (ESP) in our bargaining unit is needed. Whether you are a custodian, a paraprofessional, a nutrition service worker, clerical, or facility worker YOU will make a difference.  I hope you will consider standing united with your fellow ESP's in the Mat-Su!
​No other professional organization does more for Alaskan educators. With your support we can protect our profession today, and for the next generation of educators!
​​Join Now!

  We have a great partnership with Grand Canyon University! Below is our contact who lives in Anchorage, give her a call!

Hannah Meneses (is our IN STATE contact!)
University Development Counselor
Grand Canyon University
907-201-1965
[email protected]

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