“When it comes to parent choice, I’m a big fan of that, which is why my kids are in different schools,” Pitcher said. He said he shares many of the values that Butcher campaigned on, including goals of ensuring fiscal responsibility, exemplifying high standards in education, prioritizing school safety and maintaining parents’ rights to make decisions about their children’s education. Pitcher advocated for a greater focus on preparing students for careers and giving them more hands-on learning. “I was raised by a very patriotic father, who instilled in me that education was important, not just for career paths, although that’s one of the chief things that I’m here for today.” “I have a vested interest in the education of children, not just mine, but the children of the community,” Pitcher said. He and each of the eight other candidates were given five minutes to make the case for their selection. Pitcher is an electrician and has nine children, five of whom attend various charter, public, and homeschool in the Mat-Su. Nine people applied to fill it, and the remaining six board members selected Pitcher during a special meeting Wednesday night. The seat was vacated when Jacob Butcher, who was elected to the board in 2022, resigned last month and moved to North Carolina. The Matanuska-Susitna School Board has selected Anthony “Brooks” Pitcher to fill the vacant seat for District 5, which covers the Knik-Goose Bay and Point MacKenzie areas. Anthony “Brooks” Pitcher takes his oath of office from Mat-Su School District Superintendent Randy Trani (Photo courtesty Mat-Su Borough School District)

Replacement board for crib