Page 2 Tue. May 19: Superintendent Randy Trani
It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for
Tuesday May 19, 2026.
Mat-Su Borough School District Superintendent Randy Trani discussed graduation season, school safety proposals, and the district’s budget crisis with Emily Forstner on Valley Edition last Friday.
Trani began on a hopeful note: Graduation. The ceremonies are this week. He says it’s the most rewarding part of the school year.
He says that watching students walk across the stage is “the whole point of everything we do.” He added that the optimism of graduates motivates district staff for the year ahead.
The conversation shifted to the proposed concealed-carry policy in schools. It is scheduled for board action on June 3. The proposal would train volunteer staff members to carry concealed firearms in schools for use during emergencies.
Trani acknowledged that there is limited data on the effectiveness of such programs. Few districts nationwide have adopted concealed-carry policies. School shootings remain statistically rare.
He says the key issue for the school board is whether the district can create a training and oversight program rigorous enough to ensure safety for everyone.
Many implementation details would probably be handled through administrative regulations rather than board policy. This includes coordination with law enforcement.
Budget pressures dominated Trani’s discussion with Forstner. Although the Mat-Su Borough Assembly increased its contribution to the district this year, the district still faces a $28 million deficit.
Trani noted that higher insurance costs added nearly $6 million to the budget. The district explored alternative insurance carriers and possible plan changes. They found few meaningful savings options.
He defended the district’s decision to close and consolidate schools rather than pursue cuts. The proposed cuts included eliminating athletics, cutting transportation, or shortening the school week. More than 2,000 community members identified class size as their top priority. Consolidation was viewed as the best way to avoid more teacher layoffs.
However, Trani warned that continued reductions will affect student opportunities in the future. Last year the district cut approximately 160 positions.
More reductions may follow if additional state funding does not materialize. Programs already impacted by cuts include the intervention called the “4 Cs.” It helps struggling elementary students with academics.
Trani highlighted a major academic success: the new honors diploma program. Over one-third of this year’s graduates earned advanced honors or honors-with-distinction diplomas.
These diplomas require rigorous coursework in academics, career and technical education, or both. He called it one of the district’s proudest achievements this year.
Forstner asked Trani how he remains optimistic during these difficult financial times. Trani replied that education represents hope. He emphasized that today’s students are deeply aware of the world around them and capable of becoming future problem-solvers and leaders.
He closed by thanking families, staff, and the community for their continued support for the district during a difficult year. He expressed confidence that Mat-Su schools will emerge stronger despite ongoing financial challenges.
The full interview is on bigcabbageradio.org in Valley Edition under podcasts. The next school board meeting is on Wednesday June 3.
The Mat-Su Borough Assembly meets tonight at 6 p.m. in the Assembly chambers. You can stream the audio of the meeting at bigcabbageradio.org.
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This Page Two article was reported by Mike Chmielewski and produced by yours truly, Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Tuesday May 19, 2026.
Image credit: Mat-Su Borough School District