A lifetime of leadership
That Puts Students first

  • Vote for Margo on April 1, 2025

With a lifetime of leadership that puts students first, Margo Bellamy is committed to continuing her work to improve educational outcomes and ensure that every student has access to quality education.

Strong Leadership for our youth

I believe in public education and in the fundamental human right of every student to receive a quality and equitable education regardless of their individual needs, personal circumstance or any human differences.” – Margo Bellamy

Meet Margo

Margo was born and raised in Miami, Florida, where she met her husband, Howard, during the heights of the civil rights movement in the late 1960s. With a passion for civil rights and social justice, Margo earned her bachelor’s degree in 1972, followed by a master’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany in 1973 and a Masters degree from UAA in 1986. Margo moved to Alaska and married Howard, a retired veteran. Margo began working in the Anchorage School District in 1974 and never looked back. Margo continued her love for education with doctoral work at APU and USC from 1978-1980.

A lifetime of service

Margo’s leadership and experience in education spans over four decades. During this time, she has held various positions at all levels in education, including classified clerical support, Teacher, Librarian, Assistant Principal, Principal, Executive Director and, since being elected to the school board, School Board Clerk, Communication Committee Chair, and Vice President. She most recently served as School Board President.

Before retiring in 2016, Margo was the Executive Director of ASD’s Compliance/Equal Employment Opportunity Office.

Boards & Community Affiliations

  • Vice President, Alaska Children’s Trust Board of Directors
  • President, Alaska Association of School Boards, Board of Directors
  • Member, Council of the Great City Schools, National Executive Committee
  • Member, Alaska Cognia School Accreditation Advisory and Review Teams
  • Adjunct Professor, UAA School of Education/Educational Leadership Graduate Program

Q&A

I am running for re-election because I believe in public education’s promise and power to transform lives and strengthen communities. Our students deserve a dedicated advocate who will consistently prioritize their needs.

With over 40 years of experience in public education, my background as an educator, leader, and public servant drives my commitment to ensure that every student has access to a quality education that meets their individualized needs.

No, I am not satisfied with the current preschool options. Every child deserves access to free preschool to ensure they are ready to learn by first grade, and I won’t rest until this is a reality.

I believe three interconnected issues are paramount: teacher retention, teacher recruitment, and increased public education funding. These issues are the result of years of underfunding and legislative inaction that directly impact our ability to attract and retain highly qualified educators. Alaska is the only state in the country that does not offer new teachers or paraprofessionals full Social Security benefits or a defined-benefit pension. This makes it difficult to maintain a strong teaching workforce, which in turn affects student outcomes. I will continue working with local officials, state legislators, and stakeholders to advocate for necessary policy/statutory changes that will support our students and educators.

As Americans, we share a complex history filled with struggle, pain, and pride. It is important to provide students with opportunities to explore and understand America’s past and celebrate our future. Racist thoughts, ideas, and ideologies are part of our history, and students deserve age-appropriate curricula and safe spaces to discuss these topics, helping them understand the ideas and systems that have shaped our democracy and their role as citizens.

Strong Leadership

During her two terms on the Anchorage School Board, Margo has made a signficant impact on the lives of ASD families and students.

She played a pivotal role in developing the district’s strategic plan, focusing on improving student outcomes in reading, math, and college readiness.

Her leadership has been crucial in navigating budget challenges, advocating for mental health services, and ensuring that resources address learning loss and student wellness.

As a firm believer in the power of community, Margo prioritizes listening to and collaborating with parents, teachers, and stakeholders to achieve educational excellence.

Accomplishments

  • Supported and advocated for the Alaska Reads Act to improve literacy rates.
  • Collaborated with local government by supporting resolutions to increase the Base Student Allocation (BSA).
  • Supported the establishment of the ASD/Assembly Taskforce: Safe Routes to School to enhance student safety and accessibility.
  • Voted to adopt new reading and math curricula to enhance educational standards.
  • Facilitated family engagement by organizing the Betty Davis Youth Leadership Summit in Anchorage, fostering leadership and community involvement among youth.
  • Promoted professional development through Professional Learning Communities, encouraging continuous teacher growth and collaboration.

Focus

  • Work with legislators and stakeholders to ensure consistent and predictable funding to the BSA.
  • Advocate for legislative policy changes that guarantee fair retirement benefits for educators.
  • Continue creating opportunities for successful outcomes for all students, especially in reading and math proficiency.
  • Create further opportunities for family, youth, and community engagement.
  • Lobby for strategic partnerships and collaboration opportunities with like-minded local, state, and federal entities.

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