Alexander Rosales

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Alexander Rosales
Image of Alexander Rosales
Elections and appointments
Last election

April 1, 2025

Education

Associate

Community College of the Air Force, 2007

Bachelor's

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 2009

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Air Force

Years of service

2001 - 2021

Personal
Birthplace
Phoenix, Ariz.
Religion
Christ Follower
Profession
Military
Contact

Alexander Rosales ran for election to the Anchorage School District School Board to represent Seat A in Alaska. He lost in the general election on April 1, 2025.

Rosales completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Alexander Rosales was born in Phoenix, Arizona. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 2001 to 2021. Rosales earned an associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force in 2007 and a bachelor's degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2009. His career experience includes working in the military and as the owner of Alpenglow Basecamp Rentals. Rosales was also a substitute teacher and cafeteria manager.[1]

As of 2025, Rosales was affiliated with the following organizations:[1]

  • Air Force Sergeants Association
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars
  • Alaska PTA
  • Moms for Liberty
  • Military Order of the Cootie
  • Association of Mature American Citizens
  • Eagle River Valley Community Council
  • Chugiak Soccer Club
  • Alpenglow Ice Rink

Elections

2025

See also: Anchorage School District, Alaska, elections (2025)

General election

General election for Anchorage School District Board of Education Seat A

Incumbent Margo Bellamy defeated Alexander Rosales in the general election for Anchorage School District Board of Education Seat A on April 1, 2025.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Margo Bellamy
Margo Bellamy (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
56.6
 
31,906
Image of Alexander Rosales
Alexander Rosales (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
42.4
 
23,919
 Other/Write-in votes
 
1.0
 
562

Total votes: 56,387
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Rosales received the following endorsements.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Alexander Rosales completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rosales' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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My story is rooted in service, resilience, and a commitment to building a stronger future for our children. As a father of two ASD students, a military veteran with 20+ years of leadership experience, and an educator who has worked inside our schools this decade, I’ve dedicated my life to problem-solving, accountability, and standing up for those who need a voice.

My journey didn’t follow the traditional path. I barely graduated high school and quickly realized the system wasn’t designed for students like me. Instead of giving up, I enlisted in the Air Force, where I learned the values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. I went on to serve in combat zones, train future leaders, and manage multimillion-dollar operations, all while earning my MBA and proving that education isn’t one-size-fits-all.

I was an instructor in the military and fell in love with helping others become better versions of themselves.

After retiring from the military, I transitioned into teaching, paving the way for military members to complete the Skillbridge program to work in ASD schools. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges students and teachers face, and I know we can do better.

I’m running for the Anchorage School Board because our kids deserve safe schools, strong academic opportunities, and leadership that puts families first. I believe in listening to parents, empowering teachers, and ensuring that every child—no matter their background—has the opportunity to succeed.
  • Our kids deserve to learn in a safe environment. There are not enough policies in place currently that address the safety of all of our children. A vast majority of parents do not trust sending their children into public schools. We need to listen to every parent in each community to address how to fix local issues. We need parental involvement with board transparency.
  • Our kids deserve strong academic opportunities. Our current system is performing at 49th in the country in results and more than half of our kids cannot read at grade level. Our current school board has overspent and underperformed when it comes to educating our children. Our parents deserve to have a better choice on where their kids go to school as well as the level of education they receive. We are spending and not focusing on how to best prepare our kids for adulthood. The facts show it.
  • I am a leader that puts families first. I understand what it means to take a public office. I have served once before, and I am proud to do it again for all of those families and teachers that feel like they do not have an ally. Those parents and teachers that have tried to speak up previously, but were ignored, I hear you and want to know more about your situation. I know the main factor in the success of any kiddo, is the family. Not all of our Anchorage Families look the same, but everyone deserves to feel like they are a part of one.
I cannot focus on just one main area outside of education and what affects our next generation. I believe that we need to teach them right and prepare them for life after 18. I think we are not doing a good job of that and need to refocus our attention for the sake of our kids' mental health and lifelong success.

I respect how the School Board, Anchorage Assembly, and Alaska Legislature all work together towards one goal; educating our kids. I believe that I have a strong voice in that vision, and I am confident we can get a better return on investment to produce better results for our kids. 49th is embarrassing.
While I currently admire Nick Begich for his dedication to Alaskans, I believe there are several types of individuals whose examples are worth following:

Educators: Teachers who go above and beyond to ensure their students not only learn but thrive. Their commitment to education and personal growth of each student reflects the kind of impact I want to have in our district.

Community Leaders: Local figures who have demonstrated a strong commitment to listening to and serving their community. I look up to those who have successfully bridged gaps in understanding and service, like community organizers or PTA leaders, because they embody the grassroots advocacy I aim to practice.

Parents: Especially those who are actively involved in their children's education, advocating for better resources, and supporting teachers. Their dedication to their children's future inspires me to work towards creating an educational environment where every child can succeed.

Innovative Thinkers: People like educators, administrators, or even business leaders who have transformed their sectors by introducing new ideas, technologies, or methods for the betterment of others. I seek to learn from their ability to adapt and innovate in education.

My Family: Above all, I want to be someone my children can look up to. By leading with integrity, empathy, and a focus on service, I aim to be a role model for them, teaching them the importance of community involvement and the value of education.

In essence, I look up to those who exemplify service, innovation, and a genuine commitment to the betterment of others, particularly in education. These are the qualities I wish to embody as I serve on the school board, ensuring that I, too, can be someone others look up to for the right reasons.
To grasp my political philosophy, I would recommend the following:

The Bible: Its teachings on stewardship, community, service, and moral leadership are foundational to my approach to public service. However, I want to clarify that while I draw personal inspiration from it, I am not a pushy Christian. I firmly believe everyone deserves their own path, and I strongly oppose the idea of religion being forced upon anyone unwilling.
'Freedom' by Sebastian Junger: This book explores how humans are wired to thrive in communal settings, highlighting the balance between individual freedom and the need for community. It resonates with my belief in fostering a strong, supportive educational community where every child can succeed.
Braveheart (Film): Beyond its historical narrative, this film is about the fight for freedom, leadership, and the courage to stand for one's beliefs even in the face of overwhelming odds. It's an inspiration for my commitment to advocating for our students' educational rights and for leading with passion and conviction.
Leadership Philosophy: I lead with a philosophy akin to a renowned football coach who emphasizes culture, respect, and empowering those around him. It's about creating an environment where everyone, teachers, students, and staff, feels valued and motivated to bring their best selves to the educational mission.

These selections reflect my belief in a leadership style that is servant-hearted, community-focused, and driven by a clear vision for educational excellence and equity.
Characteristics:

Integrity: Essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring all actions are transparent and ethical.

Empathy: To genuinely understand and address the diverse needs of students, teachers, and parents.

Adaptability: To respond effectively to the evolving landscape of education, including new pedagogical approaches or technological integrations.

Critical Thinking: To navigate complex educational issues with depth and foresight within a complex system.

Communication: For clear articulation of policies and openness to feedback at every step.

Commitment to Education: A steadfast belief that education is the bedrock of community development and opportunity.

Collaboration: Recognizing that education policy-making requires teamwork, inclusivity, and the synthesis of various perspectives.

Accountability: A principle that underscores the necessity to answer for one's actions, particularly in how public funds are used and educational outcomes are achieved.

Equity: A guiding value in ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education regardless of background.

Transparency: Operating with openness, so the community understands the 'why' behind decisions.
I believe several unique qualities I possess would make me a successful officeholder

Physically Active: I am able to get out with the kids on the playground in the middle of winter. I am not someone who sits in an office all day.

Independence: I don't fit into one box, operating without allegiances or personal gain, ensuring I remain focused on the best interests of our students and community.

Collaboration: My approach, akin to a 'Green' on the color lens scale, emphasizes bringing people together, fostering harmony, and achieving consensus for the benefit of education.

Networking: I excel at meeting people from various walks of life and connecting them, which I see as a way to strengthen our educational community, ensuring everyone feels included and valued.

Commitment: I will dedicate all my time outside of being with my children to this role, ensuring a deep commitment to our district's educational success.

Life Experience: My life has been a journey of preparation for this role, equipping me with diverse perspectives and resilience to address the complexities of school governance.

Objectivity: My lack of deep-rooted friendships or allegiances within political circles allows for unbiased, objective decision-making, always with the students' best interest at heart.

These qualities collectively mean I can bring a fresh, inclusive, and committed approach to the school board, aiming to serve with integrity and foster an educational environment where every student can thrive.
Policy Setting: The school board is responsible for establishing the educational policies that guide our district. This includes setting educational goals, curriculum standards, and creating policies that reflect our community's values and educational priorities.

Budget Oversight: Managing the budget is crucial. The board must ensure that funds are allocated efficiently and effectively, supporting both immediate educational needs and long-term strategic goals. This involves making tough decisions to balance fiscal responsibility with educational excellence.

Accountability: Ensuring accountability is key. This means monitoring the performance of the district, from student outcomes to administrative efficiency, and holding ourselves and the superintendent accountable to the community we serve. It's about transparency in how decisions are made and how funds are spent.

Strategic Direction: Much like setting the course for a ship, the board determines the district's strategic direction. This involves long-term planning, vision setting, and adapting to changes in educational trends, technology, and community needs.

Advocacy and Collaboration: Working with the local assembly and the state legislature is essential to advocate for the resources and legislative support our schools need. This includes lobbying for appropriate funding, policy changes that benefit education, and ensuring our district's voice is heard in state-level decisions affecting education.

In essence, school board members are stewards of education in our community, tasked with ensuring that our children receive the highest quality education possible. We set the sails, but it's through collaboration with educators, parents, and the broader community that we navigate towards educational success.
I aim to leave a legacy where I've improved upon what I inherited, striving to leave things in better shape than I found them. While it doesn't always work out as planned, my goal is to contribute to building a stronger, more cohesive community for future generations.

We're all temporary stewards of our community and its institutions, and I believe I have much to offer to the next generation, just as those before me have. My legacy would be one where:

Community Strength: I've helped foster a sense of unity and collaboration among parents, educators, students, and community members, making our district a model of inclusivity and support.

Educational Advancement: I leave behind an educational system that's not only better resourced but also more innovative, equitable, and focused on preparing students for future challenges.

Bridging Generations: I would like to be remembered for efforts to better connect the wisdom and experiences of past generations with the potential of the young, ensuring we pass on not just knowledge but also values like respect, resilience, and community service.

Forward-Looking Leadership: My time on the board would be marked by decisions that look towards the future, adapting to new educational needs and technologies while maintaining core educational values.

Ultimately, I want my legacy to be one where the community I serve is left with a stronger foundation for the education and well-being of its children, ensuring we all look towards the future with optimism and readiness.
I remember the Gulf War, being 8 years old. Michael Jackson Thriller. And joining the military on 9/11.
Worked in the men's section at Sears. I still do not like lining ties up. But it taught me to appreciate not destroying something just for the sake of doing so. Someone has to eventually pick up the mess.
They are all my FAVORITE books!
The biggest struggle has been the transition into and out of the military.
Beyond the constitutional duties and formal responsibilities of the position, I believe the primary job of a school board member is to listen to parents. Without the engagement and trust of parents, the school system cannot truly succeed. We are here to educate their children, but this is a partnership where parental input is invaluable.

My view is that every decision, policy, and action should be centered around a 'kid-first' mentality. This means:

Listening: Actively seeking out and considering the voices of parents in decision-making processes because they know their children best and can offer insights into their needs and the community's expectations.

Partnership: Understanding that when schools and parents aren't working in tandem, it's the child who suffers. Creating an environment where parents feel heard and respected is crucial for fostering a supportive educational community.

Outcome-Focused: Every interaction, whether it's about policy, budget, or curriculum, should focus on what the desired outcome is - improving the lives of our kids through education. This involves ensuring that our educational strategies are not just about teaching but about nurturing well-rounded individuals ready for future challenges.

In essence, while the job of a school board member involves many formal duties, the heart of the role is to serve as a bridge between the community and the educational system, ensuring that the focus always remains on enhancing the educational experience and outcomes for our children.
My constituents encompass a broad spectrum including parents, teachers, students, and all community members. This includes taxpayers, local businesses, and anyone invested in the success and well-being of our schools and students.
In my view, supporting the diverse needs of our district's students, faculty, staff, and community isn't about directly intervening in diversity for its own sake. I believe in a merit-based system where the primary goal is to educate our children to the highest level possible and prepare them for life.

Education Quality: My focus would be on ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has access to high-quality education. This means maintaining rigorous academic standards, providing resources for all learners, and promoting an environment where everyone can achieve based on their merit and effort.

Resource Allocation: By concentrating on merit, we naturally address diverse needs through equitable resource distribution. This means that support systems, advanced classes, extracurriculars, and interventions are available based on student needs and potential, not just demographic considerations.

Inclusive Environment: While diversity itself isn't the goal, creating an inclusive educational environment where every student feels valued and has the opportunity to excel is critical. This includes fostering a school culture that respects individual differences while maintaining high expectations for all.

Community and Staff Engagement: Listening to the faculty, staff, and community ensures that educational strategies are responsive to real-world needs. This engagement helps in fine-tuning educational approaches to match the unique profiles of our students without making diversity the focal point.

Preparation for Life: The end goal is to prepare students for life beyond school, which inherently involves dealing with diversity in society. By focusing on merit-based education, we equip students with the skills, knowledge, and adaptability to navigate a diverse world.
Why is ice cream so amazing?

Because it is LEGEND - DAIRY!
I have a strong belief in financial transparency and government accountability, shaped significantly by my experience in the military where I managed the annual budget. Here's how my views apply to the role of a school board member:

Transparency: Every dollar spent by the school district should be accounted for with clear, accessible reporting. The public deserves to know how their tax dollars are being used in education. This means detailed budget breakdowns, accessible financial statements, and regular updates on how funds align with educational outcomes.

Accountability: The school district's approach to spending must shift from the 'use it or lose it' mentality, which often leads to unnecessary expenditure and bloated budgets. My experience taught me the importance of ensuring funds are allocated where they deliver the most significant impact for our students and community. We must be vigilant stewards of taxpayer money, ensuring it's spent wisely, not just spent for the sake of spending.

Efficiency and Effectiveness: In my military role, I learned that the goal is not just to spend the money but to make sure it achieves the best outcome. In education, this translates to investing in programs and resources that genuinely enhance student learning and well-being. We should continuously evaluate and adjust our spending to reflect real educational needs and outcomes, not just to justify a larger budget each year.

Public Engagement: Financial transparency also means inviting public scrutiny and input. I support open forums, public budget workshops, and clear communication channels for community feedback on how money is managed. This fosters trust and ensures that decisions reflect community values and priorities.

The money spent by the school district isn't 'play money'; it's a sacred trust from the taxpayers aimed at securing a bright future for our students.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. 1.0 1.1 Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 1, 2025