Petersburg School District celebrates students' academic success amidst budget cuts

Petersburg Borough's recent Assembly and School Board Work Session highlighted significant developments in teacher salaries and school infrastructure, promising positive impacts for the local education community.

During the meeting, officials discussed the current salary schedule for teachers, revealing that Petersburg ranks low compared to other districts in Alaska. The base salary for Petersburg teachers is currently positioned at 32 out of 36 reporting districts, while the maximum salary ranks 28. This data underscores the ongoing efforts to attract early-career professionals by raising entry-level salaries, a goal achieved by the previous negotiating team.

In addition to salary discussions, the borough addressed upcoming capital projects funded by a $3.5 million bond. The majority of these funds will be allocated for a comprehensive roof project at the middle and high school, set to commence this summer. The first phase of a security entry and office remodel will also begin, with a second phase planned for the following summer. Notably, the district will receive a 65% reimbursement from the state for the roof project, easing financial pressures.

The meeting also celebrated the academic achievements of Petersburg students, who are outperforming their peers statewide despite budget cuts. Recent assessments indicate that local kindergarteners are entering school with strong foundational skills, thanks in part to community early learning programs and parental involvement. Furthermore, Petersburg students excelled in 16 out of 17 categories on the Alaska State assessment, reflecting the dedication of teachers, support staff, and volunteers.

These discussions and decisions from the work session signal a commitment to improving educational outcomes and infrastructure in Petersburg, fostering a supportive environment for both students and educators. As the borough moves forward with these initiatives, the community can anticipate enhanced educational experiences and opportunities for its youth.