KGBSD staff oppose split grade plan citing negative impact on student education

In a tense atmosphere at the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School Board Special Meeting on April 12, 2025, educators voiced their deep concerns over proposed budget cuts that threaten vital support systems for students. The meeting, held in the heart of Ketchikan, brought together teachers, administrators, and community members, all grappling with the implications of financial constraints on education.

One passionate educator, who has dedicated years to supporting students with special needs, expressed frustration over the potential removal of essential staff, including vice principals and paraprofessionals. "My job has become three times harder," she lamented, highlighting the critical role these positions play in providing necessary support for students. With limited resources, she emphasized that the absence of a vice principal and a counselor would severely impact the learning environment, leaving teachers overwhelmed and students underserved.

The discussion shifted as Becca Doyle, representing a coalition of 21 staff members with nearly four centuries of combined teaching experience, challenged the board's proposed multi-age class plan. She argued that the plan, which aims to save costs, would actually lead to greater expenses and a decline in educational quality. "The split class plan you created will create cuts and impact students more than your numbers show," she warned, advocating for a specialization plan that ensures equitable access to music, library services, and physical education.

Jared Garlick, a vice principal, echoed these sentiments, noting the uncertainty surrounding class schedules for the upcoming year. He stressed that the decisions being made would have far-reaching consequences, not just locally but across the state of Alaska, where many districts are facing similar challenges. "This decision's gonna hurt no matter what," he stated, underscoring the collective struggle of educators in navigating budgetary limitations.

As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the stakes are high for Ketchikan's educational landscape. The voices of teachers and administrators resonated with a shared commitment to advocating for their students, urging the school board to reconsider the proposed cuts and prioritize a sustainable, quality education for all. The outcome of these discussions will undoubtedly shape the future of Ketchikan's schools, leaving the community to ponder the balance between fiscal responsibility and the educational needs of its children.