The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly convened on May 8, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including the Kodiak Island Borough School District's budget request and the introduction of the new emergency management manager.

The meeting began with public comments, where Cindy Mika, the superintendent of the Kodiak Island Borough School District, expressed gratitude for the assembly's support and highlighted the district's financial challenges. She detailed a projected $10 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year and the difficult decision to close North Star Elementary, which is expected to save approximately $3 million. Mika requested the assembly's approval of a budget request totaling $12,979,556.50, which represents a $662,998.50 increase from the previous year. She emphasized that this funding is crucial for maintaining essential programs and services for students.

Following public comments, the assembly moved to introduce Rich Gonzales, the new emergency management manager. Gonzales provided an overview of his activities since starting the position in January 2025, including networking with state and federal emergency management officials and working on local emergency planning. He addressed questions from assembly members regarding communication with local media and rural villages, as well as the involvement of the Coast Guard in emergency planning.

The assembly also discussed the Kodiak Island Borough School District's funding request, which will be further deliberated in the upcoming May meeting. The assembly noted the absence of the building inspector, which led to the postponement of that report.

Overall, the meeting underscored the assembly's commitment to addressing the financial needs of the school district while enhancing emergency management capabilities in the region. The assembly will reconvene to vote on the school funding request later this month.