[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6484080,"mediaKeyId","5474846-103ab41ccd2d8e373f6374c90f327cd6","parentId",5474846,"title","Superintendent outlines generator replacements, stage rigging and siding work; half-percent sales tax funds cited","audioSeconds",330,"startMs",885000,"endMs",1215000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474846-103ab41ccd2d8e373f6374c90f327cd6&start=885&end=1215","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474846-103ab41ccd2d8e373f6374c90f327cd6/thumbnail_885000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6484080/Ketchikan-Gateway-Borough/Alaska/Superintendent-outlines-generator-replacements-stage-rigging-and-siding-work-half-percent-sales-tax-funds-cited","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484080-fafa30b392a562d834e74044aa497692/orig.mp4?Expires=1771014210&Signature=cZWfx-09dOOJFDhrgv3XHzrwhWlZtaMWySEolKsBWXlg5E~PxsoYxzwGnX9dZ0OYoms8YdQxqbWajojhkrJTCo6OQiAtE1qLxcfAdxov3UaGfLirq~9pf65yUTwo90m3dtwlg8RjV02R-waTeDzgXkHwq6~obabRxseCXKYwV-HXywsX6P99hrPZj5mVxltmBCdJQo9wX3~f3fmVjLJ0o4SmdQh4ziZDsacIJavpD3cQBPm3Qm-EWQPqXfHy5tBHUaMZuuory6lFMnCf0zH18U8sUkvY7l1uNkCxgoZhkN99a6gKDwJm54d6lrLMtZSrCQEnynCVvZxZxNP5TRtnKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ketchikan Gateway Borough","date","2025-07-23T00:00:00Z","article","Superintendent Ford Slack told the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education on July 23 that district maintenance teams completed summer inspections and are advancing several capital and life-safety projects, some funded through a locally managed half-percent sales tax allocation.

Key projects and schedule: Point Higgins generator: Ford Slack said the district is replacing a roughly 40-year-old generator at Point Higgins after repeated mechanical failures and advice from the vendor that continued repairs were no longer viable. An electrician is installing automatic transfer switches and a skid-mounted replacement generator is expected to be placed and operational before school starts.

Fire alarms and beam detectors: The superintendent reported isolated problems with beam detectors and certain fire alarm circuits at Howling and Valley Park schools; she said the district is working with Advanced Communications and electrical staff to restore notifier circuits in gym spaces.

Stage rigging and auditorium work: The district is rerigging the main stage to address life-safety concerns; lighting and audio were updated in previous years and the rigging work is intended to extend the auditorium's useful life.

Schonbar siding: Ongoing siding repairs on the southeast wall of Schonbar are scheduled for completion around August when staff return, with work phased to start on the street side to minimize disruption of arrival and dismissal.

How projects are funded: Ford Slack described the district's annual six-year capital improvement planning process and the role of the state DEED review (the superintendent said DEED scoring requires thorough documentation). She said some projects are eligible for partial reimbursement through DEED; others are paid from the borough half-percent sales tax allocation dedicated to facilities and borough services. \"That half a percent is what we all pay for facilities,\" she said, describing it as a locally administered funding source the district uses for capital and non-capital facility work.

Timing and oversight: The superintendent said the district partners with local contractors and regional vendors (some work sourced from Anchorage) and is sequencing work to avoid disrupting school operations. She told the board the district would continue submitting the required DEED materials to preserve eligibility for reimbursement and stressed the value of public support for renewing the half-percent sales tax when it goes to voters in October.

What the board needs to know: No new project appropriations were voted at the July 23 meeting; the board received the superintendent's report as part of the regular updates and will see project details and any formal contract awards as separate agenda items if and when they need board authorization.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ketchikan Gateway Borough - School Board","oneSentenceSummary","Superintendent Ford Slack reported July 23 that the district is replacing an aging generator at Point Higgins, rerigging an auditorium stage for life-safety, repairing siding at Schonbar and addressing fire-alarm problems, and said many projects draw on the borough's half-percent sales tax and DEED reimbursement processes.","taxTitle","Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska","taxId",27492,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484086,"Board votes: agenda amendments, consent calendar, ELL department and six policies",4955,428000,5383000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474846-103ab41ccd2d8e373f6374c90f327cd6&start=428&end=5383","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474846-103ab41ccd2d8e373f6374c90f327cd6/thumbnail_428000.jpg","/articles/6484086/Ketchikan-Gateway-Borough/Alaska/Board-votes-agenda-amendments-consent-calendar-ELL-department-and-six-policies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484086-d3e176715884a43f0981902da3b62a5c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771014210&Signature=Wa6A0TwDGof79o2CNVBhrj1UgQO2CNdKS3dvzAMKImTJWoEHAgpIgXmp7enTdAfrbZrmBr0-ADIw1MxoRSxXyc2BcpCGjgNXWp6vp0YIl6oT2pkmao8glCjb8tA9Avo6if3uTU51RK2c130MYW2GTA4wg~2KDE12dzH9A0xZQYPV6IcEE7YlMXT7iHmdWiJ~33O9BzVlSOvRwu8XqonmcJuQPTm2QToQqQgBzusjBqWfVX67PNpvbSyQfjneLRHZRlvhXFKAOe2mOAwAbtW~m86t4KWu8IDnbtxgzrczi-xhMtOOAxmDBO3c8Npaz4CKqtqYOJVqnMcJj7-4MiW3Og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education recorded a series of formal actions and roll-call votes at its July 23 regular meeting, including approving an amended agenda to add a board travel item, adopting the consent calendar, directing the superintendent to reestablish the ELL department, approving travel support for a board member to attend ASB events, and approving six board policies (some additions, some revisions).

Why it matters: These votes set immediate board direction (reestablishing ELL coordination), finalize routine business (consent calendar), and update board governance rules (several BP and E attachments). The ELL direction requires implementation steps from the superintendent; the policies change how the board manages meetings, communications and complaints.

Votes at a glance (motions, movers when specified, and recorded roll-call outcomes as reflected in the meeting transcript):

1) Amend agenda to add travel for Board member Paul Robbins Jr. to ASB in Anchorage (motion to amend; mover not specified in the transcript)
- Outcome: approved. Roll-call excerpts show the item added; board confirmed modification.
- Provenance: motion introduced during agenda modification discussion; amendment accepted and agenda modified.

2) Adopt the regular meeting agenda for July 23, 2025 (motion to adopt; mover not specified)
- Outcome: adopted by roll call.
- Provenance: roll call recorded following motion to adopt.

3) Approve consent calendar for July 23, 2025 (motion by board member; mover not specified)
- Outcome: motion passes 6 to 0.
- Provenance: consent calendar motion and roll call recorded at 22:09 in the transcript.

4) Direct the superintendent to reestablish the ELL department (mover recorded as Steve Thomas in roll-call introduction)
- Outcome: approved, roll call recorded as Thomas (yes), Paul Robbins Jr. (aye), Jordan Tabb (yes), Ally Ginter (yes), Melissa Reed (yes), Todd Suda (yes). Motion passes 6 to 0.
- Provenance: item discussed under unfinished business and vote recorded at 01:10:xx on the transcript.

5) Support board member Paul Robbins Jr.'s travel to trauma-engaged policy meeting and AASB boardsmanship academy in Anchorage (moved by Paul Robbins Jr.)
- Outcome: approved, roll-call recorded with all members voting yes; motion passes 6 to 0.
- Provenance: new business motion and roll call recorded between 42:07 and 43:53 in the transcript.

6) Approve revisions to BP 9323 (Meeting conduct policy) in first reading
- Outcome: approved on first reading; roll-call showed one board member (Ally Ginter) voting no because she had not yet read the revision; other members voted yes. Tally in discussion indicates five yes, one no; motion advanced on first reading.
- Provenance: public hearing and first-reading vote recorded in the policy section of the transcript.

7) Add BP 9020 (Board standards) and E 9020 (board standards attachment) in first reading
- Outcome: approved 6 to 0.
- Provenance: policy committee presentation and roll-call recorded in the policies segment of the meeting.

8) Add BP 9012 (Communications to and from the board) in first reading
- Outcome: approved 6 to 0.
- Provenance: policy discussion and unanimous roll-call recorded during the policies block.

9) Revise BP 9200 (Board members) in first reading
- Outcome: approved 6 to 0.
- Provenance: policy discussion and roll-call recorded during the policies block.

10) Approve BP 1312.5 (Public complaints concerning board members) in second reading
- Outcome: approved 6 to 0; the board adopted a new policy establishing a timeline and process for handling complaints about board members.
- Provenance: public hearing, second-reading discussion and roll call recorded in the latter part of the meeting.

What the board did not do: No new budget appropriation was made for the ELL department at the July 23 meeting; the superintendent was directed to return with implementation details and any resource requests. Several policy items were additions or first readings and will be implemented per board rules once final reading requirements are met.

For reporters and community members: the board's formal votes are recorded on the public meeting record and the clerk's roll-call script is the source for the yes/no tallies cited above.","At its July 23 meeting the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education approved an amended agenda, the consent calendar, direction to reestablish the ELL department, travel support for a board member and six policy additions or revisions. The article lists motions and recorded roll-call outcomes.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6484090,"Ketchikan school board directs superintendent to reestablish ELL department",1979,2317000,4296000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5474846-103ab41ccd2d8e373f6374c90f327cd6&start=2317&end=4296","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5474846-103ab41ccd2d8e373f6374c90f327cd6/thumbnail_2317000.jpg","/articles/6484090/Ketchikan-Gateway-Borough/Alaska/Ketchikan-school-board-directs-superintendent-to-reestablish-ELL-department","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6484090-5deeb1b95a7d8789ea1c79409599d193/orig.mp4?Expires=1771014210&Signature=VpunUdbZE~KgbQT2GTsIRXsVXEQqrVEYXLBiawKZCa12GhVXO4QjKZ4nIASize7Sgmf2jwFbyX~3RM9waNuwbKmfQwNOMJ2HCVchOBUh71YhHqoKv2OaoTudwaVktWrCGW-6m5VBVk5T1xdvn5F5ABWEgEkSGUCJ0oRqSZu2ShiowUOTkJXvYZ4Y9qQdwJPZTIkaxSugtlLCZz68qigxq7rd5CptRmXRTD0JuSYAPgY7H498YKd717U92vp7jmeXduvRntxpGNO-k9~8Z5Xpz8VmWNzxN95gfDHTEowXAhUZ7gTkGfdgLGKadTUPOM20JJv5Hz50AQFkH9KLnr1y6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education on July 23 voted to direct Superintendent Ford Slack to reestablish a district English language learners department, a 6-0 vote that board members and district ELL advocates said is meant to ensure federal compliance and better support multilingual students and staff.

Board member Ally Ginter, chair of the board's ELL committee, told the board the move would restore centralized leadership and resources. \"By reestablishing this department, we are directly supporting both students and staff,\" Ginter said during the meeting. \"There's no cost to the district.\" That assertion prompted questions from the superintendent and other board members about staff capacity.

The ELL committee and Penny Layton, the district's most recent endorsed ELL teacher of record, described the department as organizational and supervisory rather than creating a large new program. \"It's organizing and it's structuring the program so that we acknowledge that the paras at the charter schools and at Howling and the teacher are a department,\" Layton said. She told the board monthly meetings for ELL staff, shared training and a lead teacher to aid paraprofessionals were the committee's immediate priorities.

Superintendent Ford Slack said she supports the committee but warned the board to expect some cost or staff-time implications. \"While it might be accurate that once we put it together, it may not cost additional hiring, it's not true that it's at no cost,\" she said, noting district-office vacancies and the risk of overloading administrators. Board members who supported the motion said they understood the staffing trade-offs but wanted the district to set up the department and then report back on needed resources.

Supporters emphasized two reasons for action: legal obligations under federal law and better outcomes for students. Ginter told the board that failing to maintain proper ELL services risks federal funding tied to compliance and called the issue \"a legal obligation\" and an equity issue. Layton and other educators said paraprofessional turnover and gaps in screening and training had left some students without consistent service.

The board's motion directs the superintendent to reestablish the ELL department and restore district-level coordination, including monthly meetings for ELL staff, training supports (including WIDA training), and coordination of ELL materials across sites. The motion passed on a roll call: Steve Thomas (yes), Paul Robbins Jr. (aye), Jordan Tabb (yes), Ally Ginter (yes), Melissa Reed (yes), Todd Suda (yes).

The board and the ELL committee agreed that next steps include: the superintendent reporting on a proposed structure, identification of a lead teacher with ELL endorsement where possible, a schedule for regular ELL staff meetings, and an assessment of any additional staffing or training costs. The committee asked that the board treat the direction as continuing guidance rather than a temporary project.

Board members and staff said the district will also look for low-cost training options (WIDA online modules, conference scholarships) and seek to use early-release or similar time for regular professional learning. The board did not appropriate new funding as part of the vote; the superintendent will return with implementation recommendations and any requested budget or personnel changes.

The board and committee also discussed relationships with tribal partners and other community supports during the presentation; the committee stressed working with existing district staff, the Indian Education Board and community partners as the department is rebuilt.

The item was discussed at length during the July 23 meeting and was described by supporters as a restoration of previously established district structures rather than creation of a wholly new program. The superintendent and the committee agreed to continue planning and to return to the board with a recommended implementation plan.","The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education voted 6-0 to direct the superintendent to reestablish a district English language learners (ELL) department, after committee members and a former district ELL teacher said the move is needed to meet federal requirements and support students and staff.","actionData","errors"]

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Superintendent outlines generator replacements, stage rigging and siding work; half-percent sales tax funds cited

Board votes: agenda amendments, consent calendar, ELL department and six policies

Ketchikan school board directs superintendent to reestablish ELL department