Schoonach Day Care Seeks Lease at North Star Facility for Expansion

The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly convened on August 15, 2025, to discuss a proposal from the Schoonach Day Care Work Group, which seeks to lease space at the North Star facility for an expanded daycare program. The current daycare operates out of St. Mary's Catholic Church but has reached its capacity, prompting the need for a larger facility to accommodate the growing demand for childcare services in the community.

Janine Marsh, the administrator of the Schoonach Tribe, introduced the proposal, highlighting the emotional dedication of the staff and the importance of early childhood education. She emphasized the need for additional space, noting that the current waitlist for the daycare stands at approximately 48 students, some of whom have been waiting for over a year. The proposed North Star facility, which includes classrooms, a library, and a gym, is seen as an ideal location for expanding their services.

April McBride, the childcare administrator, elaborated on the program's mission to provide a culturally relevant and nurturing environment for children aged two to five. She pointed out that the current childcare options on Kodiak Island are insufficient, with many families facing long wait times and limited availability. The expansion aims to support not only the children but also working families and local businesses by addressing the childcare crisis in the area.

Assembly members expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing the critical role of early education in children's development and the community's economic health. Concerns were raised about the potential bureaucratic delays in decision-making, with some members urging swift action to capitalize on the momentum generated by the proposal.

The assembly discussed the logistics of the lease, including the potential costs and the impact on tuition rates for families. The Schoonach Tribe is committed to keeping tuition affordable and reinvesting revenue back into the program to ensure sustainability.

In conclusion, the Kodiak Island Borough Assembly is considering the proposal to lease part of the North Star facility to the Schoonach Day Care Work Group, which could significantly enhance childcare availability in the community. The assembly's discussions underscored the importance of early childhood education and the need for immediate action to support families and foster community growth. Further deliberations and decisions are expected in the coming weeks as the assembly weighs the proposal's implications for Kodiak Island's future.