The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education used an Oct. 8 work session to lay out its Oct. 22 organizational meeting agenda and to plan next steps after Interim Superintendent Ford Slack's departure.

Board President Pader outlined the Oct. 22 agenda: swearing in new board members, election of president and vice president, committee discussions, recognition items and reports. The board indicated it will include a formal motion on Oct. 22 to accept Interim Superintendent Ford Slack's resignation as part of new business.

Members also scheduled a follow-up work session to seek immediate operational solutions. President Pader said she intends to invite district administrators and directors to speak to the board about current needs and possible temporary coverage arrangements so the district can maintain operations while the superintendent search proceeds. The board discussed whether to include executive-session time for confidential staffing or personnel matters and agreed that could be used if needed during the work session.

The board also agreed to request an oral report from Borough Attorney Brown at the organizational meeting about the history of the borough attorney's work with the district and asked the business manager, Mr. Schueller, to prepare attorney-fee and invoice figures for the meeting. Board members discussed the district audit timeline: auditors from Altman Rogers have provided a draft and are completing fieldwork; the board was told the district hopes to have materials ready to present in November pending auditor availability.

On oversight items, staff told the board the ESSA audit due dates fall in March (paperwork due Feb. 25) and that a Medicare/Medicaid review referenced in the interim superintendent's report is on hold pending federal actions; the district reported it is awaiting a commissioner's letter on an ELL complaint. The board flagged scheduling complications that could arise from a Nov. 18 recall election, noting certification of election results on Dec. 20 could affect board membership and the timing of appointments.

Why it matters: The Oct. 22 organizational meeting will formally reconfirm the governing body's membership and officers and will start the process of implementing immediate leadership and legal oversight steps after an interim superintendent's resignation. The board's planning choices affect short-term district operations, vendor engagement, and timelines for audits and complaint processes.

What remains open: The board has not yet adopted a final interim coverage plan; it will consider administrator recommendations and may hold additional special meetings. The board also awaits commissioner and auditor communications on the ELL and ESSA items.