Ketchikan school board delays reestablishing ELL department until superintendent named

On May 28, 2025, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education voted 3–2 to postpone until July 9 a motion that would direct the superintendent to reestablish the district's English Learner (ELL) department.

The board’s ELL committee, which members said has met since October, asked the board to restore a formal ELL department so district personnel could more fully coordinate services to students needing language supports. Committee members told the board the program had once been “beautiful and strong” and that reestablishment would require organization and leadership rather than new funding.

Supporters warned that the district’s current ELL organization is thinly staffed and that gaps could jeopardize federally funded Title programs. A board member also said district counsel had reviewed earlier allegations that services were inadequate and did not conclude the district was breaking the law, though other board members said counsel might not have full details about who is or is not being served.

Board members pressed on several operational questions: whether a supervisor had volunteered to lead the department, how tribal consultation had been conducted for hiring committees, and how emergency teacher certificates are being handled. Several speakers said emergency certificates are commonly used to fill vacancies quickly but create perceptions of inequity among staff pursuing certification.

The board first amended the motion so it would instruct the superintendent — rather than the board — to reestablish the department; that amendment passed on the floor. Later, when members asked for the incoming superintendent to be involved in shaping and implementing the department, the board voted 3–2 to postpone the instruction to the superintendent until its July 9 meeting. The roll call on the postponement was: Robbins Jr. — yes; Guthrie — yes; Tatsuta — yes; Thomas — no; Ginter — no.

Supporters of immediate action said postponing risks further delay for students who need ELL services. Opponents of moving forward without a superintendent said the superintendent must shape the department’s structure and select staff leads. Several board members noted that, even if the board approved the instruction immediately, a superintendent would be required to implement it.

The board packet included committee recommendations describing the scope of a reestablished department; members did not adopt those details at the meeting. The matter will return to the board agenda on July 9, 2025.

Ending: The delay leaves the committee’s recommendations in limbo until a new superintendent participates; board members said the July meeting should allow the incoming leader to advise on staffing, timelines and tribal consultation.