Ketchikan superintendent PJ Ford Slack announces November departure; district reports enrollment and program updates

Superintendent PJ Ford Slack told the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly on Oct. 6 that she will leave her post in November and that a superintendent-search committee will begin work the following Wednesday.

Ford Slack, who identified accomplishments she attributed to district staff and maintenance crews, said she remains proud of the district's facilities and student programs. "I am going to be leaving in November. We have a plan that we're working on, and it's time to begin the transition for your next... superintendent," she told the assembly.

Enrollment and funding: Ford Slack said the state bases funding on average daily membership (ADM) rather than simple enrollment and that the district budget had been prepared for 1,980 students. "We're currently at 1,948," she said, adding the count has fluctuated recently (the district was at about 1,966 earlier and close to 1,985 weeks before). She explained some families who began school Sept. 2 have since moved away as the cruise-ship season winds down, and some students may return in March or April; the district will educate returning students but may not receive state funding for the interim absence.

Facilities and student activities: Ford Slack said the district will repair the boys' locker room at Ketchikan High and check the girls' locker room to maintain Title IX parity. She also said Point Higgins Elementary was affected by a fuel spill but praised the building's design and staff. She announced Ketchikan Middle School had been honored as one of the outstanding middle schools nationally; staff and representatives will travel to Indianapolis in November to receive an award and to present.

Special education: When asked about special-education intensive placements, Ford Slack said levels are "about the same" as last year. She said the district's overall special-education share is substantially higher than federal expectations in many places: "We're never gonna be what the federal government expects... they think we should be at 9%... But we're more like 24%." She said the high percentage may reflect students who arrive with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and other factors; staff will continue to track the intensive-count numbers.

Audit and oversight: Ford Slack said the annual audit report should be available around mid-November, depending on the auditor's schedule, and said she will remain available to the district until her departure.

Ending: The superintendent's departure sets in motion a transition process and a superintendent-search committee; Ford Slack said she will remain engaged with the district during the handover and thanked staff and assembly members.