Ketchikan school board, AASB outline priorities, timeline for superintendent search

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education met in a work session April 2 to shape the district—s superintendent search, setting candidate priorities, interview formats and a recruitment timeline ahead of a planned July 1, 2025 start date for the new superintendent.

Consultants from the Alaska Association of School Boards (AASB) led the session. Pete Heffner, an AASB consultant, walked board members and community participants through the process and materials, saying, “I sent out everybody a workbook, first... thanks again for, going to AASB for your superintendent search, and this process.” The board discussed what to include in the public brochure, where to post the vacancy and how the district will vet finalists.

Why it matters: Board members said the next superintendent will be asked to manage an immediate fiscal challenge while rebuilding trust with staff, students and the community. The board flagged school-structure discussions, upcoming union negotiations and shrinking staffing as factors that increase the search—s urgency.

Most important priorities and qualifications Board members repeatedly said strong district financial management must be a top priority. Jordan (board member) summarized a common view: the district needs a superintendent who can "dive into" the budget and help build a long-range…