Ketchikan residents urge board to investigate alleged misconduct by district leaders

Several residents used the board’s public comment period on Feb. 12 to raise allegations of leadership misconduct, request independent investigations and demand greater transparency from the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education.

At the podium, Jasmine Pattison said an organized community group, Red Tide KGBSD, had filed 11 complaints alleging misconduct involving the district’s HR director and Superintendent Robbins. Pattison asked the board to investigate and said the complaints had not received a public response. “Ketchikan students deserve leaders who uphold the same standards they expect from staff and students,” she said, calling for an independent investigation, a policy‑compliance audit, whistleblower protections and open forums for staff and community concerns.

Tiffany Cook submitted a written letter read at the meeting that likewise called for outside investigation into alleged policy violations and for improved fiscal controls. Cook’s letter said the public deserved clearer answers on prior unbudgeted spending and urged the board to open an outside investigation into the “numerous allegations of policy violations and misconduct that have been made and continue to go ignored.” Several other commenters — including speakers who identified themselves as former staff members, parents and community advocates — echoed those concerns and asked for accountability.

Board members acknowledged the complaints were being raised publicly. The superintendent and legal counsel were referenced in discussion about personnel process and state law; board member Jordan Tabb reminded the audience that board responsibilities and limitations with respect to personnel actions are set by board policy and state statute. The board cited board policy (04/2000) on dismissal, suspension and disciplinary action and Alaska Statute 14.20.180 when describing how personnel matters are processed under state law.

No formal action — such as a motion to open an independent investigation or to appoint special counsel — was recorded in the public meeting minutes during the Feb. 12 session. The public comments, however, included multiple requests for the board to be transparent about complaint handling, confirm whether Superintendent Robbins recused himself where appropriate, and to provide the community with results or next steps.

Why this matters: Public confidence in school governance depends on transparent handling of personnel and financial concerns. Complainants asked the board to respond publicly or to authorize an independent review; the board and administration said they would review and follow applicable legal and policy processes.

What the board said next: During board comments later in the meeting, members reiterated that personnel processes are governed by board policy and state law and that questions about particular personnel matters should be directed through the appropriate procedural channels. The board did not vote on whether to open an outside investigation during the Feb. 12 meeting.