Board swears in Sherry Bullard as interim superintendent; Bullard outlines priorities

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District swore in Sherry Bullard as interim superintendent at the Dec. 17 board meeting. Following the oath, Bullard provided a verbal report summarizing her first week in office and immediate priorities.

Bullard said she met with staff (including Casey Paxton and Glenn Brown) to clarify roles and responsibilities, is working with incoming HR director Tim Peterson on position postings, and noted the Schonbrunn transition plan and the posting for the principal position (Karen Manobat). She reported multiple hours spent in CIP (capital-improvement-plan) meetings and said she toured Point Higgins and the nearby spill site, underlining ongoing monitoring obligations and potential costs while the building is closed over the break.

Bullard said she met with the district auditor to review the audit and plans to share notes with the board. She also announced she is enrolled in the superintendent certification program at the University of Alaska Southeast with classes starting in January and identified Dr. Mary Wagner as an adviser.

Board members asked about costs related to the Point Higgins spill and whether insurance will cover them. Bullard said the borough had not yet received reimbursement and that insurance claims take time; whether subcontractors would be made whole depends on the carrier’s final determination. The board requested additional follow-up on spill monitoring costs and insurance status.

Bullard also noted attendance at district events (Meet the Kings) and committee meetings (finance and native education) as part of early orientation. The board welcomed Bullard and thanked staff for ongoing work.