Superintendent honors 35-year teacher Paula Kelbeck and highlights student projects and a $25,000 athletic donation

Superintendent (S3) opened the report by announcing that Paula Kelbeck will retire after 35 years teaching at Fairbanks Local Schools, most recently as a sixth-grade science teacher who also taught math and social studies and served as a team leader and outdoor education coordinator. “We say congratulations to Paula and thank her very sincerely for 35 years of dedication to Fairbanks students and families,” S3 said, and the district will celebrate her with staff after school on Wednesday.

S3 highlighted multiple student activities including an eighth-grade trip to Washington, D.C., a collaborative rocket-launch project supported by a donation from Parker Hannafin, a cardboard-boat Regatta design challenge and spring concerts and art showcases. S3 emphasized career-technical learning: high-school students taught elementary students measurement techniques during the rocket project and guest reviewers from a regional water park provided feedback to student designs.

S3 also announced a $25,000 donation from Union Rural Electric (URE) to help complete athletic facility improvements, including an enhanced light show for basketball games. “We are grateful to Union Rural Electric for their generous donation of $25,000 to the athletic program,” S3 said.

The superintendent concluded by reminding the public about commencement for the Class of 2026 at Higher Field on Saturday, May 23 at 10 a.m., which will be livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel.

Next steps/administrative notes: district staff will celebrate the retiree, coordinate sponsor-supported projects with athletics staff and continue communicating graduation livestream details.