Resident urges board to recognize departing teachers; superintendent highlights students and grant work

During the public‑comment period at the Kodiak Island Borough School District July meeting, Judy Karstens told the board she reviewed the staffing report and was troubled by the number of departures. "We lost 2 top notch instructors with this last go round," Karstens said, naming a long‑time advanced‑English teacher (Mr. Jackson) and a high‑school social‑studies teacher, Matthew Nagley, and asked the board to acknowledge their service.

Board members responded that Karstens’ concern was noted; one member suggested drafting a letter of recognition from the board to honor retirees and long‑time staff. The board did not adopt a retroactive formal recognition during the meeting but indicated the item could be handled administratively.

Later in the meeting Superintendent Dr. Dan Briggman, attending remotely while at a conference in Nashville, recognized four students and their coach for national competition honors and described the district's participation in a grant‑funded "common vision for learning" professional development program. Dr. Briggman said the leadership team is attending the conference thanks to grant funding and that he would return to Kodiak Friday and remain available by phone and email.

The board also approved three FY27 certificated contracts (Jacqueline Clifford Walter, Alexis Perry and Travis Cooper) totaling $225,972.12. A board member asked whether teachers returning from leaves of absence have priority in hiring; Assistant Superintendent Damon Hargraves clarified that under the negotiated agreement those teachers do not automatically have priority and principals hire based on experience and fit for a position.

The meeting closed with board members expressing appreciation for the new superintendent’s outreach and optimism about the upcoming school year.

The board adjourned at 7:49 p.m.