Board Approves CTE Partnership, Chistochina School Sale

Glennallen, AK -- The Copper River School District (CRSD) held a regular meeting December 2 with all members in attendance. 

The board approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between CRSD, Alaska Gateway District, and Delta/Fort Greely School Districts that will allow work on a new Alaska Career and Technical Interior Consortium (ARCTIC) to go forward. This project, to be directed by Zack Stenson, will build a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that would serve all three districts.

Superintendent Laville, Alaska Gateway District Superintendent Patrick Mayer, and Delta Greely School District Superintendent Michael Lee emphasized the potential to share resources that already exist within each district to benefit students in all three. Visiting students would be housed within host districts during short-term, intensive programs. 

CRSD student representatives Miya Hammons and Timothy Somers, when asked their opinion on the program, stated they felt students would be excited to take advantage of it. 

The board approved the transfer of the Chistochina School Building to the Mount Sanford Tribal Consortium (MSTC), following nearly a year of work by both parties. The agreement included a provision allowing CRSD to lease space in the future if needed. CRSD will also have the right of refusal if MSTC seeks to sell the building. Furthermore, MSTC would be asked to cover the legal and other costs associated with the transfer. 

The Native Village of Chitina submitted a request to include a Land Acknowledgement of Ahtna Lands in future graduation ceremonies. Board President Mark Somerville expressed concern with this proposal, stating land acknowledgements elsewhere in the state are encountering legal battles with the State of Alaska. Ultimately the board tasked the policy committee with both researching the legality of a Land Acknowledgement and reaching out to additional Tribal entities for their feedback. 

During superintendent questions and comments, Board Member Anna Bell-Hand requested the district improve communication to parents if school buses are going to be late or cancelled. Board Member Hannah Bengston wanted to ensure long term fixes were sought for issues with heating, noting an actuator was recently replaced in Glennallen. 

Board members had questions about the ViVi system, an emergency alert system recently installed throughout district buildings. The system will allow administrators to send emergency messages to teachers’ computers. In the event different classrooms need different information, administrators should be able to customize which messages go where. 

Board member Lacayah Engebretson asked whether the CRNA resource room was included in the system. Technology Specialist Jonathan Carty stated it is not currently, but a device could be installed there. Preston Callison noted that it would be important to also ensure that visitors signed into the building are also aware of emergencies. Superintendent Laville stated alert systems would include flashings and other indications in the hallways. 

District administrators reported highlights around CRSD. The 38th annual Thanksgiving Dinner in Slana was attended by approximately 80 people. Linda Bates praised students for their hard work in making the event a success. Upstream Learning Lead Teacher Mark Proch highlighted the partnership with Kenny Lake School (KLS). The KLS building has hosted some Upstream electives, while Upstream has shared some staff time with KLS. 

KLS Lead Teacher Shawna Goodwin highlighted activities including skating and cross country ski programs, robotics, and archery. Glennallen High School Principal Ben Dolgner described wind-down activities heavy on treats for staff and spirit costumes to end the semester. The Christmas Pageant was also widely praised.

New staff include Nadine Van Sleet as a GES special education paraprofessional and newcomer Thomas Roberts as a Slana special education paraprofessional, custodian, and bus driver. 

The work session prior to the regular meeting included a report on the annual required audit of district finances. The accounting was found to be all in order, thanks to District Business Manager Sandy Friendshuh’s hard work. The board also received and briefly reviewed the questionnaires they will fill out as part of Superintendent Laville’s annual review. 

The next meeting will be Tuesday January 6 at 6:00 p.m. at the school district office.  The board will be in executive session during the work session prior to the January meeting.