District Partnerships Continue, School Board Vacancy

The Copper River School District board met January 6, hoping to interview new candidates for a newly vacant seat. However, no letters of interest to fill the seat were received. The board will seek to fill the seat at their February meeting. An announcement with a new deadline will be issued by the district soon.

Longstanding board Vice President, Heidi Jacobsen, resigned from the board late in 2025 in order to become the Glennallen High School math teacher. During the meeting, members and administrators expressed encouragement for her in the new position. Student representative Timothy Somers also stated approval of her teaching style and enthusiasm.

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Much of the discussion at the meeting centered around the State Board of Education’s approval of a new legal requirement that services specified for special education students be provided monthly. These services, such as occupational or physical therapy, were previously required quarterly.

Laville acknowledged this was meant to improve outcomes for students, a sentiment echoed by board member Preston Callison. Laville also expressed concern about the cost of the services and the difficulty in finding providers with the required certifications to deliver them. Several board members were also concerned about the additional cost to the district.

Administrators again highlighted partnerships. Kenny Lake planned to visit Slana for an archery event. The Slana School has been teaming up with the Katie John school in Mentasta for activities. Special Education Director Sheryl Ross highlighted partnership with Copper River Native Association.

Staff have also continued to be flexible as the staff shortage has continued.

All expressed gratitude to maintenance staff for keeping the buildings running during the prolonged and extreme cold.