Copper River School District January 11th Board Meeting

Photo by ProAdventure

By Mica Hutchison

CRSD held their first board meeting of the new semester on January 11.

The technology department polled teachers and 5th through 8th grade students on device replacement. The majority of staff thought MacBooks or iPads would most benefit students, with most preferring the MacBook. 

While the upfront cost is higher, separate mice and keyboards would need to be provided for iPads. These auxiliary devices increase the rate of damage and loss, driving up the cost over time. The Technology Committee will be meeting to discuss the costs for this upgrade. Over the summer they will prepare the new devices for students, and they will be distributed to schools in August. Per the CRSD plan for middle schoolers, the new devices will remain on school property.

School Board Member Becky Schwanke inquired about students falling behind in math coursework, asking, “If a student only completes half of a course throughout the year, do we just automatically trust the teacher and the student gets full credit for that class?” Board Vice President Church-Chmielowski deferred to Superintendent Ashton stating, “If we need to discuss it in the curriculum committee, that’s something else that we can take up, but let’s let Thérèse work with the administration on that.”

The Glennallen Jr/Sr High School reported that Coach Chad Gerlach was inducted into the Alaska Wrestling Hall Of Fame. As a student in Glennallen in 1990, Chad became a state champion. He started coaching for Glennallen High School in 1995 and has since coached multiple state champions. Students thanked Coach Gerlach for his commitment to their wrestling program.

Slana students were visited by Kate Morse from the Copper River Watershed Project and introduced to the life cycle of salmon. Russ from the National Park Service and Robin from the Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment also gave a presentation. Upstream students also had the chance to learn about our local environment with their STEM activity “Fresh Eyes on Ice,” during which ice samples were taken from Tolsona Lake.

The Slana Archery Program recently received a $1,000 donation from the American Legion in Glennallen. The Slana Advisory School Board reported the team will be attending the State Tournament in March. Kenny Lake’s after-school archery program has also begun for the year under the direction of Patty Miller. All grade levels are included.

CRSD would like to introduce Driver’s Education next year. The program would include the use of a simulator which the district intends to purchase with funds from an American Rescue Plan grant. With this program, parents of teen drivers who successfully pass the course may be able to receive a discount on their insurance.

Superintendent Ashton said counselors continue to be available to assist any student or staff member in need of support. The district has a partnership with Copper River Native Association to provide techs throughout the year.

The CRSD Board approved a revision to the 2021-2022 school calendar, moving the Monday, February 14 inservice day to Friday, February 11. A survey pertaining to the draft of the 2022-2023 Basecamp/TREK calendar was sent out, and results will be brought to the next meeting of the School Board.

The Board discussed upcoming travel to Juneau for the Association of Alaska School Boards’ Legislative Fly-In. Several Board Members will be accompanying the Student Representatives for this event.

Two of the district’s vehicles will be listed for sale. A 2001 Cavalier has been well-used and is showing its age, with breakdowns being a concern. Also being listed is a 2018 Dodge ProMaster Tech Van which has been rarely used. With the current market for used vehicles, the district hopes to receive a high return, as funds will be used for future vehicle purchases.

Recent cold temperatures and highway closures in the Copper River Basin have highlighted the need for updates to the district’s cold weather policies. CRSD’s current administrative regulation was written in 1999 and relies on the Glennallen radio station thermometer to determine closures across the district. Superintendent Ashton discussed the varied inclement weather experienced across the district and the need to evaluate conditions at each school independently. With newer vehicles having more electronics, Ashton reported more vehicles are having malfunctions when the temperature dips below -45°F. Additionally, parents are inclined to keep students home in such temperatures. Updating the district’s cold weather policy is being spearheaded by Superintendent Ashton.