Our Mission: To advocate for children and youth by assisting school boards in providing

quality public education, focused on student achievement, through effective local governance.

Special Edition - May 4, 2020

To help keep you informed of rapidly changing new developments, special editions of Commentary will be published weekly through the end of the 2020 school year.

I include everyone that serves our students day after day - superintendents, central office staff, principals, teachers, paraprofessionals, food service personnel, custodial staff, maintenance personnel, bus drivers, secretaries, and all others who make certain schools are ready and able to educate our children. They do their jobs day in, day out, throughout the year. However, they all deserve special kudos for what they have done during the COVIS-19 pandemic.

We were all left reeling over the decision to close schools – an unprecedented event in our lifetimes. Most were asking, “So what does this mean?” With just a few days pause, our school staff leapt into action and began to serve students in so many ways. We have seen incredible people doing amazing work to ensure students continue to receive an education.

Students were fed, teachers connected with their students, lessons were delivered in a myriad of ways, supplies necessary for home education were assembled and distributed. There was little hand wringing and complaining. These folks did what Alaskans always do – they solved problems as they arose and developed “workarounds” to accomplish the job.

I’ve frequently said to colleagues across the nation, only half in jest, “Alaskans are not smart enough to know we cannot do anything.” There is truth in that statement. We live in the harshest environment the planet has to offer. Distances separate us like nowhere else. We lag behind every other state in infrastructure. Missed airplane flights, shipping delays, late mail deliveries, high prices, isolation, material shortages – these are commonplace, and we think little of them.

All of this is said so that we can remember the many things your school staff overcame to ensure that school continued, no matter how lessons were delivered or what obstacles had to be hurdled. Alaska’s students are the winners because of these dedicated people!

I encourage you to reach out to those folks operating your schools from wherever they are working and thank them for what they do every day – but especially during this difficult time.

Norm

"Our Superheroes Wear Masks"

The Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA) released a collage of Alaska superintendents in personal protective equipment on National Superhero Day as a recognition of their tireless efforts in transforming the educational landscape of Alaska in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 



I n the weeks following the abrupt school closures, s uperintendents across the state began orchestrating near-overnight transition to remote delivery of education, student meals and learning materials and collaborated daily to share policy and procedures that address  the health, safety and educational needs of Alaskan students and families.

"It is a show of solidarity reflecting the outstanding efforts of our educational leaders, in partnership with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, business and government leaders, as well as partner organizations", said  Executive Director Dr. Lisa S. Parady.

More from Sedor, Wendlandt, Evans & Filippi, LLC:

- AASB WEBINAR - FREE TO MEMBERS -

Join  Lon Garrison (AASB)  and education attorney  John Sedor (Sedor, Evans, Wendlandt & Filippi)  as they discuss the basics of local, state and federal laws that affect school boards and the districts they serve.

Parents stated that spending time outdoors (74%), increased family time (70%) and connecting with friends and family online (69%) have helped them deal with physical distancing measures. Over half reported difficulties in obtaining medical care (80%) and mental health care (60%).

Survey Results Summary

The suspension of requirements applies to any applicant for Alaska certification and all certificated staff of Alaska school districts. Additionally, Commissioner Johnson has invoked his authority to issue emergency certification and waive requirements for the renewal of certification in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Order of Suspension No. 2 is lifted, applicants who were issued an emergency certificate under this order must satisfy the requirements to qualify for subsequent certification.

More Information

Although we discussed the challenges, it was clear that the fundamental values driving our work - building relationships with students and families, place-based and culturally responsive learning, and aligning our work to better serve families - remain especially important while "sheltering in place".

It was great to see all of our partners come together and hear about the ways that our Southeast communities are stepping up to support each other in our time of need!

We have included some highlights of the resources shared at the STEPS partner gathering below.

2020 STEPS Gathering Resource Links

- SURVEY -

Southeast Youth Power Hour

Tlingit & Haida Navigators Program

Tlingit & Haida, along with other partners across Southeast Alaska, are currently planning a "Youth Power Hour," a virtual space (similar to the Tele-Native Youth Webinar series) for youth across the Southeast region to meet over teleconference and take part in educational conversations with guest speakers. In order to help craft this virtual event, T&H is collecting survey responses from students, staff, and community partners who would be interested in this opportunity. The survey link is below!

Survey Link

- SURVEY -

Juneau Youth Check-In

Tlingit & Haida Navigators Program

T&H is sending out a survey in order to check in with Juneau youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several education partners have indicated that some youth and families in the Juneau community do not have access to all of the resources they need during this time, and this survey is intended to identify those students that need help.

Please send this link to youth that you know or work with in Juneau!

Survey Link

- SURVEY -

Rural Womxn's Care Package

Native Movement

Native Movement is committing to sending essential items for women living in rural Alaska during the coronavirus pandemic. This survey is intended for individuals living in rural Alaska and are struggling to access the essential products they need, such as feminine care products, condoms, art supplies, etc.

Please send this link to women in rural communities that you may know of who could benefit from receiving these care packages!

Survey Link

- PROGRAM -

UAS Successful Scholars

August 18th in Juneau

The Successful Scholars Program is a support program for first-generation, low income and/or underrepresented college students at the University of Alaska Southeast. A strong support system can make a big difference in how students navigate the changes and challenges the college experience brings and will be a factor in finding their success at UAS. UAS recognizes students will bring several assets to campus and will face unique experiences as they begin this exciting journey. If you would like to apply for this program, please click the link below for more information and for the application link.

More Info | Register



Being quarantined at home for extended periods can increase the amount of stressors for families, students, and teachers connecting remotely. Here are resources to help.

More SEL Articles

SCHOOL CLOSURE - WEEK 8

COVID-19 school closures have disrupted school grading systems.

DEED does not have a policy to address these unique circumstances,

and considers grading a local issue. 

What grading system is your district using to ensure

equitable achievement among all students ?

I believe this is a fair way to recognize students’ on-going efforts, maintain academic standards in our high school courses, and acknowledge the challenging circumstances many students face with independent learning at home.

We will offer a four-week summer extension period for any student who fails a second semester class. This extended period will run June 1 – 26, giving students four additional weeks to earn a passing grade and credit. For those students who would like to improve their grade in any second semester class, we are offering our online six-week iSchool courses at no-cost to students this summer. We will provide additional opportunities into next school year for students who may wish to improve their academic standing.

More Detailed Grading System Information from Superintendent Karen Gaborik

Auke Bay Elementary School teachers in Juneau staged a parade through the neighborhoods of their students. There were kids lined up waiting at the end of their driveways waiting excitedly to see their teachers. 😊

In addition, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education is also waiving the WorkKeys test requirement for the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS).

Details of this waiver and any other changes to APS policies will be available on the APS website at APS.alaska.gov. Sign up here to directly receive notifications.

Press Release

Through the Advantage program, students can earncredits that are accepted at UAF but can also be transferred to other institutions of higher education. Students enrolled in one of the following school districts you are eligible for eCampus Advantage special pricing:

Information | Summer Registration | Fall Registration

Closing the Gap

Planning for Distance Learning

Funding Opportunities

Education Partners

Please note - some news outlets may require registration or a paid subscription for link access. Others may grant free access to a limited number of articles before requiring a paid subscription.

The grants will be funded through the Education Stabilization Fund (ESF), authorized by the CARES Act. The Rethink K-12 School Models Grant is aimed at opening new, innovative ways for students to access K-12 education with an emphasis on meeting students’ needs during the coronavirus national emergency. The competition is open to state educational agencies which can apply for funds in one of the three categories:

Application packages for these competitions will be available within two weeks. Applicants will then have 60 days to apply.

Press Release | Application Information

The CARES Act provides approximately $2 trillion in relief to American families, individuals, small businesses, states, tribes, hospitals, community health centers, and front line medical professionals. Links to information on specific elements of the legislation are provided.

Summary of CARES Act legislation

The lawsuit was filed by tribes in the Lower 48 and Alaska. They  argue that the corporations don’t meet the federal definitions of “Indian Tribe” or “Tribal government.”

Alaska’s U.S. senators said they’re disappointed.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski said the state’s delegation worked to ensure the federal law used a definition of tribes that included the corporations. “This is not an issue of governance,” she said. “This is an issue of making sure that those costs that have been incurred on the benefit and for the behalf of Alaska Natives — to cover those related costs to the coronavirus — can be reimbursed.”

And Sen. Dan Sullivan said the corporations have missions mandated by the federal government beyond those of other corporations.

2 Minute Read

“Following conversations with the Legislature, community leaders, and our federal partners, I have submitted a revised package of RPLs for expedited consideration. This money will go directly where it is needed most into the hands of local communities, small businesses, and non-profits,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy. “My administration stands ready to distribute these needed funds immediately to help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 in Alaska. It is our hope the LB&A Committee takes expedited action on this request.”

Letter from Governor to LB&A Committee Chairs

CARES Act Funding Summary Sheet

At Thursday’s House Finance Committee Meeting, testimony was heard from a number of municipalities including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Ketchikan, Kenai, Kodiak, Mat-Su, and Bristol B ay. Every one of the municipalities included the veto of school bond debt reimbursement and community assistance. Both of these appropriations affect school districts. 

All municipalities expressed disbelief, and even anger, over the CARES funding being used to supplant the items vetoed from the state budget. Municipal staff testimony expressed serious concern over communications from the U.S Treasury on allowable uses of CARES funding. There are questions being raised over Alaska’s interpretation of allowable uses for the funds.

A sudden increase in cases — a sharp, upward leap on the graph of cases — would likely drive up the number of people who need beds in intensive care units or one of the state’s limited number of ventilators. So far, that hasn’t happened. And it’s allowed officials time to build health care capacity statewide.

3 Minute Read

“If you can’t name everyone you spent more than 10 minutes with in the last week, then you’re probably spending too much time with too many people.”

The state is tracking the three ways Alaskans can contract the virus: through travel, from family members and other close contacts (known as “secondary” acquisition), and by community spread.

3 Minute Read

Please note - some news outlets may require registration or a paid subscription for link access. Others may grant free access to a limited number of articles before requiring a paid subscription.

Some of the defining moments for the Class of 2020 might be the moments that never were. In Anchorage, high school seniors left school at the start of spring break on March 5, just before a pandemic rerouted American life. The students never again reconvened. Classes shifted online, sports were canceled, and annual traditions that make the final weeks of high school special became collateral damage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

4 Minute Read

“Public Schools: Mental Health Education,” or HB 181, would require mental health to be included in all K-12 health class curriculums by adding "and mental health" to the Alaska state statute regarding health education.

“It’s a very simple three-word term that is attempting to ensure that within health classes, regardless of the grades that they’re in or how many hours that are spent on it per week or per year, that mental health is a component of it,” Lucas Johnson, a second-year student at Bowdoin College assisting MHATS with advocacy, said.

3 Minute Read

“It was called the Digital Teaching Initiative,” said Ketchikan school technology coordinator Bill Whicker in a phone interview last Thursday. “Really, the goal of it was to get high quality courses and Alaskan teachers in front of more kids in a digital fashion,” he said.

Whicker used $800,000 in grant money to build the Alaska Digital Academy, which he now leads. He’s careful not to call it a virtual school. Instead, it’s a “course portal” — students’ home districts assign credits and determine graduation requirements.

3 Minute Read

At his community briefing, Mayor Ethan Berkowitz was joined by Anchorage School District Superintendent Deena Bishop, Director of Economic and Community Development Chris Schutte and Innovation Team Director Brendan Babb.

Anchorage School District staff are planning for students to retrieve items left behind from before spring break. Each school will handle pickups differently. ASD is also working on plans to celebrate seniors as well as summer learning options. Superintendent Deena Bishop said summer school will be an option for all students.

The district will offer a four-week extension for any student that hasn't finished the credits needed for the spring semester.

2 Minute Read

Cockle said they ran out of copies of the books within hours. Many orders came from areas in the Mat-Su Borough, but not all of them. “We've gotten questions from all over the state of Alaska, as well as California, Tennessee, other states,” she said.

Meanwhile, a different business owner in Palmer decided to encourage students to read the books. DanaLyn Dalrymple started a contest, five $100 prizes drawn from the names of students who could prove they read the books. That was her plan at least.

“Within 24 hours, I had about 50 people who were willing to make a donation for a prize,” Dalrymple said.

She added that if everyone follows through on their donations, the prize pool will be about $5000 instead. If that’s the case, she said, the prize structure will need to be adjusted. “We’re going to get as many kids a prize as we can,” she said.

2 Minute Read

“This is a surprise to the school board,” said school board President Brian Holst in a phone interview. “The Juneau School District has no plans to do anything like this.”

“We do not have a banned book list,” Holst said. “A few years ago we identified a few books that were egregiously culturally insensitive so we don’t include those books in our curriculum. There was no need for them, given there were better resources for the grade levels.”

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“We anticipate that our impact aid will be up slightly, and our other revenue will be down slightly,” said Superintendent, Jamie Burgess. He went on to say that there will be a slight adjustment to overall expenses for the school district due to the switch to a middle school model. Expenses will go up slightly due to necessary staffing adjustments as well as a “small increase” in teacher salary schedules in the coming years, Burgess explained. He did not offer more details on the negotiated teacher salaries, but said there will be some outside funding to count on from the CARES Act.

2 Minute Read

Our Superintendent Search Service provides expert facilitation of the entire search process, including identifying the needs of the district, recruiting candidates, conducting background searches, facilitating interviews, and all the steps to help with the hiring process. Learn about our Search Service

List of superintendent searches AASB is currently facilitating

If you would like AASB to conduct a superintendent search for your district, or have questions,  Contact Us



- AASB WEBINAR - Working With Your Community

Claudia Plesa and Tyler Breen host this webinar on how your Board—and you as a Board member—can work more effectively with your community to improve student success. Webinar | Slideshow

- AASB WEBINAR - Distance Teaching with Zoom

In this "office hours" session Professor Megan Gahl and AASB staff answer questions and hear teacher insights on how to keep students engaged while teaching online. Discussion Notes

- AASB WEBINAR - Tips for Engaging Learners From a Distance

In this educator-focused webinar, Professor Megan Gahl, Heather Coulehan and Emily Ferry provide an overview of Zoom basics and best practices, and engagement in online classrooms. Webinar & Resources | Distance Learning Tips and Tools guide

- AASB WEBINAR - Holding Your Meeting Remotely

In this board-focused webinar, Lon Garrison and Timi Tullis provide an overview of what board members need to know to hold successful remote meetings.

Webinar & Resources

AASB now offers condensed, distance-delivered versions of our popular workshops and training sessions. Member districts receive a special rate for AASB sessions: $600 includes preparation, up to 3 hours of training, and a post-training report.

We can also provide customized solutions based on your needs. 

Please reach out to us.



- More Information -

Email Timi Tullis or call 907-321-4758

Your school district is a vital member of the Association of Alaska School Boards, our state’s leading advocate for public education. Together, we work to ensure equity by strengthening the connections between schools, families, tribes, communities, and government so that every Alaskan child has the opportunity to receive a quality public education.

The many services AASB offers are designed to provide maximum benefit to our members in meeting their district's goals. Check out our Membership Benefits brochure and let us know how we can assist you!

AASB Membership Benefits Brochure