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Get Ready for AASB's 72nd Annual Conference
with these Participation Opportunities!
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Celebrate Exceptional Leadership
Carl Rose Governance Award
Nominate a board member who has gone above and beyond to support students and strengthen your district for the Carl Rose Governance Award.
Carl Rose Governance Award Nomination
Outstanding School Board Award
Nominate your board—or another—showing excellence in governance and commitment to Alaska’s students for the Outstanding School Board Award.
Outstanding School Board Award Nomination
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Lead Beyond Your District
The AASB Board of Directors nominations period is officially open! Serving on the Board means working with fellow board members from across the state on shared challenges and priorities while helping guide AASB’s efforts to support strong local governance and student success. This is your chance to step forward and contribute to the work of strengthening public education across Alaska.
AASB Board of Directors Nomination Form | Job Description and Code of Ethics
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LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY
Victory, Vigilance, and Advocacy
Lon Garrison, AASB Executive Director
The legislature’s override of the Governor’s veto on August 2 was nothing short of historic. It was a clear, bipartisan statement that education funding is essential to the health of Alaska’s public education system and to the future of our children. The action also countered claims that no policy was enacted—the override itself affirmed that policy considerations were central to the bill’s passage.
While we should celebrate this achievement, we must temper our enthusiasm with reality. Even with the fully funded statutory increase to the Base Student Allocation (BSA), our schools remain significantly underfunded. By current estimates, the BSA is still at least $1,100 short of fully accounting for inflation since 2011. We’ve made meaningful progress this past year, but we are far from finished.
Future funding will depend on continued policy compromise and, more importantly, on a long-term fiscal plan that commits to expanded and sustained education support.
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What's next for education funding and policy?
AASB Executive Director Lon Garrison joined Kuspuk Superintendent Dr. Madeleine Aguilar, DEED Commissioner Deena Bishop and Talk of Alaska host Lori Townsend to discuss the legislature's vote to override Governor Dunleavy's school funding veto, and what's next for Alaska education funding & policy.
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TRIBAL CONSULTATION
Honoring Tribal Consultation in Alaska’s Schools: Responsibility, Relationship, and Reciprocity
Darlene Paqpaluk Trigg, AASB Board of Directors & Nome Public Schools School Board
Sigvanna Tapqaq, Nome Public Schools School Board
Amber Frommherz, AASB Board of Directors & Juneau Borough School Board
Submitted on behalf of the AASB Board of Directors' Ad Hoc Committee on Tribal Consultation and Tribal Compacting
In Alaska, where more than 200 federally recognized Tribes steward lands, languages, and cultures thousands of years old, the education of Native children cannot be approached as a neutral or disconnected task. Our schools exist on Indigenous homelands. Every classroom, playground, and school board meeting takes place in a space shaped by Tribal histories and living cultures. Recognizing this, federal law requires school districts receiving Title program funds—such as Title VI (Indian Education), Title I (academic achievement), and others—to engage in meaningful consultation with Tribes.
But for Alaska, this is not just a compliance checkbox. Done well, Tribal consultation is an act of relationship-building that strengthens educational outcomes and advances equity. It is a practice grounded in respect, reciprocity, and a shared vision for the success of Native students—and indeed, for all students.
Legal Responsibility and Moral Imperative
Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), districts receiving significant federal funds must consult with local Tribal officials and parents of Native children when developing plans for using those funds. This is particularly relevant in Alaska, where many school districts serve predominantly Alaska Native communities.
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BOARD DEVELOPMENT
Building Stronger Boards: Insights from the Board Development Team
Pete Hoepfner, Board Development Coordinator
School boards are integral to shaping the educational future within their communities. They set the vision, establish goals, oversee policies, and engage with community members and partners—all with the ultimate aim of ensuring every student receives a high-quality education. However, serving effectively on a school board comes with numerous challenges, demanding a sophisticated understanding of educational systems, finance, community engagement, and legal frameworks. That’s why effective school board development is essential.
Our Board Development Team works with districts across the state to strengthen leadership, enhance decision-making, and promote a culture of continuous improvement. Building a high-performing school board doesn’t happen by accident; it’s the result of intentional training, reflection, and shared commitment to governance excellence. Here are some of the key insights and timely topics we’ve been exploring with boards this year:
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Alaska's Only Conference for
Charter School Leaders!
| | AASB'S Statewide Charter School Academy 2025 | | | | |
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Location: Anchorage School District Education Center, 5530 E. Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage.
Friday, September 12:
- Morning – Charter School Principals
- Afternoon – APC Members & Principals
Saturday, September 13:
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AASB is partnering with the Anchorage School District to host this year’s Charter School Academy, the only conference in Alaska dedicated exclusively to charter school leaders. This statewide training brings together charter school principals and Academic Policy Committee (APC) members for learning and collaboration.
This academy is designed to support APC members in collaborating with their school and district to promote educational excellence, while connecting and learning from charter schools around the state.
This event will provide APC members and principals with the opportunity to:
- Build your skills & knowledge in areas such as Roles & Responsibilities, Effective Meetings, Communication, and more.
- Connect with peers from other Alaska Charter Schools to exchange ideas and strategies that strengthen local governance and student outcomes.
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Register today for AASB's first in-person events
of the 2025-26 School Year!
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AASB's Executive Administrative Assistants Training
& Fall Boardsmanship Academy
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Coming your way in September:
An exciting lineup of engaging and informative training sessions designed for
School Board members and Executive Administrative Assistants!
Location: Marriott Anchorage Downtown
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Executive Administrative Assistants Training
September 18-19, 2025
Join us for this two-day professional development event tailored for those who provide administrative support to school boards across Alaska.
Whether new to the role or highly experienced, you’ll gain tools, strategies, and insights to strengthen your skills, navigate challenges, and build a statewide support network.
Topics include: preparing for board meetings, parliamentary procedures, new laws and regulations, navigating policy, and more.
Don’t miss this chance to grow professionally, build confidence, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of school board administration.
Agenda
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Fall Boardsmanship
Academy
September 20-21, 2025
AASB’s Fall Boardsmanship Academy helps school board members strengthen skills and kick off the year with confidence.
The training provides updates on key legislative and education issues, skill-building in areas like the Open Meetings Act, policy development, and onboarding new members, along with opportunities to connect and share strategies that improve governance and student outcomes.
Topics include: Open Meetings Act (presented by Sedor, Wendlandt, Evans & Filippi), school board policy, conditions for learning, onboarding new members, and more.
New and experienced members will gain insights, practical tools, and statewide connections to support their board work.
Agenda
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Two Back-to-Back Events
for Maintenance Professionals!
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AASB's Maintenance Employees Conference &
ALASBO's Good Alaska School Maintenance Professional Training
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Maximize learning and save
by attending both events!
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Join peers from across Alaska for the AASB Maintenance Employees Conference (Oct. 7–8) and the ALASBO Good Alaska School Maintenance Training (Oct. 9) in Anchorage. These hands-on events offer practical strategies, expert insights, and peer connections to strengthen school facilities and safety statewide.
Location:
Clarion Suites Anchorage Downtown
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AASB's Maintenance Employees Conference
October 7-8, 2025
AASB and the Alaska Public Risk Alliance (APRA) are hosting the 12th Annual Maintenance Employees Conference.
This two-day event focuses on school district maintenance and safety, with opportunities to learn from experts, share experiences, and network with peers statewide.
Topics may include: district case studies, roundtable discussions, health and safety practices, new technologies, safe water, employee safety training, bulk fuel management, thermal imaging, DEED updates, the statewide CMMS program, flooring care, and air filtration—plus more timely content.
This event provides valuable tools and networking to support safe, well-maintained school facilities across Alaska.
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ALASBO's Good Alaska School Maintenance Professional Training
October 9, 2025
Brought to you by ALASBO, this one-day training is for facility operations staff, including management, maintenance and custodial.
Occurring immediately after the AASB Maintenance Employees Conference, attendees will gain knowledge on maintenance best practices, operational staff roles in design, custodial management principles and compliance, CMMS and other key aspects of facility operations in Alaska.
This event includes some hands-on training, so come properly attired to visit operational facility spaces such as mechanical rooms and roofs.
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Sign up for this year's
Alaska School Climate & Connectedness Survey
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We invite your school districts to participate in the 2026 School Climate & Connectedness Survey (SCCS). Each year, the majority of Alaska school districts collect and use school climate data to improve and strengthen school environments, relationships, and connections between students, staff and families. Participating in SCCS also opens up additional opportunities for grant programs through AASB to support initiatives to improve school climate.
Questions? Contact the School Climate team at sccs@aasb.org
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2026 Statewide SCCS Window: January 26 – March 20, 2026
Districts select 1 four-week window for students & staff
Window 1: January 26 - February 20, 2026
Window 2: February 23 - March 20, 2026
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Get Ready for AASB's 72nd Annual Conference
with these Participation Opportunities!
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Make Your District Heard
Your Resolutions Guide AASB's Advocacy Efforts.
Together we set the course.
Information | Submit Resolutions
Submission Deadline: October 15, 2025
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Celebrate Exceptional Leadership
We're excited to announce the opening of the Carl Rose Governance Award and Outstanding School Board Award nomination period for member school districts!
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Carl Rose Governance Award
Nominate a board member who has gone above and beyond to support students and strengthen your district for the Carl Rose Governance Award.
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Outstanding School Board Award
Nominate your board—or another—showing excellence in governance and commitment to Alaska’s students for the Outstanding School Board Award.
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All nominations require official board action.
Remember to place this on your next school board meeting agenda to meet the submission deadline!
Nominations Deadline: October 10, 2025
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Lead Beyond Your District
The AASB Board of Directors nominations period is officially open! Serving on the Board means working with fellow board members from across the state on shared challenges and priorities while helping guide AASB’s efforts to support strong local governance and student success. This is your chance to step forward and contribute to the work of strengthening public education across Alaska.
AASB Board of Directors Nomination Form | Job Description and Code of Ethics
Nominations Deadline: October 22, 2025
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Can States limit athletic participation based on biological sex?
Part 1 of the series, Judicial Roundup: Corralling Cases That Affect Schools
Clinton Campion of Sedor, Wendlandt, Evans & Filippi, LLC
This year, our posse of rugged Alaskan lawyers are going to round up the cases that affect schools in Alaska and throughout our country. Anyone who squints at the horizon can see there are many battles in our courts that will have significant impact to our schools.
We address controversial issues and cases because they are important and because you, as a board member or administrator, need to be aware of them. The cases we address this year do not necessarily reflect our firm’s or any firm member’s political or social beliefs.
This first installment focuses on two cases on transgender athletes that the U.S. Supreme Court will decide in its upcoming 2025-26 term.
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Ranked Choice Voting & Robert’s Rules of Order
Ann Macfarlane, Professional Parliamentarian
Guest post by Jim Slaughter. Read our review of Jim’s book, Robert’s Rules of Order Fast Track
Ranked-choice voting (RCV) has received growing attention in recent elections. A major reason is that it eliminates the need for costly runoff elections, which often suffer from low voter turnout. Rather than holding a separate election weeks later, RCV allows voters to rank candidates on a single ballot. Many see this as a fairer approach, since the eventual winner typically has broader support—even if not as a first choice, then as a second or third.
Parliamentarians have known about systems where voters express a preference among nominees for a long time. There isn’t just one model of ranked choice voting, but I still get asked what method is recommended by Robert’s Rules of Order.
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Is it typical for the Superintendent to sit on the dais with the school board? How do districts around the state handle seating arrangements?
Answer: At AASB our recommendation is that the superintendent be seated with the school board, and this is common practice in Alaska. Room and seating arrangements vary district by district, but the practice of the superintendent sitting with the board facilitates effective communication and collaboration between the board and its chief executive.
The superintendent is the board's employee and advisor on all educational matters, district operations, and student needs. Sitting together at meetings reflect the trust and cooperation necessary for an effective board and superintendent team.
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Alaska Youth Lead the Way: Six Honored for Positive Community Impact
Six inspiring young Alaskans have been recognized through the 2025 Summer of Heroes program for making a difference in their communities—from tackling food insecurity and advocating for mental health to expanding access to sports, the arts, and inclusive opportunities.
This year, Alaska Communications is proud to recognize six exceptional young Alaskans through the 2025 Summer of Heroes program.
- Ella Boerger, 18, Anchorage
- Grace Kahn, 18, Kenai
- Shelby Rider, 18, North Pole
- Lola Swanson, 17, Seward
- Xiling Tanner, 16, Kenai
- Makai Warren-Dowl, 18, Chugiak
Each honoree will receive a $2,000 scholarship for their service, with additional support directed to youth programs through a $30,000 contribution to Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska.
Read their inspiring stories
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Building Body Confidence at Home:
A Free Workshop for Caregivers
Saturday, September 20, 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
UAA Beatrice McDonald Hall, Anchorage
Virtual Option Available
Join Zoë Bisbing for a free, daylong workshop designed to help caregivers nurture resilience, emotional safety, and body trust in children. Participants will learn practical tools to support their child’s well-being, reframe health through a shame-free lens, and create safe environments that honor every child’s body, brain, and emotions.
While the event is free, donations are welcome to support the Alaska Eating Disorders Alliance (AKEDA) in its mission to prevent eating disorders in Alaska.
Information | Registration
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Report: Fewer Sugary Drinks, Ongoing
Weight Challenges for Alaska Youth
The Alaska Department of Health has released its 2025 Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Obesity Report. The update highlights both progress and challenges affecting children and teens:
- Sugary drink use is declining. Daily consumption among 3-year-olds dropped from 43% in 2008 to 24% in 2022, meeting the Healthy Alaskans 2030 target.
- The state’s Play Every Day campaign continues to educate families about choosing water or plain milk.
- Healthy weight remains a concern. In 2023, 64% of Alaska high school students were at a healthy weight, while 16% were overweight and 17% had obesity.
The department stresses that improving nutrition, increasing physical activity, and preventing chronic disease requires coordinated action by families, schools, and communities.
Full Report
| | | Education News - Summer 2025 Recap | | |
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Aleutian Region – Nikolski School’s reopening year was ‘incredibly successful’, superintendent says – Sofia Stuart-Rasi, KUCB
Anchorage – Opinion: A clear direction and a strong start for Anchorage schools – Jharrett Bryantt, ADN
Anchorage – Cuts to Anchorage teachers mostly undone after tumultuous summer of budget revisions – Tim Rockey, ADN
Anchorage – ASD thanks lawmakers for restoring education funding at a critical moment – Carl Jacobs & Jharrett Bryantt, ADN
Cordova – Alaska school boards denounce education funding veto – Cordova Times
Dillingham – Dillingham City School District finalizes lease for future employee housing – Margaret Sutherland, KDLG
Fairbanks – School board student rep aims to be a ‘voice for students’ – Haley Lehman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Haines – Haines School District doesn’t renew bus contract: Superintendent looking for alternatives, parents looking for ways to avoid three-hour daily commutes – Melinda Munson, KHNS
Juneau – Juneau School District begins school year with more than 90 open positions – Jamie Diep, KTOO
Ketchikan – School Board advances policy change that would address citizen complaints – Alex Abbeduto, Ketchikan Daily News
Kenai – KPBSD responds to restored state, federal funding. The Alaska Legislature reversed Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of $50 million education funding – Jacob Dye, Peninsula Clarion
Kodiak – From island nation to an island in Alaska: how Filipino teachers adjust to their new lives – Brian Venua, Alaska Beacon
Mat-Su – Opinion: Mat-Su parents grateful for Sen. Yundt’s leadership on Alaska education bill – Brooke Gerkin, Amanda Johnson, Traci Sanders & Jessica Clark, ADN
Nome – Nome Public Schools requests additional funding from city after governor veto – Ben Townsend, KNOM
Petersburg – After Dunleavy’s education veto, Petersburg School District spends over half a million from reserves – Taylor Heckart, KFSK
Sitka – New superintendent will lead both Mt. Edgecumbe High School and Chatham School District – Katherine Rose, KCAW
Unalaska – Proposed state regulations threaten Unalaska school funding – Maggie Nelson, KUCB
Wrangell – New superintendent optimistic as veto override provides budget help – Jonathon Dawe, Wrangell Sentinel
Yukon-Koyukuk – Fairbanks jury convicts woman of fraud, theft for using YK school funds for personal purchases – Patrick Gilchrist, KUAC
More Alaska School District News
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Amid ongoing education funding battle, new task force outlines potential solutions – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source
Lawmakers run out clock on Dunleavy with seconds-long ‘technical session’ – Clarise Larson, KTOO
In veto override, some Alaska Republicans say they saw an opportunity for education compromise – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
Alaska lawmakers override 2 Dunleavy vetoes, restoring $50M in education funding – Iris Samuels, ADN
Opinion: Legislature has a constitutional duty to address Dunleavy vetoes. If we do not act during this special session, the vetoes will become permanent – Sen. Gary Stevens & Rep. Bryce Edgmon
Dunleavy revives previously rejected education policy proposals ahead of legislative special session – Iris Samuels, ADN
To thwart veto overrides, Dunleavy asks House Republicans not to show up to special session he called – Iris Samuels, ADN
Alaska ignored budget crisis signs. Now, it doesn’t have money to fix schools – Emily Schwing, NPR
Alaska K-3 students improve in reading, state assessment shows – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
School leaders in Alaska express relief as Trump administration releases frozen funds – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media
Trump-Vance Administration Releases $6 Billion in Funds for Public Schools After Legal Challenge Forces Action – Democracy Forward
School districts sue Trump administration over $6 billion funding freeze – ABC News
Alaska education department appeals failed test that puts $80 million in funding at risk – Jamie Diep, KTOO
If we are serious about improving education in Alaska, then we must fully fund our schools – Luke Meinert, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Governor calls school leaders ‘hysterical’ as many districts submit deficit budgets – Will Courtney, Alaska’s News Source
AASB Denounces Governor Dunleavy’s Vetoes of Vital FY2026 Education Funding – Delta Discovery
Dunleavy’s education veto highlights a leadership crisis and the need for fiscal plan – Carl Jacobs, Kelly Lessens, Melissa Burnett and Tim Doran, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Gov. Dunleavy vetoes $51M in school formula funding from budget – Sean Maguire & Iris Samuels, ADN
Public comment opens for proposed regulation change to further limit local contributions for school districts – Jamie Diep, KTOO
After outrage and legal threats, Alaska education board pauses new limits on local funding for public schools – Sean Maguire, ADN
More State and Federal News
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Looking for a New Superintendent?
The Association of Alaska School Boards has been conducting successful and economical superintendent searches for over twenty years. 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.
If you would like AASB to conduct a superintendent search for your district, or have questions, Learn More or Contact Us
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2025-2026 AASB Board of Directors
Back row, left to right: Paul Robbins, Jr., Ketchikan; Penny Vadla, Kenai; Clarence Daniel, Lower Kuskokwim; Tim Doran, Fairbanks; Amber Frommherz, Juneau.
Middle Row, left to right: Dana Mock, Delta/Greely; Annie Weyiouanna, Bering Strait; Darlene Trigg, Nome; Julia Phelan, Delta/Greely; Melanie Kasayulie, Yupiit; Frieda Nageak, North Slope.
Front row, left to right: Kasaŋnaaluk, Marie Greene, Northwest Arctic; Margo Bellamy, Anchorage.
Not pictured: Melissa Burnett, Fairbanks; Michael Swain, Bristol Bay
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Association of Alaska School Boards | aasb.org | |
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