CRSD Board April Meeting

The Copper River School District Board held its regular April meeting in Slana. They had an opportunity to tour the school prior to meeting. 

The board approved resignations of Glennallen Middle School teacher Scott Somers, special education paraprofessional and CTE teacher Heather Hammons, effective at the end of the school year; Assistant Superintendent Jason Roslansky, effective June 30; and custodian Craig Hebert, effective April 24. 

Two new Kenny Lake Middle/High School teachers and a special education director have been hired. According to Superintendent Laville’s monthly board report, Glennallen is seeking teachers for: first grade, fifth grade, middle school general, high school math, and two in special education. Upstream/Headstart and CRNA need one special education teacher. 

Slana will need to hire a reading teacher, as enrollment is up to seventeen students. Kenny Lake School currently has all certified positions filled. 

The district will have a new Social Studies curriculum for the next five years. The board approved $35,247.90 to the vendor TCI for K-5 and $42,440 for the vendor Traverse for middle and high school. Superintendent Laville stated that these curricula have a lower continuing cost than some others because they are text book based, rather than software based. They have a “strong civics component,” which coincides with a legislative push for civics requirements in schools. Laville also noted that using books will help reduce screen time for students. 

Superintendent Laville looked forward to having a math interventionist to help district students struggling with the subject. 

Superintendent Laville acknowledged District Maintenance Director Johnny Carty for working quickly to resolve frozen pipe issues that occurred last month. Glennallen Principal Ben Dolgner also stated “the team showed up” when pipes froze, commending staff on flexibility and planning. 

Upstream learning teacher Mark Proch reported the program has started student testing, offering flexible times to accommodate different families. He reported approximately 60% of students participate in state standardized testing, which Board President Mark Somerville pointed out is above average for homeschool programs. 

Linda Bates reported on the archery program’s upcoming travel to nationals in Salt Lake City, noting that community donations will cover the cost. Six students qualified for the tournaments, ranging from fourth grade to high school senior. Bates noted Benton Clary won first place in Alaska for 3D target shooting.

Debbie Lorence requested travel permission from the school board for students to participate in the Close Up trip to Washington, D.C. and the Passports travel program to Paris, Rome and Florence in 2027. She encouraged students to sign up early to receive discounts and to consider putting summer job pay towards travel.

Board member Lacayah Engebretson asked whether there was a cost to the district. Lorence stated the program has used school vehicles to go to the airport. The Migrant Education committee has also helped students to travel in the past. No additional district funds are used for this program, which relies primarily on fundraising and participant fees. Lorence is not compensated. 

While it was believed that the Migrant Education Program would not be funded for next year, it now appears the program will continue next year.

Student representative Timothy Somers, who participated in the Close Up program, stated he “learned a lot about politics, the nation, and history, and met with Alaskan legislators.”

The board and Superintendent Laville discussed having students create presentations or reports for the board or other entities, to demonstrate what they have learned through the programs.  

Lorence stated she believes “students come back with more to share of their own opinions.” She also believes the incentive of travel helps with student behavior. Engebretson stated she would like to see some quantification of improvement to student performance, noting that could be used to attract outside funding. 

Board member Anna Bell-Hand recommended instituting a deadline for passport application, recalling one of her relatives scrambling with this issue. 

The final contract for the sale of the Chistochina school building to Mt. Sanford Tribal Consortium was approved. 

The board renewed the lease on the Gakona School to the Child Advocacy Center (CAC). Executive Director Gina Hoke requested that the lease be extended to thirty years, from five. 

In final board comments, member Mark Pick stated that some “make up days” for school facility emergencies or weather “end up being inservice days rather than student contact days.” The recommendation was that the policy committee examine this issue. 

Board member Hannah Bengston congratulated Bell-Hand for being recognized by Representative Andi Story in Juneau for taking in local young people. 

The next board meeting will be May 5 at 6:00 p.m. at the district office. The board will meet for a budget work session prior to the meeting.