School Board Discusses New Hires, Superintendent Review Process, and Board Vacancies

The Copper River School District Board of Education met early on Tuesday, July 7. Topics discussed included the board's process for evaluating the superintendent, new hires to the district, and upcoming board vacancies.

This was board member Preston Callison's final meeting. He has resigned from the board because he plans to relocate out of state, leaving his seat vacant for the board to fill. Board members Anna Bell-Hand and Eileen Ewan will not seek re-election, so their seats will also soon be vacant.

As of Tuesday’s meeting, Board President Mark Somerville said nobody has filed their intent to fill Callison’s vacancy or run for election in November.

The board discussed the need for greater training for incoming board members, a sentiment echoed by both Bell-Hand and Ewan. Members also discussed the need and desire for a board retreat, as well as additional coaching and training for new board members.

Superintendent Teresa Laville reported that a company recently inspected the pellet boiler system at Kenny Lake School. She said more information will be available at a future meeting to help determine next steps, which could include selling the pellet boiler system. Somerville indicated the system has not been used in years and is more expensive than oil to operate.

The board approved the hiring of Margaret Wethor as a first-grade teacher at Glennallen Elementary School, Dreama Dela Cruz as Executive Administrative Assistant, and Jennifer Kistler as custodian at Kenny Lake School.

Board members also discussed a new evaluation method they will implement to make it easier and more streamlined to evaluate the superintendent based on goals established by whoever is in that position.

The board also made plans to discuss AK STAR state testing data, which Superintendent Laville said she hopes will be available by the next board meeting.

The Transportation Committee made plans to discuss requests from families living outside the district who would like bus service from the Nelchina area. Board Secretary Hannah Bengtson said similar arrangements have been made for families in the past.

There were no public comments. During closing remarks, board members thanked Callison for his service. Bell-Hand and Ewan, who will not seek re-election, emphasized the need for greater training and coaching for whoever their replacements will be after the fall election 

The next CRSD board of education meeting will be held on Aug. 4.