[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6695982,"mediaKeyId","2303338-2a7483f7351aeea3faddbc736395c941","parentId",2303338,"title","Community members urge investigation into district leadership; board hears complaints during public comment","audioSeconds",3076,"startMs",972000,"endMs",4048000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2303338-2a7483f7351aeea3faddbc736395c941&start=972&end=4048","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2303338-2a7483f7351aeea3faddbc736395c941/thumbnail_972000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6695982/Ketchikan-Gateway-Borough/Alaska/Community-members-urge-investigation-into-district-leadership-board-hears-complaints-during-public-comment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6695982-2917f13c42bbe58ee2d6c9186078f76d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770530293&Signature=Hj~a45TOV-7Q4m9~hAtMMVwko7mwwcmB0sKVT70368-7f2fbmNodLXtdIOJnyltaci1utIltw4Zb3uAkOEEJX7IqCvQX0DOLqdGXrD~Pq~Nf59e5oanxlzhgupvvvpSm1jeoujJLIkm5AvNTyakcj0mDSkkWRus6GE1ZfO2D3LzfvwoWqqpTrW3OqmkIChWUaGgiql-NzhYR-DkI-Pi4C9NvxMbQmJnPrRc~XIufu~~o4d4s8iYAItoLjwnf0BZECYmKRFZDFdhM-HPgxZ0WxYyLAPIKJhj2t60OwfNigZ5CfGm6q543NXbKXCwmH84F0m71LWyLecG-rng1Dn-4Mg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ketchikan Gateway Borough","date","2025-02-12T00:00:00Z","article","During the public comment period at Wednesday’s school board meeting, several speakers raised allegations about district leadership and staff conduct and urged the board to investigate and increase transparency.

Jasmine Patterson told the board she represents a local watchdog group and said Red Tide KGBSD has received “11 complaints regarding misconduct involving HR director Mr. Escalante and superintendent Mr. Robbins,” and that the concerns had not received a response. Patterson asked the board to “address these complaints, provide transparency, and prioritize our students and educators over personal and political interests.”

Multiple other public commenters echoed calls for outside review. A letter from Tiffany Cook read at the meeting urged the board to hold work sessions rather than listening sessions to collaboratively explore alternatives and to open an outside investigation into “numerous allegations of policy violations and misconduct that have been made and continue to go ignored.” Cook also urged the board to analyze revenue losses that could follow if families leave the district because of closures or program cuts.

Board members did not take formal action on the allegations during the meeting. Board member Jordan Tabb reminded the audience that personnel processes and limits to board involvement are set out in district policy and state law, citing board policy 4.218 (dismissal, suspension and disciplinary action) and Alaska statute 14.20.180 for guidance on how personnel matters and appeals are handled.

What speakers asked for
Speakers recommended several specific steps, including: an independent investigation of alleged misconduct and financial practices; a policy‑compliance audit; stronger whistleblower protections; public forums enabling staff and families to describe concerns; and clearer disclosure about how unbudgeted funds were spent.

Why this matters
Allegations about leadership conduct and requests for independent review are separate from the budget debate but intersect with community trust in district governance. Several speakers said unresolved allegations are eroding confidence and could accelerate families’ decisions to withdraw students, which in turn would affect district revenue.

What’s next
The board did not open any formal investigation at the meeting. Board members asked staff to continue budget work and public outreach; at least one board member asked that an outside review be considered. The board would need to propose and vote on any independent investigation or audit if it moves forward.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ketchikan Gateway Borough - School Board - Feb 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents told the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District board they had filed complaints alleging misconduct by district leaders and called for independent investigations, whistleblower protections and greater transparency.","taxTitle","Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska","taxId",27492,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6695987,"Ketchikan school board approves K–6 restructuring, rejects formal Point Higgins closure plan",2433,5922000,8355000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2303338-2a7483f7351aeea3faddbc736395c941&start=5922&end=8355","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2303338-2a7483f7351aeea3faddbc736395c941/thumbnail_5922000.jpg","/articles/6695987/Ketchikan-Gateway-Borough/Alaska/Ketchikan-school-board-approves-K6-restructuring-rejects-formal-Point-Higgins-closure-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6695987-5e87e609c48cc49b8399ec54115f9c2e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770530293&Signature=Mf0B2vR9YI9xSDOP1KA-~JUzU98efoJ6-LqcYwbEGEFTQ9PTvlZ7tQmLicSF-kZdfN7UZzL31s1Iu9s5sk372Ar~fK1LC0y7QLh4aQOzlQVEwNzoRbMUlMzaQyXvRq9yKJZMBLJ5Px68tFq177RQCA3UeY1hsxCGqZhOmRdzJct4gzCAzvUOs8TZddh77ozBgQXsKt5LKhFU7VyijHtuSx2UmmR90-I5uVttywNStAjUB78i0GZFqnVGSsl3QoReaXQkO6f2BaPcjKGGnBGzUEbZuSS0XH8xE1AovZvjNzttOmff~CG6ZAbdNGh9VOBNW0AuFLD1o0~fTS9HzJTDAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education voted Wednesday to restructure grade levels at Houghton, Point Higgins and Fawn Mountain elementary schools for the 2025–26 school year, and earlier on the same agenda declined to formally open a closure plan for Point Higgins.

Board president O'Brien announced the passed motion to restructure K–6 at Houghton, Point Higgins and Fawn Mountain after a roll-call vote of 5 yes, 1 no and 1 abstention. The board earlier considered but rejected a motion to approve the creation of a Point Higgins Elementary closure plan; that motion failed unanimously when the board voted “no.”

The restructuring vote follows staff presentations of “red-line” budget scenarios prepared under the assumption that the state Base Student Allocation (BSA) does not increase. District staff said the “red-line” package without additional state funding would require roughly $5.9 million in reductions; the presented specialization/consolidation option — the plan that passed — was the district’s proposal intended to preserve specialists, libraries and key programs while reducing personnel through grade-level realignment and school-site consolidation.

Superintendent Robbins and district staff described the assumptions used to build the options: non-health accounts increased 3 percent, health insurance by 10 percent and electricity by 12.5 percent. Staff estimated closing Point Higgins would save about $2.63 million and additional building-level cuts about $3.38 million, while the district’s analysis showed that a $680-per-student increase to the BSA would restore many of the proposed cuts.

Board members debated trade-offs. Board member Keenan framed the restructuring as a “systemic” change needed to stabilize finances beyond the current fiscal year. Board member Ginter said the closure plan outline should be considered among other options — including the contract terms governing the district’s charter school — before decisive action, but acknowledged staff had prepared the catastrophe option at the borough assembly’s request. Several board members said the specialization model better preserves programs at secondary schools and avoids deeper cuts to middle- and high-school staffing.

The board heard widespread public comment opposing closures or grade reassignments, with multiple speakers urging preservation of neighborhood schools and warning of families leaving the district or shifting to homeschool programs if changes are imposed. Board members and staff emphasized the vote to create a closure plan would have started a formal closure process; the board chose not to start that process at this meeting.

Votes at a glance
- Motion: “Approve the creation of a Point Higgins Elementary School closure plan for school year 2025–2026.” Outcome: Failed (roll-call recorded as 7 no). Mover/second: not specified in record. Notes: Board discussion clarified that passage would have initiated a formal closure-planning process required by district policy.
- Motion: “Approve the restructuring of grade levels K through 6 at Houghton Elementary, Point Higgins Elementary, and Fawn Mountain Elementary for school year 2025–2026.” Outcome: Passed (5 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain). Mover/second: not specified in record. Roll-call (as read at vote): Peder (abstain); Sanderson (yes); Taub (yes); Guthrie (yes); Hewitt (yes); Ginter (no); O'Brien (yes). Count reported: 5 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain.

What the board instructed next
District staff said the passed restructuring direction will require administrative work to produce schedules, staffing assignments and boundary impacts. Staff estimated the immediate planning work could take several weeks and asked for clear direction so principals and teachers can prepare for next year. Several board members signaled they want listening sessions with the community about the changes and requested updated figures depending on whatever state funding is ultimately decided.

Why this matters
District staff said the proposals were created under a worst-case funding scenario and were intended to give the board options to address a multi‑million-dollar deficit. Board members repeatedly said success or partial reversal of the cuts hinges on the state legislature’s action on school funding (House Bill 69 and the BSA discussions were discussed during the meeting), but they also emphasized the board must produce a plan the district can execute on short notice if additional state revenue does not arrive.

What’s next
Board members scheduled follow-up work sessions and asked staff for detailed cost comparisons among the options, the effect of any student exodus on revenues, and timelines for implementation. The district will also continue outreach to the state delegation and the governor’s office on school funding.","The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District board voted 5–1 (with one abstention) to restructure grade levels at three elementary schools for 2025–26 while declining to approve a formal closure plan for Point Higgins Elementary after community objections.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6695977,"UAS highlights dual‑enrollment CNA program that put 40 local students through training",155,1131000,1286000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2303338-2a7483f7351aeea3faddbc736395c941&start=1131&end=1286","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2303338-2a7483f7351aeea3faddbc736395c941/thumbnail_1131000.jpg","/articles/6695977/Ketchikan-Gateway-Borough/Alaska/UAS-highlights-dualenrollment-CNA-program-that-put-40-local-students-through-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6695977-71fe80b8205f9b4d351a25fab49a90c3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770530293&Signature=DT4~BthUlOwDNKNiBVUqmTf4XL90Tac6fLWJetRtWL~vv~oXmg3oCSQAp6Zl4qWOw5vznBPdOD2p5KfJtG4yHCsp-KQYRHf4svp4DEfruZJSOLjUEgsapHpC0WYGNlbboUru0VcJeQAYVhsH1pMKk2KmkQCZ-2wyzE2BJV6PDUD9WL3Z-3-mTEw43l339510poP-GqCKhdVXDbO2OC5oIOOraMWq5FmMYB8nt68r6WONraJSuZQSYdOkIaNb4TC9NKaYZx~G310dItlVo5K2qI4nDWeF89Etf4LO-xxBzNn7RztwaYqcepCQFlsLQmbpmKh-4jsQrTAvmSaW61jNXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from the University of Alaska Southeast Ketchikan campus told the board Wednesday that a dual‑enrollment Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) pathway has trained about 40 Ketchikan students over the past two years and that the program operates at no cost to participating students.

Bill Urquhart, director of the UAS Ketchikan campus and the UAS Maritime Training Center, said UAS and the district partner to offer vocational and college credit courses — including welding, diesel engines, medical terminology and a multi‑credit CNA course (HS 105). Urquhart said the CNA classes have been offered in after‑school or evening formats for cohorts of up to 10 dual‑enrolled high school students, with clinical placements arranged at PeaceHealth Ketchikan or the Pioneer Home.

Urquhart said grants obtained by the university and grants coordinated by the district cover materials and instruction, enabling the program to be offered at no cost to students and without drawing on the district’s general fund. He told the board UAS had run four CNA classes in the last two years, putting “40 students of the Ketchikan area through certified nurse aide training” and enabling those students to sit for the Alaska Board of Nursing exam.

A student testimonial read for the board described a senior who said the CNA course “set me up for my future career in the medical field” and credited the program with clarifying her plans to pursue nursing. Urquhart encouraged board members to contact him and noted other career‑oriented offerings coming this summer, including an invasive green‑crab research class and oceanography courses.

Why this matters
The program provides a pipeline from local high schools into health‑care occupations and local employers, and it shows a model for using outside grants and university partnerships to expand career and technical offerings without increasing district operating costs.

What’s next
Urquhart offered district staff contact information to coordinate future classes and said UAS intends to continue collaboration; board members asked staff to follow up on potential program expansion and scheduling.","University of Alaska Southeast told the Ketchikan school board its dual‑enrollment certified nurse aide program has trained 40 Ketchikan students in the last two years and provides no‑cost pathways into nursing for high school students.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Community members urge investigation into district leadership; board hears complaints during public comment

Ketchikan school board approves K–6 restructuring, rejects formal Point Higgins closure plan

UAS highlights dual‑enrollment CNA program that put 40 local students through training