The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School Board held a special meeting on April 12, 2025, to address pressing issues affecting local education and staffing. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding job security for educational staff and the impact of administrative changes on school operations.

One of the primary discussions centered around the challenges faced by paraeducators, with one staff member expressing deep concern over the uncertainty of their positions. The speaker noted that two valued team members were leaving—one relocating and another accepting a position at the airport. This departure underscores the ongoing instability within the school environment, where staff members frequently question their job security.

The speaker emphasized the legal obligations tied to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which mandate paraeducator support for students. However, there are discussions about potentially reducing this support, which could further complicate the educational landscape. The speaker pointed out that the current staffing situation has made their role significantly more challenging, particularly with the reduction to a half-time vice principal, which has increased their workload substantially.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for stability and support within the school system to ensure that both staff and students can thrive. The board is expected to continue discussions on these critical issues in future meetings, aiming to find solutions that will enhance job security and educational quality in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough.