During a recent Ketchikan Gateway Borough School Board special meeting, community members voiced strong concerns regarding school changes that could impact students' well-being. Parents and educators highlighted the emotional toll of potential school relocations, particularly for children facing bullying.

One parent, sharing her personal experience, urged the board to reconsider plans that would require her daughter to switch schools. She recounted her own struggles with bullying in school and emphasized the importance of mental health for children. "These are kids that are going to be helping us in the future," she stated, advocating for a stable environment where children can thrive alongside their friends and supportive teachers.

Eugenia Smith, a fifth-grade teacher and parent, echoed these sentiments, expressing her opposition to the proposed specialization that could further divide the community. She reflected on the distress caused by the potential separation of siblings and friends, urging the board to prioritize unity and healing within the community.

The meeting underscored a collective desire for a thoughtful approach to school changes, with a focus on maintaining supportive environments for students. As discussions continue, the board faces the challenge of balancing educational strategies with the emotional needs of the community's children.