The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School Board held a special meeting on April 12, 2025, to address community concerns regarding the proposed restructuring plan for local schools. The meeting featured public comments from residents, highlighting the impact of transportation and safety on students, particularly younger children.

Patricia Kranz, a long-time community member and grandmother, expressed her worries about the safety of young students who would be required to travel long distances on school buses. She emphasized the challenges faced by families without transportation and the potential risks for children, particularly kindergartners and first graders, who would be unsupervised during lengthy bus rides. Kranz urged the board to consider the implications of sending young children on these routes, especially in adverse weather conditions, and called for more support and supervision on buses to ensure student safety.

Nicole Lynn, another community member, thanked the board for their engagement with public concerns but raised questions about the rationale behind the restructuring plan. She noted that while the board provided a pros and cons list, the references supporting the proposed changes were largely theoretical and not directly applicable to the local context. Lynn called for more concrete evidence and clarity regarding the benefits of the restructuring, particularly in relation to student outcomes and community needs.

The meeting underscored the community's desire for transparency and thorough consideration of the implications of the restructuring plan. As discussions continue, the board faces the challenge of balancing administrative efficiency with the safety and well-being of students. The next steps will likely involve further community engagement and a reassessment of the proposed changes based on the feedback received.