The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School Board held a special meeting on April 12, 2025, to discuss various educational strategies and community concerns regarding school operations. The meeting featured significant discussions on multi-grade teaching approaches and the implications of student transportation.

One of the primary topics addressed was the implementation of split grade levels in classrooms. A staff member shared insights on the decision-making process that led to this approach, emphasizing that it was a collaborative effort among teachers, led by Sherry Bullard. The staff engaged in numerous meetings over four years to evaluate the effectiveness of this method. The speaker highlighted the challenges of differentiating instruction for various educational levels within the same classroom but noted that the curriculum allowed for teaching the same concepts across grades. This strategy aimed to minimize the need for extensive student transportation, which was described as a traumatic experience for many children.

Concerns were raised about the negative impact of long bus rides on students' behavior and learning. The speaker expressed a strong preference for maintaining neighborhood schools to avoid the complications associated with busing students across the island. The emphasis was placed on the importance of creating a supportive learning environment that addresses the needs of all students, regardless of their grade level.

Following this discussion, community member Dave Timmerman voiced his concerns regarding the meeting's procedural aspects, particularly the decision to not allow a letter to be read aloud. He argued that this decision limited community input and expressed frustration over the absence of the superintendent, who was responsible for crafting the proposals under consideration. Timmerman’s comments underscored the importance of transparency and collaboration in the decision-making process.

The meeting concluded with additional community members expressing their thoughts, including gratitude towards specific board members for their efforts. Overall, the discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges and considerations facing the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School Board as they navigate educational strategies and community expectations. The board is expected to continue deliberating on these issues in future meetings.