In a recent Ketchikan Gateway Borough School Board special meeting, educators voiced their commitment to multi-age classrooms, emphasizing the benefits of keeping students in their neighborhood schools rather than busing them across the community.

Sherry Bullard, a leading staff member, shared insights from four years of collaborative teaching, highlighting the challenges and successes of differentiating instruction for various grade levels within the same classroom. Bullard explained that their curriculum allows for teaching the same concepts across grades, enabling teachers to tailor lessons to meet the specific needs of third and fourth graders. This approach not only fosters a supportive learning environment but also minimizes the need for lengthy bus rides, which can be stressful for students.

Bullard expressed concern over the negative impact of long bus commutes on children's behavior and learning. She described the bus rides as traumatic experiences that can lead to disruptive behavior in the classroom. By maintaining a focus on local, neighborhood schools, educators believe they can create a more stable and nurturing environment for students.

The discussion underscored a strong community sentiment against the idea of specialization that would require students to be transported to different schools. Educators and community members alike are advocating for a system that prioritizes local schooling, allowing children to thrive in familiar settings while receiving the individualized attention they need.

As the school board considers future educational strategies, the voices of teachers like Bullard highlight the importance of community input and the need for solutions that prioritize the well-being of students. The commitment to multi-age classrooms reflects a dedication to meeting diverse educational needs while fostering a sense of belonging within the community.