During the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School Board Special Meeting on April 12, 2025, community concerns about school transitions took center stage, highlighting the emotional impact on students and families.

Eugenia Smith, a fifth-grade teacher at Point Higgins and a parent, shared a heartfelt testimony about her daughter’s distress over changing schools. She emphasized the strong connections her daughter has formed at Hotling School, expressing that the emotional toll of moving is significant for many children. “They have big feelings,” Smith noted, underscoring the importance of stability in a child's educational environment.

Smith's plea resonated with other parents who echoed similar sentiments about the challenges of school transitions. The discussion revealed a broader concern within the community regarding the emotional well-being of students as they face changes in their educational settings.

The meeting served as a platform for parents and educators to voice their worries and advocate for solutions that prioritize the emotional needs of students. As the school board considers future decisions, the community's input will be crucial in shaping policies that support both academic and emotional stability for children in the Ketchikan Gateway Borough.