The Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board on Oct. 30 administered oaths to two newly seated board members and elected officers to lead the board for the 2025–26 year.

Judge Peterson administered the oath of office to Naomi Hewitt and Audra Hall, who each affirmed support for the U.S. Constitution, the Alaska Constitution and the laws of the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Judge Peterson said, “There are only three times that a judge gets to do anything fun. That is adoptions, weddings, and swearings in.”

After the oaths, Superintendent Dr. Luke Meinert conducted the board’s reorganization. Nominations for president produced two candidates: Mister Dorn, nominated by Carol Hubbard, and Mister Burgess, nominated by Meredith Maple. Board members cast secret ballots on pink slips; a majority was reported for Mister Burgess, who was congratulated as board president.

Meredith Maple was elected vice president after a contest in which Morgan Julian and Maple were nominated and ballots were cast. For treasurer, nominations included Julian and Carol Hubbard; Hubbard was elected treasurer. Carol Hubbard nominated Morgan Julian for clerk; Julian was elected clerk.

During the reorganization process a board member asked for clarification about the term referenced on the agenda; a member clarified the elections are for the full 2025–26 year rather than a remainder term as written on the agenda. The board used secret ballots when multiple nominations were offered and collected votes on pink slips handled by district staff.

In brief board comments following the elections, Treasurer Carol Hubbard welcomed the new members and said she is “committed to assuming positive intent of every board member” and to focusing on student outcomes. The newly elected president thanked colleagues and said he would rely on members’ experience and fresh perspectives, invited input on committee assignments and said the board will continue work on the district strategic plan.

The special meeting included no public comments on the agenda items and concluded after a motion and second to adjourn.