Just after her swearing-in, newly-elected school board member Amanda Williams faced her first major policy decision: whether to establish a district pre-K program for the upcoming school year.
Superintendent Deidre Jenson has been spearheading this initiative, supported by Xóots Elementary Principal Jill LeCrone and others who are concerned about the high number of kindergarten students entering the district lacking essential reading skills.
“About 80 percent of our students require intervention, which is standard for incoming kindergartners,” Jenson told the board. “We want to get ahead by providing early intervention so they can have a head start.”
In 2022, the Alaska Legislature passed the Alaska Reads Act, establishing reading proficiency standards by the end of third grade.
Jenson mentioned that the district conducted a survey among families, finding that most respondents supported the pre-K program. “We had 43 yes votes, 35 no votes, and 21 maybes, contingent on an educational component,” she said.
Notably, 24 families expressed willingness to pay at least $1,000 a month in tuition for the preschool. Jenson clarified that the goal is not to compete with existing childcare services but to cater to families not enrolled elsewhere.
Joel Markis, president of the Betty Eliason Childcare Center board, voiced concerns about the school district potentially competing with his organization. “It seems like the school district is creating a competing program while benefiting from Sitka’s tax base,” he remarked.
Annette Evans, Ventures director, also expressed worries about potentially using Ventures funds for a second preschool teacher’s salary if the program was full-day. Ventures is mainly self-funded, and Evans indicated she couldn’t contribute additional funds.
The most significant objections came from board member Phil Burdick, who questioned the program’s affordability. He noted that the $1,000 monthly tuition would exclude many families and could widen an equity gap the district has worked to close for two decades.
“A tuition-based program is not equitable,” Burdick said. “Our goal is to build a more equitable school district, and I can’t see how this aligns with that.”
Burdick, a former teacher and administrator, was also concerned that the program might prioritize adherence to the Alaska Reads standards, which he likened to “teaching to the test.”
In defense of the proposal, Principal LeCrone argued that young learners need support beyond just test preparation. “Our preschool will provide a hands-on, place-based environment for children to thrive,” she stated. “The focus is on play, socialization, and adjustment for a successful transition to kindergarten.”
Board members Amanda Williams and Steve Morse supported moving forward, with Morse noting, “It’s definitely a step in the right direction.” Student member Francis Myers urged the administration to research local childcare costs to avoid undercutting existing programs. Only Tom Williams hesitated, wanting more information on staffing and other details before proceeding.
Ultimately, Williams was outvoted 4 to 1, with even Burdick joining the majority to allow the district to proceed with hiring two teachers and launching the preschool in time for the current academic year.
October 2, 2024 School Board Update: Approval of School Psychologist Contract
The recent tragic loss of a Pacific High student in a vehicle accident, along with other incidents, has drawn attention to the emotional well-being of young people in Sitka.
During the October 2 meeting, school board member Paul Rioux spoke passionately about the closure of key support programs, including Raven’s Way, Crossings, and the crisis stabilization unit at Bartlett Hospital. He acknowledged that funding challenges were behind these closures but emphasized the need for better mental health resources.
“Grief is often overlooked in our culture, and our community’s toolbox for support is lacking,” Rioux said. “It’s time we empower our students, staff, and families to support those who have experienced loss or struggle with mental health issues.”
Although there was no action item regarding student emotional health on the agenda, the board later discussed a $50,000 contract for school psychological services, required for supporting special education students due to the regular psychologist’s leave. The board unanimously approved the measure, with Acting President Todd Gebler noting the urgency of the services following Rioux’s remarks.
“This is something that has to happen, especially now,” Gebler stated. “These services are desperately needed.”
The contract for psychological services was awarded to Eula Crippen from Second Nature Psychological Services in Sitka.
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