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Posted by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | May 7, 2021
The Sitka School Board unanimously adopted the recommendations on this list. (SSD image)
The Sitka School Board approved almost $900,000 in CARES Act relief spending when it met last Wednesday (5-5-21), on everything from additional staff to copy machines.
The board’s only hesitation came from knowing that the money was not yet in the bank.
The first pulse of CARES Act relief came into the Sitka District around this time last year, and was spent on supplies and equipment needed to keep the schools functioning as they transitioned to remote learning. The second round about $500,000 rolled in last December, and most of that money has also been committed or spent on supporting district operations during the pandemic.
Posted by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Apr 26, 2021
Out of the budget for 2021-2022: Funding for Community Schools. The School Board reallocated the Community Schools reserve account to fund the Blatchley swimming pool next year. Blatchley will still see a “cut back” version of Community Schools, with buildings (mainly Blatchley) opened and closed by district staff. (KCAW file photo)
The Sitka School Board has passed a budget for schools next year, balanced by dipping deeper into savings than usual.
The decision to tap savings was recommended by Sitka’s interim superintendent last Wednesday (4-21-21), who also offered a stern warning that the same play wouldn’t be available in future years.
Posted by Robert Woolsey, KCAW | Apr 15, 2021
Sitka Community Schools has scaled back during the pandemic, but it previously has had a large menu of activities not just for kids. “Is it community, or is it schools?” interim superintendent John Holst asked the school board.
The budget for the Community Schools program in Sitka will likely be zeroed out next year, while the school district and city decide who’s financially responsible for the afterschool activities program.
The Sitka School Board on Wednesday night (4-14-21) heard a presentation from the administration that recommended reallocating the Community Schools budget to the swimming pool.
New superintendent negotiates three-year contract
Posted by Katherine Rose | Mar 8, 2021
The Sitka School District has locked its new superintendent into a three-year contract. In late February, the Sitka School Board met with Frank Hauser to negotiate behind closed doors. According to a district press release, they finalized the contract with a $140,000 starting salary.
Hauser is the principal of Service High School in Anchorage, and he brings 23 years of education experience to the job. In February, he was chosen from three finalists to lead Sitka’s schools, replacing interim Superintendent John Holst. When the Sitka School Board met on Wednesday (3-3-21), Hauser joined via Zoom to discuss his background and educational philosophy.