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School Board Seat D: Denise M. Rankin

My name is Denise M. Rankin.  I am the daughter of AB Rankin of Unalaska, and the late John Rankin who is originally from Tennessee.  My partner of 4 years is Joseph Buckelew, Sr., and I am helping to raise his 14-year old son Joe Buckelew, Jr.  My younger brother is Brian Rankin of Unalaska, he is married to Sarah Rankin, and I am the proud aunt of their two daughters, Abbygale Jensen of Anchorage, and Sasha Rankin a Senior at Unalaska High School.

In 1975 when my parents were divorced, mom moved us back to her hometown of Unalaska.  I was in the 1st grade when I started attending Unalaska City School.  I graduated from Unalaska High School in 1987.  I was one of 3 graduates that year.  After graduating, I decided to continue to make Unalaska my home.  I enjoyed working with many wonderful people at Alaska Commercial Co., Magone Marine, the airline Markair, Iliuliuk Family & Health Services, and now I’m about to start my 22nd year of working as the Property & Leasing Manager for the Ounalashka Corporation.

I have many years of past board experience I was a Trustee for the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Restitution Trust, a former council President for the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska, the Secretary/Treasurer for the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association board and served as Treasurer for Unalaska Holy Ascension of our Lord Cathedral.  I am also a past board member of Iliuliuk Family and Health Services, Inc., the Unalaska Chamber of Commerce, and the Museum of the Aleutians.  

As a board member for these organizations, I sat on many committees and participated in many board trainings and strategic planning sessions.  I also sat on the school budget committee for many years before becoming a school board member.

For personal family reasons, I decided to take a break from serving on so many different boards.  I have been focusing my afterwork energies on my family, especially learning how to be a stepmom, and the School Board.  The School Board to me is a very exciting and rewarding board to sit on.  Therefore, and I would like to humbly ask for your continued support and vote for Unalaska City School Board Seat D.

I really believe my love for our community and my prior board experience makes me a good fit for the Unalaska City School Board.

I would also like to thank KUCB and Channel 8 for this opportunity for candidates to provide information to the community.  And Unalaska please remember to cast your vote for your favorite candidate in October.  Let’s make this the best turnout yet for an election.

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