Education

“We are hoping to do this again and again in the coming years, and hopefully the community will be more involved,” said first grade teacher Judith Withers. “Because that is what makes us strong people, right? We come together."

Crowds of Unalaskans gathered Sunday to celebrate the grand opening of the newly expanded Unalaska Public Library. “It’s an investment by the community in itself, really,” said City Librarian Karen Kresh. “And a statement of confidence in the future of this community — that we’re still going to be here for the next 25 years."

The Unalaska Public Library will reopen this weekend, more than a year after it closed for a long-awaited renovation and expansion. The library will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration Sunday, April 30, from 1 to 3 p.m.

The Unalaska City School District will have a new superintendent starting this summer. Kim Hanisch sat down with KUCB's Sofia Stuart-Rasi last week to talk about her experience in education — and why she chose Unalaska.

The Unalaska City School District has asked the city to increase its contribution to local public schools in fiscal year 2024, including dedicating $140,000 in new funding for student activities. Superintendent Jim Wilson made the nearly $5.5 million request to the City Council this month. Meanwhile, councilors are also weighing funding for the Community Support program, which awards grants to local nonprofits. Eight organizations have requested a total of $1.5 million.

On Wednesday, the school board approved a ninth and final new teacher contract, marking the end of a challenging effort to recruit amid a nationwide teacher shortage. To help with other hiring efforts, the board also approved a new salary schedule for administrative coordinator roles.

The Unalaska Learning Center is hosting a grand opening for its new building this weekend. Part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Bristol Bay campus, the center was previously located next to the high school’s woodshop. Now, it’s in the former alternative education building. "We have this large open space — much more welcoming," said Jill Spetz, instructional services manager for the center.

Unalaska City School District Superintendent Jim Wilson sat down with KUCB’s Sofia Stuart-Rasi last week to discuss bills involving pronoun use for LGBTQ students, resources for students interested in technical schools after graduation, and a potential increase in the base student allocation.

On this year’s ballot for Unalaska’s Municipal Election, there are two school board seats up for grabs. Bob Cummings is running unopposed for reelection for Seat C and David Gibson is running against incumbent Nicole Bice for Seat D.KUCB held a live forum for the candidates on Sept. 14. with Cummings and Gibson. Bice was unable to attend due to a work conflict.

There are more Indigenous people living in Alaska than anywhere else in the United States. But Alaska Native students are vastly underrepresented on college campuses. And when it comes to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math — fields that are especially dominated by white men — Alaska Native students face even greater barriers to entry. Dr. Michele Yatchmeneff wants to change that.