UNALASKA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Unalaska’s school superintendent submitted her resignation Tuesday. Kim Hanisch joined the Unalaska City School District in 2023 and will be leaving her position in June.

Unalaska’s swim team wrapped up its 2025 season last week at the region tournament in Homer, sending off junior Adyson Scott to compete in the Alaska State Swim Championships.

KUCB asked the Unalaska community to submit questions for the candidates prior to Tuesday's election.

Unalaska middle and high school principal Mark Alston submitted his resignation letter Wednesday, citing complications with his mental health as reasons for stepping down. He originally planned to stay with the district for 30 days after submitting his resignation, but Superintendent Kim Hanisch said Alston updated his departure date Monday morning.

For this episode of “Island Interviews,” KUCB’s Sofia Stuart-Rasi talks with UCSD Activities Director Kent Russell about everything happening in sports and activities for students this fall.

KUCB held its annual school board candidates forum on Oct. 1. Dean, Peters and Warden addressed various topics, including teacher retention, school safety and student support systems. Gibson was traveling and unable to attend this year’s forum, which was hosted by Unalaska student government representatives Kallysha Ranario and Redmond Rodemio.

Unalaskans will vote on five City Council and school board seats in October’s election.

Summer vacation is over for Unalaska students. Teachers and some staff returned at the beginning of the week and students joined them Wednesday.

Unalaskans interested in running for local office can file candidacy with the city starting Thursday.

A proposed change in regulations around how local governments contribute to school districts would cost the Unalaska City School District about $2 million. The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development is proposing new rules that would limit local contributions for non-instructional services, or special funds. For Unalaska, that includes things like academic clubs and sports, preschool, community use of school buildings and food services.