School News

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact in-person learning in Unalaska, nearly a third of the island's high school population is failing at least one class, according to school officials. And some seniors could be at risk of not graduating.

Four finalists have been selected in the Unalaska City School District's search for a new superintendent.

John Conwell announced his resignation from the position in November and is expected to retire when the semester ends. The four finalists will undergo teleconference interviews next week, the district said in a statement.

Under the district's latest revision of its Smart Start 2020 plan, Unalaska students will once again return to their classrooms beginning Monday, Feb. 1. 

The Unalaska School Board approved the district's revisions five to one at its special meeting on Monday. After suggesting opening schools later in the semester, Fernando Barrerra was the only board member to vote against moving forward with the district's revisions.

Unalaska students will continue with distance learning for the time being, while school administrators finalize a reopening plan. 

Administrators presented revisions of the district's Smart Start 2020 plan to the school board on Wednesday. The draft of revisions includes cohort systems, staggered schedules and remote teaching options. 

The plan also outlines how many positive coronavirus cases would determine when students are in the classroom, learning remotely or a hybrid of the two. 

Since the beginning of December, Unalaska students have been in their classrooms for a total of just three days. They've spent the rest of that time learning from their homes.

Remote education has been a challenge for many teachers and families, especially recently, as the district shifted to in-person learning and back out again, all within about one week.