School News

School Board May Dip Into Savings To Fund UCSD’s $7.7 Million Budget

By Laura Kraegel • Feb 26, 2018

Despite growing enrollment, the Unalaska City School District is facing another year of lean finances.

The board of education took its first look at the 2019 budget on Thursday.

The proposal totals $7.7 million, which is about $600,000 more than last year.

On the positive side, Business Manager Holly Holman said revenue is expected to increase — thanks to a projected enrollment of 400 students.

That’s a dozen more than last year.

Meet Joanna Hinderberger, Unalaska’s New Elementary School Principal

By Laura Kraegel • Nov 6, 2017

Unalaska has welcomed a handful of new community leaders in the last few months.

That includes Joanna “JJ” Hinderberger, the new principal at Eagle’s View Elementary Achigaalux.

KUCB's Laura Kraegel sat down with Hinderberger to ask how she’s settling in to her first full-time job as a principal.

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Tan Runs Unopposed For School Board Seat B

By Laura Kraegel • Oct 2, 2017

On Tuesday, Unalaska voters will decide two seats on the board of education for the Unalaska City School District.

KUCB’s Laura Kraegel spoke with school board member Cherry Tan, who’s running for reelection unopposed at Seat B.

If she wins, Tan will earn a three year-term.

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John Conwell Named Alaska Superintendent Of The Year

By Laura Kraegel • Aug 25, 2017

Unalaska’s John Conwell has been named 2018 Alaska Superintendent of the Year.

On Thursday, the longtime leader of the Unalaska City School District received the news at the board of education’s first meeting of the new school year.

“I can’t tell you how honored I am," said Conwell. "You always sit back and think these sorts of accolades aren’t that important, but when you do get one, it’s sort of nice.”

After Rejection, Unalaska Student Earns Top Honors At RAHI

By Berett Wilber • Aug 4, 2017

Brian Conwell is greeted like rock star when he steps up to the microphone, surrounded by cheering teenagers from across Alaska. But he doesn't burst into song.

"I'm Brian Conwell, and I'm a RAHI reject," he tells the crowd.

When Conwell applied to the Rural Alaska Honors Institute (RAHI) last spring, he was wait-listed. But after a last-minute invitation and six weeks of grueling college courses, Conwell has found himself headlining graduation as the valedictorian.