School board president receives award for meritorious service

Local school board president Debbie Cary, of Ninilchik, is the Alaska Superintendent Association’s 2024 recipient of the Don MacKinnon Excellence in Education Award, the association announced Friday.

Cary, who currently serves as president of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education, was recognized for her service during the association’s annual conference, held from Sept. 27 to 30 in Anchorage. Cary was first elected to the school board in 2017 and has also served as the board’s policy chair and vice president.

KPBSD Superintendent Clayton Holland, who attended this year’s ASA conference, said in a press release from the association that he is “truly grateful” for Cary’s dedication and positive impact on the district.

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“Her passion for education, coupled with her strategic vision and inclusive approach, has led to meaningful improvements that benefit students, teachers, and the entire community,” Holland said.

Cary via social media on Friday said she was “honored and humbled” by the award.

“As a board member I have always tried to move our district in a positive direction,” she wrote. “Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent District 7 and the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.”

The MacKinnon Educational Excellence Award recognizes Alaska school board members who have provided meritorious service to their school district and community. The award, established in 1985, is named for Don MacKinnon, the first executive director of the Alaska Association of School Administrators and the Alaska Council of School Administrators.

Previous recipients of the MacKinnon Educational Excellence Award from KPBSD include Joe Arness, who received the award in 2010, Sammy Crawford, a 2006 recipient, and Debra Mullins, a 2002 recipient, according to the Alaska Superintendents Association.

More information about the MacKinnon Educational Excellence Award can be found on the Alaska Superintendents Association’s website at alaskaacsa.org/asa.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.