Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! Our district is very excited to have all of our students, staff, and parents back in school after a tumultuous few years. Our 42 schools are committed to meet the needs of every student, every day. This includes a safe and supportive learning environment for students and staff. Our overall philosophy is to establish strong, positive relationships with all students to provide a high quality learning experience. We take these responsibilities very seriously and look forward to working with our staff, students, parents and guardians, and diverse communities to fulfill these commitments.
All of us will focus to keep everyone informed with current issues and information. The COVID-19 mitigation plan will ensure safety for everyone, and to keep each school open for onsite learning, is updated for this year. We are committed to work closely with state and local leaders to develop a long-term fiscal plan that makes sure our children are the highest priority. This year the KPBSD focus is on literacy; academic achievement; social and emotional learning (SEL); and positive relationships.
At the district office, I am pleased to welcome Ms. Kari Dendurent, the new Assistant Superintendent; Mr. Eric Pederson, Director of Elementary Education; and Mr. Tony Graham, Director of Secondary Education. In the southern peninsula, we welcome back our teachers, instructional aides, nurses, custodians, secretaries, bus drivers, and food service professionals — they are the backbone of our district’s success. Join me with a warm welcome to new school administrators: Ms. Meghan Redmond, Homer Middle School; Ms. Penny Bearden, Nanwalek School; Mr. Jerry Stapleton, Paul Banks Elementary; Mr. Eric Hart, Port Graham School; Dr. Michael Sturm, Razdolna School; and at Susan B. English School in Seldovia, Mr. Scott Jonsson. We look forward to their leadership in your schools.
Parents and community members are invited to volunteer and become involved in partnerships to support students. Schools need the help of parents and community members in order to be successful with every child. It is also critical for young people to know that their parents, guardians, relatives, and friends are supportive of their schooling process. A student without this support may, at times, feel at a loss to find the necessary focus to excel in their learning.
I hope to see you in the coming months and wish you a great start to school. Join me as I travel throughout the district this year to schools and to meet our communities. Connect with the KPBSD through our website, mobile app and social media. We look forward to an outstanding year!
Sincerely,
Clayton Holland
Superintendent of Schools
