Klukwan School Teacher Jessica Tipkemper with students at the start of the 2016-17 school year. (Emily Files)
Administrators from the Chatham School District met with teachers and residents of Klukwan on Monday to discuss a number of issues facing the school. Topics included maintenance of the school’s roof, funding for a new playground and mechanical problems with the new school bus.
Community members expressed frustration about a lack of administrative support for the school. The greatest concern for the school, however, is the loss of staff.
Teacher Jessica Tipkemper left her position at the Klukwan school earlier this year for a job in Wisconsin. Due to budget cuts, her position will not be filled next year.
Chatham School District Superintendent Ann Hilburn also proposed to transfer Klukwan elementary school teacher Janice Byerlee to Gustavus. She would be replaced by Eric Hart, a high school science teacher from Gustavus.
Tribal Council President Kimberly Strong asked members of the school board to oppose moving Byerlee to Gustavus.
“We’re not real good beggars and we’re not real good askers, but we are asking and begging you to keep our teachers in place,” Strong said.
The Chatham School District includes schools in Klukwan, Gustavus, Angoon and Tenakee Springs. Superintendent Hilburn said after reviewing the governor’s budget cuts, she tried to move teachers around to suit each school’s needs.
Hilburn said that Hart has administrative certification in addition to teaching credentials. She chose him to replace Byerlee in order to provide administrative support to Klukwan.
“This teacher is a high school teacher and this teacher has administrative certification. I can make that move and field that need here in Klukwan. But to do that, I have to move a teacher from here,” Hilburn said.
Strong said that although the community is dissatisfied with the lack of administrative support in Klukwan, she disagrees with the superintendent’s proposal.
“The solution of sending somebody over to be a principal and a high school science teacher when we only have one high school student or maybe two high school students doesn’t make the best sense. The lower grade students where we need the support is going to get hurt. And people are going to take their kids away. They’re not going to stay in the district.”
Enrollment at the school has declined to 15 students this year. The state requires a minimum of 10 students to fund it.
The Chatham School District has experienced many shifts in its administration over the past few years. Currently, Bradley King serves as the school principal for Klukwan. He also serves as the school principal in Gustavus where he lives. He was hired for the position a year ago. Superintendent Hillburn was hired last July and plans to leave her job later this year. Her predecessor served on an interim basis for one year.
The Chatham School District will hold a regional school board meeting Wednesday at 6 p.m. with participation from all four schools. Chilkat Valley residents can participate by video conference at the Klukwan School.
