Federal stimulus
will boost school

By Ann Petersen

The Haines Borough School District stands to receive up to $313,000 in federal stimulus money next year, according to state education officials. Superintendent Michael Byer reported on the money at Tuesday’s school board meeting.

The money will come in the form of grants that can be used for instruction or capital projects.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, school board members voted unanimously to develop a policy regarding controversial issues and speakers, after numerous parents complained about a presentation by an Iraqi peace activist last week to middle and high school students.

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin previously said she would turn down money for education in the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but Palin last week said she’d accept the money. 

According to Eric Fry, a spokesman for the state department of education, Haines is estimated to be eligible for a $95,000 increase in federal funding for existing programs such as teacher training, special education, and preschool. The money will likely be allocated for the next school year.

In addition, the district will be eligible for $218,000 in stabilization funds from the stimulus package. The stabilization funds are a one-time grant that can be used for improving teacher training, targeted student performance, or construction projects.

Fry said that the school district would need to apply to the state this summer with a detailed plan on how to spend the stabilization funds. If the district’s plan is approved, the money could be available to the school next fall.

“I’m not counting any (money) until I see it,” said Byer. He said he would like to see some stimulus money used to complete landscaping and playground additions on the school grounds.

The school board, teachers, and parents will be consulted on how best to spend the money, Byer said.

The board also discussed development of a controversial speaker policy at length, following public testimony. The board decided to form a committee to develop a policy on future guest speakers. The committee is to include at least two members of the public.

Board members Stacie Turner, Sarah Swinton, and board president Carol Kelly all reported receiving numerous angry phone calls from parents after school presentations last week by Iraqi blogger Raed Jarrar. Jarrar told students that it was time for the United States to leave Iraq.

Turner said students who heard Jarrar’s presentation came home in tears. Reading from a prepared statement, Turner said, “I witnessed this man. I was appalled. I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by what (Jarrar) said. He should never have been allowed in our school.”

Turner said that Jarrar’s talk was an error on the part of school principal Cheryl Stickler. “I am disappointed that (principal) Stickler let him in. She has learned a lesson. She won’t be making this mistake again.”

Swinton said students should have the option of not attending presentations by controversial speakers. Some students chose not to attend Jarrar’s presentation, but Swinton said her children were raised to not leave an organized event. “I know I didn’t want my children to hear it.”

Haines People for Peace member George Figdor, who arranged the talk, and former school board member Judy Erekson testified in support of allowing students to hear a diversity of opinions.

Several students testified that they appreciated the speaker’s message, including high school student Chris Bowman, who said that the on a recent trip to Washington D.C., he had learned about the Fairness Doctrine in broadcasting, which ensures equal time to opposing political views. “I would hate to see anyone not be able to speak (at the school) because of a new policy,” he said.

School board member Turner said that the issue at hand was that children were not allowed the option of not attending. “Children came home crying because they weren’t allowed to leave. That is where upset parents come in.”

School board members Tuesday didn’t explain what specifically about Jarrar’s speech was upsetting to students or parents.

In a separate interview, Byer pointed to Jarrar’s statements about how many Iraqis didn’t appreciate the American presence in their country.

Contacted this week, Jarrar said he did not know what parts of his talks with students would be construed as objectionable, and that his message to students was one of unity. “If people disagree with the content of my speech, I respect that. If people disagree with my right to come to a school and spread my message, I cannot respect that.”

Figdor said that he wanted Jarrar to speak at the school to give the children a chance to hear a different point of view. “Ever since 2003 these kids have heard Iraq, Iraq, Iraq. Well, I thought, here is a real Iraqi that they could meet and listen to. There’s never been an Iraqi citizen at the school. Wouldn’t it be interesting to share in his point of view.”

Figdor said he didn’t expect the speaker to be controversial. “I was shocked” at the backlash from the talk at the school and the Chilkat Center, he said.

Jarrar said that he was impressed by the Haines High School students’ critical questions. “The students were engaged. They had good skills and asked good questions.”

The middle school children were also interested in someone from a foreign culture, he said. “The kids wanted me to write their names in Arabic. They wanted to see and to hold my green card. They hadn’t seen one before.”

 Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the board discussed recent changes to school staff. Music teacher Danielle Cousino has resigned. The district will advertise for a new music teacher for next fall.

Crystal Badgley, food program assistant, has also resigned effective in May.

Former school board president Gary Stigen has been hired as the new maintenance worker for the school starting in May, replacing Dwight Nash. The school also hired Carolyn Weishahn part-time to help home-school parents with district curriculum.

Byer also reported that the school would continue the hot lunch program during summer school this year. The $1,600 program would more than pay for itself, he said.

The lunch program previously was limited to the regular school year. This district expects 35 students to attend the three-week summer school in July. Discounted rates are available for students from low-income families.

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