Klukwan students to sketch budding trees that
they can label. They’ll use the sketches to compare
the trees as they change during the year.
Kyle Clayton photo.
Chatham School District administrators won’t replace a Klukwan teacher next year, leaving only two teachers on staff.
Gov. Dunleavy’s proposed cuts would eliminate $800,000 from the district’s budget, an amount district superintendent Ann Hilburn said would be devastating. Hilburn said the district, which includes Klukwan, Gustavus and Angoon, is preparing a budget that anticipates cuts of 5 to 10 percent.
“Even at that (level), each site is going to lose one certified teacher,” Hilburn said. “We’re not sure how many paraprofessionals we’ll have to let go.”
Former Klukwan teacher Jessica Tipkemper left Klukwan last month for a job in Wisconsin. Her position won’t be filled. Tipkemper said this school year has been difficult due to turnover districtwide, and in Klukwan. At Klukwan School, they hired a new lead cook, teacher, assistant teacher (paraprofessional), bus driver, secretary and custodial staff.
Districtwide, Hilburn, who was hired for this school year, won’t return next year. She said she’s moving down south to be closer to family. A principal in Angoon, also a new hire, has stepped down to further her education, Hilburn said. Two other teachers left in other schools due to personal issues. Gustavus’ principal, who’s in charge of administering Klukwan, also was new this year.
“There is no one present to really mentor (Klukwan staff) or guide them,” Tipkemper said. “The entire district had a lot of turnover. It’s a hard place to work because we’re so spread out. This year was one of the most challenging years. I think that’s one reason for the lack of communication and the additional lack of support. Everybody across the district was new.”
Jennifer Marschke, Klukwan School’s special education teacher, has picked up Tipkemper’s duties as a high school teacher. Hilburn said they’re transferring elementary teacher Janice Byerlee to a different school, and will bring in a new high school teacher with an administrative background, although Klukwan staff requested its own principal.
“That’s one of the things that Klukwan has asked for, however their numbers are way down so there’s no way to put a principal there,” Hilburn said. “We are able to do a principal teacher and keep Jen (Marschke) on as the SPED and elementary teacher. We’re all wearing multiple hats for next year.”
The cuts in revenue and staff come as Klukwan School is already facing declining enrollment. This year, 15 students are enrolled. If that number drops below 10, the state will stop funding the school. “If it falls below 10 then we close the school. It is a concern,” Hilburn said. “Their numbers dropped this year. We’re not too far away from ten.”
Klukwan School didn’t have a bus driver at the beginning of the year. The school lost students whose families couldn’t drive them to school every day. During winter break, a fire destroyed the bus. When the bus was damaged, more students left. The Haines Borough School District lent a bus to Klukwan, but needed it back March 1. The school has again been without a bus, but will receive a new one on March 25.
Projected enrollment is 17 students for next school year.