New superintendent garners warm welcome at Klukwan school

2022 school year enrollment remains low

Low enrollment again this year could threaten state funding for Klukwan School, but a new superintendent has brought about a wave of optimism among families and administrators who last year were concerned the school would close.

Ralph Watkins, who became superintendent in June, has embodied a stark shift in the district’s approach to Klukwan School, which has been in danger of closing due to low enrollment. Last year the school faced an uncertain future as its official student count fell below 10, the minimum enrollment necessary to receive full state funding.

District board members and the former superintendent, Bruce Houck, who died suddenly in December, last fall said that if enrollment stayed low Klukwan School might need to close or transform into an “independent learning center” with classrooms, tutors and internet but no full-time teacher.

Enrollment has remained low – only eight students started the school year – but Watkins seems unfazed by the numbers.

“He’s completely dedicated not only to keeping (the school) open but thriving, expanding,” said advisory school board chair Shanah Kinison. “I feel I couldn’t have dreamed (of) a better situation.”

Justina Hotch, a school administrator in Klukwan, said there are plans to hire an early literacy and preschool teacher this fall, a move that could boost enrollment. She said families with young children have said they would attend a preschool at the school.

The Chatham School District – which includes Klukwan, Angoon, Gustavus and Tenakee Springs – named Watkins superintendent in April. Watkins has served as an administrator with a number of school districts across the state, including the North Slope, Bering Strait, Valdez and Hoonah. He’s now based in Angoon.

Just a few months into the job, Watkins said he’s committed to working closely with Klukwan administrators and families to ensure the school stays in operation. Advisory school board members in the past have voiced frustration with the district for making decisions about the school, like cutting teacher positions, without local affirmation.

“One of the things we wanted to do was to be more present in the school,” Watkins said. “There was a lot of intentionality to get out here early and meet as many people as I could.”

Watkins has visited Klukwan twice in August and is planning another visit this fall in an effort to mend the relationship between the district and school. He grilled venison burgers at a school gathering in early August and last week mingled with students and helped filet and package salmon for the school’s lunch program.

Still, the school faces budgetary uncertainty as it approaches the state’s enrollment count in October. Enrollment needs to reach 10 to meet Alaska Department of Education and Early Development funding requirements.

An open house to attract students earlier this month had a small turnout, Kinison said, but there is hope that adding a preschool will boost numbers.

Watkins said the school is looking to recruit students from town. It has a van to provide transportation from Haines or from up the highway.

“We’re trying to find our niche,” he said. “What’s it that we have that they don’t have in town (at Haines School)?”

Hotch said the school’s emphasis on Tlingit values makes it unique. Students not only take Tlingit language classes but learn cultural skills through fish and moose camp and other forms of land-based learning. Hotch also said with K-8 students the school presents an opportunity for multi-age learning and has “a great student-to-teacher ratio.”

Cory Grant, who graduated from the school in 2008 and now teaches Tlingit language there, has a positive outlook on the school’s future.

“Now we’re here with Ralph and things are looking up,” he said.