Teachers and district staff honored at Anchorage School Board meeting
Meeting falls shortly after veto override on education funding bill
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Hours after the Alaska State Legislature voted to override Governor Dunleavy’s veto of HB 57, the Anchorage School Board gave their highest honor to teachers and members of district staff.
As part of their end-of-the-year traditions, the district presented their “Denali Awards” to several teachers and staff. ASD says the award represents the greatness displayed in areas of achievement, service and dedication.
The district gives out awards in three different categories. This year’s awardees are as follows:
- Certificated Denali Award winner: Amanda Schultz, Kasuun Elementary School Teacher
- Classified Denali Award winner: David Mayo-Kiely, Child in Transition Program
- Team Denali Award winners: Melissa Carey, Maureen Cronin, David Dobler, Amy Habberstad, Leah Kellerby, Tony Lewis, Amy Peters, Adam Wartman
This year’s award also falls amidst much uncertainty surrounding the employment status of many teachers come next year. Without a confirmed amount of funding from the state, the district is uncertain as to how much they may have to cut.
Addressing the uneasiness of many in the Anchorage School District, Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt concluded the meeting with comments regarding the recent veto override.
“I have a lot of anxiety on my heart on behalf of the 6,000 plus employees who are depending on this money to come through,” Bryantt said. “As well as the thousands of community members, parents, students, employees who also may be wondering, is this a reality.”
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