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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2026
Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development Concludes October Quarterly Meeting
SITKA, AK – The Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development met at Mt. Edgecumbe High School (MEHS) in Sitka on October 13 and 14 for its quarterly meeting.
Day One began with tours of five Sitka School District schools, led by Superintendent Deidre Jenson. Board members visited classrooms highlighting academic, career and technical education, and family and consumer sciences.
Mt. Edgecumbe High School students then led Board Members on individual tours of MEHS, sharing their thoughts and experiences while showcasing academic and residential life.
The afternoon included Committee Meetings, Legislative and Budget reports, and presentations on the Mt. Edgecumbe High School Land Use License and an Executive Session.
Military Advisor Col. James Fowley and Innovation and Education Excellence Director Dr. Monica Goyette gave updates on Green to Teach. The presentation included implementation updates, entry pathways, candidate requirements, and steps related to the expansion of alternative teacher certification pathways.
The Department also presented its State Education Agency (SEA) Action Plan, outlining strategies and measurable outcomes to advance the Board’s goals and improve student learning across Alaska.
The day concluded with dining alongside MEHS students in the school cafeteria, followed by student-performed cultural dances celebrating heritages from across Alaska.
Day Two began with public comment on topics of local and statewide importance from residents across Alaska. MEHS students gave testimony on the recent restructuring and updates to the school, the attitudes and legacy of the institution, and their optimism that with continued dedication, MEHS will continue to thrive.
Presentations on Mt. Edgecumbe High School, updates from the MEHS Ad Hoc Committee, updates on AO360, and presentations for charter school applications were given.
The State Board adopted ten three-year SMART goals aligned with the five priorities of Alaska’s Education Challenge, and approved all motions presented.
The meeting concluded with the Commissioner’s Report and Board Comments.
Student Advisor Joshua Bolling-Cornilles’ closing comments included: “I also want to highlight our visit to Mt. Edgecumbe High School. The campus was beautiful, and what stood out to me even more was hearing directly from students about their experiences. Every student I spoke with mentioned how much the school had improved during the up to four years they had been there. Hearing that consistency from students who had experienced these changes firsthand was particularly meaningful.”
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The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development provides information, resources, and leadership to support over 130,000 students in 505 public schools across the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to ensure an “Excellent Education for Every Student Every Day.”
Media Contact: Bryan Zadalis, Public Information Officer - (907) 465-2800
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