December Update
Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals
Season’s Greetings Alaskan Admins!
This is an exciting time of the year, but also a very busy period in our schools. Talking with administrators across the state, they are sharing stories of teachers collaborating to create some cool learning projects for students using music, culinary, CAD, art, and math, to name a few. Congratulations on cross-curricular creativity! Your attendance may be lighter than usual in these days before break, allowing for some lesson exploration in your classes.
In my school, we have been working hard to communicate expectations for finals, and helping our students learn to properly prepare for these cumulative assessments. As a younger learner, I never really learned to study or prepare well until college when the rubber really hit the road with those higher-level classes. Continuing with our goal to give our students the highest chance of post-secondary success, we have been tirelessly supporting students with study tips, advice from older students, extra flex periods, study time with teachers, and communicating with families. I am confident many of you are doing similar exercises in your schools to support student learning as we close out the first semester.
Enjoy this time of year as a building leader; it is a privilege to spend our work-life with devoted educators and magnificent students. Soak in the message of joy, peace, and love that comes with the Season. I am grateful for the many inspiring educational leaders that I am fortunate to work with and learn from across our great state. Wishing you all a season of rest, laughter with loved ones, time unplugged from emails and calendars, and a wonderful Holiday Break.
Rick Dormer
AASSP President
Principal, Ketchikan High School
Principal: Bartlett High School
Position & School: Principal Bartlett High School - First Year!!
Previously: Assistant Principal Bartlett High School (3 years) Hanshew Middle School (1 year), Social Studies Teacher and Department Chair at Eagle River High School (8 years)
School Website: https://www.asdk12.org/bartlett
School Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BartlettHSAK
Outside of School: Books and Hiking
Book Reading Goal for 2024: 70, books read so far 78!!
Last Book Read: “Chain Gang All-Stars”, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
I was a latecomer to education and quite unsure if it was even for me but I loved history and liked the idea of positively impacting young people so after finishing a degree in history and economics, I completed my MAT at UAA . I knew from my first day in front of students that it was something I was going to enjoy! As a history teacher, I taught nearly every subject from U.S History to AP World, and AP Economics. I also coached Flag Football, Track and Field, and Drama Debate and Forensics and found that part of my career some of the most rewarding time spent.
In February of 2018, I was honored to be named a Milken Educator. It was this unexpected award that spurred me toward administration. I had long thought about the transition but struggled to make the jump due in part to a lack of confidence as well as the cost associated with going back to school. The Milken Foundation helped with both. I knew that it was time for a change and moved quickly to make it. I also knew that I needed to leave my school. I had felt my heart in Title for a longtime and had heard great things about Bartlett. When the opportunity arose to apply for an AP position, I jumped at it. I worked as the Student Services AP for 3 years focusing on improving post-Covid behavioral and attendance issues, and helping grow restorative practices at Bartlett.
This is my first year as a head principal and although it’s not always smooth, I am loving the job. Bartlett is one of the most diverse schools in the nation and the best part of my day is the feeling of family inside our walls. Our students, families, and educators are the best and I am so proud to work alongside all of them. This year we have worked to grow student opportunities and acknowledgement by adding a Student Forum, Honor Roll Breakfast, as well as an upcoming Talent Show, and our traditional Multicultural Night. I have also worked to invite families into our building. Most recently, I led a family book club and held a community panel regarding the impact of cell phones and social media on teenagers’ mental health. In October, we put together a Make-A-Wish send off ceremony for one of our students and it was the best day ever!! (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15SxycPwQU/)
Education is a challenging career. With financial deficits and an often politicized climate, it can be easy to grow frustrated and lose optimism. But when we come to work, we have to leave that all behind. As educators, it is our job to find the hope for our students and families and to see the opportunities that are all around us. And the reward for doing so is reflected in the accomplishments of our students. It’s the joy of watching a student learn a new math formula, take a risk and try dance class - and then perform a solo onstage! It’s the beauty in hearing a student speak a newly acquired language and listening to them articulate a debate argument in their government class. It’s watching a student walk across the stage at graduation who had failed a class and had to retake it. Admin is a hard job but if it’s something that’s been pulling at you for a while, like it was for me, let this be your sign to make the leap, and know that, it’s worth it. I am so proud to be the new Bartlett Principal, and as always, GO BEARS!!
Dear Alaska Principals,
Happy Holidays! Thank you for your unwavering dedication to Alaska’s students and for the hard work you do every day to lead our schools and support student success. As we approach the new year, we recognize the immense challenges you face in balancing building budgets, meeting the needs of your students, staff and communities, and fostering a positive and productive learning environment. During this holiday season, we hope you take time to rest, reflect, and recharge for the important work ahead.
The legislative session is gearing up, and your voice will be critically important in advocating for public education in Alaska. Governor Dunleavy released his proposed budget for FY26 during a press conference on the 12th.. Unfortunately, the proposed budget does not include funding increases for education, with flat funding (which equates to a cut) allocated to the Base Student Allocation (BSA) and Pupil Transportation.
The proposed education budget includes:
- Total in K-12 Education: $1.5 billion
- $1.1 billion in K-12 Foundation Formula funding
- $67.8 million for Pupil Transportation
- $2.75 million in continued support for Career and Technical Education, Teacher Apprenticeships, and Teacher Recruitment and Retention Initiatives
The overall proposed state budget is $14.2 billion, with a $1.5 billion shortfall to be covered by a draw from the Constitutional Budget Reserve (CBR). The governor’s proposed budget also includes a statutory Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) of $3,892, totaling $2.5 billion.
As you know, school districts across Alaska continue to face budget deficits resulting from years of flat funding combined with rising inflation. These challenges have forced many districts to make difficult decisions, including closing schools, increasing class sizes, and implementing other measures to balance budgets. As building leaders you often carry the weight of those decisions. Now, more than ever, it is critical for educators and public education advocates to come together and share how flat funding impacts our districts, our schools, and ultimately, our students.
The first session of the 34th Alaska Legislature begins on January 21st. Before the session starts, I encourage you to connect with your legislators to emphasize the urgent need for increased education funding through a permanent increase to the Base Student Allocation (BSA). Share the realities your schools and what students face to ensure these issues are at the forefront of the conversation from day one. Please be sure join our weekly ACSA Legislative Meetings every Friday at 1:00 p.m. during the session beginning January 10th.
Once the legislative session begins, your voice will be vital. We urge you to:
- Participate in committee meetings,
- Engage with your representatives, and
- Join us for the ACSA Legislative Fly-In, March 29th-April 2, to meet directly with legislators and advocate for the needs of Alaska’s students. REGISTER TODAY! **Please note that many principals who have attended have shared that the experience was the best professional development they had ever received.
As education leaders, we have a unique opportunity to shape the dialogue and advocate for meaningful improvements to benefit Alaska’s education system. Together, we can ensure that our students receive the resources they need to succeed.
If the ACSA team can support you in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a restful break. Thank you for your leadership and continued commitment to Alaska’s schools and students.
Be well,
Dr. Lisa S. Parady
Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals
Email: alaskaprincipal@alaskaacsa.org
Website: alaskaprincipal.org
Location: 234 Gold Street, Juneau, AK, USA
Phone: 907-586-9702
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alaskaprincipals
