Alaska State Board of Education Holds Quarterly Meeting – Staff Confirmed, Student Advisor Selected

The Alaska State Board of Education met Thursday, January 22nd, virtually, to hear public comment, presentations from the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) and the University of Alaska Anchorage, vote on resolutions and considerations, confirm staff members and interview and select the 2026-2027 Student Advisor.

According to a press release from the DEED office, the Board reviewed and approved the application for the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Nikolaevsk Charter School, confirming the local Board's approval. In addition, they approved the AK Educational Challenge (AEC) Strategic Plan Resolution, reaffirming AEC’s mission and directing DEED to develop measurable goals to strengthen accountability and align Department resources.

Several staff confirmations were also announced, including Innovation in Education Excellence Director Monica Goyette, and Special Assistant to the Commissioner and Legislative Liaison Eleilia Preston.

The Board interviewed high school student candidates from across the state, and selected Joshua Bolling, a Kenai Central High School junior, to be the 2026-2027 Student Advisor to the State Board.

The Board will next convene in Juneau, March 10th-11th, for the State Board of Education report to the Legislature.