I am seeking re-election for my third term on the Ketchikan Gateway Board of Education. I currently serve as your President of our School Board. It is important for our community that we have informed people before the voting in this election. Contested elections or not, you should be aware of your choices and the issues that face our District.

First of all, thank you all for continuing to support education and to create a vibrant and successful school district. Ketchikan boasts one of the most successful Districts in the state, and the nation, due to the hard work of our dedicated staff and the variety of educational opportunities that we offer our students. Our graduation rate has risen, we have expanded educational opportunities to ensure that more students can achieve their goals, and have done so with a budget that has diminished by nearly 2 million dollars in local contribution since 2009--despite the fact that our current enrollment is looking to be only .6 students shy of enrollment in 2008. We anticipate these enrollment numbers to grow in the coming years with the advent of the Shipyard growth, Coast Guard expansion, and possible growth in mining and the National Guard.

A bit about me: I’m a single Mom, and I have been extremely blessed with two wonderful daughters, Devin, a Kayhi graduate, and Holly, a Senior at Kayhi. Since being in Ketchikan, our family has hosted three Rotary Exchange students in the past 4 years--Roy from Taiwan, Kate from Poland, and Thomas from Taiwan. Being involved with our youth is a source of pride for me, and it is my hope that the rest of the community feels the same.

I also serve our community and state as Chair of the PeaceHealth Ketchikan Donor Recognition Committee, as the incoming District Governor for Rotary 5010 Alaska/Yukon in the years 2016-2017, as well as serving as the Co-Chair of the Alaska Public Broadcasting Commission. I am active in our Chamber of Commerce, as well as other activities around town.

I stand for three things.

The first is about Academic Excellence and Inclusiveness. It’s about being intellectually rigorous while keeping a wide variety of opportunities open to all students--regardless of their learning style or personal goals. The goal should be a diploma for every student. It can happen, and our District has made great strides in this area. Technology and vocational education are key elements.

The second point is about Fiscal Responsibility, about maximizing output from our resources. However, fiscal responsibility can be perceived as being hindered when there is a lapse in communication or a break in the process of funding. This needs to be reworked, re-thought, and fixed. I see a need for a more cohesive working relationship between the School Board and the Borough Assembly.

Finally, I believe in and stand for Including the Community in decision-making, even when it feels "uncomfortable" to do so. We have worked hard to make the community feel comfortable conversing with the Board, and I intend to continue that notion of open dialogue in which community members know that their opinions are valued and respected.

With my experience, and track record, I believe I bring important skills to the table which would be an asset to our District and community.
Five years ago, I sat here and asked for your confidence in me. I was new to the community, and ran as a write-in candidate. I hope that I’ve grown to be what you hoped for, and delivered what you expected.

I’m proud to once again ask for your vote of confidence. I’ve been on this Board in important times; tough decisions due to budgetary constraints, difficult challenges in improving our relationship with our Borough Assembly, and many essential improvements implemented in order to improve our graduation rate and the ultimate success of our students.

Our current Board has had a relatively consistent membership in the last 5 years, and I’m proud of it. Each of us brings a uniqueness that has allowed us to at least have one Board member involved in nearly every facet of our district. We are in different professions, different stages in our careers, different town and community boards and committees, different families, and our children and family members are in different sports and activities that we attend.

Your Board has worked hard for you, the people we represent, and I hope to have the opportunity to continue that important work.

So, as you consider your vote, I would appreciate your support to continue this important work

Michelle O'Brien

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Ketchikan, Alaska

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