Better Together, Lake and Peninsula Borough School District

Lake and Peninsula Borough School District (LPSD) extends 400 miles on the Alaska Peninsula. None of the twelve school sites can be reached by roadway; all transportation is by boat or small planes. A challenge in LPSD is isolation and economy of scale. As a result, the district places an emphasis on community and subsistence – which drives school-related decisions.

Perryville School has a motto – “Better Together.” This powerful motto has become the theme across the district as they navigate the challenges of COVID. It has shaped their board meetings and community events and infused energy into the collaborative back-to-school planning process. How does LPSD foster togetherness in a district that is geographically vast and isolated? Through an emphasis on transparency and communication. LPSD knew it was important to allow everyone in the community to have a voice through this important process.

The district began the planning process in early August to avoid interfering with important subsistence activities and to allow the district and community a chance for summer self-care. Superintendent Ty Mase launched the collaborative process by hosting a Zoom meeting for everyone to participate in the Alaska Smart Start 2020 planning process – community members, stakeholders, tribal leaders, families, and children. While the logistics of a Zoom meeting that size could be daunting, the community dialogue was respectful and informative. People asked the important questions, provided input, raised community needs, and voiced their concerns in a productive way. 

The LPSD School Board held two formal meetings in August to discuss the upcoming school year. Nearly all the members of the board have students in school and are very active as parents and community members. Superintendent Mase also held several Q&A sessions with community members. Through collected feedback LPSD was able to develop 100 Actions for Educating, Innovating, and Staying Safe in Lake and Pen.

It was quickly determined that due to the widely varying communities and schools in the district, one Smart Start 2020 would not be effective for the entire district. Each school site would need their own plan. Principals began the Smart Start planning process within each school by meeting with their Local School Advisory Committees and developing community surveys. Not everyone in the district has internet access so instead of an online survey, principals personally made phone calls and sent texts to parents and members of their communities to ask questions and seek input. The survey calls often led to meaningful and valuable conversations around the start of school.

Through this planning process, Superintendent Ty Mase was named the Alaska Superintendent of the Year by the Alaska Superintendents Association. “Thirty years serving on the Lake and Peninsula School Board has given me the opportunity to work with several superintendents,” said former LPSD School Board member Patty Alsworth. “I honestly believe Mr. Mase is one of the most outstanding, not only in our district, but also in our state. I’ve observed, and personally seen, a man open to suggestions, willing to make the hard decisions and give far beyond what was asked or expected.” Superintendent Mase’s coworkers believe that his excellent leadership, relationship with the LPSD staff and Board, and advocacy for his community were large factors in LPSD’s successful back-to-school planning.

Through the partnership of LPSD, its School Board, school staff, and the community – LPSD is excited to navigate the start of school on September 2^nd. As we move into this unprecedented new year, LPSD reminds us that while we can’t control what’s happening with COVID-19, we can control our communication and our sense of community. And we are all Better Together.

Thank you to the LPSD staff, Superintendent Mase, School Board, Principals, community members, families, and students for coming together to plan for the 2020-2021 school year!