FY20 Annual Report

This past fiscal year started off as most do, preparing to provide the services Alaska’s school districts have come to rely upon, but we also saw some dramatic changes. We pride ourselves in being nimble and adaptable — and that was really put to the test!

The global pandemic has changed the way we live, work and learn at every level. We responded quickly to keep our staff and clients safe, moving to remote work and adjusting services to meet new needs and circumstances, from moving to paperless contracts to supporting districts with a quick transition to distance learning. 

Early in the fiscal year, we were awarded the grant to serve, along with Education Service Districts in Oregon and Washington, as the region’s Comprehensive Center, providing technical assistance and capacity building for the region’s State Education Agencies. We developed State Service Plans based on education priorities, but when COVID-19 hit, plans changed. Especially in Alaska, we shifted our focus entirely to supporting the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development with supporting distance learning and planning for Alaska’s Smart Start 2020.

As challenging as this year became, it did shine a light on our resiliency and commitment to each other as we work together to ensure Alaska’s students continue to learn and grow.