Guevin resigns as school board chair to accept teaching position at PacHigh

Sitka School Board Chairman Tristan Guevin has resigned.

Guevin submitted his resignation at the regular board meeting on Wednesday (14.08.24).

In his letter, Guevin wrote that he had accepted a position teaching English Language and Literature at Pacific High that had become available a week before the students' arrival.

Guevin was first appointed to the school board in June 2022 to fill a vacancy. He later ran in the municipal election that fall and won a seat on the board. His term ended in October of that year.

Guevin also previously served on the Sitka Assembly. However, he indicated that the last year of his service on the school board – when members faced severe staff cuts in the district – was tough. He wrote, “My time on the school board, while challenging, was one of the most rewarding and fulfilling opportunities of my life.”

Other school board members had nothing but praise for Guevin, who had led the group through some of the most difficult decisions in recent history.

Member Phil Burdick said Guevin has served the district in many capacities and strengthened relationships with the Sitka Tribe and the Alaska Association of School Boards, and he also understands the board's role.

“I've learned a lot from him over the last year about process, about what it means to be on a school board,” Burdick said. “Although I have a lot of experience in the school district, this is a whole different caliber, and I really appreciate his leadership and am really sad that we can't continue to work together. But I understand that life goes on.”

Other board members departed on a lighter note. Tom Williams said he still expected to have a weekly coffee with Guevin; Steve Morse drew laughter when he said he planned to vote “no” on accepting Guevin's resignation.

Nevertheless, the board accepted Guevin's departure and directed staff to begin the appointment process to fill the seat, in accordance with board rules that require a vacancy to be filled within 30 days. Anyone interested in continuing the term should submit a letter of interest to the district office by 4 p.m. on Sept. 5. The board will hold a special meeting on Sept. 12 to appoint a candidate.

Member Phil Burdick suggested that applicants consider the short term as a “test drive” for a full term on the board and then apply to run for the seat. There are two seats on the board open in the October municipal election, and so far only one candidate has filed for election.