During the school board executive session, the Petersburg Board of Education was notified by Superintendent Erica Kludt-Painter that she will be retiring at the end of the school contract year, June 30, 2024. Erica has dedicated the last 23 years to the education of Petersburg’s children, 14 as the Steman Elementary principal and 9 as the Superintendent. Her leadership, management, and commitment have been a stable force in the District. In the last (almost decade) since she unexpectedly stepped into the role, Ms. KP rose to the occasion on behalf of the district and board. She has ushered the district through difficult situations with grace. Erica has been a supportive presence for all staff, whether they are new or experienced. She has led the district through multiple successful union negotiations where there were no adversaries and both parties were satisfied. Erica was and is visible and approachable in the school buildings as well as the community. This superintendent made the job of a school board member an easy one. We encourage you to share your words of fondness via the board so we may honor her in her retirement. Email can be sent to exec@pcsd.us and postal mail can be sent to Box 289. We will miss her terribly but are happy to hear she is staying in Petersburg.
The Board will formally accept Ms. Kludt-Painter’s notice of retirement during the January 2024 board meeting.
The position will be posted today on the Alaska Teacher Placement website: www.alaskateacher.org December 13, 2023 and will remain open until December 29, 2023. Due to the high demand for quality superintendents, it is the board’s intention to act swiftly to fill this position.
2023-2024 Petersburg School Board Members
Sarah Holmgrain * Katie Holmlund * Carey Case * Jay Lister * Niccole Olsen