Aarigaa,
Quyanaqpak, to the North Slope Borough School District Board of Education for
entrusting me with the education of the most precious resource, the students of the North
Slope. I look forward to guiding and assisting the staff, teachers, and principals in following the
objectives of the new 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, as well as marrying those objectives with the
budget priorities the Board has set.
The upbringing I received from my Aana and Taata at fish camp has served me well in my 37+
years of service in the educational realm. First and foremost, I was taught to honor and respect
all things, especially the animals, plants, and berries we harvest; to give thanks to the ancestors
for their hard work in getting us here. And finally, to share the harvest with those in need, in
particular the elderly and the disabled. As we move forward together as a team, I plan to stay
in close contact with the Board, the students, the staff, teachers, the stakeholders, and most
importantly, our other precious resource, the elders of the North Slope. I know that as a new
superintendent for the NSBSD, I have much to learn, and I look forward to teaming with our
staff and communities to find solutions to our challenges, celebrate our successes and share in
the joys that this year will bring.
In the season of Covid19, we have much to consider, as we work closely with the North Slope Borough, Commissioner of Education and other superintendents in planning for our re-entry in the fall of 2020. I would like to thank the teachers, staff, principals, parents, and students for their quick transition into a new way of delivering education when covid19 hit. Finally, I want to congratulate the Class of 2020, the incredibly resilient seniors of the North Slope. We wish great things for you and pray that you will continue to reach for your goals and dreams with all of us behind you. Again, Quyanaqpak for allowing me to be a part of your region and communities.
Congratulations to the North Slope whaling crews who have successfully landed their bowhead whales this spring. Social media postings from North Slope communities in Point Hope, Wainwright and Utqiagvik have whaling crews busy preparing and storing their harvests.
Respectfully,
Pauline Siqupsiraq Harvey
North Slope Borough School District Superintendent