Nome became the second school district in Alaska to formally recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day at a school board meeting Tuesday. The resolution passed unanimously, adding the holiday to the official calendar for all Nome Public Schools.
While the district has not observed Columbus Day, School Board President Barb Amarok said it was important to take the next step and recognize the alternative holiday aimed at celebrating Native history and culture.
“With the passing of this resolution, I think that we will be encouraging authentic history — not only for our community and for the students here, but as an example statewide,” said Amarok. “It’s very important — for young children, even — to be learning the authentic history of our country.”
Amarok said the holiday recognition will also encourage more inclusive and multicultural education for Nome students — 80 percent of whom identify as Alaska Native or have Alaska Native heritage.
Nome Public Schools will now observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday of every October.
At their meeting, the school board also approved the district’s legislative priorities and a second inspection for the Nome-Beltz Jr/Sr High roof, which has structural damage leading to leaks and falling tiles.
A preliminary inspector earlier this year recommended a complete roof replacement at an estimated $2 million. The district is now seeking a second opinion from a Fairbanks engineering firm, which will review the roof’s condition in the spring after snow melts. Ultimately, Superintendent Shawn Arnold said the district hopes to absorb the cost gradually by fixing the roof in two phases.
The Nome-Beltz roof is the first of the school district’s three legislative priorities, which were submitted to the City of Nome Wednesday. The second priority is a new generator and an electrical system upgrade, which were mandated by a recent fire marshal survey of Nome Public Schools.
The third priority is a cover for the Nome Swimming Pool, which Arnold said will save the district money on heating expenses. He said the pool cover should pay for itself in four years.
With their legislative priorities declared, Arnold said the City of Nome will argue for funding before the state legislature on the district’s behalf.
The school board will meet next for a work session on Nov. 24.
