The Nome Board of Education interviewed and swore in its newest member at its special meeting on July 19th. Bob Metcalf filled a vacancy left by Jill Peters, who retired in April.
The Nome Board of Education scheduled the meeting to review all candidates, but only Metcalf applied.
Metcalf, a retired educator at the Nome’s University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest campus, answered questions such as what experiences he had with the Nome educational system, how he would inspire the members of the Nome Public School community to work together more cooperatively, and how aware he was about the issues of racial equity for Alaska natives.
Metcalf’s responses indicated his respect for the school board and its members. Throughout the interview, Metcalf emphasized his desire to let more experienced board members guide him. Metcalf stated that he has taken an interest as a member of the public in the issues that the School Board has addressed. As a goal for his prospective tenure, Metcalf expressed a particular interest in the physical maintenance of Nome’s school buildings. Metcalf cited his experience at the Nome UAF Northwest Campus for his understanding that physical upkeep is a crucial part of maintaining quality in the public school system.
Metcalf plans to prioritize the needs of the children whom the school board serves. A priority he made clear when asked about what criteria would guide his decision making as a board member. Metcalf also pointed out that he has strong ties within the Nome Public School community, as well as a deep love of Nome itself. This, he believes, would enable him to do his duty as a member of the school board.
Once the School Board finished interviewing him, the board voted unanimously to elect Metcalf.
Metcalf fills an interim position on the Nome Board of Education until the general elections that take place in October. The other board members urged Metcalf to consider running in the October elections to join the board in a more permanent capacity.
In other business, the Nome Board of Education voted to renew Nome Public School’s five-year contract with Morgan Enterprises transportation services.
The Nome Board of Education will meet every other week starting in August.
Image at top: Bob Metcalf is sworn in by Jamie Burgess. Photo by Nome Board of Education, used with permission.
