KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
A Kodiak High School graduate has been named as the state’s first Director of Rural Education. She is Phyllis Carlson, now of Juneau. Commissioner Larry LeDoux made the announcement at the Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Anchorage today (Thursday).
The Director of Rural Education will be responsible for education reform in the Bush and bridging the cultural differences between rural communities and the public education system.
LeDoux said that Carlson’s experience in public service, early education, K-12 schools, with at-risk students, adult vocational education and other types of higher education "brings a valuable perspective" to the position.
Carlson is a life-long Alaskan, born in Kodiak and raised in Chignik. She graduated from Kodiak High in 1968. She is currently in her third term on the Juneau school board. Carlson most recently served as Director of the Vocational Training and Resource Center of the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. She is the Alaska representative to the National Johnson O’Malley Association.
