By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
Tristan Guevin today became the first candidate to file for Sitka School Board in the October 4 municipal election.
Guevin was appointed to the board in June to fill one of the unexpired terms left by the resignations of Amy Morrison and Andrew Hames. He has also served three years on the City and Borough Assembly, 2014-2017.
There are three openings on the board to be filled in the October 4 election. The seats are at large, with openings for one-, two- and three-year terms.
Paul Rioux is not seeking reelection. Mitch Mork, one of the other appointees to the unexpired terms, has said he plans to run in the fall.
Guevin, 42, was born in California, and has lived here since 2008, with the exception of two years when he and his wife pursued graduate degrees. He is senior director of organizational development for Sitka Tribe of Alaska – he has worked for STA since 2009 in the areas of education, cultural resources, and workforce development.
“I think it’s a critical time for public education and for the Sitka School District,” Guevin said. “We’ve seen cuts to education at the state level over the last several years and here we’ve seen declining student enrollment.
He said students, families and school district staff have been significantly impacted by the last two years of the pandemic.
“Now we’re starting to turn the corner to return to a sense of normalcy,” Guevin said. “However, students have been significantly impacted in terms of both academic progress and social emotional health and well-being. I have a passion for and experience in education and I think we have really strong leadership, teachers and staff in the school district and I’m excited to play my part as a School Board member.”
Guevin and his wife, Lauren Havens, have a 2-year-old child, Arlo.
Others who have filed so far for the municipal election are Steven Eisenbeisz and Kevin Mosher, who are running for the two-year mayor’s term. For the two open Assembly seats, Thor Christianson said he plans to run for reelection to the Assembly; and Kevin Knox said he will not run this fall.
The deadline to file is August 5. Filing packets are available in the city clerk’s office, 907-747-1811.
One and possibly two propositions will be on the ballot, related to a marijuana sales tax dedicated to school activities, and dedicating the hospital sale proceeds to a new haulout and boatyard.
