What If No One Runs

August 15, 2026

Something I have been thinking about:

What if no one runs for school board?

Or what if we simply need a broader candidate pool?

What do I do?

I have publicly said that I will not run again. I meant it.

I plan to move away from Ketchikan at some point, and I don’t want to commit another three years of my life to Ketchikan.

And still, I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to our district and our community.

I don’t believe for a second that I am the only person who can add value to the board. There are capable, thoughtful people in this community who could bring their own experience, perspective, and leadership to the work.

I hope they run.

At the same time, I know what I bring with me now.

Experience.

Relationships and connections.

Institutional knowledge.

And a tremendous amount of forward momentum after a period when our district experienced more than its share of instability and upheaval.

We have worked incredibly hard to get to where we are. There is still so much work ahead of us, and I would hate to see progress slowed by another period of upheaval, a significant shift in priorities, or simply not having enough people willing to serve.

Yesterday, I checked to see whether anyone had filed as a candidate.

No one had.

There is still about a week and a half left. That is plenty of time for people to step forward.

And I have faith in our community.

Maybe several people will.

Maybe someone incredible is sitting at home right now thinking about it, wondering whether they have enough experience, whether they have something meaningful to contribute, or whether they are brave enough to put their name on the ballot.

I hope they do.

Because this work matters.

For now, I am not changing any decisions.

But I am thinking.

I am watching.

And I am paying very close attention to what happens next.