The Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development voted unanimously at their quarterly meeting for Dr. Deena Bishop to take the role of the Commissioner of the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) on Wednesday, July 26. Dr. Bishop’s appointment is effective on August 9, 2023, and is contingent on the approval of Governor Mike Dunleavy.
Dr. Bishop has three decades of public education experience in Alaska. She was the Superintendent of the Anchorage School District from 2016 to 2022, and prior to that role, she was a principal and then the Superintendent of the Matanuska-Sustina Borough School District. Dr. Bishop also served on the University of Alaska Board of Regents.
“We are excited to bring Dr. Bishop on board for the commissioner position. She has a strong passion and dedication to improving outcomes for all students,” said Board Chair James Fields.
At the meeting, two new members of the State Board were sworn in, Barbara Tyndall from Fairbanks and Pamela Dupras from Anchorage. Both of their terms expire in 2028.
During the Business Meeting, the State Board approved the disposal of the Stratton Library; approved the continuation of the Alaska Pacific University Initial Educator Preparation Program’s state approval through June 30, 2030; adopted regulations to establish a virtual education consortium and associated governing board related to the Alaska Reads Act; postponed action on proposed regulation changes regarding interscholastic activities; amended their October and December meetings; and approved the hire of Karen Morrison as Director of Finance and Support Services.
The State Board’s next scheduled meeting is an in-person quarterly meeting on October 4 and 5, 2023.