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End of an Era as School District Superintendent Comeau RetiresANCHORAGE - She began her education career helping elementary children cross the street. Four decades later, Carol Comeau is retiring as superintendent of the largest school district in Alaska. It's a bittersweet ending for the Anchorage School District's longest-serving superintendent: "I went into education because I hoped to make a difference for kids, and I think I have,” said Comeau. She's been working to improve one of the country's most diverse school districts. Comeau says her secret is to be approachable. She personally answers every email that comes her way, an average of 500 a week. “There were many people very surprised that I actually answer my own email and that I didn't delegate that to my secretary,” said Comeau. “It helped me keep track of the trends, what were the issues, they weren't filtered.” Comeau has had her share of disappointments. School bonds have failed and the state refused to give more money per student this year - flat funding that's led to tough cuts like getting rid of some teachers and summer school. “That's going to impact directly the kind of education students are getting and that's I don’t think that’s right,” said Comeau back in January. But she has scored victories too, like religious blackout dates to make sure Jewish cross-country students didn't have to pick between sports and religion. She was criticized for creating girls' flag football to fulfill Title IX rules. “I was harassed and booed and hissed because, well, there [are] no college scholarships,” said Comeau. “People were saying, how could I do something so stupid, and it was amazing the first year it was over 300 kids.” They’re wins in small battles but they're all for Anchorage's kids. “I'm very proud that our graduation rate keeps going up,” said Comeau, who gives all the credit to her staff. “I've had such a honor to be the superintendent of a district that has really remarkably hardworking employees, that really care about our students.” Comeau said she wants the focus to be on the future. “I'm ready to turn over the leadership to younger people and to the younger generation, but if we don't do our job right in the public schools then they are not going to have the opportunities.” And as she says her final goodbyes, she says it's up to the community to continue her work. “It’s been a great ride, it really has, but I’m really excited about what’s next.” Comeau and her husband are looking forward to moving to Bellingham, Washington to spend time with their 3 kids and 5 grandkids and a long awaited and first-ever trip to Hawaii. You can help celebrate her official last day Saturday at North Russian Jack Springs Park, which is being renovated in her honor from noon to 2 p.m. |
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Robo said on Wednesday, Jul 4 at 5:32 PM
I believe that CC had too many ties to the ASD system because she came up through the system, rather coming from the outside and being able to see the problems and fix them, rather than trying to throw money at them and failing. She stayed too long and ASD suffered for it.
95473115WKV said on Sunday, Jul 1 at 10:33 AM
I agree with Anonymous concerning ELB's comment.
95105825cowgrl1957@yahoo.com said on Sunday, Jul 1 at 10:20 AM
what a waste of tax payers money...........................
95104946Anonymous said on Sunday, Jul 1 at 8:06 AM
Good riddance to a bad person. She used millions of anchorage tax dollars to benefit her Union friends.
95095265Roman Weber said on Saturday, Jun 30 at 9:50 PM
Thank you Carol Comeau. You have been a bright star in our community for decades. Enjoy your much deserved retirement!
95068705Good said on Saturday, Jun 30 at 5:31 PM
Riddance
95056455John Williams said on Saturday, Jun 30 at 4:33 PM
Mrs. Comeau has been an excellent leader, role model, and educator for many years. She will be sorely missed by many teachers, parents, students, and community members. I am excited for her to go enjoy her well deserved retirment, but sad that she is leaving the Anchorage School District.
95053585Taxpayer said on Saturday, Jun 30 at 12:59 PM
End of an Error.
95042976Anonymous said on Saturday, Jun 30 at 12:41 PM
ELB - I wouldn't hold my breath...if they are as bad as MSBSD in dealing with legalities..your case will turn to dust - or get waterlogged in Juneau...call the Dept of Education in Seattle and ask for the legal dept and connect the attorneys...then home school her...forget public schools..
95042135ELB said on Saturday, Jun 30 at 11:41 AM
please Carol you need to finish up with my atty's and close what happen to my daughter case with the asd
95038796Danni Knowles said on Saturday, Jun 30 at 9:42 AM
Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the Anchorage School district, students and teachers. You will be sorely missed by those who have be impacted by your fight for the students and education in general. Best wishes to you and your family for a well deserved retirement.
95032136Dee Gould said on Saturday, Jun 30 at 8:35 AM
THANK YOU CAROL, you have been marvelous. Enjoy your retirement. What an inspiration you have been. Happy trails!
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