The Juneau School District (JSD) in Alaska has announced a significant overhaul to its leadership structure for the 2026-27 school year, underlining the district’s commitment to robust educational administration. The latest round of juneau school district leadership appointments includes permanent school principals, an assistant superintendent, and various director positions designed to ensure uninterrupted progress across local schools.

Permanent Principals Appointed Across Multiple Schools

JSD has named five experienced educators as permanent school principals for the upcoming academic year. At Harborview Elementary School, Molly Yerkes will take the helm and additionally oversee the Tlingit Culture, Language, and Literacy Program (TCLL). This move consolidates leadership for the tlingit culture program following the conclusion of a grant-funded post.

Kelly Stewart steps into the principal role at Glacier Valley Elementary, while Laura Zimmerman takes charge at Thunder Mountain Middle School. At Montessori Borealis Public School, Scott Jonsson has been appointed principal, also extending his responsibilities to Yaakoosgé Daakahídi High School, ensuring strong administrative consistency for both institutions.

Leadership Strengthened at the District Level

Dr. Sheila Armstrong joins JSD as the new assistant superintendent, a role pivotal for guiding the district through strategic changes and day-to-day operations. Dr. Armstrong, who brings valuable expertise from Tulsa Public Schools, fills the position after the retirement of longtime administrator Kristin Bartlett. This transition demonstrates the district’s ongoing focus on teaching leadership and continuity in management.

New Directors to Guide Academic and Support Services

Kelley Harvey has been appointed as JSD’s Director of Teaching and Learning Support, leveraging her extensive background in reading instruction. Meanwhile, Dr. Monica Buettel is promoted to student services director, where she will address a spectrum of educational and wellness needs for Juneau students.

As human resources director, Sybil Van Derhoff will manage recruitment and personnel support, taking over from Lyle Melkerson. Melkerson moves from the district office to a key school-based post as assistant principal at Juneau-Douglas High School, highlighting a trend of developing internal talent for leadership positions within school administration.

Supporting School Communities Through Experienced Leadership

The new roster of educator appointments reflects the district’s investment in hiring and promoting individuals with deep experience, both inside and outside Alaska. Regional educational stakeholders have expressed that this leadership continuity is crucial for advancing academic programs and ensuring smooth transitions for students and staff alike.

Local communities, particularly those at Montessori Borealis, Thunder Mountain Middle, and Harborview Elementary, are expected to benefit from stable, experienced leaders. The district has stated that having established professionals at the helm should help maintain educational excellence through any upcoming changes or challenges faced by Alaska’s schools.

Preparing for the 2026-27 School Year

All newly appointed leaders will assume their posts in summer or fall 2026, with transition planning already underway to guarantee minimal disruption. The Juneau School District’s emphasis on strong juneau school district leadership continues to shape the educational landscape in Alaska, promising positive outcomes for the region’s students and staff.