Bob Metcalf seated on Nome Board of Education

The Nome Board of Education appointed a new board member during a special meeting session on Monday, July 19.

Bob Metcalf, the newest member of the schoolboard, was interviewed by the entire board prior to his appointment. Members asked him about his goals for the appointment, racial equity in education, NPS graduation rates and community partnerships. He was the only candidate to fill a seat left by Jill Peters.

“I firmly believe that education is a change agent, not only personally, but for communities,” Metcalf said during his candidate interview. “I have a lot of respect for everyone on the board and I just want to be part of helping our community.”

Metcalf previously served as the director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest Campus in Nome before retiring in 2019.

Following his candidate interview, the school board voted unanimously to elect him to the empty seat.

“I’m so glad to work with [Metcalf] again,” said board member Nancy Mendenhall. Mendenhall worked as director of UAF NWC in the 90s, prior to Metcalf’s tenure. “It’s always been a pleasure, and it’ll be a pleasure again.”

“We’re pretty excited to have [Metcalf’s] knowledge, experience and educational background that [he’ll] bring to the Board,” said schoolboard President Sandy Martinson.

In addition to electing a new board member, the school board unanimously approved the renewal of the school’s five-year transportation contract for fiscal years 20222026.

“Morgan Enterprises was our one responder, and they have provided a cot for proposals that are reasonable,” Superintendent Jamie Burgess explained to the board. “We appreciate them working with us.”

Following Metcalf’s swearing-in, the meeting adjourned around 6 p.m. Monday.

The next Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 10, at 5:30 p.m. in the Nome Elementary School Library.