**Juneau, Alaska** – In a recent address to the community, Superintendent Mari Kanagy highlighted both the significant strides and ongoing challenges facing the Juneau School District. The Superintendent’s remarks, delivered this week, focused on encouraging trends in graduation rates alongside the persistent issue of staffing shortages across various departments.

Kanagy opened her address by celebrating the district’s rising graduation numbers. She emphasized that the increase reflects the hard work and dedication of students, teachers, and support staff throughout the district. While specific figures were not immediately available, the Superintendent conveyed a clear sense of optimism about the positive trajectory, attributing it to targeted programs and initiatives aimed at supporting student success. She acknowledged the crucial role of families and the broader Juneau community in fostering a supportive environment for students to thrive.

However, the Superintendent also addressed the continuing struggle to fill staffing gaps within the district. Kanagy acknowledged that these shortages, affecting teachers, support personnel, and administrators, are placing a strain on existing staff and impacting the overall quality of education. She explained that the district is actively pursuing various recruitment strategies to attract qualified candidates, including offering competitive salaries and benefits, and exploring innovative approaches to professional development and retention.

The Superintendent specifically mentioned the difficulty in attracting educators to the unique environment of Juneau, citing factors such as the cost of living and geographic isolation. She stressed the importance of community collaboration in addressing these challenges, suggesting that local businesses and organizations could play a role in supporting educators and making Juneau a more attractive place to live and work.

Kanagy concluded her address by reaffirming her commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that every student in the Juneau School District has the opportunity to reach their full potential. She emphasized the importance of open communication and ongoing dialogue in addressing the district's challenges and building upon its successes. The Superintendent's address served as both a celebration of progress and a call to action, urging the community to unite in support of Juneau's students and schools. The Juneau Empire will continue to provide updates on the district's progress in addressing these key issues.