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Thorson denied Sabbatical Leave for "Alaskan Adventure"
• Scott Thorson has requested a Sabbatical Leave starting at the end of December and would return in time to teach in the 2014-15 school year. His request was to go on a learning trip that would enhance his classroom teaching and would have an entire unit over the "Alaskan Adventure." Thorson came before the board Monday night to outline his proposal. • He said that about a year ago, he was watching a show entitled, "Great Teachers" where teachers explore real life learning rather than getting college credits or internet. Thorson said he did some researching and phone calling. Then two weeks ago, ASRC Energy Services, Anchorage, Alaska, called and said there may be an opportunity for Thorson. Camp in Prudhoe Bay has an opening for this type of experience. He would be working in Kuparuk, Alaska, which is where the beginning of the Alaskan Oil Pipeline is at. • There are three possible opportunities that would await Thorson. One is pipeline maintenance. A second is driving trucks and delivering materials throughout the region (ice road truckers). The third is environmental control - making sure habitat of the region are protected as well as workers from them. The work schedule is usually two or three weeks on, two or three weeks off. • Thorson said he has everything lined up for the substitute and he would still go on the junior class trip and coordinate fund raising events. • Superintendent Joe Schwan said that the district would need a "highly qualified standard" teacher to fill in. If someone does not meet those standards, then a letter would be sent home to the parents of the student stating so. • Board member Kelly Kjelden said, "I feel it's a big decision for me on the board. It's a lot, it's big and it's fast and it's not my style." The short notice was a concern for the board members. Board President Dorene Nelson said it's a difficult decision considering the circumstances. "The last time we had a request for Sabbatical Leave was from Loren Locken." Board member Steven Smith said, "We, as a board, don't know who these candidates are," referring to those who would possibly fill in (Continued on page 3)
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