Episodes

There is a temporary classified position available May 10^th through August 31^st for Desktop Support. This person will work with VCS Technology Department to install network cables, support technology check-in and check-out, install new computer images and any software updates.

Required qualifications include: Strong desktop/end-user skills; knowledge of network and routing protocols; strong desktop/end-user skills in Windows  and Apple OSX; Strong computer hardware technical skills; and working knowledge of configuration and punch down of network cables.

CLICK HERE for more information and to download an application.

CLICK HERE for HY 2017 Winners and Results

CLICK HERE for HY Peter Cottontail Class and Fun Run 5K race results

JOB DUTIES

Hours:  Part-Time: 20 to 30 Hours per Week

Noon to 5pm – Monday through Friday

Weather, Station Events and other assignments as needed

SALES

Develop and maintain sales accounts / contacts

Direct mail / fax / e-mail and call KVAK clients to solicit advertising

Send bi-monthly sales sheet to clients

Maintain existing customers/sponsors and update on-air radio scripts

Contact clients to participate in KVAK promotions and events

Write, record and program radio spots

Develop new marketing / sales opportunities for KVAK Radio

STATION PROMOTIONS & EVENTS

Event organization and implementation

Promotional flyers and forms

Sell radio programs, events, features

Work with public and clients

COMMUNITY NEWS / ON-AIR RESPONSIBILITIES

Download Statewide News

Prepare and Record Community News & Local Announcements

Organize / Re-Write Public Service Announcements

Gather Local Information and Announcements

Read Local Announcements and Information

Edit Program & Record

Read Local Weather Forecast

Record Programs and Conduct Interviews with Community Members

Maintain Public Service Files and Recordings

Read and Produce Radio Spots and Announcements

Conduct Live and Edited Interviews

Write, Read, Produce and Edit Programs

Write, Read, Produce and Edit Special On-Air Promotions

For an application, stop by Job Service or KVAK. Submit job application with letter of interest to KVAK Radio. Job open until filled. For questions about the position, please call Laurie at 255-KVAK.

The City of Valdez Municipal Election is May 2nd, 2017

KVAK Radio asked the candidates running for the Valdez City School Board  to tell us a little bit about themselves and share their thoughts on several questions.  Find below their exact responses as provided to KVAK Radio.

There are four vacancies available on the Valdez City School Board.

Tammy Holmes

Hi!  My name is Tammy Holmes and I am interested in serving on the Valdez City School Board.  I was born and raised in Alaska, grew up in Kenny Lake and moved to Valdez during middle school, where I graduated

from VHS.  I graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nevada Reno prior to returning home to Valdez.  I have two daughters; one in middle school and one in high school.  I also have several nieces and nephews in the Valdez school system.   After graduating from college I chose to move back to this amazing town and truly believe it is a wonderful place to raise a family.

Question #1:  What are three main challenges for Valdez City Schools in the next five years? As a potential school board member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

BUDGET:  Due to the decline in revenue, I want to help ensure we make the most of the funds we have available for our students and teachers.

CURRICULUM:  Want to ensure our curriculum keeps up with national standards and that it flows smoothly from one semester to the next, year after year. And that our graduates are prepared for the next step after graduation.

Question #2:  What experience do you have with budgeting, and managing people and finances?

I previously served several years on the Board of Commissions for the City of Valdez, Parks and Recreation, to include Chairman of the board. During this time I was able to gain some understanding of the City of Valdez budget and get a bigger picture of the timing, requirements and restraints that are put on the different entities of our town. During my 21 years of employment with Alyeska Pipeline I have held many roles to include the responsibilities of budgeting, and supervising personnel.

Woody Woodgate

My wife and I met, built a log cabin in Fairbanks, and then for almost twenty years we moved with our four children to different villages and cities in Alaska for our careers. After selling the log cabin twelve years ago, we bought land in the Copper River Basin.  Since then, we spent almost every summer visiting Valdez until moving here a couple of years ago for our children to finish school.  Our family loves the small town feel of Valdez, access to the many outdoor adventures, and the quality and stability of the school district. I look forward to watching my children grow up and graduate from Valdez High School.  The experience I bring to the VCSD School Board includes a degree in Biology from UAF, Masters in Curriculum from UAF, Masters in Math Education from UAS, professional certificate in Educational Leadership from UAA and my Superintendent certificate that will be completed this summer through UAS.   I have lived and worked in many areas of rural Alaska.  I worked for the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development in Juneau and currently work for Prince William Sound College.

Question #1:  What are three main challenges for Valdez City Schools in the next five years? As a potential school board member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

One of the first tasks coming before the school board will be to find a Superintendent.  VCSD has been fortunate to have excellent leadership these past three years. We’ll have our work cut-out for us to replace him with someone who meets the high standards set forth by the Valdez community.  Secondly, we need experienced people guiding the district to maximize the resources coming into our district with the financial crisis at the state level.  I support working together to craft fiscally responsible budgets without gutting instruction and activities that are important for keeping students motivated to learn.  Lastly and most importantly, I support a public education model that promotes students in the community to attend school, learn, and play together. This is a volatile time for education and as a school board, we have an opportunity to provide input into our state plan for how our current laws and future laws are interpreted.  As a school board member, I will work with the Superintendent, fellow board members, parents, students, school staff, community members, and the City Council to keep the focus on our children’s education.

Question #2:  What experience do you have with budgeting, and managing people and finances?

In regards to budgeting and finances, I was the Treasurer for the Goldstream Valley Lions Club in Fairbanks, Treasurer for the Juneau Family Health & Birth Center, and currently I am the Treasurer of the Valdez United Way.  I have managed a 5-year $3.2M Alaska Department of Education grant certifying new teachers and a 3-year $1.5M grant promoting place-based cultural curriculum in IASD. As part of my job at PWSC, I am the principal investigator for a $78K Adult Basic Education grant, a $60K grant from Department of Labor to bring teachers to Valdez this summer for math instruction, and a 3-year $60K grant to provide Allied Health Care instruction for concurrently enrolled students, including more than 45 students attending Valdez High School.  I have managed employees as part of previous jobs and find the best way to manage is to start by actively listening.  As a school board member, I look forward to seeing and talking with students, community members and district staff and then working with the Superintendent and other school board members to do what is best for all children in the district.

Jamie Winchester

Jamie Winchester attended Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Music, with majors in biomedical engineering and music performance. She has worked in cardiovascular research, music education, entertainment management, and environmental health at the local, state, and federal levels.

Ms. Winchester moved to Valdez in 2009 when she took the position of Environmental Health Officer with the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). While working for ADEC, she travelled extensively throughout the state, conducting school, food establishment, public bathing facility, and fisheries inspections.

While raising her two daughters, Callie Jane and Phoebe Ann, with her husband, Kit, Jamie feels that it is important to help our community grow and improve in a tangible way. She serves on the board of the Valdez Imagination Library, which brings monthly free books by mail to all Valdez children from ages zero to five (go to www.imaginationlibrary.com to enroll!). She is also a member of the board of the Valdez Preschool, which fosters a cooperative approach to early childhood education.

Jamie is excited for the opportunity to serve Valdez on another level as a member of the School Board, and welcomes questions and discussion on any school topics.

 Question #1:  What are three main challenges for Valdez City Schools in the next five years? As a potential school board member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

1. Financial insecurity at the local, state, and federal levels. Locally, property valuation fluctuation has a major annual impact on school budgeting. Statewide, oil tax profits are falling and many social and educational program budgets are on the chopping block. The potential losses are a constant battle, and it is important to review every expenditure carefully. We must streamline our budgets, while maintaining the services and programs that have been proven successful in preparing our children.
2. Moving targets of requirements, standards, and testing. The current federal administration’s leaning toward defederalization gives us the opportunity, at both the state and local levels, to refocus on what is important for our children. We live in a unique community, and our students deserve an educational experience that includes the preparation necessary for their success while maximizing the usage of our amazing local resources.
3. Technology is amazing, and, as a parent, terrifying. Teachers and parents alike battle cell phones, tablets, computers, and video games on a daily basis. We need to work to ensure that our students have all of the tools they need to succeed in this technology based world, but maintain a balance with the world outside the screen.

Question #2:  What experience do you have with budgeting, and managing people and finances?

My work in local and state government has given me extensive experience managing budgets in multi-disciplinary programs with dedicated funding sources, and finding ways to maximize available resources to maintain and expand program offerings.

Through the International Food Protection Training Institute Fellowship in Food Safety program and supported by ADEC, I published a paper covering my field research and analysis regarding risk analysis as a method of prioritizing limited financial and human resources, specifically in rural Alaska. These basic tenets of risk analysis and control can be used in school budgeting as well, through identifying the proven successful programming, staffing, facility, etc. and basing decisions on thoughtful research.

Alan Sorum

Alan Sorum and his wife Ruth Knight are residents of the City of Valdez. They have enjoyed living and working in Alaska for nearly 27 years. Alan and Ruth own and operate a small business in Valdez, Alpine Garden and Hearth.  Alan is currently employed by the Prince William Sound RCAC as their Maritime Operations Project Manager. Sorum is a past City Manager of the Municipality of Skagway, worked as Director of Training at Prince William Sound Community College and the former Port Director and Harbormaster of Valdez, Alaska. Alan represents the Alaska Association of School Boards in efforts by the National Forest Counties and Schools Coalition to encourage funding of the Secure Rural Schools Program.  Sorum is an alumnus of the University of Alaska Southeast and Fairbanks with advanced degrees in Public Management and Rural Development. Currently he is an adjunct facility member with the University of Alaska Southeast in Sitka. Alan is currently a member of the School Board, Valdez Fisheries Development Association Board of Directors and the Valdez Ports and Harbors Commission.

 Question #1:  What are three main challenges for Valdez City Schools in the next five years? As a potential school board member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

1. I have seen the effect a superintendent has on the performance of our schools. During his most recent evaluation, Superintendent Nygaard notified the Board of his intention to retire. We have 15 months to find a capable replacement for our chief administrator which will be difficult.
2. School funding is in distress and uncertain. The City provides significant support to the schools. During recent settlements, the funding that they can provide has been reduced. At the state level, education continues to be a bargaining chip for our Senate and the potential exists for further cuts before this session ends. Nationally, the President has proposed a 13% cut to educational funding. A budget has not been passed by Congress, so our federal support remains uncertain.
3. The first two challenges for the schools leads to the third issue, preparing our children to be successful in furthering their education, taking their place as productive citizens in our society and being prepared for their future careers. Addressing this challenge takes multiple efforts and commitments from the community. Among these efforts are support for career and technical education, professional development of teachers, and working with our local college to provide dual-credit courses.

Question #2:  What experience do you have with budgeting, and managing people and finances?

As detailed in my biography, my personal, educational and professional experience makes me well suited to serve on the School Board. I worked my way up from the docks to be a Harbormaster, Port Director and City Manager. This entailed extensive budget preparation work, dealing with the public and supervising many employees. I worked as Director of Training at the Prince William Sound Community College and have a strong background in career and technical (vocational) education.

My formal education includes an undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Science, with advanced degrees in Public Administration and Rural Development. This includes formal coursework in the public budgetary process and financing. I currently work with the University of Alaska Southeast in Sitka to teach development courses for harbor employees.

I currently serve and have served in the past on many boards and commissions at all levels of government. I am a past member of the Valdez City Council, seeking re-election for the third time with the School Board and a member of the Valdez Ports and Harbors Commission. Locally I am a member of the Valdez Fisheries Development Association Board and nationally work with the Alaska Association of School Boards on federal school funding issues.

 Cara Bourne

My name is Cara Bourne and I am running for a position on the Valdez School Board. I was raised in Valdez and am a graduate of Valdez High School. I have four children, two attend Gilson Middle School and the other two will be enrolled at Hermon Hutchens in the fall, one in Kindergarten and one in Preschool, and my nieces and nephew attend Valdez High School.

 Question #1:  What are three main challenges for Valdez City Schools in the next five years? As a potential school board member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

Budget: Budget will always be a challenge for any school district. As revenue declines, decisions need to be made that are in the best interest of students and staff without compromising the level of education each child receives, and that means maintaining the staff size to keep a low student to teacher ratio that Valdez schools have always been able to maintain, even as the budget changes.

Special Education: With recent political changes, Special Education has been in the spotlight for the past several months. Every student deserves an education, students with extra needs deserve the same level of education, even if that means receiving extra accommodations. There have been House Bills introduced that would greatly impact education, especially Special Education. ESSA, IDEA, and FAPE, programs for children with disabilities, could be repealed as well as defunding public school systems as a whole.

Curriculum: Our graduates need to learn life skills. Balance a check book, keep a budget, maintain employment. I want to bring Life Skills classes back to Valdez High School. I would like to see more “hands on” learning in the classrooms and out vs only learning from a textbook and homework.

Question #2:  What experience do you have with budgeting, and managing people and finances?

I readily admit I don’t have experience managing a budget like what our school district has. I have a family of 6 and anyone who lives in Valdez and pays the prices we pay knows that budgeting for a family is a tricky accomplishment, one I have come to master. I will learn. I will listen and I will learn how our budget process works and I will help make decisions that are the best for our schools, our students, our teachers and our community. I am not naive as to how difficult it is to manage a large budget, I hope to learn as much as I can as quickly as I can so I can make educated decisions when the time comes.

The City of Valdez Municipal Election is May 2nd, 2017

KVAK Radio asked the candidates running for city council  to tell us a little bit about themselves and share their thoughts on several questions.  Find below their exact responses as provided to KVAK Radio.

There are three vacancies available on the Valdez City Council.

Doug Davies

I was born in Missoula, Montana.  My father moved us to Ketchikan in about 1951.  We were in Seward for the earthquake.  I moved to Valdez almost 20 years ago.  Most of my life has been spent in the Merchant Marine with side trips into public health, business education and management and industrial project management.

Question #1:  What are three main challenges for City of Valdez in the next five years? As a Council member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

1. Affordable, clean and accessible housing.  The type that helps to build and grow young families and takes care of our seniors.
2. “Brick and mortar” business development. We need to look outside of tourism and fishing and build the types of businesses that attract solid business investment that builds our tax base.
3. Sustaining our public schools and local college. The recent actions, both at the State and Federal levels pose a direct threat to our local schools.  Once again, the State is cutting funding and reducing services and the Feds are cutting funding and lowering the level of services provided.

The solution to these issues requires a “hand and glove” approach.  Housing and business development go hand in hand.  With very few exceptions, if an investment by the City does not produce good jobs, to attract and retain young families and build our tax base, then we probably shouldn’t be making the investment.  At the same time, an influx of young families will drive our schools to “take up the slack” left by the State and Federal governments.  By building our tax base, we will continue to have the ability to fill the gaps left by the State and the Feds and continue to provide our students a top grade education.

Question #2:  What experience do you have with budgeting, investments, and finance?

As a successful project manager, I have extensive experience in budget development and implementation.  I have been responsible for clients money, at times amounting to more than $6M, in mostly industrial projects.  As a management consultant, I have worked with developing and struggling businesses to develop sound accounting and management systems, develop realistic budgets and implement realistic business plans.

 Sue Ellen Montes

First and foremost, Sue Ellen Montes is a woman who is motivated by challenges and has demonstrated her abilities to effectively meet them. She possesses the flexibility and critical thinking skills necessary to accurately assess situations, the ability to research them, and the communication skills necessary to convey relevant information in an accurate and personable way.

Sue Ellen graduated Cum laude with her BA from Mansfield University, is a lifetime member of Psi Chi honors fraternity, and possesses her Masters of Science degree in Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysis from Michigan State University with certificates in Homeland Security and Critical Thinking. She has served communities across Pennsylvania as founder and advocate for the Bradford County Drilling Awareness Team and the Gas Truth of Central Pennsylvania, where she acted as a liaison between gas drilling companies, activist groups, citizens, and federal, state, and local politicians and lawmakers. She also served as an informational host and tour guide for organizations including Time Magazine and the BBC.

Sue Ellen is presently a writer, a researcher, a substitute cab driver, an Eagles member, and a permanent resident of Valdez. She looks forward to dedicating much of her time and expertise to working as a team member to solve challenges. Her goal is to provide an unbiased ear and a well-informed voice for all of Valdez’s amazing residents!

Question #1:  What are three main challenges for City of Valdez in the next five years? As a Council member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

1. Housing availability

• Delegate a committee to expedite a solution to the Aleutian village crisis by creating three plausible and acceptable solutions for a community vote.
• Schedule a think tank meeting to discuss possible sites and financial options for new housing to be built within the next five years.
• Development of a ‘Neighborhood Beautification Program’ which offers improvement grants or services to homeowners who are low income, seniors, or disabled

2. Small business retention and attraction

Our small businesses are the backbone of our community and many have dissipated over the last few years.

• Setup a business facilitation office to negotiate the challenges of creating legal and profitable businesses. A business facilitation office could be funded through taxes, grants, or chamber of commerce memberships and would therefore be available to offer services to potential entrepreneurs for free or a small fee.
• Incentives such as tax breaks, discounts on fees and permits, or small loan availability for new or ‘loyal’ businesses (over 5 years).

3. Solid employment opportunities and incentives

• Initiation of a Local Hire rule that suggests that all local resources for job opportunities be exhausted before outside applicants
• Training programs for prospective local employees and assistance for those with employment blocks

Question #2:  What experience do you have with budgeting, investments, and finance?

I have been trained in Masters level economics, statistics, and analysis. Through my education and experience, I have acquired a firm understanding of budgeting, investments, and finance. I also have over 20+ years of experience in various management positions where I have acted as a purchaser, and was also responsible for all daily, weekly, and monthly reports in regards to sales and revenue and also prepared all reports for audits. I was also a small business owner who attributed my success to Bradford County Action Small Business Training Certification which gave me the ability to stay under budget by using creative spending strategies while still turning out quality goods and services.

In order to invest in the future success of Valdez, priorities need to be evaluated in a way that would not only mean spending within the budget, but would also require investing in resources that will boost our city’s economy. These financial priorities include:

• securing an acceptable standard of living for residents
• assuring that residents have first chance at open employment opportunities
• offering incentives to retain small business and to attract new ones
• insuring public safety.

Jim Shirrell

Married to Pam 37 years, son Jim (27) born in Valdez & graduated Valdez Public Schools lives in Olympia Washington.

We have lived in Valdez for 28 years. Pam and I are retired (3 years) and have elected to make Valdez our home in retirement.

Employment Experience:

• 4 years – Contract Administrator, Teck Alaska Resources Inc. (Red Dog Mine)
• 15 years – Alyeska Pipeline Service Company Inc. (Valdez Marine Terminal)

  • Financial / Business Analyst
  • Buyer (Industrial goods & services)
  • Strategic Sourcing Analyst
  • Sector Manager (SERVS)

• 5 years – Branch Manager, First National Bank of Alaska (Valdez)

Education:

• BA- Law and Justice, Central Washington University
• MBA- Willamette University

Valdez Public Service:

• Valdez City Council (5 terms – 4 in late 90’s early 2000’s, 1- 2015/16)
• Valdez Senior Center Board (Manager (Volunteer) /President 1.5 years/ Treasure to present)
• City of Valdez (COV) Economic Diversification Committee (2016 to present)
• Alaska Gasline Port Authority (2015 to present)
• COV Permanent Fund Committee (off & on 1996-2016)
• Mayor’s Task Force for Health Care Planning
• Valdez Schools Budget Committees (Late 90’s- early2000’s)
• Valdez Hospital Design/Construction Task Force
• COV Planning & Zoning (1992-96)
• Valdez Medical Clinic Design/Construction Task Force
• Valdez Convention & Visitor Bureau (1990 to 95)
• Valdez Chamber of Commerce (1990 to 94)

Question #1:  What are three main challenges for City of Valdez in the next five years? As a Council member, how do you plan to address these challenges?

1. Achieve economic diversification and improved quality of life through redevelopment

2. Improve quality and availability of affordable housing

3. Reduce cost to live in Valdez

We as a community are poised to move Valdez forward. The settling of long standing tax litigation has positioned us to realize economic diversification and improved quality of life for Valdez. To address housing needs.  To leverage our new harbor expansion to expand the fisheries and marine service sectors.   To redevelop our core business area.   And to realize the unique nature of Valdez as a year around recreation destination.

We have received a significant financial settlement.  Our challenge is to define our desired future and make that happen.  To come together. Community Members, City Administration & Employees and Council working together where Community Members input drives the future outcome.   I know –  another planning process & report – OMG.  However the community must engage to get it right.  Without your engagement it will be a Council & Administration plan made by well-meaning individuals that may or may not represent your wants and needs.

I am committing to you to a public process that engages the community to drive our future.

 Question #2:  What experience do you have with budgeting, investments, and finance?

I hold an MBA from Atkinson Graduate School at Willamette University and have 24 years of work experience in the commercial business sector with the banking, oil and mining industries.  I have served on the Valdez Permanent Fund Committee for approximately 15 years.  Over the last 20 years have served on the Valdez City Council 5 terms that translate to 10 budgeting cycles.  And have gained budget and policy experience  in the course of 28 years of public service on Valdez  boards and task forces.

LON NEEDLES

Candidate did not Return Survey

CARL J. HEDMAN

Candidate did not Return Survey

DARREN REESE

Candidate did not Return Survey