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Home My WebLink AboutRES2025-122 Local SchoolsSponsored by: Council Members Warner & Draper CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2025-122 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS AND DIRECTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATIONS THAT ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING, CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES WHEREAS, the Seward 2030 Comprehensive Plan identifies education as a core community value, affirming support for pre-K through post -secondary institutions, including Head Start, AVTEC, Kenai Peninsula College, and experiential learning opportunities that are enriched by Seward's unique geography and economy; and WHEREAS, the Plan directs the City to "support educational opportunities which are enhanced by Seward's physical geography and economic activities" and encourages collaboration with organizations such as the Seward Community Library & Museum, Alaska SeaLife Center, National Park Service, Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm, and U.S. Forest Service to provide community -based education; and WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Plan emphasizes community partnerships as a guiding principle, calling on the City to support organizations and initiatives that strengthen collaboration and benefit the community; and WHEREAS, the City of Seward affirms that all students, including those with special and exceptional needs, are entitled to equitable access to education, civic engagement, and workforce development, and recognizes that City -school partnerships play a critical role in providing inclusive opportunities that meet diverse learning needs; and WHEREAS, the Plan's Economic Development goals underscore the importance of building a skilled, year-round workforce, specifically highlighting support for AVTEC and the University of Alaska in advancing workforce training and education; and WHEREAS, the Plan's Quality of Life values envision a vibrant community with youth opportunities, civic engagement, and access to recreation and cultural resources; and WHEREAS, other Alaska communities, including Sitka, Homer, and Juneau, have demonstrated successful models of city -school partnerships through initiatives such as student j ob- shadowing, recreation access vouchers, and youth employment programs, which may serve as useful frameworks for Seward to consider; and CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2025-122 WHEREAS, the City of Seward recognizes that strengthening youth opportunities, educational partnerships, and community collaborations will prepare local students for success, enrich the broader community, and advance the vision of the Seward 2030 Comprehensive Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that: Section 1. The City Council authorizes the City Manager to develop and formalize partnerships with local schools, educational institutions, and community organizations that support local education and align with the Comprehensive Plan. The City will look to other communities and municipalities for successful models of collaboration and programs that could be adapted for Seward. Potential opportunities may include student field trips and educational tours of City facilities, structured job shadowing and internship programs, recreation vouchers, and expansion of the Teen Council. In exploring these opportunities, the City may draw on practices from other small Alaska communities. The City Manager shall provide regular updates to the City Council on partnership activities, including student participation, partner organizations, and program outcomes. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 15th day of December 2025. THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA Sue McClure, Mayor AYES: Osenga, Warner, Calhoon, Barnwell, Crites, Draper, McClure NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: December 15, 2025 To: City Council From: Council Members Warner and Draper Subject: Resolution 2025-122: Expressing Support for Local Schools and Directing the Development of Partnerships and Collaborations that Enhance Student Learning, Civic Engagement, and Workforce Development Opportunities Background and justification: Education is identified as a core community value in the Seward 2030 Comprehensive Plan, which calls on the City to ensure that pre-K through post -secondary institutions have the resources and programs needed to provide quality opportunities for children and residents. Seward's adopted planning documents also emphasize equitable access to quality educational opportunities, including for students with special and exceptional needs. Schools in Seward are not only places of academic learning but also centers for civic engagement, community connection, and workforce preparation. By supporting school partnerships, the City helps advance its long-term vision of a strong, diverse economy and a vibrant, resilient community. Despite statewide reductions in education funding, local partners and educators in Seward have worked collaboratively to create opportunities for students. Efforts such as interagency curriculum committees, after school "extended day" programs, and place -based credit bearing courses show how community collaboration strengthens education. However, without formal City support, these efforts remain limited. A City resolution of support ensures that partnerships can grow, remain sustainable, and be integrated into municipal planning efforts. This action also directly aligns with Seward's goals for economic development and workforce readiness. The Comprehensive Plan emphasizes the importance of supporting AVTEC, the University of Alaska, and other training pathways to build a skilled year-round workforce. City school partnerships through field trips, job shadowing, internships, and recreation access are concrete ways to connect students to local career pathways while fostering civic pride. Other Alaska communities, including Sitka, Homer, and Juneau, have successfully implemented similar collaborations, and Seward is well positioned to adapt these models to strengthen local opportunities. Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan: We value a community that will ensure that pre-K-12 and post- secondary education institutions have the resources and programs to provide quality educational opportunities to our children and residents" (Vol. I, p. 8) Support educational opportunities which are enhanced by Seward's physical geography and economic activities" (Vol. I, p. 8) Support expansion course and degree offerings in Seward by the Strategic Plan: Other: University of Alaska" (Vol. I, p. 11) Support Seward schools to attract and retain families" (Vol. I, p. 11). Public facilities and services... including education... are critical to the quality of life and long-term vitality of the community" (Vol. II, pp. 25-26). Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: This legislation (✓): Creates revenue in the amount of: Creates expenditure in amount of: Creates a savings in the amount of: Has no fiscal impact X Funds are (✓): Budgeted Line item(s): Not budgeted Not applicable X Affected Fund (✓): General Boat Harbor Motor Pool Available Fund Balance SMIC Parking Other Fund Balance Information Electric Water $ Wastewater Healthcare Note: amounts are unaudited Finance Director Signature: Attorne Review X Yes Attorney Signature: Not applicable Comments: Administration Recommendation X Adopt Resolution Other: