Getchell Named Alaska Superintendent of the Year

Dr. Roy Getchell, who spent his early years in Fallon schools while his father, LeRoy, served as City Clerk for the City of Fallon, has been named 2024 Alaska Superintendent of the Year by the Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA).  

Dr. Getchell has served as Superintendent of Haines Borough School District since 2018. He is the Alaska Superintendent Association Board President and the Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA) President. He is the past Board Chair of SERRC and serves on their Executive Committee. He previously represented Alaska on the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Governing Board. 

Since 2018, Dr. Getchell has provided the Haines Borough School District with steady, thoughtful, and measured leadership. He skillfully led through the 2020 landslide that tragically took the life of a Haines teacher and the COVID-19 Pandemic. In the wake of these events that significantly impacted the school district and community, "Dr. Getchell demonstrated considerable grace and thought in his response," said Dr. Michelle Sloper, Haines Borough School Board President. 

Making connections with students, staff, and community leaders has been a focus for Dr. Getchell. Pam Long, a parent of two HBSD Students, shared, "It is empowering to watch district staff, business owners, tribal leaders, parents, grandparents, educators and students all collaborating under his leadership." Through Dr. Getchell's commitment to open and engaging dialog, he has been able to promote the mission and vision of the school district and recruit educators to the region. 

“Watching school leaders and mentors through the years,” said Getchell, “I never ever imagined myself being able to do the same type of work as a superintendent. I can clearly remember viewing administration through rose-colored glasses of amazement as they led their schools and districts to places of higher ground. For that reason, I humbly know the importance of the roles we have as leaders of our schools and communities.”