Petersburg School District

District Profile

Petersburg School District is located on Mitkof Island, in the southeast panhandle of Alaska, approximately 700 miles north of Seattle. The school district serves approximately 500 students in grades kindergarten through twelve. The district employs 47 licensed staff and 49 support staff.

The City of Petersburg is one of the top ranking ports in the United States for quantity and value of fish landed. Commercial fishing is key to the economy of the area. In addition to the permanent 3,000 residents, the population increases by about 1,000 additional people who are employed by the canneries and custom packing services during peak season.

Petersburg's climate is characterized by mild winters, cool summers and year-round rainfall. Annual precipitation averages 106.3 inches.

Transportation to and from Petersburg is limited to air and water, there is no road access. Residents and visitors rely on the state ferry system, commercial flights and float planes.

Petersburg School District enjoys very strong community support. This is demonstrated by community attendance at and participation in school events (sports, plays, music performances, conferences, special meetings), support and passage of two bond issues in recent years, radio and newspaper coverage for student achievement and district activities, and donations to school fund-raising.*