Denise Rankin

This week, KUCB is profiling candidates running in the October 1st municipal election. This profile focuses on Denise Rankin, who is running for seat E on the school board. Several of the candidates will appear live on KUCB and Channel 8 on Thursday at 7 pm to answer your questions.

Denise Rankin’s roots in Unalaska go deep.  She was born in Washington State and moved here in the first grade. Her grandfather, Walter, served on the school board for 25 years -- and that inspired her to do the same.

"Walter would always tell me stories about how he would have to travel to find funds to build the school we have now.  Since I was little I’ve been hearing these stories and it’s just always been a dream to come back and do the same," said Rankin.

Rankin was appointed to the board this August to fill the seat vacated by Sonia Handforth-Kome. She’s only taken part in a couple meetings, but she believes that the schools -- and the board -- are performing at a high level.

"I think they’re doing an amazing job. This is from looking outside. That is one of the reasons I’m excited to serve on the school board. They’re an amazing team, from the school board to the office to teacher and students.  I think that is what helps make it a success," said Rankin.

Accordingly, Rankin isn’t looking at reforms. She wants the schools to deliver a top quality education, and she doesn’t see anything that’s holding them back.

"It is a small town, and usually if there are issues, you would hear the grumblings around town," said Rankin. I’m not hearing those.  I think they’re doing a fine job."

Rankin may not have a lot of direct education experience, compared to her opponent, Fernando Barrera, who was a teacher for 15 years. But Rankin says she makes up for it in other ways with extensive board governance experience. She works for the Ounalashka Corporation as a property manager. She also serves as the Qawalangin Tribe’s president, and she sits on the board of the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association. Rankin says those community connections ultimately make her a stronger choice for school board.

"If I have concerns or questions, I already know someone I can go and talk to. Also if I have any ideas, you can play around with talking to these other entities to see if they’d be willing to work with you," said Rankin.

When voters go to the polls October first, they will choose between Rankin and challenger Fernando Barerra. 

"I don’t like to be confrontational. I think that  Mr. Barrera and I both have our strong points.  I would just say that I’m here for the long term, this is my home, it’s the home of my ancestors and I will always be here," said Rankin.

Denise Rankin is running for school board seat E.  She’ll take part in KUCB’s Candidate forum on September 26th at 7 o’clock.