A familiar face is returning to the classroom this fall after the school board this month approved hiring Kalah Paul, who completed her student teaching with Wrangell kindergarteners back in 2013.

She joins the staff after most recently teaching eighth-grade mathematics in Ketchikan, bringing a highly diverse background to her new role.

“Since I started teaching, I have taught every grade from kindergarten to eighth grade in one capacity or another,” Paul said. “I’m really looking forward to teaching kindergarten because the little kids are just so honest and they’re clean slates.”

Her transition back to Wrangell follows massive downsizing at her previous employer, the Ketchikan school district. Faced with a $3 million budget deficit and over $5 million in outstanding debt, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District implemented deep reductions for the 2026-2027 school year.

The financial crisis prompted school board members there to cut 76 positions — roughly 26% of the staff — cutting teachers, administrators, counselors and support personnel. To curb the financial slide and save an estimated $3.2 million, officials also voted unanimously to shutter Point Higgins and Fawn Mountain elementary schools, sending those students to remaining facilities.

“I had five years in Ketchikan. I was tenured,” Paul said, noting the depth of the cuts. “There were some other teachers who had more tenure than I did that were also let go.”

Now back in Wrangell, Paul plans to establish a collaborative learning environment, focusing heavily on small-group dynamics.

“I believe that there should be a sense of community in the classroom,” she said. “It’s one of those things where I believe they should all celebrate each other’s success and support each other.”

The opportunity to apply for the open position required very little persuasion, extending beyond simple job availability. Her mother, retired nurse practitioner Donna Paul, has lived in Wrangell for several years.

Paul explained that her educational approach focuses on tailoring instruction to the individual needs of each child.

“Kindergarten is a different dynamic, but even though they’re younger, I think all children just want to be heard,” she said. “I think it’s important to let them know that they have a voice.”

Beyond the walls of the school, she felt drawn to the area’s tight-knit social fabric, which she believes will offer an excellent environment for her 15-year-old daughter, Olivia.

“Everyone that lives here seems to be so community-centered,” Paul said. “Living here, you can really feel like you’re a part of something. And when I mentioned moving here, my daughter didn’t hesitate to agree.”

Paul is the third new teacher hired by the district this summer, with a special education teacher slot still to fill. The four new teachers will represent about 20% of the faculty.

The first day of classes will be Aug. 25. Teachers start Aug. 20-21 with in-service days.