School district's new activities director wants to bring consistency to the job

Though the Wrangell School District has had its challenges filling various positions throughout the years, one position ⎯ the activities director ⎯ has seen yearly turnover with four people in the position in the past three years.

Lifelong resident X'atshaawditee Tammi Meissner is the latest hire for the part-time contract, and she is committed to staying in the job "for the foreseeable future."

Meissner, who also works as the community navigator for the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, said she recognizes the need for students, coaches and activity advisers to have someone supporting them in the multiple activities available for student participation.

"Beyond this, I saw the importance of establishing long-term consistency in the role, which is crucial for effective program development," she said. "My passion for organizing, networking and fostering strong communication made me confident that I could contribute positively in this position."

She added that a well-structured activities program can contribute to the positive, overall educational experience for kids. She applied with the full support of Tlingit & Haida.

Though Meissner isn't officially the activities director until her contract is approved at the Nov. 18 school board meeting, she has been working with her predecessor, Mike Hoyt, since Oct. 21, according to Schools Superintendent Bill Burr.

Both Burr and Meissner acknowledged that the job comes with plenty of challenges and a learning curve.

Along with representing the district at Southeast activities director meetings to plan schedules, home games, tournaments and locations, the director must make sure students are eligible to participate both locally and regionally, work on fundraising and communicate any changes in rules and requirements of the Alaska School Activities Association, Burr said.

The contract pays $10,000 for a full school year.

"(The activities director is) also many times the first contact on travel difficulties or injuries for our home and away teams in coordination with the school principal, travel secretary and the district," he said.

Having grown up in Wrangell and played middle and high school sports herself, Meissner is well-versed in the challenges of getting around not only Southeast but Alaska as a whole. It was her experiences in playing team sports that instilled in her an understanding of dedication and resilience, which she has to this day.

"I played basketball, where I not only learned the fundamentals of the game but also the importance of teamwork and perseverance," she said. "In high school, the opportunities expanded significantly, and I proudly participated in the varsity cross-country team, varsity basketball team and track team."

She said she thrived in the competitive arena, pushing her to improve in her athletic endeavors and as a teammate.

In the new role, Meissner will oversee those sports she participated in, plus wrestling, cheer and other activities such as Music Fest and Art Fest, which will be held in Wrangell next spring since Haines had to pull out as the host city.

Burr said her position covers any activities that fall into the athletic, curricular, educational or fine arts categories.

"The activities director plays a big role in (providing opportunities for students) by working directly with the coaches, students and community to create, schedule and facilitate events," Burr said. "Working creatively with the budget and encouraging our students to have a chance to represent Wrangell is very important to all aspects of the district and the student population in ... the classroom, on the court, in the auditorium or on the national stage."

One of Meissner's main goals is to become well-versed in the job while establishing strong relationships with other activities directors and coaches throughout Southeast. But it goes beyond that.

"I intend to keep a close eye on any challenges that arise, documenting them to facilitate smoother operations in the future," she said. "Additionally, I will advocate for at least one scheduled home game for each sport next year, as I believe that home field advantage can significantly enhance our students' performance and school spirit."

Despite the many challenges that come with the position, she is eager for the role.

"I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to support our coaches and advisers while building meaningful relationships with our students," Meissner said. "Connecting with the students at a personal level is one of the most rewarding aspects of this role."