The superintendent of Fairbanks area schools has announced she will retire in June. Karen Gaborik has worked for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District for more than 20 years and has been the Superintendent of Schools since 2014.
School Board president Wendy Dominique said Gaborik intended to make the announcement at this week’s school board meeting.
“They were trying to keep it a secret until Tuesday but of course, she had to put it in the agenda, and once you put it in the agenda, everybody started calling and asking if it was true. It was a shocker to me. I just thought she was going to be here for at least another two years especially with the pandemic.”
Dominique says she thought Gaborik would want to have a normal school year after the disruptions caused by forced remote learning.
In her letter, Gaborik wrote: “Serving the school district in the past 26 years in the community where I was born and raised has been a journey full of great adventures, profound personal growth, and deep connections. When I reflect on the body of work that has resulted from a career of service to students, families and staff, I am grateful for the incredible opportunities that have graced my path.”
Dominique says the announcement coming now gives the school board time to do a comprehensive search and public review for a new superintendent.
Gaborik says she is fully committed to her work and the district for the remainder of her contract and looks forward to participating in the transition to new leadership.