Bering Strait School District

Willow Olson - Board Chair

Lives in Golovin

Represents: Elim, Golovin, White Mountain, and Teller

REAA2 Section II, Seat D

Term years: 2024-2027

Willow’s first and favorite job is being a mom to her six school aged children. She loves living in the community of Golovin and enjoys smoking salmon in the summer while watching her kids swim in the bay. Willow graduated with her Bachelors from the University of Alaska in Fairbanks and she earned her Masters from the University of Alaska in Juneau. Willow was first elected in 2021 and enjoys serving her region as a school board member.

Annie Maamak Weyiouanna - 1st Vice Chair

Lives in Shishmaref

Represents: Shishmaref, Brevig Mission, Wales, and Diomede

REAA2 Section I, Seat A

Term years: 2022-2025

Annie loves to live a subsistence lifestyle with her family. Annie loves to advocate for students. She graduated from Shishmaref High School and continued on to college and obtained her Associates of Applied Science in Tribal Management and is working on her Bachelors of Arts in Alaska Native Studies with a minor in Inupiaq.

Silas Paniptchuk - 2nd Vice Chair

Lives in Shaktoolik

Represents: Koyuk, Shaktoolik, and Unalakleet

REAA2 Section III, Seat E

Term years: 2022-2025

Silas was born and raised in Shaktoolik. He loves learning, basketball, hunting, fishing, living the Inupiaq way of life and most importantly, his family. Culture is very important to him because it defines who we are. “We all have the ability to live the life we want.”

Irene Navarro - Treasurer

Lives in Golovin

Represents: Elim, Golovin, White Mountain, and Teller

REAA2 Section II, Seat C

Term years: 2024-2027

Irene was born and raised in Golovin and has lived there her whole life.  She previously served on the BSSD Board for 7 years, took a term off and is currently serving a 2 year term.  Irene enjoys serving on the Board and being an advocate for all our district students and their interests.

Edward Delutuk Jackson - Secretary

Lives in Shaktoolik

Represents: Koyuk, Shaktoolik and Unalakleet 

REAA2 Section III, Seat F

Term years: 2023-2026

Edward has spent his entire life in Shaktoolik, where he graduated in 2005. He worked for the City as the Water Plant Operator until moving to NSHC as the Maintenance Technician in 2019. Edward  is married to Michelle Jackson and together they have three daughters and one son, all of whom are attending the Paul F. Asicksik School. 

Jane Kava - Parliamentarian

Lives in Savoonga

Represents: Gambell and Savoonga

REAA2 Section V, Seat K

Term years: 2024-2027

Jane graduated from Nome High School and went on to Bryant & Stratton College of Commerce in San Jose, California.  Jane's wish is for all students in our district to get a quality education and after graduation to attend College or Vocational School.  Jane and her husband love to teach their children and grandchildren traditional values and culture.

Aaron Yupi Iworrigan

Lives in Gambell

Represents: Gambell and Savoonga

REAA2 Section V, Seat I

Term years: 2023-2025

Aaron was appointed to the BSSD board in March 1984 to fill a vacant seat. He continues  to serve, minus a two year break in the mid-90’s for construction work. Aaron has enjoyed working alongside many outstanding and dedicated people from every community in our region. Despite the challenges, with many ups and downs, Aaron shared that the board works together with support from the district staff and communities to serve all 15 schools to the best of their ability. 

Milton Cheemuk

Lives in Saint Michael

Represents: Saint Michael and Stebbins

REAA Section IV, Seat G

Term years: 2023-2026

Milton is dedicated to working hard for all students in our 15 schools. “Kids come first.”

Stanley Tocktoo

Lives in Shishmaref

Represents: Shishmaref, Brevig Mission, Wales, and Diomede

REAA2 Section I, Seat B

Term years: 2023-2026

Stan has lived in Shishmaref for 62 years. He enjoys subsisting off the land and sea during all four seasons throughout the year. Along with serving his first year with the School Board, Stan is the current chair for the Site Expansion Coalition, board member for the Shishmaref Native Corporation, served in the Alaska National Guard for 18 years, worked as a Local Recognized Expert with the Bilingual & Bicultural staff for 20 years, and the Search & Rescue the last 40 years. 

Vacant

Represents: Gambell and Savoonga

REAA2 Section V, Seat J

Richard Elachik Sr.

Lives in Saint Michael

Represents: Saint Michael and Stebbins

REAA2 Section IV, Seat H

Term years: 2024-2027

Richard is married with six kids and one grandchild. He has worked as the City Clerk since 1999. “Kids come first and it starts from home.”