Anchorage School District superintendent announces retirement

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Anchorage School District Superintendent Deena Bishop has announced she is stepping down after the end of this school year.

Bishop will retire as superintendent effective June 30, 2022, according to a Tuesday press release from the school district. She’s served as superintendent for the last six years.

“After much reflection, I’ve made the decision to complete my term as the Anchorage School District superintendent,” Bishop is quoted as saying in the press release. “From the most tragic times as evidenced by the 7.1 earthquake in 2018 to the continuing global pandemic, our community has overcome obstacles, learned, and grown.”

Bishop has been an educator in Alaska since 1991. She had been the superintendent of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District from 2011 until being named as ASD’s superintendent in 2016.

“Superintendent Bishop’s priority has always been student-focused,” Anchorage School Board President Margo Bellamy is quoted as saying in the press release. “Her leadership of ASD’s journey to improve student learning and outcomes are her legacy. She is a gifted and passionate educator and she holds my highest respect. I thank Dr. Bishop for her time committed to the District and its families.”

According to the press release, the Anchorage School Board will work with Bishop during the transition period.

“The spotlight I would like to shine is the heightened conversations on ASD’s strong focus on students’ academic achievement in literacy,” Bishop said in the press release. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in the capacity of superintendent and look to work with the Anchorage School Board in transitioning to new leadership. The Anchorage School District has many talented and committed employees with whom I enjoy serving.”

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with additional information.

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