SITKA, Alaska — The Sitka School Board faced significant backlash during its recent meeting when a group of about 30 residents attempted to voice concerns regarding a local middle school teacher’s social media post praising an alleged violent incident. The outcry arose following an altercation that left a conservative activist hospitalized, sparking heated discussions within the community.
The incident in question occurred on Aug. 30 during an anti-Trump protest, where 19-year-old Pietr K. Dabaluz was arrested for allegedly assaulting counter-protesters who were expressing support for former President Donald Trump and Israel. Witnesses reported that Dabaluz snatched an Israeli flag from Steve Lee, a conservative counter-protester, and during the scuffle, Lee was allegedly stabbed with the blunt end of the flagpole before losing consciousness.
Marshall Albertson, another local resident, intervened in the altercation. He reported that after trying to assist Lee, he himself was knocked unconscious by Dabaluz and subsequently stomped on. A video of the incident circulated on social media before being removed.
Following the altercation, a teacher from Blatchley Middle School, identified as Alexander Allison, reportedly took to Facebook to endorse the violent act. In a now-deleted post, Allison stated that while he typically does not support violence, he was pleased by what he termed as a decisive action against Albertson. The post quickly attracted public scrutiny, raising alarms among parents and community members.
During the school board’s meeting on Sept. 3, President Phil Burdick informed attendees that they would not be allowed to address grievances related to school staff. He emphasized that the forum was not suitable for public discussions regarding employees. “This is not the time or the place or the process for this,” Burdick stated firmly.
Frustrated parents expressed their concerns about the situation, prompting some to withdraw their children from Allison’s class. The board’s insistence on adhering to procedural rules left some attendees dissatisfied, as they sought an opportunity to address their worries directly.
The conflict has underscored divisions within Sitka, highlighting the tensions between differing political beliefs in the wake of recent protests. The school board was met with criticism for its handling of the matter, as many in the community voiced a desire for transparency and accountability from their educators.
As the situation continues to evolve, residents are left grappling with the implications of advocacy, free speech, and the role of educators in politically charged environments. Discussions surrounding the events are expected to persist as community members seek to engage with the school board and influence future policies regarding staff conduct and student safety.