January 26, 2026
Kodiak Island Borough School District (KIBSD) Board of Education Announces New Superintendent
The KIBSD Board of Education is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Daniel Brigman as the District’s next Superintendent, effective July 1, 2026. The Board extends its sincere appreciation to all community members, staff, students, and stakeholders who participated in and supported the Superintendent search process.
The Board conducted a comprehensive search beginning in November 2025, attracting 21 applicants from across Alaska and the United States. The process culminated in finalist visits to Kodiak on January 22 and 23, which included forums with staff, students, and community members. The Board reviewed feedback submitted through a public survey, then interviewed finalist candidates as part of its final deliberations.
At its January 23 special meeting, the Board unanimously approved Dr. Brigman’s appointment. Regarding the selection, Kerry Irons, President of the KIBSD Board of Education, stated:
“The Board is confident that Dr. Brigman’s extensive leadership experience, commitment to student success, and collaborative approach make him the best choice for the future of our district. We look forward to welcoming Dan Brigman and his wife, Cindy, to our amazing community. I know they are excited about their future here in Kodiak.”
In accepting the position, Dr. Brigman shared the following statement:
“I am very humbled and honored to be allowed to serve as the next Superintendent of the Kodiak Island Borough School District. Kodiak‘s strength is its people. In the coming months, I look forward to visiting schools, meeting staff, listening to families and working closely with the school board to understand Kodiak’s needs and priorities. Together, we will develop a plan that is realistic, sustainable, and worthy of this community. My goal is to ensure the school district remains strong and fiscally solvent for many years to come. My family and I are very excited and very honored to be given this premier leadership opportunity in KIBSD. I look forward to getting the transition underway and meeting everyone soon.”
Dr. Brigman brings more than two decades of experience in public education leadership, having served as superintendent in school districts across North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. Most recently, he served as Superintendent of Avery County Schools in North Carolina from 2020 to 2024, leading a PreK–12 district of approximately 2,000 students and overseeing a $45 million annual budget. Throughout his career, Dr. Brigman has demonstrated a commitment to improving student achievement, strengthening instructional systems, and expanding academic and career pathways for students. While serving as Superintendent of Catawba County Schools, he led a district that maintained the highest graduation rate among mid-sized districts in North Carolina for five consecutive years. He holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University, and an M.A. in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University.
The KIBSD Board of Education contracted with the Association of Alaska School Boards to facilitate the Superintendent search process.