Conrad Survives Tok School Board Recall

Voters in the Alaska Gateway School District seem to have narrowly rejected the recall of school board president Lisa Conrad, according to unofficial results from the Alaska Division of Elections.

The June 30, 2026 Regional Educational Attendance Area (REAA) 16 Section II Seat C recall election shows 125 votes against the recall and 115 votes in favor, giving opponents a 10‑vote edge.

In percentage terms, 52.08% of voters chose "No" on the recall question, while 47.92% voted "Yes."

A total of 240 ballots were cast out of 1,298 registered voters in the REAA 16 Section II area, yielding turnout of 18.49%.

All precincts in the race—one out of one—reported their totals, and the Division of Elections labels the figures as “UNOFFICIAL Results,” meaning they are subject to certification.

The recall targeted Lisa Conrad’s position on the Alaska Gateway School District board, which includes Tok and surrounding communities in REAA 16 Section II.

Earlier this year, the Division of Elections approved a recall petition alleging misconduct tied to contract approvals and board procedures, clearing the way for a district‑wide vote on removing Conrad from Seat C.

Supporters of the recall argued that Conrad overstepped her authority and failed to follow board policies, while opponents maintained that the dispute reflected broader tensions over governance and educational priorities rather than removable misconduct. With the "No" vote prevailing, Conrad is expected to remain in her seat unless the outcome changes during the canvass or legal challenges emerge.

Turnout below 20% suggests that fewer than one in five eligible voters in REAA 16 Section II weighed in on the high‑profile school board question. In a small district like Alaska Gateway, that participation level can still represent a large share of engaged parents, staff, and community members, especially when balloting occurs during the summer months.

The close margin underscores deep divisions over school governance in Tok and the surrounding area, with the recall campaign mobilizing residents on both sides of recent board decisions. The unofficial totals indicate that, for now, a slim majority of those who voted prefer continuity on the board rather than removing its president mid‑term.

Under Alaska's election procedures, unofficial results remain posted until the Division of Elections completes its canvass and certifies the outcome. That process can include reviewing absentee and questioned ballots, verifying tabulation, and addressing any formal challenges.

Once certified, the recall vote will become part of the state's official election record for the 2026 Regional Educational Attendance Area elections.

Unless certification reverses the current tally, Conrad will continue to serve as REAA 16 Section II Seat C board president, while district residents and officials move forward from a hard‑fought and closely contested recall effort.