Superintendent
Board appoints Graff superintendent
Ed Graff
Superintendent
Anchorage School District
907-742-4312
5530 E Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99504-3135
Dory Hunt
Executive Assistant
907-742-4312
Biography for Mr. Graff
Ed Graff was appointed superintendent of the Anchorage School District on March 18, 2013.
Mr. Graff began his teaching career in 1991 at Gladys Wood Elementary School. Nine years later, he became an elementary school principal in the district. In 2008, Mr. Graff was named executive director of Elementary Education. The following year, he became the Chief Academic Officer, a position formerly referred to as assistant superintendent for instruction. A graduate in Elementary Education at the University of Alaska Anchorage, Mr. Graff holds a Master's Degree in Education Administration from University of Southern Mississippi. He has post-masters coursework in curriculum, educational leadership and instruction. Mr. Graff has served on several boards and professional organizations, including Junior Achievement, School Business Partnerships and Alaska Learning Network.
Originally from Minnesota, he has lived in several Alaska towns and villages, including Hooper Bay and Savoonga. He is married to Michelle Prince, an ASD elementary school principal. They have one son.
Download Mr. Graff's full biography (PDF)
The following remarks were made by Superintendent Graff following board approval of his appointment. Watch the school board meeting online here - click on "VOTE - Memorandum 203" to jump to the appropriate section.
I want to begin by thanking the board for this opportunity. I do realize the magnitude of responsibility in being the superintendent of the largest district in the state and one of the largest in the nation. The role that I will play, and believe I have an obligation to do, is ensure that we focus on all of our students collectively and still meet the needs of each individual. I think that’s a balance that is challenging but it’s one that we deserve to give to our students, our community members and our parents.
I think we saw here tonight, in the couple of students we saw come forward, just how powerful our district is in providing opportunities for our youth like Natalya, Paradise and Bennett. I truly believe in the efforts of our teachers to create those situations for kids so they can be successful.
I also want to let everyone know that I’m excited about the new leadership role that I’ll take on at the district. I have a great deal of respect for the work that the board has done this year, as well as Dr. Browder and staff’s commitment to our strategic plan, Destination 2020. I feel very good knowing we have that laid out in front of us. We have everyone committed and focused on the efforts we put forth to assure that we’re supporting students first, maintaining a focus in the classroom, and working hard to create high expectations for everyone. We have our Common Core State Standards adoption, the implementation of the new K-8 math curriculum and a focus on our professional development to ensure that we make it just in time and right for all individuals - whether it’s a new teacher, an experienced teacher or a new material that we’re implementing in the classroom. We realize our Response to Instruction initiative encapsulates all of that for the district.
I again thank the board for the opportunity. I thank the number of supporters I’ve had and I just appreciate the support I have; I know that will be critical as we move forward. As Dr. Browder said, it’s not about one individual, it’s about a collective group of individuals working together. I believe Anchorage is a great place for us to do great things and I’m looking forward to realizing the potential of our district.
Thank you.
Destination 2020
Destination 2020 is the district’s comprehensive, multi-year plan to increase student achievement. The plan focuses on improving the performance of every child to ensure at least one year’s academic growth each year. Destination 2020 is built on the district's mission, vision and core values as outlined by the school board.
Learn more about Destination 2020
Anchorage School Board vision
Attendance matters
Attendance matters every day, all day. Watch the video then Download the Attendance Matters flier (PDF)
Every minute counts. Watch the video to find out why it's so important for kids to arrive on time and not leave early.