Need a key to a school in the Lower Kuskokwim School District? See Pat. Need a phone system upgrade? See Pat. Need a voice for your voice mail system? See Pat. Need a photo of a LKSD school? See Pat. Need a DJ for your school’s prom? See Pat. Need to know if your rights have been violated? See Pat.

Pat DeSmet currently works as the Compliance Officer for the LKSD. He has worked in a number of -positions throughout his career, starting in 1981 as a janitor. In his current role, Pat makes sure the district’s schools meet all state and federal requirements under OSHA. His specialty is safety issues that are important to the students, staff, and school district.

Pat has worked diligently to improve the quality of water in his schools. He has researched water systems that will work in the unique situations of having schools on a sub-arctic river delta. He troubleshoots problems with the new installations to make sure students and staff are getting quality, safe water. His efforts have kept several LKSD schools from being closed for sanitation reasons.

Pat has a vast working knowledge of all the buildings in the district. Everyone from janitors to the superi-ntendent goes to Pat for answers. These days Pat is heavily involved in the $10 million renovation of Bethel Regional High School.

Pat sets incredibly high standards for himself, and this inspires others to raise theirs. He is so patient when working with people learning new skills – that he is probably one of the best teachers in the LKSD.

In his association work, Pat is quiet and reserved, but also knowledgeable, powerful and effective. He was instrumental in organizing the first ESP local in the Bush, and was overwhelmingly elected as the first president of a merged local of the ESP and teacher associations in the Bush, Lower Kuskokwim NEA.

Pat’s association leadership extends beyond his region. He has been elected to the NEA-Alaska Board of Directors as an ESP at-large and as a Region IV Director. He is actively involved in the ESP Committee, the ESP Conference and has attended more than one national -conference.

As for his DJ work, Pat is in great demand throughout the region. He has built his business to include all equipment, lighting, fog, and an extensive playlist that includes appropriate versions of popular songs. Community events in Bethel are never complete without Pat’s involvement, and he opens up his home to a large group of friends and colleagues for Saturday night movies on his large screen TV. He asks only that the moviegoers bring snacks to share and refrain from destroying his house.