The Baranof Elementary School’s fish tank has a long history dating back to the mid 90s. Since then, a variety of fish, sea cucumbers, sea anemones and even an octopus have been displayed there in partnership with the Sitka Sound Science Center.
But a broken chiller, a device that keeps the water cool after being filtered, has forced the relocation of those fish back to the science center. The aquarium currently sits empty.
Principal Jill Lecrone calls it a centerpiece of the Baranof Elementary School building, drawing in visiting families and children from all over Sitka. Now, she’s spearheading a fundraiser to make repairs to the aquarium in the form of a silent auction on Facebook.
Items on the silent auction range from gift certificates and local works of art to a ride on a Sitka Fire Department truck. The Facebook auction will close at the end of the Baranof Fall Carnival on October 27.
