APPROVED 4-3-17

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Board of Education Meeting Minutes

Monday, March 6, 2017

Generated by Debbie Tressler on Friday, Thursday, March 9, 2017

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order 6:00 p.m.

B. National Anthem and Alaska Flag Song, Mr. Bill Vedders’ 3rd Grade Students

A group of Mr. Bill Vedders' third grade students from Kalifornsky (K-Beach) Elementary School, sang the National Anthem and the Alaska Flag Song.

C. District Mission Statement

Mr. Kelly read the district mission statement.

D. Roll Call

Members present

Marty Anderson, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl (telephonically), Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Tim Navarre, Penny Vadla, Brian Dusek, student representative

E. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved as presented.

F. Approval of Date Minutes

The minutes from the February 5, 2017, were approved as printed.

2. Awards and Presentations

The Board presented Mrs. Stephanie Young with the Golden Apple Award for her service to the District and its students.

3. School Reports

Mr. Nate Crabtree, principal of Kalifornsky Beach Elementary School, presented a PowerPoint highlighting enrollment, attendance, school goals, work on math computation skills, and empowering students. Four of the school's student leadership team explained the team's make-up, purpose and activities. They shared a video demonstrating behavior expectations on the playground and in the lunchroom. A four member “elite super hero team” also known as the “RSR (Responsible Respectful and Safe) Team” presented appreciation gifts to the Board. Mr. Crabtree discussed the school’s use of technology, blended learning and distance learning education offered to a K-Beach student that is unable to attend school in person. He finished by reporting that Mr. Bryan Clay, 2008 Olympic gold medalist, recently meet with 4th grade classrooms via Skype, for an inspiring and personal discussion.

At 6:32 p.m., Mrs. Vadla recessed the meeting.

At 6:37 p.m., the Board reconvened in regular session.

4. Public Presentations/Comments (Items not on the agenda)

No comments were offered.

5. Hearing of Delegations

Mr. James Harris, Alaska Teacher of the Year, shared his beliefs regarding teaching, the value of his coworkers and fellow educators, and the importance of encouraging students. He discussed his experiences and upcoming opportunities as Alaska's Teacher of the Year.

6. Communications and Petitions

Mr. Dusek noted and discussed several items in the general information packet including: information from the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) which reclassifies Kenai Central High School (for most sports) to division 3A; the recent state immunizations audit of four schools; and Governor Walker’s reminder that April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness month. He noted the following upcoming dates: Spring Break March 10–20; upcoming region and state basketball tournaments over the next three weeks; Honor and Mass Band Festival March 28 at Soldotna High; Administrator meeting March 29 at Skyview Middle; AASB Spring Academy April 1-4; and the next school board meeting on April 3.

7. Representative selected by the following: Advisory Committee, Site Councils and/or Authorized Student Support Organizations, K.P.A.A., K.P.E.A., K.P.E.S.A., Borough Assembly

Mrs. Patty Sirois, K.P.E.S.A. president, expressed appreciation for Mr. Harris’ work and his speech. She reported that she met with the Student Voice regarding the Impact Teen Driving program. She recognized two Student Nutrition Services staff resignations. She stated she is please that custodial staffing cuts are no longer being considered. While visiting schools, she will encourage students, staff, parents and Site Councils to ask the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly to fund to the cap. She discussed the messages she would like the Assembly to receive. She stated that district support staff would like to be involved in staffing cut discussions. She spoke on the value of an energy manager.

Mr. David Brighton, KPEA president, expressed appreciation for Mr. Harris' speech. He thanked all teachers for their work and for making a difference in their students' lives. He discussed non-tenured teachers' concerns due to the budget situation and encouraged the Board to consider approving non-tenured teacher contracts at the April meeting.

8. Superintendent's Report

Mr. Dusek thanked Mr. Harris for speaking and expressed appreciation for his work. He discussed the recent Project SEARCH Showcase and thanked Mr. Clayton Holland and the Central Peninsula Hospital for their work. He stated that in light of ongoing work with the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) and native communities, the District hopes to develop a STEAM Academy in collaboration with the Kenai Peninsula College. He announced that three of the seven Spirit of Youth award winners are from KPBSD and he will attend the awards ceremony. There are currently three administrator positions open: two in Seward and one for Susan B. English. Interviews for the Seward positions will be held Wednesday and Thursday, March 8 and 9 and for Susan B. English later in the month. He discussed the budget situation as it currently stands and stated he hopes the state budget process will resolve soon. The District is working on a report regarding student early release days; this will be available at the April meeting. He stated that it is possible that Title 1 funds will be reduced by 10-15% and that the District is closely watching the school voucher issue. He will present a quarterly update to the Assembly on Tuesday, March 7. His update will focus on results and recent accomplishments and the worthiness of the Borough’s investment in KPBSD. He noted again the Seward interviews and the upcoming basketball tournaments. The joint budget meeting will be held March 21. The administrator meeting is March 29 and the next board meeting is April 3.

9. Reports

A. Presentation of the FY18 Preliminary General Fund Budget

Mr. Jones presented the Preliminary FY18 General Fund Budget.

B. January Finance Reports

Mr. Jones presented the finance report through January 2017.

C. Board Reports

Mr. Illg attended the February 21 Budget Forum in Homer, the Board Policy Committee meeting on February 23 via Skype, the wrestling competition at Homer Middle School on February 25, and the Paul Banks Site Council meeting on March 1. On March 2 he testified at the Legislative Information Office regarding House Bill 57. On March 2-4 he watched portions of the region 1A basketball tournament at Homer High School. He congratulated the Ninilchik boys’ team and the Voznesenka girls’ teams on their region championships.

Mr. Brian Dusek attended the Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) Legislative Fly-in with Mrs. Vadla, Mr. Castimore and Ms. Hohl and discussed the work they did while there.

Ms. Hohl attended the February 7 Key Communicator Forum. She will forward, to Ms. Erkeneff, the name of a Seward parent that would like to become a Key Communicator. She reported attending the AASB Legislative Fly-in and discussed the work done there. She reported on her attendance to the March 1 Moose Pass Site Council meeting. On March 2 she submitted testimony to the House Finance Committee on Education through the Seward Legislative Information Office.

Mrs. Vadla attended the February 7 Key Communicator Forum. She reported on her attendance to the AASB Legislative Fly-in. While in Juneau, she and Superintendent Dusek presented to the House Education Committee. She attended the Project SEARCH celebration. As a member of the AASB Board of Directors, she helped host a webinar with new board members around the state.

Mr. Navarre attended the February 7 Key Communicator Forum. He reported that during a trip to Juneau, he spoke with legislators regarding education funding and the need for a financial plan. He attended Mt. View Elementary School’s Night of the Arts.

D. Committee Reports

Mr. Castimore reported that the Board Policy Review Committee met earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items.

Mr. Navarre reported that the Board Information Committee met earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items.

E. Board Work Session Report

Mrs. Vadla reported that the board held work sessions entitled: Board Policy Review, Port Graham School Report, Native Education Update, Personalization & Education Elements, College Credit Update, FY18 Budget and Legislative Update. All members at the meeting, attended the work sessions.

10. Consent Agenda

A. Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-F

Motion by Tim Navarre, second by Zen Kelly.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Marty Anderson, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Tim Navarre, Penny Vadla, Advisory Vote, Brian Dusek - Yes

B. Resignation(s) 2017-03-06

Move to approve the Consent Agenda

Motion by Tim Navarre, second by Zen Kelly.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Marty Anderson, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Tim Navarre, Penny Vadla, Advisory Vote, Brian Dusek - Yes

C. 2016-17 Long-Term Substitute Contract(s)

Move to approve the Consent Agenda

Motion by Tim Navarre, second by Zen Kelly.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Marty Anderson, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Tim Navarre, Penny Vadla, Advisory Vote, Brian Dusek - Yes

D. Leave of Absence Request/Certified

Move to approve the Consent Agenda

Motion by Tim Navarre, second by Zen Kelly.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Marty Anderson, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Tim Navarre, Penny Vadla, Advisory Vote, Brian Dusek - Yes

E. 2016-17 New Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve the Consent Agenda

Motion by Tim Navarre, second by Zen Kelly.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Marty Anderson, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Tim Navarre, Penny Vadla, Advisory Vote, Brian Dusek - Yes

F. Board Governance Handbook Committee Assignments

Move to approve the Consent Agenda

Motion by Tim Navarre, second by Zen Kelly.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Marty Anderson, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Tim Navarre, Penny Vadla, Advisory Vote, Brian Dusek - Yes

11. Action Items

A. Budget Allocation for Public Remote Meeting Participation

Move to approve full videoconferencing remote participation in Homer and Seward

At 7:42 p.m. Mrs. Vadla passed the gavel to Mr. Kelly in order to comment on the item. At 7:43 p.m., Mr. Kelly returned the gavel to Mrs. Vadla.

Motion by Dan Castimore, second by Zen Kelly.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Marty Anderson, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Tim Navarre, Penny Vadla, Advisory Vote, Brian Dusek - Yes

12. First Reading

Mrs. Vadla invited members of the public to comment on the FY18 Proposed General Fund Budget.

The following persons offered comment regarding the FY18 Proposed General Fund Budget.

Ms. Debbie Cary, Miss Olivia Ferguson, Ms. Jessica Russo, Mr. Jesse Bjorkman, Ms. Lara McGinnis, Mr. Jeff Ambrosier, Dr. Steven Bezdecny, and Ms. Whitney Schollenberg.

At 8:05 p.m., Mr. Anderson left the meeting. At 8:07 p.m., Mr. Anderson returned to the meeting.

Mr. Castimore commented on the budget, changes in the budget process and his suggested revisions which he will forward to the Mr. Dusek, in writing.

Mr. Anderson left the meeting at 8:32 p.m. and did not return.

Mr. Illg stated that he is concerned about cuts to custodial staff as they are vital to school safety and cleanliness.

Mr. Navarre stated that the burden does not lay solely with the District but that the state needs to find real, long-term solutions for education funding.

Mrs. Vadla expressed appreciation for the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly's support of education. She urged the public to contact legislators in support of education funding.

13. Public Presentations/Comments

Ms. Debbie Carey discussed the hybrid school model and the importance of encouraging home school students to attend classes in school buildings.

Ms. Lara McGinnis asked if there was a way for parents to fund-raise to increase the fund balance.

Mr. Jesse Bjorkman encouraged everyone to participate in the state budget process.

14. Board Comments

Mr. Illg thanked Mr. Woodhead for his presentation during the work sessions. He expressed appreciation for Mr. Harris’ speech and work. He congratulated Mrs. Stephanie Young for Golden Apple award. He stated that a new sound system has been installed in the Homer High School gym through community partnership donations and thanked the people involved for their generosity. He stated that “The Nutcracker” production made a $5,000 donation to the Homer High School theater.

Mr. Kelly congratulated Mrs. Stephanie Young. He expressed appreciation for Mr. Harris’ speech. He is excited about providing public remote participation to school board meetings.

Mr. Castimore discussed education funding attitudes and options.

Mr. Navarre noted that many budget cuts have already been made but more will be needed. He expressed appreciation for Mr. Vedders’ students and Mr. Crabtree's presentation. He congratulated Mrs. Stephanie Young. He expressed appreciation for Mr. Harris’ speech. He thanked the Kenai Central High School culinary class for providing almond cookies for dessert at dinner.

Ms. Hohl expressed appreciation for the comments from the Ninilchik School community members. She suggested a citizen’s initiative that would require a two year budget cycle during the first year of each two year legislative session. She expressed appreciation for Mr. Harris’ speech. She expressed appreciation for the school reports. She attended the Spoken Word performance at Seward High School. She stated that she attended all of the day’s work sessions.

Mr. Brian Dusek expressed appreciation for Mr. Harris’ speech and work and noted that Mr. Harris will be speaking at Soldotna High School’s graduation. He reported on the Student Voice meeting of March 2 and thanked Mrs. Sirois for attending. He enjoyed the AASB Youth Advocacy Institute in February. He noted the resignation of Ms. Bobbie Baldwin. He thanked the Ninilchik community members for coming and speaking at the meeting. He expressed appreciation for Mrs. Vadla for chairing the meeting.

Mrs. Vadla thanked Mr. Vedders, Mr. Crabtree and Mrs. Kleine for their presentations. She thanked Mr. Harris for his speech. She thanked everyone for helping her whiling chairing the meeting. She expressed appreciation for the work session presenters. She is excited about providing public remote participation to school board meetings. She thanked the Ninilchik community members for attending and speaking.

15. Executive Session

No Executive Session was needed.

16. Adjourn

At 9:19 p.m. Mrs. Vadla adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Penny Vadla, Vice President

Mr. Zen Kelly, Treasurer

Submitted by Mrs. Debbie Tressler

Administrative Secretary to the Board of Education