APPROVED 5-6-19

Board of Education Meeting (Monday, April 1, 2019)

Generated by Debbie Tressler on Friday, April 5, 2019

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

6:00 p.m.

B. Pledge of Allegiance/National Anthem/Alaska Flag Song

C. District Mission Statement

Mr. Morse read the District’s mission statement.

D. Roll Call

Members present

Debbie Cary (via telephone), Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla (via telephone), Tanis Lorring, student representative

E. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved as presented.

F. Approval of Minutes March 4, 2019 Special Meeting

The minutes from the March 4, 2019 special meeting were approved as printed.

G. Approval of Minutes March 4, 2019 Meeting

The minutes from the March 4, 2019 meeting were approved as printed.

2. Awards and Presentations

None.

3. School Reports

None.

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

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

The following persons spoke in support of district pools remaining open.

Mr. Will Hubler

Miss Lilly Dawley, Mr. Owen Walker, Mr. Will Klein

Mr. Leif Laker

Miss Katie Creglow

Ms. Angie Brennan

Mr. Dwight Brown and Miss Dorothy Brown

Ms. Gladys Bailon

Mr. Nikita Mongahan

Mr. Noah Fredrickson

Miss Tirzah Fredrickson

Dr. (undecipherable)

Mr. Karen Gross

Ms. Anastacia Mongahan

The following persons spoke in support of Moose Pass School remaining open.

Ms. Angel Bond

Mr. Jason Aigeldinger

Mr. Bruce Jaffa

Ms. Sandra Barron

Ms. Katie Dawley spoke against the consideration of closing district pools and discontinuing school sports.

The following persons spoke in support of Chapman School remaining open.

Ms. Mary Montgomery

Mr. Conrad Woodhead

Ms. Heidi Adams

Mr. Logan Poindexter

Ms. Karen Corbell

Mr. Rob Johnson

Ms. Shayla Swain

Mrs. Carrie Henson spoke against the “Americans for Prosperity” organization.

Ms. Amber Douglas spoke regarding the effects of the proposed state budget cuts on the Nikiski area and against the consideration of closing Nikiski Middle High School.

Ms. Carol Strickland spoke about a program that provides food to needy students and the issues that could occur with this program if schools are consolidated.

Ms. Christine Hutchinson spoke regarding the need to balance a budget and in support of Governor Dunleavy's proposed budget.

Ms. Michele Hartline suggested the pool users develop recreation areas and support the costs of the pools in their communities.

Mr. James Harris thanked the board for their work and Superintendent Dusek for his leadership. He discussed his reasons for leaving the district and the state.

Ms. Robin Dahlman discussed the need for all stakeholders to work together to solve the issues regarding education.

Ms. Tina Knutson stated that everyone can speak, listen and work together respectfully.

Mr. Joe Rizzo stated that if the governor can advertise his viewpoint, the district should be able to do the same.

At 7:17 p.m., Mr. Kelly recessed the meeting.

At 7:25 p.m., the board reconvened in regular session.

5. Hearing of Delegations

A. Moose Youth Awareness Program

Ms. Nelma Treider introduced a group of students that have participated in the Moose Youth Awareness Program. The students explained and discussed the program and their activities.

B. District Library Update

Mrs. Karla Barkman presented an update on district school libraries.

6. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. Dusek

Mr. Dusek noted and discussed this month’s resignations and thanked Mr. Harris for his service. He reported on the state board of education’s continuing work through the Alaska Education Challenge program.

Upcoming Dates

April 2	Borough Assembly meeting The district will submit their budget request to the Borough in the morning.
April 3	Paraprofessional Day
April 4	National Librarians Day Interviews for Superintendent
April 6-9	AASB Legislative Fly-in
April 8-12	School Library Week
April 9	School Library Workers day
April 18	Special board meeting regarding the FY20 budget
April 18	Caring for the Kenai final presentations
April 19	No School
April 24	Administrative Professionals Day BP Teachers of Excellence Awards
May 1	National School Principals Day
May 2	School Bus Drivers Day
May 6	Board meeting in Seward

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

A. Speakers

Mr. David Brighton, KPEA president, thanked the board for their work and acknowledged the tough choices they are considering. He expressed concerns over the possible school closures and the loss of teachers. He encouraged everyone to contact state legislators and to attend the Borough Assembly meetings in support of education funding.

Ms. Rachel Sinclair, KPESA president, thanked the board for their work. She discussed the challenges of outsourcing district custodial services.

8. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Dusek

Mr. Dusek congratulated Miss Carly Rizzo, Spirit of Youth Visionary Award winner, and all the student nominees. He commented on student success being more than a test score and on the various successes of district students. He congratulated this year's BP Teachers of Excellence nominees Ms. Julie Doepken, Ms. Wendy Todd, Ms Jennifer Corning and Educational Alley nominee Ms. Martha Fleming. He explained the Borough’s budget process and said the Assembly will act on the district’s budget on April 16 in Seward. He proposed solutions for budget issues including health care options and efficient building usage. He talked about the legislature’s budget work and stated there is a lot of work yet to be done including providing a long-term fiscal plan. He reported that the district administration would attend site council and community meetings regarding school consolidation options. He reported on his attendance to Governor Dunleavy’s budget presentation in Kenai. He stated that the district is not failing; it is providing great value to the community.

Mr. Dusek will attend the following upcoming events.

April 3	Moose Pass Site Council meeting
April 4	Soldotna Rotary Presentation District Art Show
April 18	Caring for the Kenai presentations
April 24	Administrator meeting

9. Reports

A. February Finance Report

Mr. Jones presented the finance report through Feb. 28, 2019.

B. Board Reports

Miss Lorring reported on her attendance to the recent State Board of Education meeting.

Mr. Illg attended the March 5 Paul Banks Elementary PTA meeting, the March 19 Chapman School community meeting and the March 25 McNeil Canyon meeting regarding funding.

Mr. Tauriainen attended the March 20 Nikiski Middle High meeting regarding budget cuts.

Ms. Cary attended March 5 Borough Assembly meeting. She attended the House Finance Committee’s Town Hall meeting on March 23. She is currently attending the National School Boards Association (NSBA) Annual Convention in Philadelphia, PA.

Mrs. Vadla reported she is also currently attending the NSBA Annual Convention in Philadelphia, PA where she attended the Alaska Native American Indian Caucus.

C. Committee Reports

Mr. Castimore reported that the Board Policy Review Committee met earlier in the day; he stated that most of the agenda items were tabled until the next meeting.

Mr. Tauriainen reported that the Board Information Committee met on March 5 and earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items.

Ms. Hohl reported that the Charter School Oversight Committee met earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items.

Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance Committee met earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items.

D. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly reported that the board held work sessions entitled: Board Policy, KPSAA Handbook Updates, and FY20 Budget. Mrs. Vadla, Ms. Cary were absent from the work sessions.

10. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-F.

Ms. Hohl removed item F.

Motion by Dan Castimore, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried B-E

Yes: Debbie Cary, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla

Advisory vote, Tanis Lorring

B. 2018-19 New Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve 2018-19 New Teacher Contract(s)

Motion by Dan Castimore, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried B-E

Yes: Debbie Cary, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla

Advisory vote, Tanis Lorring

C. 2018-19 Long-Term Substitute Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve long-term substitute teacher contract(s)

Motion by Dan Castimore, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried B-E

Yes: Debbie Cary, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla

Advisory vote, Tanis Lorring

D. 2019-20 New Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve 2019-20 New Teacher Contract(s)

Motion by Dan Castimore, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried B-E

Yes: Debbie Cary, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla

Advisory vote, Tanis Lorring

E. Leave of Absence Request/Certified

Resolution: Move to approve the request for an unpaid leave of absence

Motion by Dan Castimore, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried B-E

Yes: Debbie Cary, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla

Advisory vote, Tanis Lorring

F. 2019-2020 Tentative Board Meeting Dates

Motion by Dan Castimore, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Dan Castimore, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla

No: Lynn Hohl

Advisory vote, Tanis Lorring

11. Action Items

A. FY20 Preliminary General Fund Budget REVISED

Mr. Paul Marks commented on the district's budget request to the Borough Assembly and the need for emotional support for students and funding to the cap.

Mr. Sam Tauriainen spoke in support of the district's funding request.

Mr. Blaine Gilman asked a question about some information page 14 of the budget regarding student activities costs. Mr. Jones explained that the activities and instruction numbers are correct but the chart needs correction.

Mr. David Brighton thanked the board for bringing forward a status quo budget.

Move to approve the FY20 General Fund budget.

Motion by Dan Castimore, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla

Advisory vote, Tanis Lorring

B. BP Series 2000 Administration

Move to approve BP Series 2000 Administration

Motion by Dan Castimore, second by Matt Morse.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla

Advisory vote, Tanis Lorring

Move to remove BP 2210 and 2250 from the motion.

Motion by Lynn Hohl, second by Mike Illg.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla

Advisory vote, Tanis Lorring

12. First Reading of Policy Revisions

A. Series 3000 Business and Instructional Support Operations

The Board was presented a first reading of Board Policy Series 3000 Business and Instructional Support Operations.

B. BP 3290.1 Art Donation

The Board was presented a first reading of Board Policy 3290.1 Art Donation.

C. BP 5131.62 Tobacco

The Board was presented a first reading of Board Policy 5131.62 Tobacco.

13. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

Ms. Pegge Erkeneff spoke regarding the group "100+ Women Who Care" and their recent donation to the Sources of Strength program.

Mrs. Carrie Henson stated that she was one of the women that donated to the Sources of Strength program. She offered her opinion of the current state of democracy, politics and religion.

14. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Ms. Cary thanked everyone who spoke during the meeting. She encouraged everyone to continue to stand for education.

Mrs. Vadla commended Miss Carly Rizzo for her award. She thanked Ms. Treider for her work with the Moose Youth Program work. She thanked district librarians for their work. She congratulation the BP Teachers of Excellence nominees. She noted Mr. Jake Eveland's resignation. She thanked Mr. James Harris for his service. She thanked everyone who spoke during the meeting.

Miss Lorring is working on organizing a “student only: forum at Soldotna High School to speak with legislators. She commented on the current budget challenges and expressed appreciation for those working on the issue. She thanked Mr. Harris for his excellent teaching. She would like more information on the idea of community groups taking on the responsibility of their pools.

Mr. Castimore apologized for his comments at the March 4 meeting regarding other school representatives not attending the meeting and speaking. He stated that the proposed budget cuts are very real options if the governor's budget passes. He commented on the questions from the public regarding why certain schools were chosen for possible consolidation. He encouraged those that testified to not disparage other schools. He encouraged communities to explore other options to increase their quality of life. He shared a quote regarding past education practices.

Mr. Illg congratulated Ms. Wendy Todd for her BP Teacher of Excellence nomination. He congratulated Mrs. Shellie Worsfold on her retirement. He thanked the librarians for their work. He commented on the value of district pools and sports programs. He expressed dissatisfaction with the governor's proposed budget and effects on communities.

Ms. Hohl stated that she will attend the BP Teachers of Excellence awards. She stated the CTEC meeting will be held the next day and she will try to attend. She thanked everyone for speaking, writing and advocating for education funding and encouraged everyone to continue doing so. She stated that her son received a Jaffa Construction scholarship in 1998, thanked Mr. Jaffa, and his wife for their support. She discussed her recent stay with Seward author Jackie Pels.

Dr. Madden thanked everyone who spoke at the meeting. He discussed the board's work on the budget and the value of knowing the public's opinion.

Mr. Tauriainen discussed some of the comments from the meeting's testimonies. He discussed his opinion on recent changes in the world and the current state budget. He noted the retirements of Mr. Phil Morin and Mr. Jake Eveland and expressed appreciation for their work. He congratulated the Nikiski High School girls' basketball team for their 2nd place finish at the state championships and Miss Bethany Carsons for her selection to the all-tournament team.

Mr. Morris thanked everyone for attending and speaking at the meeting. He shared two quotes.

Mr. Kelly thanked everyone for attending and those who spoke. He congratulated Ms. Wendy Todd on her BP Teachers of Excellence nomination. He stated that Homer recently developed a 100+ Women group and discussed their work. He discussed the duties of the school district beyond education, e.g. pools, theaters and expressed appreciation for public involvement

15. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

None.

B. Adjourn Executive Session

16. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

9:26 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mr. Zen Kelly, Vice President

Mr. Dan Castimore, Clerk

Submitted by Mrs. Debbie Tressler

Administrative Secretary to the Board of Education