APPROVED 6-3-19

Board of Education Meeting (Monday, May 6, 2019)

Generated by Debbie Tressler on Tuesday, May 7, 2019

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

6:03 p.m.

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

C. District Mission Statement

Mr. Kelly read the District’s mission statement.

D. Roll Call

Members present
Debbie Cary, Dan Castimore, Lynn Hohl, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Tanis Lorring, student representative

E. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved as presented.

F. Approval of Minutes

The minutes from the March 21 (special), March 21, April 1, April 4 (special) and April 18 (special) meetings were approved as printed.

2. Awards and Presentations

Mrs. Vadla presented Miss Tanis Lorring with a gift of appreciation for her service as student representative to the school board.

3. School Reports

A. Seward Middle School, Ms. Jenny Martin

Seward Middle School principal, Ms. Jenny Martin, presented a PowerPoint highlighting the school's successes, collaboration, mission and vision, student programs, student activities, and preparation for the future.

B. Seward High School, Mr. Trevan Walker

Mr. Trevan Walker, Seward High School principal, presented a PowerPoint highlighting the Hybrid High School work and progress. He discussed the school's demographics, community, education program options, schedule and graduation rates. He noted his article in the Principal Leadership magazine in 2016.

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

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

Ms. Annaleah Karron spoke of in support of River City Academy.
Mr. Terry Ferderer spoke regarding the AVTEC programs’ use of school facilities and pools.
Mr. Zachary Cureton spoke regarding proposed teaching cuts.
Ms. Sarah Spanos spoke against eliminating school sport programs and in favor of personalized learning.
Ms. Anne McCabe spoke in support of retaining grant funded teachers.
Ms. Julie Doepken spoke in support of library aides.
Ms. Connie Ferguson spoke in support of retaining grant funded teachers.
Ms. Valarie Kingsland and Ms. Karla Barkman spoke in support of school libraries and aides.
Ms. Alyssa Fabian spoke in support of retaining grant funded teachers.

5. Hearing of Delegations

6. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. Dusek

Mr. Dusek noted this month’s resignations. He reported that staff turnover is at the usual point for this time of year. He said the borough mayor’s proposed FY20 Budget includes an increase for the district and that the mayor vetoed the FY19 one-time funding which was approved by the Borough Assembly. He recommended the board approve the agenda’s non-tenured teacher contracts.

Upcoming Dates

May 6-10	Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7	Teacher Appreciation Day
May 8	School Nurse Day
May 9	Middle school Math Meet Theater Tech Appreciation Day
May 16	Tentative special meeting to approve additional non-tenured teacher contracts
May 20-24	Graduation week
May 22	Last day for students
May 23	Last day for teachers
May 29-31	Leadership Academy
June 3	Board meeting
June 4	Board planning session

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, spoke in support of forward funding for education. He encouraged the public to contact the legislature, the governor, and the borough mayor to speak in support of education funding.
Ms. Rachel Sinclair, KPESA president, spoke in support of retaining grant funded teachers. She introduced KPESA president-elect, Ms. Anne McCabe. Ms. McCabe spoke regarding health care cost increases.
Ms. Mica Van Buskirk, Seward Site Council chair, spoke in support of offering contracts for non-tenure teachers as soon as possible. She stated the Seward track is in need of improvement. She spoke in support of the Seward pool remaining open. She commented on the funding formula and how it effects the Seward community. She discussed the school consolidation meeting in Seward.

8. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Dusek

Mr. Dusek attended the Caring for the Kenai banquet and expressed appreciation for the student's work and projects. He discussed the upcoming awards and scholarships with large awards to district students, which is an indicator of district success. He encouraged schools to celebrate student successes in order to highlight the district’s work. The borough will introduce their FY20 Budget at the next Borough Assembly meeting. He is expecting clarity from the legislature by May 15 and hopes to offer non-tenure contracts on May 16 in a special meeting. He said there are difficult decisions coming and the district will work to improve and will move forward and continue to improve. He thanked the board for their work on setting budget priorities. Mr. Dusek reported he has attended several Borough Assembly meetings. He attended the district art show, the BP Teachers of Excellence banquet, and the Caring for Kenai awards and commented on these successes. He expressed appreciation for the Seward community and their input. This week he will work on administrator evaluations. At their May 8 luncheon, he will help present the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce student awards. He will attend the region track meet Soldotna High School. Mr. Dusek will participate in the Seward, Ninilchik and Kenai Alternative school graduations. He thanked Seward for their hospitality and for hosting the board meeting.

9. Reports

A. March Finance Report

Mr. Jones presented the finance report through March 31, 2019.

B. Third Quarter Budget Transfer Report

Mr. Jones presented the budget transfer report for various schools and departments within the District during the third quarter of FY19.

C. Board Reports

Mr. Castimore reported on his May 1 visit to Tebughna School in Tyonek.
Mr. Illg attended the April 11 KPSAA Executive Board meeting. On April 12, he attended the school counselor meeting. On April 15, he attended the Homer High and Homer Middle potential consolidation meeting.
Ms. Hohl attended the April 17 Finance Committee meeting. She attended Patti Truesdell’s retirement celebration in Hope. She attended the potential consolidation meetings for both Moose Pass School and for the Seward schools. She participated in an ALICE training at Cooper Landing School. She attended the Borough Assembly meeting in Seward. She attended the end of the Seward Middle School career night after attending the CTAC meeting in Soldotna. She attended the BP Teachers of Excellence banquet in Anchorage.

Ms. Cary attended the April 15 accreditation meeting for Ninilchik. She attended the April 16 Borough Assembly meeting in Seward. She participated in the April 17 Finance Committee meeting and the April 18 special meeting. She attended the Caring for the Kenai awards ceremony.
Mr. Tauriainen attended the April 17 Finance Committee meeting and the April 18 special meeting. He was at Nikiski High School on May 1 to offer assistance. He visited the student’s wax museum at Nikiski North Star Elementary on May 3.

Mr. Morse participated in a learning walk at Kenai Central High School (KCHS). He attended the KCHS and Soldotna High School promenades. He attended a soccer game. He attended the Soldotna Prep. and Soldotna High Schools consolidation meeting.

Mrs. Vadla attended the Soldotna Prep. and Soldotna High Schools consolidation meeting. She attended all special board meetings. On April 15, she participated in the Title IV Indian Education meeting. She reported on her attendance to the National School Boards Associations Annual Conference in Philadelphia in April.

D. Committee Reports

Ms. Hohl reported that the Charter School Oversight Committee met on April 18 and discussed their agenda items.
Mr. Castimore reported that the Board Policy Review Committee met earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items.
Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance Committee met on April 17 and earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items.

E. Board Work Session Report

Mrs. Vadla reported that the board held work sessions entitled: KPSAA Handbook Revisions, FY20 Budget Update, School Consolidations, and Staffing Considerations. She gave a brief recap of each session. All members present at the meeting, attended the work sessions.

At 7:58 p.m., Mrs. Vadla recessed the meeting.
At 8:11 p.m., the board reconvened in regular session.

10. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-K

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

B. Leave of Absence Request/Certified

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

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

C. Leave of Absence Request/Support

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

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

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

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

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

E. 2018-19 New Administrator Contract(s)

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

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

F. 2019-20 New Administrator Contract(s)

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

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

G. 2019-20 Tentative Administrator Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve 2019-20 Tentative Administrator Contract(s)

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

H. 2019-20 New Teacher Contract(s)

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

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

I. 2019-20 Tentative Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve the 2019-20 Tentative Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

J. 2019-20 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s) and Tenure

Resolution: Move to approve the 2019-20 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s) and Tenure

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

K. 2019-20 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve the 2019-20 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

11. Action Items

A. School Consolidation Soldotna Prep and Soldotna High Schools

The following persons spoke against the of moving River City Academy to the Skyview Middle School building:
Miss Abriella Werner
Miss Emerson Lorring
Miss Emily Blakeslee
Miss Kyla Shane
Mrs. Mindy Lorring
Mr. Sarge Truesdell, Skyview Middle School principal, spoke regarding the concerns presented to him with the merger of River City Academy to Skyview Middle building. He expressed concern over the quickness of the timeline, understanding the reason for the speed.
Mrs. Dawn Edwards-Smith, River City Academy (RCA) principal, noted that the move will be inconvenient and uncomfortable but RCA staff and students are ready to do their part to help with budget challenges. She spoke regarding having a positive attitude and being determined to make the merger successful.
Miss Indyra Edwards-Smith spoke regarding the RCA students' willingness to do their part.
Ms. Eve Knutson spoke regarding RCA's recent project to advocate for school funding and expressed appreciation for the students' work. She encouraged the public to advocate for funding.
Ms. Connie Ferguson spoke against the consolidation of Soldotna Prep and Soldotna High Schools.

Move the board approve the administration's recommendation to consolidate Soldotna High School and Soldotna Prep School into a comprehensive grades 9 – 12 high school located at the current Soldotna High School campus, beginning the fall 2019.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

B. Series 3000 Business and Instructional Support Operations

Move to approve board policy series 3000 Business and Instructional Support Operations

Motion by Dan Castimore, second by Zen Kelly.

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

C. BP 3290.1 Art Donation

Move to approve BP 3290.1 Art Donation

Motion by Dan Castimore, second by Zen Kelly.

Move to postpone BP 3290.1 Art Donation to the June meeting.

Motion by Dan Castimore, second by Lynn Hohl.

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

D. BP 5131.62 Tobacco

Move to approve BP 5131.62 Tobacco

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

12. First Reading of Policy Revisions

None

13. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

Ms. Deanne Pearson spoke in support of the proposed revision to AR 6180 Dual Credit Guidelines.

Ms. Anne McCabe expressed appreciation to Mr. Dusek for his service to the district and wished him well in his retirement.
Ms. Christy Terry spoke in support of library aides and offered her suggestions for possible budget reductions.
Mrs. Mica Van Buskirk expressed her concerns over the possible school consolidations of Seward Schools.
Ms. Connie Ferguson expressed her concerns regarding the Tier I proposed budget revisions.
Ms. Sarah Spanos thanked the board for their work. She spoke in support of pools and student swim and sports programs. She congratulated Mr. Dusek on his retirement.
Ms. Brook Andrews expressed appreciation for the board meeting in Seward and discussed the work on the FY20 budget.
Ms. Kristen Bates Buskirk expressed her concerns over the possible consolidation of Seward area schools.

14. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Ms. Hohl attended Martha Fleming’s and Sandy Pelischek’s retirement party and thanked them for the work. She stated she is not planning to run for her board seat at the next election. She attended this year's district art show and expressed appreciation for art teachers. She participated in the recent Alaska PTA Reflections program.
Mr. Illg thanked Seward for their hospitality and for dinner. He discussed proposed budget cuts and stated that the board does not want to make any cuts but must. He thanked those that attended the meeting. He encouraged Seward residents to contact their assembly member and advocate for education. He is looking forward to the upcoming graduations. He shared a quote about children.
Mr. Castimore spoke regarding the effects of school consolidations. He commented on the advantages in small schools.
Mr. Kelly expressed appreciation for Seward and the community and thanked those that attended the Borough Assembly meeting in April. He noted the mayor's veto of the district's FY19 funding and asked the public to contact assembly members. He discussed the moving of RCA to the Skyview Middle building and expressed appreciation for the positive attitudes. He thanked Ms. Martin and Mr. Walker for their reports.
Dr. Madden thanked Seward for their hospitality. He thanked Ms. Martin and Mr. Walker for their reports. He expressed appreciation for those that spoke regarding the RCA move and for the positive attitudes. He thanked the public for their support and understanding as the board continues their work.
Ms. Cary expressed appreciation for the middle school students who prepared dinner. She thanked the middle school art students for the demonstration. She encouraged everyone to stay positive and continue to advocate for new revenue sources.
Mr. Tauriainen thanked Seward for their hospitality. He congratulated Ms. Jennifer Hornung, BP Teacher of Excellence. He noted the resignations of Ms. Lois Ann Stynsberg and Ms. Brianna Redfern and thanked them for their service. He thanked Mr. Dusek for his comments and commitment to move forward with teacher contracts as soon as possible. He thanked Mr. O'Brien and Ms. Erkeneff for coming to assist at Nikiski High School during the recent crisis.
Mr. Morse thanked Ms. Martin and Mr. Walker for their hospitality. He thanked Ms. Nichols and her students for dinner.
Miss Lorring thanked Seward for their welcome and hospitality. She is looking forward to her upcoming graduation and expressed appreciation for her time in KPBSD. She shared a quote about education. She thanked the board for their guidance and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with them.
Mrs. Vadla expressed appreciation for all teachers. She thanked Mr. Walker for his hospitality and his school report. She thanked Ms. Martin for her work. She thanked the middle school students for dinner. She congratulated the district’s BP Teachers of Excellence. She encouraged everyone to continue advocating for education. She acknowledged audience member, Ms. Kristen Bates.

15. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

None needed.

B. Adjourn Executive Session

16. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

9:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Penny Vadla, President

Mr. Dan Castimore, Clerk

Submitted by Mrs. Debbie Tressler

Administrative Secretary to the Board of Education