APPROVED 3-2-20

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Minutes Board of Education Meeting Monday, February 3, 2020

Generated by Debbie Tuesday, February 4, 2020

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

6:01 p.m.

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

C. District Mission Statement

Ms. Morgan read the District’s mission statement.

D. Roll Call

Members present
Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Cameron Blackwell, student representative

Members absent

Greg Madden

E. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved as presented.

F. Approval of Minutes Jan. 13, 2020

The minutes from the January 13, 2020, meeting were approved as printed.

2. Awards and Presentations

None.

3. School Reports

A. Redoubt Elementary School, Mr. William Withrow

Mr. Bill Withrow, Redoubt Elementary School principal, introduced Mrs. Krista Arthur and four students who shared a PowerPoint highlighting the school's personalized learning projects, activities and academics. The students shared a Google Slides presentation about the International Space Station (I.S.S.). Mr. Withrow invited the board to attend the March 4 school museum.
At 6:22 p.m., Mrs. Vadla recessed the meeting.

At 6:26 p.m., the board reconvened in regular session.

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

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

Miss Eve Downing, spoke about the Soldotna High School Sustainability Club and in support of a Kenai Peninsula Borough Sustainability Commission.
Mr. Ben Boettger spoke in support of a Kenai Peninsula Borough Sustainability Commission. He provided the board with printed copies of a proposal for the commission.
Miss Sarah Michelson spoke about the value of recycling and in support of sustainability and a Kenai Peninsula Borough Sustainability Commission.
Mr. Mike Williams spoke in support of Soldotna Montessori Charter School, its staff and program.

5. Hearing of Delegations

None.

6. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. O'Brien

Mr. O'Brien recognized National School Counselors Week and thanked district counselors for their work. He discussed a meeting with Mrs. Pam Howard of the Tobacco Prevention Coalition and a Kenaitze Indian Tribe representative regarding teen vaping. He stated that the tenure teacher transfer requests deadline has passed and the district office will begin filling open positions, including music. He explained the administration’s work on a bond projects proposal which was the topic of a work session earlier in the day and will be the topic of a joint work session with the Borough Assembly on Feb. 4. He discussed Senate Bill 6, the AK Reads Act, and its advantages.

Important dates:

Feb. 4	Joint Budget Work Session
Feb. 3-7	National School Counselors Week
Feb. 4-5	PL Champs Workshop
Feb. 6 & 10	Battle of the Books Competitions

He encouraged everyone to visit the district online events calendar for additional events and information.

7. Representatives 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

Ms. Anne McCabe, KPESA president, reported on the state delegate assembly's work during the recent conference. She discussed the current state retirement plan for teachers which does not include social security benefits. She discussed the need for more district substitutes.
Mr. David Brighton, KPEA president, discussed the Alaska Teacher Retirement System Tier 3. He stated that Alaska is the only state in the U.S. that does not offer a defined benefit or social security benefits for teachers. He discussed the need for more district substitutes and options for recruiting. He thanked the board for their service.
Mr. Tyson Cox, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, thanked Redoubt Elementary for the school report. He provided the board with an update on recent Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly work and issues. He expressed appreciation for Mr. O'Brien's coffee meeting in Soldotna on Jan. 31.

8. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. O'Brien

Mr. O’Brien reported that Mr. Kaegan Koski, student representative on the Board Information Committee, will attend the AASB Youth Advocacy Institute in Juneau, Feb. 8-11, 2020. He said that on Jan. 27-28, Mr. Dominique Smith, author of "All Learning is Social and Emotional" visited the district as part of a grant to work with district schools and provided feedback in the area of social and emotional learning. He discussed the first Coffee and Conversation meeting at Odie’s Deli on Jan. 31; the next scheduled event will be in Homer and then Seward and Nikiski. He thanked those individuals who have submitted Golden Apple Award nominations and noted that the committee will be reviewing applications soon. He announced that the district will perform a calendar survey in March and encouraged everyone to participate. He stated that Mr. Holland, Director of Student Support Services, will putting together a work group to develop an elementary school counselor program.

9. Reports

A. Board Reports

Mr. Kelly reported on his attendance to the Jan. 30 Paul Banks PTA meeting.

Ms. Morgan reported on her attendance to the Jan. 23 Seward Schools Site Council meeting.

Mr. Illg attended the Jan. 23 Homer High School Drama, Debate and Forensics competition.

Mr. Tauriainen attended the Russ Hitchcock Memorial Tournament at Nikiski High School.

Ms. Cary reported on her attendance to the Jan. 14 Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting. She attended several basketball games on Jan. 22 and Jan. 29.

Mr. Morse attended Senator Micciche’s Town Hall meeting on Jan. 16. On Jan. 30, he was interviewed by siblings Miss Molly Koski and Mr. Kaegan Koski for their literacy project.

Ms. Truesdell visited Kenai Alternative School for breakfast and classroom visits.

Mrs. Vadla reported on her attendance to the Jan. 7 Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) sustainability committee. On Jan. 23 she accompanied Mrs. Bates and her class from Mt. View Elementary for tour of Ellis Automotive. She attended Mr. O’Brien’s Jan. 31 coffee meeting at Odie’s Deli. She attended the Feb. 2 Lego Car Show at Mt. View Elementary and thanked Mrs. Bates and Mr. Kircher for their work on the program. She was interviewed by Miss Molly Koski and Mr. Kaegan Koski for their literacy project.

B. Committee Reports

Ms. Cary reported that the Board Policy Review Committee met earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items.
Mr. Tauriainen reported that the Board Information Committee met earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items.

C. Board Work Session Report

Mrs. Vadla reported that the board held work sessions entitled: Board Policy, Health Care, Board Social Media Use, Bond Projects, and AASB Legislative Fly-In Prep. She gave a brief recap of each session. All members present at the meeting, attended the work sessions.

10. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

Ms. McCabe spoke in support of the district organizational chart.

Resolution: Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-N

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Mr. Kelly removed item 10N. 2020-21 Tentative Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Ms. Truesdell removed item 10E. AR 6187.1 Charter School Administrator Evaluation.

Mrs. Vadla removed item 10B. District Organizational Chart.

Final Resolution: Motion carried items 10. C-D and F-M.

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

C. AR 4319.26 Teacher-In-Charge

Resolution: Move to approve AR 4319.26 Teacher-In-Charge

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 C-D and F-M.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

D. AR 1330 Use of School Facilities and Properties with E 1240 Organizations Support Student Activities

Resolution: Move to approve AR 1330 Use of School Facilities and Properties, and E 1240 Organizations Support Student Activities

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 C-D and F-M.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

F. AR 6146.1 High School Graduation Requirements

Resolution: Move to approve AR 6146.1 High School Graduation Requirements

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 C-D and F-M.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

G. Board Committee Assignment

Resolution: Move to approve assignment of Virginia Morgan to the Board Information Committee

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 C-D and F-M.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

H. Budget Transfers over $50,000

Resolution: Move to approve budget transfers in excess of $50,000.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 C-D and F-M.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

I. Leave of Absence Request/Support

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 C-D and F-M.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

J. 2019-20 Long-Term Substitute Teacher Contract(s)

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 C-D and F-M.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

K. 2020-21 Tentative Administrator Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve 2020-21 Tentative Administrator Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 C-D and F-M.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

L. 2020-21 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s) and Tenure

Resolution: Move to approve the 2020-21 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s) and Tenure

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 C-D and F-M.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

M. 2020-21 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve the 2020-21 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 C-D and F-M.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

B. 2020-2021 District Organizational Chart

Move to approve the 10. B 2020-2021 District Organizational Chart

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

E. AR 6187.1 Charter School Administrator Evaluation

Move to approve AR 6187.1 Charter School Administrator Evaluation

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

N. 2020-21 Tentative Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Mr. Kelly declared a possible conflict of interest as his spouse is on the list.
Mrs. Vadla ruled that this is a conflict as voting represents a substantial financial gain. Mr. Kelly will abstain from voting.
Mrs. Morgan declared a conflict of interest as her spouse is on the list.

Mrs. Vadla ruled that this is a conflict as voting represents a substantial financial gain. Mrs. Morgan will abstain from voting.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell

Abstain: Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan

Advisory vote: Cameron Blackwell, yes

11. Action Items

None.

12. First Reading of Policy Revisions

None.

13. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

None.

14. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Mr. Illg thanked Redoubt Elementary for their presentation. He wished good luck to the peninsula hockey teams and Homer High School for the upcoming competition. He stated that he is interested in the sustainability conversation and working with the borough and community to move forward. He thanked everyone that spoke during the meeting. He offered his condolences and expressed appreciation for former Homer resident Mr. Gary Thomas.
Ms. Cary thanked Redoubt Elementary for their presentation. She thanked those who spoke regarding sustainability. She thanked everyone that spoke during the meeting. She thanked school counselors for their work. She thanked Ms. McCabe and Mr. Brighton for their comments. She stated she is looking forward to the Legislative Fly-in in Juneau and working with Mr. Kaegan Koski. She encouraged the public to support the bond proposal package. She thanked the district and board for supporting social emotional learning.
Mr. Tauriainen expressed appreciation for the Redoubt Elementary School report. He thanked everyone for attending and thanked those that spoke. He is looking forward to continued work on alternative school schedules and sustainability. He encouraged the public to remain involved in the legislative process and to contact legislators in support of public education.
Ms. Truesdell expressed appreciation for youth and student's work. She thanked the board for their work and support. She discussed gifts given to her grandchildren. She thanked Mr. Jones for the health care presentation. She is looking forward to the AASB Legislative Fly-In.

Mr. Kelly expressed appreciation for the sustainability comments and the need for work in this area. He discussed the upcoming bond package and encouraged the public to support the proposal. He commented on abstaining from voting on his wife's employment contract.
Ms. Morgan expressed appreciation for the public comments and the work on sustainability. She expressed appreciation the Redoubt Elementary presentation. She thanked school counselors for their work.
Mr. Morse thanked everyone that commented during the meeting. He encouraged the public to support the bond package.
Ms. Blackwell reported that the Student Voice group will meet again soon and she will report back to the board on their work. She is disappointed that she is unable to attend the AASB Youth Advocacy Institute because she has a conflict with the region cross-country ski meet. She expressed appreciation for the Redoubt Elementary presentation and stated she is a former student of the school.
Mrs. Vadla expressed appreciation for the Redoubt Elementary presentation. She thanked everyone that spoke in support of sustainability. She thanked school counselors for their work. She discussed the upcoming AASB Legislative Fly-In and thanked Ms. Erkeneff for compiling packets and Mrs. Tressler for scheduling the legislator appointments. She thanked Mr. Williams for his comments. She thanked Miss Blackwell for her Student Voice reports. She thanked Mr. Gabriel, Mr. Ostrander, Mr. Sprague and Ms. Queen for joining the board for dinner. She noted Mr. John Pothast’s retirement and expressed appreciation for his work. She noted Ms. Michael Hanson’s retirement. She thanked Ms. McCabe, Mr. Brighton, and Mr. Tyson for attending and speaking.

15. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

B. Adjourn Executive Session

16. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

7:52 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Penny Vadla, President

Mr. Jason Tauriainen, Clerk

Submitted by Mrs. Debbie Tressler

Administrative Secretary to the Board of Education