APPROVED 5-6-20

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Board of Education Meeting Minutes(Monday, April 6, 2020)

Generated by Debbie Tressler on Tuesday, April 7, 2020

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

6:05 p.m.

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

C. District Mission Statement

Ms. Cary read the District’s mission statement.

D. Roll Call

Members present
Penny Vadla, Participating via telephone: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

E. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved as presented.

F. Approval of Minutes March 2, 2020

The minutes from the March 2, 2020, meeting were approved as printed.

2. Awards and Presentations

Mrs. Vadla congratulated the district's June B. Nelson Scholarship Award winners: Cameron Blackwell, Anika Castenholtz, and Anthony Melkomukov.
On behalf of the school board, Mrs. Vadla thanked Mrs. Debbie Tressler for her service to the school board and the district and presented her with a card from the school board members.

3. School Reports

A. Cooper Landing, Hope, Moose Pass and Tustumena Schools, Mr. Doug Hayman

Mr. Doug Hayman, principal of Cooper Landing, Hope, Moose Pass and Tustumena Schools, presented pre-recorded reports for each of the schools.
The Cooper Landing report highlighted the school's mission, culture, history, development, values, students and staff, academics and school programs.
Hope School's report focused on school programs, classes offered and projects.
Mr. Hayman began the Moose Pass School report with the school potato garden project. He discussed the school's culture, community, programs, academics, activities, and students.
He stated that Tustumena Elementary School was awarded the ESEA Distinguished School Award for outstanding performance for two or more years. He highlighted the school's activities and clubs, community involvement, and students.

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

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

No comments were offered.

5. Hearing of Delegations

A. Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson, Department of Education and Early Development

Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson, State of Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, (participating via telephone) thanked the board for inviting him to speak. He discussed his experiences as an educator and expressed appreciation for the evening’s school reports. He updated the board on the DEED efforts to support the board during the COVID 19 pandemic. He expressed appreciation for the KPBSD's work and good example during this time. He detailed DEED’s work during the pandemic, e.g. working with districts individually, and working with the Department of Agriculture for waivers that allow for meal deliveries to students. He discussed the CARES Act and the department’s work to discover when and how the funds will be dispersed. He talked about teleconference provisions and band-width requirements to provide for districts' needs. He discussed the AK Learns website which provides no-costs educational options for teachers including the Alaska Virtual School. He stated that DEED will provide iPads, preloaded with lessons, to the most remote schools with limited internet services. He stated that modifications to graduation requirements are possible and discussed how those modifications might work.

6. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. Jones

Mr. Jones, reporting on behalf of Mr. O'Brien, discussed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economics Security Act (CARES) and the breakdown of the fund especially the funds appropriated to education. He will monitor the Act as it develops and keep the board informed.

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, (via telephone) discussed communications between the associations and district administration regarding the COVID 19 pandemic and the work being done to plan, adapt, and prepare for educational and staff needs. She expressed appreciation for the staff work during this time.
Mr. David Brighton, KPEA president, (via telephone) greeted the board. He expressed appreciation for district’s work. He encouraged everyone to remember in this difficult, unprecedented situation, that it can be stressful but, everyone is doing their best. He expressed regret to Member Blackwell and all high school seniors that she may not have a graduation ceremony this year. He expressed disappointment regarding the State of Alaska’s recent purchase of virtual school materials; he asked the board to take a stand against the purchase.

8. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Jones

Mr. Jones, reporting on behalf of Mr. O'Brien, discussed the state mandates regarding education during the COVID 19 pandemic. He reported that no district staff or students have tested positive for the virus. He discussed the district’s requirements that staff follow the Center for Disease Control and State of Alaska mandates, e.g. social distancing, and encouraged everyone to continue to follow these mandates. He discussed accommodations given to staff for either teleworking or working in their locations. He explained the Student Nutrition Services program to deliver meals to students. He thanked Ms. Pegge Erkeneff and Nurse Coordinator Iris Wertz for their work. He reported on the work done by the district instructional team in providing for virtual learning and thanked Mr. Soderquist and the IT staff for their work. He thanked all district teachers and aides for their work to transition to virtual classrooms. Mr. Jones expressed appreciation for the state legislature's work on education funding this past session and encouraged everyone to thank the legislators. He stated Borough Mayor Pierce contacted him regarding concerns about the borough’s FY21 funding to the school district as sales taxes and other borough revenues decrease and concerns regarding the proposed bonds that are scheduled to appear on the October election. Mr. Jones expressed appreciation for Commissioner Johnson and his support. He noted that virtual learning is going well.

9. Reports

A. Board Reports

Ms. Cary reported on her attendance to the Borough Assembly meeting on March 17 and the Borough’s emergency meeting on April 3.

On March 3, Mr. Illg attended the Homer High School Site Council meeting.

Mr. Kelly attended the March 17 joint budget work session. He attended the April 2 webinar hosted by Attorney John Sedor and Commissioner Michael Johnson regarding the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

Dr. Madden reported that his has been fielding questions from concerned parents and community members.

Ms. Morgan attended the March 6 Coffee and Conversation meeting in Seward.

Mr. Morse attended the March 17 joint budget work session. On March 4, he visited Mt. View Elementary and read to students. On March 4, he visited Kenai Middle School.

Mr. Tauriainen visited Mrs. Tauriainen’s classroom over the past three weeks.

Ms. Truesdell attended the March 17 joint budget work session. She attended the Soldotna Montessori Site Council meeting. She reported that she has been fielding questions from concerned parents and community members.

Miss Blackwell attended the Student Voice meeting on April 3.

Mrs. Vadla attended the March 17 joint budget work session. She participated in the interviews for the superintendent/school board administrative assistant position. On March 24, she attended the Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) virtual sustainability meeting. On March 26-27 she served on the June B. Nelson Scholarship Committee. She attended the March 28 AASB board of directors meeting. She attended the March 25-26 district virtual professional development sessions. On March 30-31, she met telephonically with the state legislators which the board was scheduled to meet during the canceled AASB Legislative Fly-In. She attended the April 2 webinar hosted by Attorney John Sedor and Commissioner Michael Johnson regarding the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLA) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). She attended the Student Voice meeting on April 3.

B. Committee Reports

There were no committee meetings held.

C. Board Work Session Report

There were no work sessions held.

10. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-H

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Advisory Vote: Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

B. 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 B-H

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Advisory Vote: Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

C. 2020-21 New Administrator Contract(s)

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-H

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Debbie Cary.

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Advisory Vote: Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

D. 2020-21 New Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve 2020-21 New Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-H

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Advisory Vote: Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

E. Leave of Absence Request/Certified

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-H

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Advisory Vote: Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

F. AR 5121 Assessment (Evaluation of Student Achievement)

Resolution: Move to approve AR 5121 Assessment (Evaluation of Student Achievement)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-H

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Advisory Vote: Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

G. 2020-2021 Tentative Board Meeting Dates

Resolution: Move to approve the 2020-2021 Tentative Board Meeting Dates

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-H

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Advisory Vote: Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

H. Change of May Board Meeting Date and Location

Resolution: Move to approve the recommended change of location and date for the May 2020, board meeting

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-H

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Advisory Vote: Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

11. Action Items

A. Letter from School Board to KPBSD Staff

Move that the board authorize President Vadla to write a letter of appreciation to the district staff

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Virginia Morgan.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Advisory Vote: Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

B. Letter to Governor Dunleavy

Move that the board authorize President Vadla to write a letter to Governor Dunleavy asking him to not veto the FY21 one-time educational funding

Move to amend that in addition to the one-time $30 million funding, that the board add the bond debt reimbursement full funding.

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Amendment Carried

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

Advisory Vote: Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried as amended

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

Advisory Vote: Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

C. FY21 Preliminary General Fund Budget

Move to approve the FY21 General Fund Preliminary budget

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Matt Morse.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Advisory Vote: Miss Cameron Blackwell, student representative

12. First Reading of Policy Revisions

None.

13. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

No comments were offered.

14. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Ms. Cary thanked all district staff for their work and service to students. She thanked Dr. Johnson for his update and support. She thanked Mr. Jones for the update on the CARES Act. She thanked Mr. Doug Hayman for his reports. She thanked Mrs. Tressler for her work. She reminded everyone to wash their hands and to be safe.
Mr. Illg thanked Mrs. Tressler for her service to the school district and wished her well. He expressed appreciation to Mr. Soderquist and the IT department for their work. He expressed appreciation for technology and BoardDocs which, allowed the board to meet. He thanked the district staff and students and all who work behind the scenes to make education successful. He encouraged everyone to take care of themselves.
Mr. Kelly commented on Mr. Jones' superintendent report. He thanked the district parents and students for their work at this time. He expressed appreciation to district office administration for their work. He thanked Mrs. Tressler for her service and wished her well.
Dr. Madden thanked Mrs. Tressler for her service. He thanked Mrs. Vadla for her work to prepare for the meeting. He thanked the district staff and students for their work during this time. He encouraged everyone that we can make it through together.
Ms. Morgan expressed appreciation for the district staff for their work. She thanked Mr. Hayman for his school reports and expressed appreciation for the schools’ staff. She thanked Commission Johnson for his presentation. She expressed appreciation that the administration and associations are meeting. She suggested the board consider weighing in on the virtual school purchased by the State of Alaska. She thanked Mrs. Tressler for her work.

Mr. Morse thanked Mrs. Tressler for her work. He thanked the district staff for their work during the transition to virtual learning. He thanked the IT department and district office staff for their work. He thanked Commission Johnson for his presentation.
Mr. Tauriainen district staff and administration for their work during the transition to virtual learning. He thanked Commission Johnson for his presentation and for answering board questions. He thanked Mrs. Tressler for her work.

Ms. Truesdell thanked Mrs. Tressler for her work. She thanked Commission Johnson for his presentation She thanked district parents and staff. She thanked Mr. Jones for his reports and for filling in for Mr. O'Brien. She wished Mr. O'Brien well.
Miss Blackwell expressed appreciation for a smooth transition to virtual learning. She stated that as a senior, she disappointed to not have a graduation ceremony, however, staying healthy is priority. She thanked Mrs. Tressler for her work.

Mrs. Vadla thanked Mr. Hayman for the school reports. She thanked Commission Johnson for his presentation and for his work. She thanked Dr. Christine Ermold, Mr. John Pothast, Ms. Amanda Adams and the district professional development team for their work. She expressed appreciation or district IT team. She expressed appreciation to all employees for their work during transition. She thanked Mr. Jones for his work and for filing in for Mr. O'Brien. She thanked the district office staff and district parents for their work during this time. She welcomed Mrs. Lisa Gabriel and Ms. Tabitha Blades to their new positions in the district. She thanked all students for their work. She thanked Ms. McCabe and Mr. Brighton for their comments. She thanked Mr. Mike Sellers for his career development grant report which is in the meeting packet. She thanked Ms. Cary for her AASB February Legislative Fly-In report. She stated that the song "Lean on me" is appropriate at this time. She thanked Mrs. Tressler for her work.

15. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

None needed.

B. Adjourn Executive Session

16. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

8:18 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Penny Vadla, President

Mr. Jason Tauriainen, Clerk

Submitted by Mrs. Debbie Tressler

Administrative Secretary to the Board of Education