APPROVED 6-1-20

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Minutes Board of Education Meeting Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Generated by Lisa Gabriel on Thursday, May 7, 2020

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. Illg 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

The minutes from the April 6, 2020 meeting were approved as printed.

2. Awards and Presentations

A. Student Representatives, Miss Cameron Blackwell and Mr. Kaegan Koski

Mrs. Vadla expressed appreciation from the board of education for Cameron Blackwell for her service as the student representative to the Board of Education.

Mrs. Vadla expressed appreciation from the board of education for Kaegan Koski, KPBSD Information Committee student representative. His voice and representation on the committee made a huge impact.

The Board members appreciated each student representative.

3. School Reports

A. Port Graham School, Mr. Michael Crain

Mr. Michael Crain, Port Graham Principal shared an introductory video of Port Graham School. He gave a brief description of where Port Graham is located. The staff of Port Graham School presented a video. They highlighted the teachers and students in a music video of daily activities at Port Graham school.

B. William H. Seward Elementary School, Mr. Alan Haskins

Mr. Alan Haskins, Principal of William H. Seward Elementary School shared a video of his school. He highlighted student events for 2019-2020. S.L.T. students shared what they do as S.L.T. members, their plans and what they accomplished this year. The S.L.T. Lock Under was one of the student's favorite events. He discussed the social and emotional learning of their students.

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

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

Ms. Robin Dahlman: (via telephone) She spoke on behalf of University of Alaska. She showed appreciation for KPBSD staff and board members, teachers, principals for providing seamless education for students. She commended Mr. Crain and Mrs. Crain from Nanwalek, Mr. Graham, Mrs. Hewett and Mr. Mark at Soldotna High School, Mr. Stevensen and Mrs. Dahl from Soldotna Elementary for their support of student teachers at their schools.

Ms. Mica Van Buskirk: (via telephone) She appreciated the Seward Librarian. She expressed concerned about losing the library position at Seward.
Ms. Julie Doepken: (via telephone) She spoke as the Librarian at Seward Elementary School. She expressed her concerned about all three schools in Seward not having access to a certified librarian. She provided information about certified librarians and their value to education. She stated that most of the schools have library staff, but only half of them are certified librarians. She is frustrated with the staffing formula and suggested awarding one certified librarian position for all three schools.

5. Hearing of Delegations

None.

6. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. O'Brien: (via telephone)

Mr. O’Brien reported on the general information packet items. He spoke to the Student Nutrition Services Meals Program memo from Mr. Jones regarding the discontinuance of meals over the summer. He noted that they have been serving meals throughout the district using Apple Buses. The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District has not provided lunches during the summer in the past. Apple Bus will provide service for meals until June 19th. Reasons for discontinuing meals are in the memo from Mr. Jones. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Resolution 2020-027 includes the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Funding for FY21. The district will be working closely with the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The final budgeted amount will be 50 million dollars. He discussed the Cares Act funding information. Mr. O'Brien reported that at the April 21, 2020 assembly meeting they passed Resolution 2020-027 which set the minimum amount of funding to the school district at $45,000,000. Based on subsequent conversations between Mayor Pierce and Administration; there is an agreement that the final amount to be provided by the Kenai Peninsula Borough will be $50,000,000. The CARES act funding that the Kenai Peninsula Borough is slated to receive from the Federal Government will potentially lead to additional funding beyond the 50 million dollars. The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District has provided official district guidance for teachers and staff concerning how to address grading and assessment of student work for 4^th quarter and the second semester report cards. Student grades should not suffer from where the student left off before spring break. “Do No Harm” grading means that a final semester grade will be no lower than what the student’s grade was at the end of 3rd quarter. Students will have the ability to improve their grade from where it was at the end of the 3rd quarter. No student will receive an “F” on their report card as a semester grade for this semester. Instead, any student who has not completed an appropriate amount and quality of work will have an “NG” on their report card. Opportunities are being provided over the summer for credit recovery and first time credit for high school students.

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) spoke about the COVID 19 upheaval. She expressed her pleasure working with everyone. Employees have gone through a lot this year, but we have come a long way. Mr. O'Brien has encouraged her and Mr. Brighton to be a part of the task force. She has enjoyed working with Nate Crabtree. She will be KPESA President again next year and will also return to Soldotna High School. She looks forward to working with everyone in the future.
Mr. Tyson Cox, KPB Assembly Member for District 4 and the Liaison to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School Board (via telephone) spoke about the Mayor's proposed budget is at $50 million at this time. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly reconsidered the gated community ordinance and it passed. They passed a resolution to approve the Kenai Peninsula Borough participation in refinancing municipal bank bonds. It could save the borough up to 600,000 dollars in interest. Look for the Ordinance establishing a resilience in security advisory commission. They are possibly going to a hybrid vote by mail election process. He wished the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District teachers a Happy Teacher Appreciation Week.

Mr. David Brighton, KPEA president, (via telephone) appreciated the Board of Education for their diligent work. He prays this is the temporary normal. He appreciates the committee that will be working to figure out how we will return to school next year. These are big and difficult times, starting with summer fires last year and many other things. He appreciates the grading policy.
Ms. Mica Van Buskirk,Seward School Site Council chairperson, (via telephone) stated that the last 9 years, they have come to the May board meeting about how the current formula is affecting their three schools. The Seward site council requests a visit to discuss the current funding formula. They have made major school reconfigurations.

8. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. O'Brien: (via telephone)

Mr. O’Brien reported that the district has been very busy closing out the 2019-2020 School Year. He noted that next year may not be a normal start up. They have tasked Mr. Holland, the new Assistant Superintendent with forming a work group to begin planning. The work group will consist of teacher and support staff representation, principals, a board member and district staff. Efforts will be coordinated with the Commissioner, Department of Education and all Superintendents and school districts throughout the state. Mr. O'Brien recognized that the past two weeks have been filled with a few official opportunities to publicly celebrate our incredible Kenai Peninsula Borough School District staff. May 1st was National Principal Day, and National Lunch Hero Day, May 4th–8th was Teacher Appreciation week with the 4th being the official Teacher Appreciation Day, and May 6th was National School Nurses Day. Mr. O'Brien recognized how difficult this past quarter has been for our students, parents, staff, and communities the District will be doing a Sources of Strength Social Media Initiative (SOS). Mr. O'Brien discussed the Class of 2020 Graduation Ceremonies. He expressed his sadness for the Class of 2020 in all 19 high schools because of the limitations on their graduation ceremonies. District office has shared the DEED guidelines and a summary document of what each high school is planning. We are about two weeks away from our first graduation ceremonies on May 18th. Board members may be asked by school principals regarding making a graduation video. Effective immediately, Clayton Holland is assuming responsibilities and the role of Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. This is effectively two months early but necessary due to the complex nature of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. O'Brien explained the challenges related to COVID-19 this recruiting season. The job fairs we had been scheduled to attend were canceled for safety reasons. Our HR department and principals continue to work hard and creatively to fill existing vacancies for the Fall of 2020, even holding/attending virtual job fairs. Special education and counseling positions are currently our most challenging positions to fill. We are working with DEED on emergency credentials for special education candidates, alternate pathways to certification, and encouraging our current paraprofessionals with a desire to become special education teachers to work through the process.

9. Reports

Reports: A. February and March Finance Reports 2020-5-6

Mr. Jones reported on the February and March Finance Reports.

B. Third Quarter Budget Transfer Report 2020-5-6

Mr. Jones presented the budget transfer report for various schools and departments within the District during the third quarter of FY20.

C. Board Reports

Ms. Cary reported she attended the April 21 Assembly meeting and the April 5 Assembly meeting.

Mr. Kelly reported he attended the April 21 Joint Budget Work Session with the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly.
Dr. Madden reported he has been talking to stakeholders.
Ms. Morgan reported she attended the April 16 via Zoom Seward Site Council meeting, April 16 Town hall with Representative Ben Carpenter, April 21 Joint Meeting with the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, April 29 Attended Insite Kenai Peninsula Borough School District student webinar, also many Kenai Peninsula Borough School District recorded webinars.
Mr. Illg reported on April 7 he attended KPSAA meeting, April 21 Joint Meeting of Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly.
Mr. Tauriainen April 21 Joint Meeting of Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, April 16 Town Hall with Representative Ben Carpenter, May 4 Nikiski Site Council.
Mr. Morse reported on April 21 Joint Meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, April 22 Kenai Central High School Graduation Committee.
Ms. Truesdell reported she attended the April 30 Soldotna Montessori School site based council meeting. She has been fielding phone calls from parents regarding graduations.
Mrs. Vadla reported that she attended many virtual meetings. On April 9 she attended the AASB board of directors meeting with Commissioner Johnson, April 13 she attended the Title 6 Advisory Committee meeting, April 16 a Question and Answer session with Senator Murkowski, Senator Sullivan and Commissioner Johnson, April 21 the Joint budget work session with the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, April 22 Alaska Youth for the environment Action Earth Day Rally and Celebration, April 23 AASB and DEED Workshop Transforming Schools, April 27 Student Voice Leadership, May 1 she attended a Zoom Office Retirement Party for Debbie Tressler.
Miss Blackwell attended Student Voice Meeting via Zoom on April 27.

D. Committee Reports

Ms. Cary reported that the Board Policy Review Committee met earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items. A very short policy meeting this afternoon. AR5141.52 and requested more information and attempting to set up interim meeting. All committee members were present.

Mr. Kelly reported that the Finance Committee met earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items. They discussed Bond Proposal Update, The Cares Act Funding and FY 21 budget update. All committee members were present.

E. Board Work Session Report

Mrs. Vadla reported that the board held work sessions entitled: 2021-2022 Superintendent Search, Six Year Plan, KPSAA Handbook Updates, Homeschool Programs, FY21 Budget Update, Bond Proposals. 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

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-G

Motion by Debbie Cary, 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

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-G

Motion by Debbie Cary, 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

C. 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 B-G

Motion by Debbie Cary, 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

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-G

Motion by Debbie Cary, 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

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

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-G

Motion by Debbie Cary, 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

Action (Consent): F. Budget Transfers over $50,000 2020-5-6

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-G

Motion by Debbie Cary, 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

G. Leave of Absence Request/Support

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-G

Motion by Debbie Cary, 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

11. Action Items

A. Superintendent Search for 2021-2022

Move to approve the appointment of the committee members and to reactivate the Superintendent Search Oversight Committee.

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Greg Madden.

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

Public Comments: (via telephone)
Ms. Ann McCabe, President KPESA weighed in on testimony regarding Seward's Librarian. She noted the need for Certified librarians and their importance. She encouraged people to think outside the box. She congratulated the upcoming graduates and extend her empathy with the lack of graduation celebrations this year. She recognized and thanked teachers, nurses and student nutrition staff.

Ms. Jennifer Desourma commented in opposition to the elimination of the Librarian position at Seward Elementary School. She expressed support for the current librarian.

14. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Miss Blackwell thanked the board for their kind words. It has been a great and memorable year. She is super thankful for the opportunity.
Ms. Cary thanked Miss Cameron Blackwell and Mr. Kaegan Koski. She thanked the graduates of 2020.
Mr. Illg thanked Eric Soderquist and IT crew for their professionalism efficiency. He welcomed Mr. O'Brien back and welcomed Mrs. Lisa Gabriel. He tipped his hat to the student nutrition staff members for stepping up to serve meals to our students. He thanked the schools for being creative and making the graduations special. He acknowledged the Class of 2020.
Dr. Madden congratulated the Class of 2020. He thanked the parents at home and everyone who participated tonight.
Ms. Morgan welcomed Mrs. Lisa Gabriel, she thanked Miss Cameron Blackwell and Mr. Kaegan Koski, she appreciated the presentations from Port Graham and Seward Elementary. She thanked those who contributed during the Public Presentations, and thanked the public who commented regarding the certified librarian at Seward Elementary. She thanked the staff and entire Kenai Peninsula Borough School District team for their response to the COVID 19 situation. She congratulated the Class of 2020.
Mr. Morse he wished Mrs. Debbie Tressler the best in her retirement, and welcomed Mrs. Lisa Gabriel. He enjoyed the presentation videos, and thanked the staff and students and the callers who supported the certified librarian in Seward. He spoke about boosting enrollment numbers.
Mr. Tauriainen appreciates the efforts of the district office, teachers and staff in challenging times. He is thankful for the board and their ability to work together. He feels blessed to be part of this district.
Ms. Truesdell thanked Ms. Ann McCabe. She was impressed with the Connections presentation during the day. She expressed her appreciation for Miss Cameron Blackwell, and congratulated Mr. Clayton Holland. She commented on the need to communicate with parents and include them in the planning for next year.
Mrs. Vadla thanked the school report presenters. She thanked the teachers. She expressed her appreciation to all principals and nurses. She welcomed Mrs. Lisa Gabriel to her first meeting. She welcomed Mr. Clayton Holland. She congratulated Miss Cameron Blackwell and Mr. Kaegan Koski. She expressed her celebration for the Class of 2020 graduates and the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. She thanked the Information Services team for their exceptional job, she thanked Mr. O'Brien for being there tonight. She recognized Mr. John Pothast, Ms. Michael Hanson and Mrs. Darla Wales who will retire this year. She thanked the board members for what they do.

15. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

None needed.

B. Adjourn Executive Session

16. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Penny Vadla, President

Mr. Jason Tauriainen, Clerk

Submitted by Mrs. Lisa Gabriel

Administrative Secretary to the Board of Education