APPROVED 8-3-2020

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Board of Education Meeting Minutes (Monday, July 13, 2020)

Generated by Lisa Gabriel on Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Members present
Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan (via Polycom), Penny Vadla

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

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

C. District Mission Statement

Ms. Morgan read the District’s mission statement.

D. Roll Call

E. Approval of Agenda

F. Approval of Minutes June 1, 2020

The minutes from the June 1, 2020 meeting were approved as presented.

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.)

No comments were offered.

5. Hearing of Delegations

None

6. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. O'Brien

Mr. O’Brien noted and discussed the following general information packet items:
He noted in the information packet there was a memo concerning the letter from BDO the KPBSD auditors. The annual audit of KPBSD finances will take place in August. He discussed the annual School Reports to the Superintendent and the Annual Site Based Council Reports to the District.There is a lot of excellent information included in these reports from each of the KPBSD 42 schools. He noted that Mayor Pierce has sent a request to Commissioner Johnson asking for the extension for the Kachemak Selo K-12 School Construction grant funds project. It is the districts intent to go to the voters with a bond package in the fall of 2021, which would include the matching funds for this important project. This past Friday Commissioner Johnson responded to the request verifying the receipt of the request and stated it would be “reviewed promptly.”
Last Thursday, senior members of the Pandemic team including Nursing Supervisor Wertz had a 1-on-1 meeting with Dr. Zink, members of her staff from DHSS, Commissioner Johnson, and public health officials to discuss the Smart Start Plan. They discussed the new AK DHSS Community Alert/Risk levels criteria for low/green, medium/yellow, and high/red which have been incorporated into our KPBSD Smart Start Plan. It was a very insightful meeting, and the district received high marks for its Smart Start Plan from both Dr. Zink and Commissioner Johnson regarding the incorporation of the new Risk/Alert levels into the KPBSD plan.
He noted that over the past few days, the Board and District administration have received many emails and communications from staff, community members, and parents providing comments, asking questions, and sharing thoughts about our Smart Start 2020 Plan and the reopening of school this fall. Earlier today, a work session was held reviewing the proposed plan. To summarize some of what was presented, the KPBSD plan provides the broad framework in four broad categories (health/safety, staffing, schedules, and instruction) under which each of our 42 unique schools will develop their own procedures to meet the unique situations for their sites. The plan itself is not intended to be an all-inclusive operation manual. He noted that much work is still underway at the district level on the minute details and specific logistics and protocols. Additionally, school principals and staffs will then fine-tune their individual plans during the nine in-services/workdays prior to students starting on August 24th. He stated in his Smart Start cover memo that as the pandemic situation evolves, the science/medical recommendations change, new mandates/advisories are issued, we will be revising this plan regularly and as necessary. As an example, masks/face coverings may very well be one of the first revisions made prior to August 24th. He received a call from Commissioner Johnson putting him on notice that if COVID-19 case numbers continue to trend up in the current direction that a state mandate regarding face coverings may be imminent. The plan design allows the district to be flexible and responsive to the dynamic and ever-changing pandemic situation in the State of Alaska and on the Peninsula.
He noted the following important dates and that Principals return to work the last week of July.
August 3 is the next BOE meeting with a quarterly planning/work session on Tuesday the 4th.
August 5 and 6 are our scheduled Administrator in-service days. He anticipates adding additional days prior to the first staff day, where they will be planning with administrators for schools reopening.
August 7th is the New Teacher Orientation In-service day
August 11th will be the return date for all staff.

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. Vadla called a breif at ease at 6:19 p.m. for the resolution of technical issues.
Ms. Vadla called the meeting back to order at 6:35 p.m.
Mr. Tyson Cox, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly gave an overview of the last Borough Assembly Meeting.
Ms. Kari Dendurent, KPSAA Executive secretary showed her support for the Smart Start 2020 plan. She has attended numerous meetings for KPSAA to prepare to assist school leadership for the start of athletics.

Mr. David Brighton, KPEA president, appreciates the work of the committee. Everyone is anxious to get back into the classroom to teach students. He appreciates Mr. O'Brien's email to staff for clarification of staff expectations. He expressed that no one knows where we will be in August. He spoke to the subject of substitutes and the possibility of hiring full time substitutes. He appreciates the discussion for face coverings and PPE. He encourages the district to support the wearing of masks.

Ms. Anne McCabe, KPESA president, appreciated that the board members who voted for the increase for substitutes for support staff. It is a good step to help recruit substitutes. She thanked the board members who have been responding to support staff. This morning she released a survey to support personnel with regards to COVID 19 and that within 3 hours she had 60 responses. 95% said they had read the Start Up plan. We have parents all over the map. Employees are in the same boat. She noted that about 40% on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being no way, were on the top 8,9,10 range. She felt that there is a lot of anxiety in the employees. A lot who fall into high risk category. There are a few gaps that need to be addressed. 3/4 time employees do not qualify for FML with COVID. Many student nutrition support staff and custodians fall into that category. With regard to the Red/Orange/Yellow, Red/Yellow/ Green, that people understand per 100 people statistics. 2/3 of respondents are really concerned about coming back to school right now. She appreciated everyone who took the time to be there.

8. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. O'Brien

He noted that we have had some student activities over the summer. Schools have been working closely with Mr. Jones and Mr. Lyon on submitting mitigation plans to ensure the safety of athletes and participants during summer workouts.
He thanked each member of our Smart Start 2020 work group for their work and expertise in helping KPBSD develop a quality return to school plan for the fall. He gave special thanks to Assistant Superintendent Holland for heading up the difficult task in such a professional and skillful manner.
He noted that the summer hiring and recruiting has gone surprisingly well despite the current pandemic situation. Most vacancies and positions have been filled. They are actually tracking much better with filling vacancies than the past few summers.
He mentioned that the district has a new central peninsula professional development center. The previous one was in the old Soldotna Prep Building. The new one will be located across the street in the former risk management building.
He continues to meet weekly with the Big 5 superintendents on Fridays to discuss the myriad of issues affecting education in Alaska, especially the plans for restarting school in the fall.
The District Leadership’s work this summer has almost entirely been consumed with monitoring the ever-changing COVID-19 situation, attending statewide meetings on COVID-19, and planning multiple options and contingencies for the safe and prudent openings of our schools whatever that may look like depending on community transmission levels.

9. Reports

A. May Finance Reports 2020-7-13

Mr. Jones presented the finance report through May 2020.

B. Board Reports
Ms. Morgan attended the Superintendent Search Oversight Committee meeting on June 30.

Mr. Morse attended the Work Sessions and Policy Committee meetings on July 13.

Mr. Tauriainen attended the Information Committee and Work sessions on July 13.

Ms. Truesdell attended a virtual training out of Juneau from a six week Smart training from the Alaska Department of Education.

Ms. Cary attended the Superintendent Search Oversight Committee meeting on June 30.

Mr. Illg attended the June 23 Zoom with Commissioner Johnson, addressing school reopening. He found it very insightful.

Mr. Kelly attended the Superintendent Search Oversight Committee meeting on June 30.

Dr. Madden has met with many stakeholders.

Mrs. Vadla has attended a number of virtual retirement celebrations. She attended the June 1 Information Committee meeting. On June 12th and 22nd she attended start up committee meetings. June 23 school start up instructional design group. June 23 she met with Commissioner Johnson. She attended the Superintendent Search Oversight Committee meeting on June 30.

C. Committee Reports

Ms. Vadla reported that the Superintendent Search Oversight 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.

D. Board Work Session Report
Mrs. Vadla reported that the board held work sessions entitled: Board Policy Review, Review of 2020-2021 Board Goals, Fall 2020-2021 Smart Start & Summer Facilities Use, FY21 Budget Revision and Superintendent Search Committee Update.
She gave a brief recap of each session. All members were present at the meetings and attended the work sessions.

10. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-D

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Mike Illg.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

B. Budget Transfers over $50,000 2020-7-13

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-D

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Mike Illg.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

C. 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-D

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Mike Illg.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

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-D

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Mike Illg.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

11. Action Items

A. Approval of FY21 Preliminary Budget Revision 7 13 20

Administration recommends approving the FY21 General Fund expenditures in the amount of $144,785,841 with a transfer to student nutrition services of $750,000 for a total expenditure and transfer in the amount of $145,535,841.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

B. Approval of 2020-2021 Board Goals

Administration recommends approval of the 2020-2021 Board Goals.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

C. Approval of KPBSD 2020 Smart Start Plan

Public Comments:

Mr. Eric Pederson-Likes that the KPBSD 2020 Smart Start Plan puts trust in parents. He likes the local control that the plan gives school. He believes that people are going to vote with their feet. A comment that he has heard from people is that they would like the district to conduct another survey. His PTA is having a watch party on Zoom tonight.

Mrs. Vadla called a 5 minute at ease at 7:23 p.m for Information Services to deal with technical issues with phone participants.
At 7:31 pm. Mrs. Vadla reconvened the board meeting
Ms. Leslie Meyer-Appreciates everyone's patience tonight with technical issues. She supports wearing masks. The safety of educators is important. She noted that we are in unprecedented times now. She would not want to be in committees shoes.
Ms. Holly Abel thanked the school board and IT for work tonight. Thanked school district for sending out surveys and she thanked Mr. Holland and the Start Up committee. She wants to know how does KPBSD plan to protect students and staff? What type of masks should students wear and how they should be worn. She asked if there was a plan for accountability and consequences for noncompliance? She thanked KPBSD leadership for being proactive. She appreciated the opportunity to speak.
Ms. Winter Marshall Allen is a teacher and parent in Homer and also the Region III representative for KPEA. She thanked the Board of Education for their goals this year. She is also an essential worker in community at a small clinic. She sees gaps in the Smart Start Plan with how it addresses medically fragile students. She asked that we continue to have the conversations and continue to listen to each other.
Ms. Catherine Rice supports wearing masks and ask that they be mandatory.
Mr. Luke Dubber noted that he is a parent and at this time he cannot send his kids to school with the current situation. He believes that mask should be worn to stop the spread of COVID 19.
Ms. Sarah Brewer noted that she wants more data on class sizes. She is considering keeping her two kids home this year due to COVID concerns. She asked about the plan of action regarding students and teachers who test positive. She discussed collaboration with stay at home parents to care for students of working parents.
Ms. Laurie Kapp appreciates the efforts by the board and school district employees. She noted that having parents on the committee would have been insightful. She appreciated the survey, but believes we should have more. She will send her kids back to school and has faith in the schools, administration and teachers. She noted that the physical and emotional help that the schools provide our children is important.

Ms. Kate Bay expressed that we are between a rock and a hard place with no easy answers. She believes that the next best thing in the absence of a vaccine is face masks with no exceptions She noted that people should plan to have make up work for this next school year. She reminded everyone to be safe and wear a mask.
Ms. Sarah Lucas suffered from COVID 19 at the end of the 2019-2020 school year. She is very concerned about anyone who suffers from it. She is on day 53 of her mild case and almost over it. She still has occasional low grade fevers. She trusts that the board and administration will do what is best and is happy that she does not have to make this decision.
Ms. Joan Stonecipher commented that she has concerns about wearing masks for younger students. She asked what happens when a child or teacher tests positive or has symptoms of COVID 19. She wonders what wearing masks looks like in a classroom.
Ms. Andi Bock stated that she does not believe masks are doable. She wonders how we will keep the children's masks on? She stated that she herself cannot wear them in public. She stated that there is so much more than wearing masks at issue at this time and asked what are the other options?
Ms. Ingrid Herald expressed her appreciation for the Smart Start Committee. She has concern about the area of care of medically fragile staff and students and their families. She noted that the students and staff must feel safe emotionally and physically for the return to school to work. She asked what happens with teachers who feel the risk is too much for them? What is the plan for those teachers? She appreciates the time that the district has spent with this difficult situation.
Ms. Dana McDonald expressed her concerned about what is really being done to prevent the spread of COVID 19? Masking and social distancing is not in some parts of plan and that concerns her. COVID 19 has a wide variety of symptoms. What allows a student or staff member to come back to school? How are we testing with outbreak in schools? Testing can take some time for results to be returned, and she wants to know who is responsible for testing and paying for tests?
Ms. Emily Mayberry thanked the board for their work and appreciated members who returned her emails. She expressed that the plans should be age appropriate. She appreciated the previous comments regarding wearing masks.
Ms. Shephanie Roberts thanked the board for allowing her to have a voice. She is a bus driver. She noted that students will need to have a way to get to school. Because the calendar says to go back to school, we are saying go back to school. The buses do not allow 6 foot distancing. A lot of drivers are in more advanced age and are at high risk. They go home to their own households to their own families and should be remembered too.

Administration recommends approval of the KPBSD 2020 Smart Start Plan.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

D. Approval of Revised 2020-2021 District-wide and Variance Calendars

The Administration recommends approval of the revised 2020-2021 District-wide and Variance Calendars

Motion by Matt Morse, 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

E. Approval of Resignation - Superintendent

Approve the resignation of Superintendent John O'Brien effective June 30, 2021.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

12. First Reading of Policy Revisions

A. First Reading of AR 4111.3 School Attendance-Staff Dependents

The Board was presented a first reading of Board Policy AR 4111.3 School Attendance-Staff Dependents.
B. First Reading of BP 5141.52 Suicide Prevention
The Board was presented a first reading of Board Policy 5141.52 Suicide Prevention.
C. First Reading of BP 3510 Business & Instruction Support Operations KPBSD
The Board was presented a first reading of Board Policy 3510 Business and Noninstructional Operations MAINTENANCE.
13. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

14. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Mr. Morse thanked everyone for their participation and read comments from a student.
Mr. Tauriainen thanked everyone for their hard work. He is proud to work for the district. He thanked Mr. O'Brien for his service to the District.
Ms. Truesdell stated that she was as nervous coming into meeting and that Board meetings are hard work. She supports this plan where parents get to make the decision and is proud of that. She feels very humbled that many people are depending on them.
Ms. Cary really likes the idea of having a fact sheet. A lot of emails are asking for that.
Mr. Illg gave a shout out to Eric and Information Services team for their help tonight. He wants to be a team player and trust process. He supports a survey to staff. He appreciated two retirees, Cindy Koplin and Lisa Whipp.
Mr. Kelly appreciated Lisa Whipp and Cindy Koplin who he commented are both power houses in the City of Homer. He wished them good luck. He Congratulated John O'Brien on the Smart Start 2020 Plan, and knows that if we all work together, we will create a plan that will benefit students and staff. He is hopeful that we can approach Alaska Department of Education and that they could protect our OASIS count this year for budget protection.
Dr. Madden appreciates the participation and comments this evening.
Ms.Morgan noted that there is still so much unknown and that we are going to need to be flexible and take care of ourselves. She expressed that there are many uncertainties ahead. The choices in communities will affect where we are in a couple of weeks when school is scheduled to start.
Ms. Vadla appreciated Kari Dendurant, Tyson Cox, Anne McCabe and Dave Brighton from the agencies. She thanked Mayor Charlie Pierce all who called and emailed. Thanked the Smart Start Committee, Dr. Ann Zink, Commissioner Johnson.

15. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

None.

B. Adjourn Executive Session

16. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

At 9:40 p.m. Mrs. Vadla adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Penny Vadla, President

Mr. Jason Tauriainen, Clerk

Submitted by Mrs. Lisa Gabriel

Administrative Secretary to the Board of Education