APPROVED 9-14-2020

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Board of Education Meeting Minutes (Monday, August 3, 2020)

Generated by Lisa Gabriel on Tuesday, August 4, 2020

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

Call to Order 6:02 p.m.

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

President Vadla offered a moment of silence for Representative Gary Knopp.

C. District Mission Statement

Ms. Morgan read the District’s mission statement.

D. Roll Call

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

E. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved as presented.

F. Approval of Minutes

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

2. Awards and Presentations

None

3. School Reports

A. School Reports

None

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

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

Mr. Matt Fischer spoke regarding PE teachers at Skyview High School. He read a letter from Debbie Hamilton from New Hope. Dr. Rachel Walden a pediatrician at Central Peninsula Hospital spoke regarding PE teachers regarding reduced PE classes. She believes that they need to have PE classes.

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 spoke regarding a letter from KPEA President David Brighten thanking him for the level of collaboration that KPBSD has undertaken concerning a safe return to schools and a desire for additional and ongoing collaboration as we near the start of the official school year for students. His response to President Brighten in which he committed to continued collaboration and listed all of the areas in which school staffs will also be involved was included as well.

He received feedback from the Alaska DHSS on our Smart Start Plan. One gap in the KPBSD plan pointed out by DHSS medical staff pertained to face coverings.

Last week, He, Mr. Holland and Mr. Jones testified to House Education Committee on the KPBSD Smart Start Plan. He noted that Mr. Jones did an exceptional job of relaying the significant negative fiscal implications being caused by this pandemic regarding the loss of enrollment to home school programs. As a follow up to that legislative testimony, He and Mr. Jones were granted a 1-1 meeting with Commissioner Johnson and his top finance officials to further discuss and explore solutions on this critical issue.

He read his general response to parents who have written him with their concerns. The welcome back zoom message was recorded for staff to return to buildings. The recording was a joy and he believes that staff will appreciate the message.

He appreciated Ann McCabe for the MOA to raise the pay for school nurses. He stated that it is essential that we do all we can to recruit and retain nurses. Principals and school secretaries returned to schools last week.

Important Dates:

August 4 The new Medical Advisory group will meet. Members of the district pandemic team also sit on that group.

August 5 & 6 KPBSD Smart Start School Leadership Academy will begin. Teams will collaborate on many levels.

August 7 new teacher orientation. August 24th is the official first day for most of our schools.

August 11 Staff Return for the first of nine in-service/work days.

August 24 will be the first official day of school for most KPBSD 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

Mr. David Brighton, KPEA president appreciates the collaboration that we have, he is still concerned about aspects of his letter. We stated that we still have many staff members who have grave concerns about returning to work in person. It is natural to have fear and anxiety in a pandemic. He is looking forward to continuing the work of the committee.
Ms. Anne McCabe, KPESA president addressed the need for better compensation for our nurses for the pay raise. She stated that we cannot afford to lose them anymore. Our rate is significantly lower than other wages around this community. She addressed the meeting of the board of education as a virtual meeting should be happening in person now. The Board of Education is in a leadership role and should meet in person. She appreciates that employees are receiving replies to emails.

8. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. O'Brien

Mr. O’Brien reported Falls sports are beginning with mitigation plans in place. Eastern Peninsula is in the Red, so they are delayed. He is encouraged by the numbers on the entire KPBSD. Numbers have been coming down.
He celebrated Homer Middle School Teacher Jen Booze. Jen is one of 22 teachers who have been selected as a Fulbright Scholars. A press release will be coming out soon. On a personal medical note, he will leave tomorrow to receive a three month diagnostic appointment in Arizona. Assistant Superintendent Holland will be the acting Superintendent.

9. Reports

A. Fourth Quarter Budget Transfer Report 2020-8-3

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

B. Board Reports

Reports where the board officially represented the Board and the School District:
Mr. Illg listened into a presentation from Mr. Jones and Mr. O'Brien on the Education Committee meeting on July 23.
Mr. Kelly listened into a presentation from Mr. Jones and Mr. O'Brien on the Education Committee meeting on July 23.
Dr. Madden-Spoke with stakeholders regarding their fears.
Ms. Morgan attended the Superintendent Search Oversight Committee and Seward Town Hall Meeting.
Mr. Morse is actively talking to people and responding to emails.
Mr. Tauriainen has had meetings with parents and Mr. O'Brien.
Ms. Truesdell has mostly been meeting with notes. The community of Hope was impacted by the bear attack.
Ms. Cary attended the SSOC meeting July 14, 21 and today.
Mrs. Vadla attended the SSOC meeting, July 23 School Start up Committee work group, Welcome Back Zoom meeting July 30, 12 hours of AASB School Board Directors meeting. She is working on answering emails.

C. Committee Reports

Ms. Vadla reported that the Superintendent Search Oversight Committee met today.
Mr. Tauriainen reported that the Board Information Committee meeting was canceled today due to lack of time.

D. Board Work Session Report

Mrs. Vadla reported that the board held work sessions entitled: Special Meeting, Board Policy, Superintendent Search Committee Update, 2020-2021 Smart Start & Summer Facilities Use, Resolutions, Future Board Meeting Format.
She gave a brief recap of each session. All members were 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-C

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-C

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried