APPROVED 1-11-2021

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Minutes Board of Education Meeting Monday, December 7, 2020

Generated by Lisa Gabriel on Friday, December 11, 2020

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

6:02 p.m.

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

C. District Mission Statement

Mr. Tauriainen read the district mission statement.

D. Roll Call

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

E. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved as presented.

F. Approval of Minutes Sept. 14, 2020 Special Meeting

The minutes from the Sept. 14, 2020 special meeting were approved as printed.

G. Approval of Minutes Oct. 05, 2020 Special Meeting

The minutes from the Oct. 05, 2020 special meeting were approved as printed.

H. Approval of Minutes Nov. 02, 2020 Special Meeting

The minutes from the Nov. 02 2020 Special meeting were approved as printed.

I. Approval of Minutes Nov. 02, 2020 Meeting

The minutes from the Nov. 02, 2020 meeting were approved as printed.
Mr. Kelly called a brief recess at 6:07 p.m.
Mr. Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.

2. Awards and Presentations

None

3. School Reports

A. Mr. Sarge Truesdell, Skyview Middle School

Mr. Sarge Truesdell shared his school report for Skyview Middle School.

B. Mr. Tony Graham, Soldotna High School

Mr. Tony Graham shared his presentation for Soldotna High School.

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

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

5. Hearing of Delegations

6. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. O'Brien

Mr. O’Brien noted and discussed his general information packet items and important dates:

December 15th Governors Budget

December 18th End of First Semester

December 21st -January 1st Winter Break

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, celebrated the good news of increased mitigation plans. He noted that many teachers are split on the return to instruction. He noted that with proper mitigation plans, we can return to school. Now may not be the time. He noted that there are consequences to our decisions. He noted that the CDC is clear that we follow the protocols.

Ms. Anne McCabe, KPESA president, she appreciated the board of education. She let them know that support staff are all over on the issue of return to school. She recognized that the job of the board is a difficult time. She asked that people have faith in Superintendent O'Brien. She has worked with him since the beginning on the plan. She reminded people that it goes beyond children transmitting to each other, we have no substitutes in the buildings. Is causes additional issues such as combining cohorts. She is concerned about support personnel using their own sick leave for Covid exposures.

Mr. Bill Elam, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, he looks forward to seeing Governor Dunleavy's budget.

8. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. O'Brien

Mr. O’Brien reported that Dec 8 National Guard will do a "Santa Drop" with presents for every child in the village of Nanwalek. They will be in a brand new Chinook Helicopter. AASL honored Alaska School Librarian of the Year-Lisa Whip from West Homer Elementary. AASL recognized Teresa Youngren-Brown. Jill Duflorth of Skyview Middle was recently named Region III Assistant Principal of the year. This year NAEP is going to be postponed due to COVID pandemic. It will be administered in the year 2022.

9. Reports

A. October 2020 Finance Reports 2020-12-07

Mr. Jones presented the October 2020 Finance Report 2020-12-07.

B. Five Year Enrollment Projection 2020-12-07

Mr. Jones presented the Five Year Enrollment Projection 2020-12-07 Report.

C. Board Reports

Ms. Cary-Attended AASB Meeting 6-8th. Nov 10-SSOC. KPB Assembly Meeting. Nov 18-19 attended IBB training. Dec 1-KPB Meeting. Dec attended site based council Ninilchik School. Visited with Mr. Bill Elam.
Ms. Truesdell-Attended ABC Charter and Kaleidoscope site based council meetings in November.
Ms. Morgan-Attended Nov 6 calendar committee meeting. Nov 10 Superintendent Search. Nov 12 Seward site council meeting. Borough meeting open meetings act.
Mr. Illg-He shared the sunshine fund report and reminded members to contribute to sunshine fund. Nov 12 he attended the KPSAA Executive board meeting. He reported on e-sports as a club opportunity. Dec 1 Homer site council meeting.
Ms. Vadla-Nov 5 resolutions committee meeting. Education and student learning group. Hold harmless resolution went forward. Nov 6 Jurassic Parliament with Ann McFarlane. Nov 7-8 AASB fall conference. SSOC on Nov 10. Attended KCHS Site Council meeting. Appointed board of director of AASB. June Nelson memorial scholarship chair. Sustainability committee. Smart Start committee review update committee. Nov 5 worked on AASB priorities. Lon Garrison is new Executive Director of AASB.
Mr. Morse-KCHS Site Council on Nov 11. IBB training on Nov 18 and 19.
Ms. Retzer-Nov 11 met with Ms. Erkeneff and Olivia Davis. Nov 12 attended Seward Site Based council meeting.
Dr. Madden-Talking to Stakeholders-Sat down with legislators regarding school funding.
Mr. Kelly-Nov 6 Board member academy, Like sized district forum. Sat and Sun AASB conference via zoom. Nov 10 SSOC and KPB Assembly Meeting. Nov 12 McNeil Canyon site council. Joint Legislative Committee meeting.

D. Committee Reports

Mr. Tauriainen reported that the Board Information Committee met earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items.
Ms. Cary reported that the Board Policy Review Committee met earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items.
Ms. Vadla reported that the Superintendent Search Oversight Committee met on November 10th and discussed the search and the timeline. They are meeting on December 15 at 9 a.m.

E. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly reported that the board held work sessions entitled: Board Policy Review, 2020-21 Pandemic Response, the Governance Handbook Review was delayed until January. He gave a brief recap of each session. All members present at the meeting, attended the work sessions.
Mr. Kelly recessed for 10 minutes until 8:42 p.m.
Mr. Kelly called the meeting back to order at 8:42 p.m.

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 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

Advisory Vote, Miss Tegan Retzer Yes

B. Budget Transfers over $50,000 2020-12-07

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-G

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

Advisory Vote, Miss Tegan Retzer Yes

C. District Calendars 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24

Resolution: Move to approve the 2021-22, 2022-23 2023-24 District Calendars

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-G

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

Advisory Vote, Miss Tegan Retzer Yes

D. 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-G

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

Advisory Vote, Miss Tegan Retzer Yes

E. 2020-21 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 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

Advisory Vote, Miss Tegan Retzer Yes

F. 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 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

Advisory Vote, Miss Tegan Retzer Yes

G. Superintendent John O'Brien Contract TRS Correction

Resolution: Move to approve the FY21 contract for Superintendent John O'Brien as amended.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-G

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

Advisory Vote, Miss Tegan Retzer Yes

11. Action Items

A. Approval of Revisions to Smart Start Plan "Red Operations"

There were many comments on the Smart Start Plan “Red Operations”

Mr. Kelly called an at ease at 10:52 p.m.
Mr. Kelly called the meeting back to order at 10:56 p.m.

Recommend approval of revisions to Smart Start Plan "Red Operations" to include 5 days a week for grades Pre-k through 12.

Motion by Greg Madden, second by Matt Morse.

Final Resolution: Motion Failed

Yes: Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell

No: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Penny Vadla, Virginia Morgan

Advisory Vote, Miss Tegan Retzer No

Recommend approval of revisions to Smart Start Plan "Red Operations" to expand 5 days a week from Pre-K-2 to Pre-K-6

Motion by Mike Illg, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

No: Penny Vadla, Virginia Morgan

Advisory Vote, Miss Tegan Retzer Yes

Recommend approval of the revisions to Smart Start Plan "Red Operations" to include pre-approval to close schools by the school board.

Motion by Greg Madden, withdrawn by maker.

Motion dies

Recommend approval of the revisions to the Smart Start Plan "Red Operations" to include pre-approval by the school board to close schools to include staffing issues.

Motion by Greg Madden, second by Matt Morse.

Final Resolution: Motion Fails

Yes:Greg Madden, Matt Morse

No: Penny Vadla, Virginia Morgan, Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Zen Kelly, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell

Advisory Vote, Miss Tegan Retzer (not offered)

Recommend approval of the revisions to the Smart Start Plan "Red Operations" as amended to allow administration to move to earliest possible date.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, withdrawn by maker.

Motion dies

Recommend approval of the revisions to the Smart Start Plan "Red Operations" as amended.

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

Advisory Vote, Miss Tegan Retzer Yes

12. First Reading of Policy Revisions

A. AR 2121 Superintendent's Contract

The Board was presented a first reading of Board Policy AR 2121 Superintendent's Contract.

13. Public Presentations/Comments

Information: A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

There were many public comments provided.

14. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Mr. Morse appreciated the school reports, the smart start committee. He thanked the voters.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the school reports. She addressed the outdoor sports programs. She appreciated Dave Brighton and Ann McCabe. She appreciated the smart start committee.
Dr. Madden appreciated the callers. He appreciated the school reports.
Mrs. Vadla appreciated the callers and those who sent emails. She appreciated Mr. Truesdell's school report. She appreciated Mr. Graham. She appreciated Joe Mooney on his retirement. She appreciated Pamela Potter. She appreciated all employees for their work. She thanked the Smart Start committee. She thanked the National Guard, David Brighton, Ann McCabe and Bill Elam. She noted that the June Nelson Memorial scholarship is now available.
Ms. Morgan appreciated the school reports. She appreciated the comments from staff, parents and community members. She agreed with Tyler and his comments regarding outdoor sports. She is grateful for the medical team and the building mitigations. She expressed her support for the town of Seward for the loss of their community member.
Mr. Illg appreciated the school presentations. Congratulated Lisa Whipp for her award. He thanked Mr. Morse and Ms. Cary for doing the IBB training. He recommended the Mariner Minute podcast with Chris Perk. He is encouraged with the vaccines that are coming in.
Mr. Tauriainen recommended following mitigation plans to get all kids back into school full time. He discussed physical activities for kids and mask usage in outside activities. He appreciated the presenters and everyone who emailed and testified.
Ms. Cary appreciated everyone who voiced their opinions. She appreciated the administrative team and trusts that they are doing what is best for this district and all of the students. She read every comment on the surveys. She appreciated Miss Retzer and her fellow board members. She appreciated the school reports.
Miss Retzer appreciated everyone who tuned in. She shared her thoughts on Mr. Todd Brewer, who passed away this week.
Mr. Kelly appreciated the board and their work together today. He recognized the faith that this board has in the administration. He appreciated that we took a framework, and added the changes. He reminded the additional student groups will begin January 19, possibly earlier.

15. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

B. Adjourn Executive Session

16. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

1:10 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mr. John Kelly, President

Mr. Jason Tauriainen, Clerk

Submitted by Mrs. Lisa Gabriel

Administrative Secretary to the Board of Education