APPROVED 10-4-2021

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Board of Education Meeting Minutes Monday, September 13, 2021

Generated by Lisa Gabriel on Thursday, September 16, 2021

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

Mr. Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.

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

Homer High School Swing Choir performed the National Anthem and the Alaska Flag Song.

C. District Mission Statement

Mr. Morse read the District’s mission statement.

D. Roll Call

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

E. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved as presented.

F. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes 8-2-2021

The minutes from the 8-2-2021 meeting were approved as printed.

G. Approval of Minutes 8-2-2021

The minutes from the 8-2-2021 meeting were approved as printed.

2. Awards and Presentations

None

3. School Reports

A. Ninilchik School, Mr. Jeffrey Ambrosier

Mr. Jeffrey Ambrosier presented the school report for Ninilchik School.

B. Homer Flex, Mr. Christopher Brown

Mr. Christopher Brown presented the school report for Homer Flex school. His students shared their experience with Homer Flex in a video.

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

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

The following public members spoke:
Nara Rosser spoke regarding concerning mitigation policy.
Jane Dunn spoke regarding universal masking.
Misty Anderson spoke regarding universal masking.
Red Asselin spoke regarding universal masking.
Bri Drummond spoke regarding universal masking.
April Orth spoke about her experience with Covid.
Nara Rosser read a statement for Mathew Mattson.
Winter Marshall-Allen spoke regarding the mask mandate.
Nicole Darwin spoke regarding Social and Emotional Learning.
Tamara Wear spoke regarding raising library awareness and appreciated IT.
Bridget Mitchell spoke regarding the mitigation plan.
Sarah Brewer spoke regarding mask mandates.
Christine Cole spoke regarding mask mandates.
Lacy Sistney spoke regarding the mitigation plan.
Dresita Basargin spoke regarding optional masking.
Kate Morris spoke regarding optional masking.
5. Hearing of Delegations

None

6. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland welcomed the KPBSD Board Student Representative, Miss Neviya Reid from Homer High School, and the new Information Committee Representative, Miss Olivia Ferguson, from Ninilchik School.

He noted that the Assistant Superintendent and the Planning and Operations Director visited K-Selo on September 2^nd to view the facilities and while onsite with the Administrator, a zoom meeting was conducted with the Kenai Peninsula Borough Purchasing and Contracting Director and the Project Manager. The district provided comments for the request for proposal for Architectural services. We are waiting for the draft and schedule.

The District continues to be aware of the concerns surrounding substitute availability. In June, the District significantly increased the rate of pay for substitutes this year. KPBSD has begun a 4-week radio messaging campaign on six different radio stations over the three geographic regions.

He noted that the district has received concern from employees and from our KPEA and KPESA Presidents regarding the leave that staff have to take if they are considered a close contact or have a positive COVID case. The district has expanded the ability to telework and is exploring how to provide COVID leave to staff.

Today during the work session, we went over updates to the district mitigation plan. We also went over how we are making determinations on moving a school to required masking for two weeks and then how schools come out of that status. Over 20 schools have not had a reported COVID case. Updated numbers can be found on the district dashboard.

At 7:51 Mr. Kelly called an at ease.
At 8:01 Mr. Kelly reconvened the meeting.

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. Nathan Erfurth, KPEA president, has been doing building visits. People are very happy to be teaching in person. However, they are stressed and burned out. He appreciated telework agreements being reinstated. He noted that we have a huge number of absences. There are a lot of positions district wide that are not being filled. Staff are taking on a lot of responsibilities. He noted that we need to take a few lessons from last year. We have a lot of great stuff going on in our district. Students call their schools home.

Susanna LaRock, Kenai Peninsula Support Employees Association, noted that they want the students to have a safe place. She appreciated the board for the MOA for retention of nurses. There is a lot of people pitching in to give the students what they need, but people are feeling overworked.
Mr. Bill Elam, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, noted that the Borough Assembly has been very busy regarding COVID. He sides on the side of people having their freedoms. He noted that all plans work for all of our communities. Individuals will make the right decision and let it settle down. He feels the medical community may have taken a reputation hit. Let's all try to respect each other and our decisions. He challenges people to get past the two mitigations. We need to recognize that we are all in a pressure cooker in this.

8. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland congratulated Seward Middle School teacher Myla Liljemark. She was named the 2021 Alaska History Teacher of the Year! The annual award is presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to K-12 American history education.

He noted that Chapman School responded wonderfully to the threat to the community when an Alaska State Trooper was shot in a nearby location. Principal Hinds and the staff responded and provided safety and comfort to our students. He appreciated how our schools responded to the Tsunami warning. Hats off to Principal Waclawski and all the other principals who opened our schools to the community. Three schools had homecomings over the weekend and all reported great success with the alternative activities they provided to their students.

He noted that tonight the board will be voting on the approval of both Certified and Classified staff contracts. He appreciated the people that were part of the process:

KPESA: Anne McCabe, Tammy Dudley, and Robert Firmin,

KPEA: Nathan Erfurth, Rebecca Walker, and Walter Love

Board Members: Matt Morse and Debbie Carey

District Office: Nate Crabtree, and Elizabeth Hayes and himself.

He noted that this was the first time that the district has participated in Interest Based Bargaining (IBB). We worked collaboratively together over a long period of time to create a contract that was mutually beneficial to all concerned. He appreciated everyone who dedicated their time to the process.

9. Reports

A. July and August Finance Reports 2021-9-13

Ms. Hayes presented the July and August finance reports.

B. Board Reports

Ms. Cary attended the site council meeting for Ninilchik, she attended the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting virtually.
Mrs. Vadla spoke to and responded to many constituents regarding going back to school. Her daughter got married and she has been taking care of her mother-in-law.
Ms. Morgan attended the Seward Town Hall meeting on 8/9, on 8/12 she attended the Cooper Landing site council meeting, on 8/25 she visited Seward Middle and High School, on 8/26 she attended the ECHO Call and on 9/9 she attended the Seward School Site Council.
Mr. Morse, made several visits to schools in the Kenai are for preparation for this meeting.
Mr. Illg attended the Homer High site council meeting on 9/7, on 9/9 he attended the KPSAA meeting and discussed E-Sports and the high school mass choir festival postponement.
Mr. Tauriainen visited Nikiski Northstar and Nikiski High School and attended the Shana Pritchard Memorial Volleyball tournament.
Ms. Truesdell attended Aurora Borealis Charter School site council meeting on 8/21, on 8/16 she attended the Kaleidoscope site Council, on 8/26 she attended the ECHO meeting and on 9/10 she visited Hope School.
Mr. Kelly, attended ECHO sessions and the Homer High School site council meeting.

C. Committee Reports

Mr. Tauriainen reported that the Board Information Committee met earlier in the day and discussed their agenda items.

D. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly reported that the board held work sessions entitled: Board Policy, AAASB 2021-22 Resolutions and 2022 Legislative Priorities and Mitigation Plan Update.
He 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-J

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-J

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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. Budget Transfers over $50,000 2021-9-13

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-J

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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

C. Leave of Absence Request/Support

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-J

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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

D. Leave of Absence Request for Civic Leave/Certified

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-J

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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

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-J

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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

F. Student Representative to the School Board and Student Representative to the Information Committee

Resolution: Moved to approve Miss Niviya Reed as the student representative to the school board and Miss Oliva Ferguson as the student representative to the Information Committee

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-J

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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

G. 2021-2022 Flat Payment Compensation for Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director of Finance, and Executive Director of Human Resources

Resolution: Administration recommends approval of the 2021-2022 Flat Payment Compensation for Assistant Superintendent, Executive Director of Finance, and Executive Director of Human Resources.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-J

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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

H. 2021-22 Long-Term Substitute Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve long-term substitute teacher contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-J

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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

I. 2021-22 New Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve 2021-22 New Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-J

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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

J. 2021-22 Temporary Retired Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve 2021-22 Temporary Retired Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-J

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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

11. Action Items

A. BP 5131.62 Tobacco

Move to approve BP 5131.62 Tobacco.

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. BP 3513.3 Tobacco Free Schools

Move to approve BP 3513.3 Tobacco Free Schools.

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

C. FY22-24 Kenai Peninsula Educational Support Association (KPESA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Anne McCabe spoke and echoed Mr. Holland regarding IBB. They tackled a lot of issues.

Move to approve the FY22-24 Kenai Peninsula Educational Support Association (KPESA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Motion by Mike Illg, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Motion Carried

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

D. FY22-24 Kenai Peninsula Education Association (KPEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Mr. Erfurth commented appreciated the process. He strongly recommends the process be used again.
Ms. Morgan declared conflict of interest due to spouse. President Kelly declared a conflict.
Mr. Tauriainen declared a conflict of interest due to spouse. President Kelly declared a conflict.
Mr. Kelly passed the gavel, declared a potential conflict. Ms. Carey declared a conflict. Ms. Cary returned the gavel to Mr. Kelly.

Move to approve the FY22-24 Kenai Peninsula Education Association (KPEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Mike Illg, Greg Madden, Matt Morse, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell

Abstain: Zen Kelly, Jason Tauriainen, Virginia Morgan

E. Approval of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Kenai Peninsula Educational Support Association to "Prioritize and Maintain Health, Safety and Welfare during a Pandemic"

Approve the Memorandum of Agreement between the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and the Kenai Peninsula Educational Support Association increasing nurse wages by $5.00 per hour for FY22-24.

Motion by Virginia Morgan, second by Penny Vadla.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

F. *Laydown*School Board Immediate Family Member Hire

Mr. Tauriainen declared a potential conflict of interest because the immediate family member is his daughter. Mr. Kelly ruled a conflict.

Move to approve the hire of Hallie Tauriainen.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Penny Vadla.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Abstain: Jason Tauriainen

12. First Reading of Policy Revisions

First Reading of Board Policy: A. BP 5141.51 At-Risk Students

The Board was presented a first reading of Board Policy BP 5141.51 At-Risk Students.

13. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

Ann McCabe appreciated that the board passed the collective bargaining agreement. This Wednesday will be her last day with the district.
Arsky Pushkin spoke regarding Covid mitigations and healthy kids.
Nicole Darwin spoke regarding preparing students to adult.
Caudia Curfrafon spoke for her cousin.
Michael Zinis spoke regarding mask mandate in Seward.
Ingrid Harrald spoke regarding mental health and advocated for small schools. She appreciated the negotiated agreements.
Kaylene Gladden is concerned about mandated masking. She is concerned about close contact tracing.
Joyce Turkington spoke regarding homeschooling her grandchildren.
Tyson Cox appreciated Mr. Holland and the mitigation plan.
Ronnie Wicker shared here experience with her kids last year.
Winter Marshall-Allen appreciated the board. She encouraged people to think outside themselves.
Michelle Konig spoke regarding the mitigation plan.
Christine Cole spoke regarding fear mechanisms.

14. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Dr. Madden home sick with kidney stones. Look at what is true and weigh for ourselves. Encouraged people to read box on N95 mask. They do not stop viruses. He appreciated the board working together. Encouraged people to work together.

Mr. Morse appreciated everyone coming and the Homer Swing Choir.

Ms. Truesdell appreciated Ann McCabe, she enjoyed the school reports. She is excited about the contract approval and appreciated Mr. Holland for work this year. She noted that if we have learned nothing else in the past 18 months is that nobody wants schools closed. We learned that kids don't learn well with remote delivery. She is volunteering her community and encouraged others to do that too.

Ms. Morgan appreciated Homer High School Swing Choir, she appreciated the representatives and the parents, community members and staff who spoke. She is happy with the IBB process. She is thankful for starting the school year with a contract.

Mrs. Vadla welcomed Neviya Reed and Olivia Ferguson, she appreciated the Homer High School Swing Choir, she appreciated Mr. Holland for reopening schools, she reminded board members to look at the AASB Resolutions. She appreciated Tamara Ware for updates, Ann McCabe as president of KPESA. She appreciated the district IT team and Ms. Dendurent for her mitigation presentation earlier in the day. She appreciated Mrs. Gabriel for the Education on the Kenai update. She appreciated Winter Marshall-Allen and Nathan Erfurth. She noted that there is an uptick in COVID cases nationwide and encouraged all to look at statistics and not just political leanings. She encouraged everyone to come to together for the good of all and stand beside each other.

Mr. Illg appreciated Wyatt and Kathleen from Homer Flex, the Homer High School Swing Choir. He welcomed Oliva Fergusen and Neviya Reed. He appreciated all who came out to the meeting and all the emails and phone calls from concerned community members. We have many things to celebrate and do. The voice and opinion and belief are important.

Mr. Tauriainen appreciated the energy in the room and the Homer community for their hospitality. He is going to forward a study on Masks. He is encouraged by the numbers after the weekend. He supports vaccination and therapeutics. He noted that we do support Mr. Holland and the decisions he is making.

Ms. Cary appreciated the school reports. We can work together and survive this pandemic.

Miss Reed appreciated the board and is excited for the opportunity.

Mr. Kelly appreciated the school reports. He welcomed the two student representative and appreciated Kathleen and Wyatt for Homer Flex. He noted that the mitigation plan continually evolves. Our common goal is to have as many kids in school learning as we can.

15. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

No executive session was needed.

B. Adjourn Executive Session

16. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

Mr. Kelly adjourned the meeting at 10:13 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mr. John Kelly, President

Mr. Jason Tauriainen, Clerk

Submitted by Mrs. Lisa Gabriel

Administrative Secretary to the Board of Education