APPROVED 6-6-2022

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Seward High School Theatre, 2100 Swetman St. Seward, AK 99664

Board of Education Meeting Minutes Monday, May 2, 2022

Generated by Lisa Gabriel on Thursday, May 5, 2022

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

Mr. Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

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

C. District Mission Statement

Ms. Reed read the District mission statement.

D. Roll Call
Members present
Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla (via Zoom), Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Jennifer Waller, Tim Daugharty, Neviya Reed, student representative

E. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved with no changes.

F. Approval of Minutes 4-11-2022

The minutes from the April 11, 2022 meeting were approved as printed.

2. Awards and Presentations

A. Student Representatives, Miss Neviya Reed and Miss Olivia Ferguson

Mr. Kelly presented gifts for the Student Representatives and the board celebrated this year's Student Representatives, Miss Neviya Reed and Miss Olivia Ferguson.

3. School Reports

A. Seward High School, Mr. Henry Burns

Mr. Henry Burns provided the school report for Seward High School.

B. Seward Middle School, Mr. Matthew Potter

Mr. Matthew Potter provided the school report for Seward Middle School.

4. Student Board Representative Report

A. Student Board Representative Report

Miss Reed provided the Student Representative Report. She noted that she attended the Association of Alaska Student Government conference and shared the highlights.

5. Student Presentations/Comments (Any Topic)

A. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

FFA Chapter Seward High School presented.

Aly Guernsey spoke regarding her interest in having music classes and also regarding the track in Seward.

John VanBuskirk spoke of his interest in shop classes.

Allie Dixon spoke regarding IEPs, Substitutes, and Aides.

Olivia Ferguson appreciated hearing other student testimony.

Hailey Anderson spoke regarding the track in Seward.

Wren Dougherty spoke in regard to the Teen Reader Program.

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

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

Mr. Kelly called a brief at ease at 7:20 p.m.
Mr. Kelly called the meeting back to order at 7:29 p.m.

Tamra Wear spoke regarding libraries, library media science and library services.

Dan Walker spoke regarding the teacher's retirement program, and employee retention and recruitment.

Christy Jordan spoke regarding elementary school counselors.

Rebecca Dixon spoke in regarding teacher and aide salaries.

Jessica Gal appreciated being a special education teacher. She spoke in regard to special education, and staffing, as well as, the substitutes.

Charlie See spoke in regard to teacher salaries, and cost of living expenses. He also spoke in regard to school nurses.

Patty See spoke in regard to paraprofessionals. She also spoke in regard to school funding.

Austin Stevenson appreciated teacher appreciation week. He appreciated the response of the District in the face of challenges due to the pandemic, as well as, the early approval of non-tenured teacher contracts.

Alana Greear appreciated school secretaries. She spoke of school secretaries salaries.

Eric Waltenbaugh appreciated parent and community involvement. He appreciated teacher appreciation week, and volunteer involvement.

Lisa Asselin Martin appreciated school secretaries.

Winter Marshall-Allen appreciated previous testimonies made this meeting. She spoke in regard to librarians and school counselors. She spoke in regard to teachers and support staff, as well as, retention and recruitment.

Tara Craytor spoke in regard to special education staffing.

Rebekah Ivy spoke in regard to special education staffing, and the staffing formula.

Christy Terry spoke regarding the staffing formula. She is the Mayor of Seward.

Sarah Spanos spoke in regard to the staffing formula. She appreciated teachers and recognized Lydia Jacoby's accomplishments.

Tara Swanson read a letter on behalf of Nickole Lyon.

Mica VanBuskirk spoke in regard to Career Technical Education programs. She also spoke in regard to librarians.

7. Hearing of Delegations

A. None

8. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland appreciated those who spoke this evening. He appreciates the passion in the testimony. He appreciated the students in Juneau, Hanna, Devin, Amara, Destiny, Dakota, Cadence, Adele, and Nicole, who are to meet with our legislators and learn more in regard to the legislative process. He appreciated the presenters from today, Christina Burns, Amanda Adams, Rich Bartolowits, Dr. Jon Crawford, Neviya and Olivia.

Mr. Holland noted the following administrative changes: Ninilchik and Nikolaevsk-Matthew Lahue, Tustumena-Devin Way, Moose Pass, and Seward Middle School-Matt Potter, Cooper Landing/Hope-Cindy McKibben, Port Graham-Jerry Hayes, Fireweed Academy Charter School-the position is posted.

He highlighted some legislative bills that he has been following. HB 350-The district sent a letter of support for HB 350 which is attached. He appreciated Lisa, Kevin, and Pegge for putting the letter together. This bill is slated to be heard on 4/28 in House Finance. HB 220–Retirement Systems; Defined Benefit Option was heard and moved on Thursday. He provided testimony on SB 225-an Act Relating to a Paraprofessional Training Program to the Senate Education committee. He provided testimony on HB 272 and HB 273 to House Finance. He sent a letter of support for SB 60 regarding mental health and letter of support for HB 108, Concurrent Secondary & Trade School. He noted the Clarion Article on Legislative Priorities, and the KSRM article on legislative priorities. K-Beach Elementary Site Council hosted Senator Micciche. Kevin Lyon testified before the House Finance Committee on Friday 3/25, regarding State-Aid for School Capital Projects: Grant and Debt. Mr. Lyon testified in support of funding the Department of Education’s school major maintenance and school construction programs. The Legislative Flyer is on the district webpage. We continue to focus on five education bills, related to literacy, funding, and recruiting and retaining teachers. He encouraged people to visit our website and social media this week to learn more about the bills, and how you can be an advocate to share the positive outcomes in our K-12 schools with elected officials and in your circles. He noted that he met with Cheryl Seimers of the Kenai Peninsula College to speak about Middle College and Jump Start funding. He spoke with Robin Dahlmen from the University of Alaska. He highlighted the Alaska Science of Reading Symposium that was attended by many district staff the past week. He acknowledged and appreciated the advocacy from the Seward community tonight.

9. 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, spoke in regard to base student allocation, teacher retention, and noted that we could be doing more. He is happy that the agenda has student testimony.

Ms. Susanna Litwiniak, KPESA president, spoke in regard to her love of this Seward community. She noted Seward shows up. She recognized Administrative Professionals Day. She appreciated school principals. She appreciated teachers. She noted the importance of staff retention, and recognition. She noted that some secretaries taking on Nursing duties.

Cindy Ecklund, District 6 Assembly member, spoke in regard to teacher recruitment/retention. She spoke regarding paraprofessionals. She spoke in regard to Seward sales taxes. She spoke regarding special education staffing.

Mr. Bill Elam, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, noted we are on track for funding the school district to the cap. He noted there are challenges going on. They have been advocating for funding needs. He appreciated the presenters, faculty and teachers.

Mica VanBuskirk, Seward Site Based Council president, appreciated the board and Mr. Holland. She spoke in regard to ESSR III funds and counselors, as well as, the staffing formula. She spoke in regard to the Seward track. She requested that the board read over and review their resolutions.

Alan Haskins, KPAA president, he gave a shout out to Denise Kelly who was awarded the Elementary Principal of the Year Award. He attended the Reading Symposium this weekend in Anchorage. He noted that there are challenges at the state, the district and individual schools. We need to continue to work together and keep students first. He appreciated teacher appreciation week, and all his teachers.

10. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland appreciated Andrew Scrivo and student Aaron Smith. He recognized Liz Hayes and the finance department for being awarded the certificate of excellence in financial reporting from the international association of school business officials. This award is to honor school districts for their high-quality Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. He noted graduations start the week of May 16th. SOHI will be held at the football field. He noted a Nanwalek graduate as the first graduate that had an interpreter throughout their entire school career. He appreciated special education departments. He noted the Middle School Math Counts meet is coming up. The Student Government Leadership council is on May 11th. He noted the student sport events occurring in the district. He noted that he attended a track and field meet and appreciated the magnitude of the event and the coaches and volunteers at the event. He noted the students who participated in the Trig-Star national math competition, as well as the winner who is from Homer. He appreciated National Teacher Appreciation week. He appreciated Principals for National School Principal Day as it was on the weekend. Highlight of the day was Denise Kelly presented distinguished principal of the year for the state of Alaska. He noted the reclassification process of some secretaries and support staff. He noted district office positions and salaries.

11. Reports

A. March Finance Reports 2022-5-2

Ms. Hayes presented the March finance report.

B. Board Reports

Ms. Truesdell attended an APC meeting for Kaleidoscope on April 18 and also for Soldotna Montessori on April 21.
Ms. Morgan attended the Seward Site Council Meeting on April 14. She attended the AASB school law and policy days on April 28 and April 29. She then attended the Reading Symposium.
Mr. Tauriainen attended two concerts at Nikiski North Star. He also attended the Aladdin production at Nikiski High School.
Ms. Vadla attended Title VI meeting on April 13. She met with AASB for the June Nelson Memorial Scholarship.
Ms. Cary attended the Ninilchick site base council meeting on April 21. She attended Closeup in Washington DC with the Ninilchick School April 22-May 1.
Ms. Waller on April 5 completed a site visit at Sterling Elementary. This morning she was at Sterling Elementary and gave flowers to Ms. Kelly.

C. Committee Reports

None

D. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly reported that the board held work sessions entitled: District Library Services Report, Remote/Distance Education Update, Six Year Plan, Finance.
He gave a brief recap of each session. All members present at the meeting, attended the work sessions.

12. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-F

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

B. 2022-23 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve the 2022-23 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-F

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

C. 2022-23 New Administrator Contract(s)

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-F

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

D. 2022-23 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s) and Tenure

Resolution: Move to approve the 2022-23 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s) and Tenure

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-F

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

E. 2022-23 New Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve 2022-23 New Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-F

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

F. 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-F

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

13. Action Items

A. Student Nutrition Paid Meal Price Increase

Winter Marshall-Allen spoke regarding the FDA Grant.

Move to approve the requested paid meal prices as outlined in the attached FY23 Meal Price Increase Request chart.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Matt Morse.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

B. AR 1330 Use of School Facilities and Properties

Cindy Ecklund spoke regarding non profits in town.

Move to approve AR 1330 Use of School Facilities and Properties.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Virginia Morgan.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

C. AR 1240 Organizations Supporting Student Activities and Non-Profit Organizations supporting recreational water activities and/or life, health and safety activities in and around water for training and/or certification purposes

Move to approve AR 1240 Organizations Supporting Student Activities and Non-Profit Organizations supporting recreational water activities and/or life, health and safety activities in and around water for training and/or certification purposes.

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

D. BP 1240 Organizations Supporting Student Activities and Non-Profit Organizations supporting recreational water activities and/or life, health and safety activities in and around water for training and/or certification purposes

Move to approve BP 1240 Organizations Supporting Student Activities and Non-Profit Organizations supporting recreational water activities and/or life, health and safety activities in and around water for training and/or certification purposes.

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Virginia Morgan.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

E. *Revised Six Year Plan for the Years 2024 to 2029

Mr. Kelly called a brief at ease at 9:51 p.m.
Mr. Kelly reconvened the meeting at 9:57 p.m.

Mica VanBuskirk commented on the Seward Track. KPB funding for track maintenance.
Cindy Ecklund commented that the KPB Priority list had the Seward track as a priority.
Rebekah Ivy appreciated the item on the list.

Move to approve the Six Year Plan for the Years 2024 to 2029

Motion by Debbie Cary, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

F. * Revised Resolution 21-22-2 Identifying projects and requesting that the educational capital improvements be placed on the October 2022 ballot

Motion to Adopt Resolution 21-22-2 as presented

Motion by Virginia Morgan, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

G. FY22-24 District Office Coordinators and Assistant Superintendent Salary Schedules

Tamra Wear commented on the comparison for FY 21 presented.
Cindy Ecklund showed non support of the action item.
Winter Marshall-Allen appreciated the transparency.

Move to approve the FY22-24 District Office Coordinators and Assistant Superintendent Salary Schedules.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Debbie Cary.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Jennifer Waller

Neviya Reed, Advisory Vote Yes

14. First Reading of Policy Revisions

A. None

15. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

Dave Paperman spoke in regard to IEPs, and the CTE program in Seward. He also spoke in regard to school funding.
Anna Karron appreciated the support from the board in regard to professional development opportunities that have been available.
Susanna Litwiniak made the suggestion to increase the number of meetings held in Seward and Homer. She spoke in regard to recruitment/retention of employees.
Desiree Groom spoke in regard to IEPs. She spoke in regard to CTE programs.
Sarah Spanos spoke regarding special education teachers. She spoke in regard to pool use costs. She appreciated non-profits. She also spoke in regard to the Seward track. she appreciated President Kelly.
Jennifer Swander she is a teacher at Seward High School. She shared her student's accomplishments, and is proud of their accomplishments.
Rebecka DeRoos spoke in regard to special education.
Winter Marshall-Allen appreciated the reading symposium. She appreciated UAA programs.
Jessica Gal had lack of time this year to advocate for her students and also self-advocate. She appreciated various educators that she worked with this year.
Mica VanBuskirk noted that the site council is very active and working on all levels.

16. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Ms. Vadla appreciated the community, she appreciated the presentations, and encouraged people to advocate for bills. She appreciated Nicole and Kelly and their students in Juneau. She appreciated Alan Haskins and his comments. Step up and all do the job. She spoke in regard to the AASB Fly-in report. She appreciated Anna Karron and thanked the City of Seward.
Mr. Tauriainen appreciated all of the speakers tonight. He noted the teacher, and paraprofessional pay was increased, and that the PTR has not increased. He noted staffing levels were kept the same even with COVID. He noted he is a former paraprofessional. He appreciated the board and anyone who advocates for the students. He encouraged anyone interested in advocating to do so and spread the word.
Ms. Morgan recognized students that participated in the Hugh O'Brian Leadership Seminar. She appreciated all of the student testimony. She appreciated Aly Guernsey. She appreciated Wren Dougherty's testimony. She appreciated the Library Services Report. She appreciated all who attended the meeting and for all the testimonies.
Mr. Morse appreciated the presenters and those who testified tonight. He mentioned the facts. He is frustrated that the words about the contract aren't good. He worked on the IBB team to work on the contract together. He spoke in regard to supply and demand. He noted that elections are coming up.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated everyone who came out tonight. She noted that the board wants to help. She appreciated that the representatives brought their concerns forward. She spoke in regard to the housing in Seward. She appreciated the testimony. She spoke in regard to working together to find a solution.
Ms. Waller noted that they have come a long way but they have a long way to go. This board is one of integrity. She is thankful for that. She appreciated all the testimonies, and is hopeful to find a resolution.
Mr. Daugharty appreciated Seward for showing up. He spoke in regard to CTE programs. He appreciated the town of Seward, and would like to be team players.
Ms. Cary appreciated everyone who came out tonight. She appreciated the suggested solutions, and would like to work together.
Miss Reed appreciated her last meeting. It is one of the best experiences that she has had on the board. She is excited about her successor who will be elected May 11th. She encouraged other students to participate. She appreciated the board and her trip to Juneau.
Mr. Kelly acknowledged Miss Reed and Miss Ferguson. He recognized all of the Seniors who are working right now to get to the finish line. He appreciates their effort. He appreciated holding the meeting in Seward, and appreciated the passion. He noted that the board is working very hard to address the needs within the schools. He shares the passion to advocate for smaller schools. The board will be taking a deeper dive into the staffing formula. He welcomes input from the community and unions to be a part of the conversation. He appreciated the union representatives for their concerns. He appreciated everyone who attended the meeting.

17. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

B. Adjourn Executive Session

18. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

Mr. Kelly adjourned the meeting at 11:21 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mr. John Kelly, President

Mr. Jason Tauriainen, Clerk

Submitted by Mrs. Lisa Gabriel

Administrative Secretary to the Board of Education