APPROVED 11-07-2022

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Board of Education Meeting (Monday, October 3, 2022)

Generated by Nikkol Sipes on Tuesday, October 4, 2022

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

Mr. Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.

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

C. District Mission Statement

Mr. Tauriainen read the district statement.

D. Roll Call

Members Present:
Debbie Cary, Zen Kelly, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Penny Vadla, Patti Truesdell, Virginia Morgan, Tim Daugharty, Beverley Romanin, Miss Ashley Dahlman, student representative

E. Approval of Agenda

The agenda was approved as presented.

F. Approval of Minutes 09-12-2022

The minutes from the 09-12-2022 meeting were approved as printed.

2. Awards and Presentations

Ms. Cary was presented with a certificate recognizing her Master Level Boardsmanship.

3. School Reports

A. Sterling Elementary, Ms. Denise Kelly

Ms. Denise Kelly presented a school report for Sterling Elementary.
Mr. Kelly took a brief recess.
Mr. Kelly called the meeting back to order at 6:32 p.m.

4. Student Board Representative Report

Miss Dahlman spoke regarding the start of school getting off to a great start. She gave some highlights of some of the sports events in the district, including soccer and cross country. She noted that there are dances, musicals, and concerts coming up. She noted some of the district wide college prep workshops and the college and career fair being hosted by Soldotna High School. She noted that the Battle of the Books is starting up, as well as, that parent teacher conferences are right around the corner. She emphasized the importance of student voice and encouraged students to come forward to speak.

5. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

Information: A. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

Kiara Forkner spoke regarding the dance committee and student council, and the responsibilities that the committee has. She spoke in regards to the Homecoming dance, as well as the upcoming Halloween dance. She spoke of the dances coming up in January and February, as well as, the Prom in April.

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

Robanne Stading spoke regarding the events happening in Port Graham, as well as, the community. She also spoke regarding Susan B. English, and the staff at the school, as well as, the special education staff and classes. She also spoke regarding Nikolaevsk School enrollment and community.
Chandra Caffroy spoke regarding Nikolaevsk school enrollment, transportation, staffing at the school, and the desire to bring forward a Charter School application.
Susi Eller spoke regarding Nikolaevsk school environment, as well as, a call for a Charter School Application Proposal.
Mariah Kerrone spoke regarding transportation concerns at Nikolaevsk School, as well as, a call for a Charter School Proposal in the community.
Chera Wackler spoke regarding the Period Network non-profit program, and the supplies the network can offer KPBSD schools.
Justin Hansen spoke regarding Nikolaevsk School and a proposal for a Charter School Application.
Efrosinia Yakunin spoke regarding Nikolaevsk School and a proposal for a Charter School. She also spoke regarding the Nikolaevsk variance calendar.
Alicia Brankel spoke regarding critical race theory and social emotional learning.

7. Hearing of Delegations

None

8. Communications and Petitions

Mr. Holland Reported on the following:

Mr. Holland appreciated Ms. Kelly and her staff, and students, for the school report and presentation this evening. He noted that Ms. Kelly will be receiving formal recognition as the Distinguished Principal of the Year on October 14. He welcomed Ms. Romanin, to the Board of Education and also appreciated Ms. Waller for her service with the Board. He welcomed Miss Dahlman the student representative to the Board. He noted that Ms. Dendurent presented to the Homer City Council on September 26 regarding the school district and Proposition Number 2 being on the ballot. He noted that Merrill Sikorski met with district administrators to discuss Caring for the Kenai, and the positive impact it has had on students. He appreciated Mr. Sikorski for his work with the students and the positive impact he has had on the community as well. He spoke regarding the Bond Proposal Proposition Number 2, and noted that the election is tomorrow. He appreciated the comments from the individuals that testified earlier, including testimony regarding the Nikolaevsk School, and spoke to their concerns.

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

Mr. Nathan Erfurth, KPEA president, spoke in regards to addressing health insurance and health care costs for district employees. He spoke regarding building schools up to support them.
Ms. Susanna Litwiniak, KPESA president, appreciated custodians. She also spoke regarding health care costs and working together to solve rising costs.
Mr. Bill Elam, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, spoke regarding the upcoming election and the propositions on the ballot. He spoke in regards to retention of workers.
Ms. Sarah Vance, Alaska House Representative, appreciated members of the board and their service. She spoke regarding health care concerns, and legislation that may be beneficial moving forward.

10. Superintendent's Report

Mr. Holland Reported on the following:

Mr. Holland appreciated custodians. He also spoke to the comments of the speakers this evening and their concerns with health care costs and working together to address these concerns. He appreciated Ms. Dendurent, Mr. Kelly, Ms. Sipes and administrators for their efforts while he was away. He appreciated Ms. Vinson, and Ms. Ciufo regarding their work with employee health benefits. He appreciated and welcomed Ms. Skylar Nolley-Walker as the Nurse Supervisor. He appreciated the district staff, including educators, principals and support staff for the outstanding first quarter of the school year. He spoke in regards to the support for Career Technical Education programs in schools. He noted upcoming events including, the college and career fair, early release days, and parent teacher conferences. He noted the importance of parent teacher conferences. He noted the importance of teacher parent conferences. He noted the administrator meeting on September 28 and the central message was to build connections with students, and staff, and to increase expectations. He noted that KPBSD hosted the state superintendent conference in Homer. He appreciated the Homer High School SWING choir and OPUS Community Music Group for their performances at the conference. He appreciated Mr. Kelly and Mayor Casntor for their addresses at the conference. He noted the great honor and opportunity it was to host the conference and collaborate with other districts. He spoke regarding transportation improvements within the district including, driver recruitment, and routes. He appreciated first student, Mr. Lyon, and Ms. Best for their efforts. He noted the collaboration with principals in regards to posting Instructional Aide position openings. He noted that Patricia Julianelle spoke at the Administrator Meeting who gave insight into the McKinney-Vento Act in relation to Students in Transition Program. He noted highlights in KPBSD sports across the district. He spoke of the importance and impact that education has on students, as well as, the community.

11. Reports

A. August Finance Reports 2022-10-03

Ms. Hayes presented the August Finance Reports.

B. Board Reports

Ms. Morgan attended the September 22 Van Gough Exhibits in Anchorage with Moose Pass and Cooper Landing Schools.
Mr. Morse Kaleidoscope APC Meeting on September 13 and Charter School Oversight Committee September 27.
Mr. Tauriainen attended Nikiski North Star site council September 15.
Ms. Truesdell attended and chaired the Charter School Oversight Committee September 27
Mr. Kelly attended the September 29 ASA fall conference and provided opening comments.

C. Committee Reports

Ms. Truesdell reported that the Charter School Oversight Committee held a meeting on 09-27-2022 and were presented an initial Charter School Application from Homer Forest. She reported that the committee has asked the Charter School applicants for additional information to be brought back before the committee for review.

D. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly reported that the board held work session for board disscussion.
He gave a brief recap of the session. All members present at the meeting, attended the work session.

12. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

Resolution: Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-G.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-G.

Motion by Virginia Morgan, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried