APPROVED 03-04-2024

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Board of Education Meeting (Monday, February 5, 2024)

Generated by Nikkol Sipes on Wednesday, February 7, 2024

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

Mr. Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

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

C. District Mission Statement

Mr. Daugharty read the district mission statement.

D. Roll Call

Members Present: Ms. Kelley Cizek(attended virtually), Mr. Tim Daugharty, Ms. Dianne MacRae, Ms. Virginia Morgan (attended virtually), Mr. Matt Morse, Mr. Jason Tauriainen, Ms. Patti Truesdell, Mrs. Penny Vadla, Mr. Zen Kelly, Miss Maggie Grenier, Student Representative

E. Approval of Agenda

Move to approve the February 5, 2024 agenda as presented.

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Penny Vadla.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

The February 5, 2024 Business meeting agenda was approved as presented.

F. Approval of Minutes 01-08-2024

The January 8, 2024 Regular Business meeting minutes were approved as printed.

G. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes 01-08-2024

The January 8, 2024 Special meeting minutes were approved as printed.

2. Awards and Presentations

There were none this evening.

3. School Reports

A. Kenai Alternative High School, Mr. Kyle McFall

Mr. Kyle McFall presented the Kenai Alternative High School report to the Board.
Mr. McFall invited Mr. Bultsma, councilor at Kenai Alternative to speak to the survey results within the presentation.
Multiple students expressed their journey while attending Kenai Alternative.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the presentation and the students who shared their story.
Ms. Morgan also appreciated the presentation and the format. She appreciated the students who spoke this evening.
Mr. Morse appreciated the presentation this evening.
Mr. Tauriainen appreciated the student stories this evening.
Miss Grenier appreciated the student voices this evening.

B. River City Academy, Mr. Shea Nash

Mr. Shea Nash presented the River City Academy School Report to the Board.
Multiple students spoke to several points within the presentation.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the presentation.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the presentation.
Mr. Daugharty appreciated both presentations this evening.
Mr. Kelly appreciated the presentation.

4. Student Board Representative Report

A. Student Board Representative Report

Miss Maggie Grenier reported on the following:
She noted her outreach to students within the district to gain an idea of important topics to discuss with the legislators when she visits Juneau. She shared several student's stories in how public schools have helped them and why public school is important. She spoke in regards to the sources of strength training and the sources of strength wheel. She noted that public schools serve as several student's sources of strength. She encouraged further outreach from students to tell her their stories so she may bring them with her to Juneau to share with the legislators.

5. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

A. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

Kiara Forkner spoke as head of the SOHI dance committee and shared committee and school events.
Caitlin Babcock spoke in regards to the importance for an increase to the BSA, and what is important to students.
Charisma Watkins spoke in regards to the district mission statement and how important schools are, as well as pools and theaters.
Enoch Frederickson spoke in regards to the BSA. He encouraged the Board to keep advocating for a BSA increase.
Mr. Kelly called a brief recess at 7:15 p.m.
Mr. Kelly reconvened the meeting at 7:28 p.m.

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

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

Denise Kelly spoke in regards to Sterling Elementary events occurring in May.
Paul Marks appreciated the Board during Board appreciation month. He spoke in regards to staffing and school funding as well as salary staff timesheets.

7. Hearing of Delegations

There were none this evening.

8. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland reported on the following:
He noted the Hearts through Art art show in Juneau, and noted several KPBSD art pieces that are being showcased. He appreciated the Board during Board appreciation month. He appreciated school councilors during school councilor appreciation week. He noted this month is love of reading month. He appreciated both school board reports this evening. He noted that both KPEA and KPESA unions have ratified agreements with the district and they are on the agenda this evening. He appreciated Mr. Crabtree, Ms. Druce and Ms. Litwiniak with their efforts and working together to bring these agreements forward. He appreciated the assembly and the KPB municipalities which have supported and passed resolutions in support of a meaningful BSA increase. He noted Ms. Kelly King and Nicole Murphy presented at Soldotna Rotary. He noted Ms. AnnaLeah Karron will do the same next week. He appreciated Miss Grenier. He noted Chris Cook's visits to schools and the latest administrator meeting to tell his story.

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

Ms. LaDawn Druce, KPEA president, she recognized school councilors during school councilor appreciation week. She spoke in regards to the MOA negotiations this year, and the focus was retention and retirement for KPEA. She appreciated the students who spoke this evening. She appreciated Ms. Litwiniak for her support as well as Mr. Crabtree during these negotiations.
Ms. Susanna Litwiniak, KPESA president, appreciated School Board members during Board appreciation month. As well as councilors during councilor appreciation week, in particular the Moose Pass elementary school councilor. She spoke in regards to the KPEA and KPESA MOAs that are up for action this evening, and to the cooperation during these negotiations this year.
Ms. Jenna Fabian, AAESP Secretary, appreciated Board Members for their service during February being Board appreciation month. She appreciated all student testimony and encouraged students to advocate to the state legislators in Juneau. She spoke in regards to Nikiski North Star athletics. She appreciated Mr. Tauriainen for his support for the school. She appreciated NNS staff.

10. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland reported on the following:
He appreciated Ms. Fabian's testimony this evening and recognized Nikiski North Star school and community. He appreciated the support staff, teachers and administrators during this time of year. He noted and appreciated the State Hockey Championship event held in Soldotna. He noted two students were nominated for the military academy. He noted West Homer held an event for information on how to advocate to the state legislators in particular to advocate for an increase to the BSA. He noted the district's sources of strength training and is looking to expand the reach of this program. He noted the suicide rates for the district. He noted Battle of the Books is this week. He recognized and celebrated a Marathon student who graduated early. He noted he is currently attending the ACSA Juneau Fly-in and advocating for a meaningful increase to the BSA. He encouraged the Board and students attending the AASB Juneau fly-in to speak to the challenges that the KPBSD is facing without the BSA increase. He spoke in regards to tools available to the public to use on the website in regards to school funding and the budget, the newest tool being the balancing act software. He noted a potential positive shift in Juneau. He appreciated the students for attending the fly-in.

11. Reports

A. December Finance Reports 2024-2-5

Mr. Kelly provided the December finance reports to the Board.

B. Second Quarter Budget Transfer Report 2024-2-5

Mr. Kelly presented the second quarter budget transfer report to the Board.

C. Board Reports

Mr. Tauriainen attended a tip off tournament at NMHS. He volunteered as referee at NNS. He attended the Four-Day ad hoc committee meeting.
Mr. Morse attended the state hockey games, as well as, the wrestling tournaments in Kenai.
Ms. Cizek attended the Four-Day ad hoc committee meeting, and curriculum committee meetings.
Ms. Morgan attended Seward strategic planning meeting, AASB art and science advocacy webinar, visited Paul Banks elementary, attended keys to literacy classes 2 &3, as well as attended the Information committee meeting.
Ms. Truesdell attended two Breathe Free Coalition meetings.
Mr. Daugharty attended the four day ad hoc committee meeting, the LIO meeting, he visited with borough city and school district stakeholders, he attended advocacy night at West Homer, a students chess tournament at West Homer elementary and several sporting events in Homer including basketball, volleyball, wrestling and he attended the information committee.
Ms. Vadla attended the information committee meeting.
Mr. Kelly attended the Paul Banks family advocacy night, the Healthcare committee meeting, and the information committee meeting.

D. Committee Reports

Mr. Tauriainen gave the January 10th Four-Day School Week Ad Hoc Committee meeting report.
Ms. Vadla gave the report for the Information Committee meetings held on February 1st and earlier today.
Ms. Morgan gave the Policy Committee Report held earlier today.
Ms. Truesdell gave the Small Schools Committee Report held earlier today.
Mr. Kelly gave the Finance Committee Report held earlier today.

E. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly reported the Board held the following work sessions earlier in the day:
Finance Update
Assessment Report
Board Policy Review
Board Discussion

12. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

Adam Bertoldo spoke in regards to the tentative contracts on the consent agenda items as well as the BSA. He spoke in opposition to approving these contracts.
Ms. Vadla requested to pull item I off the consent agenda.
Mr. Daugharty posed a question in regards to the word tentative on several of the consent agenda items.
Mr. Kelly spoke to this.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

Miss Grenier student representative advisory vote: Yes

B. 2023-24 Long-Term Substitute Teacher Contract(s)

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

Miss Grenier student representative advisory vote: Yes

C. 2023-24 New Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve 2023-24 New Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

Miss Grenier student representative advisory vote: Yes

D. 2023-24 Temporary Retired Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve 2023-24 Temporary Retired Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

E. 2024-25 Tentative Administrator Contract(s)

Move to approve the 2024-25 Tentative Administrator Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

Miss Grenier student representative advisory vote: Yes

F. 2024-25 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve the 2024-25 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

Miss Grenier student representative advisory vote: Yes

G. 2024-25 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s) and Tenure

Move to approve the 2024-25 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s) and Tenure

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

Miss Grenier student representative advisory vote: Yes

H. Budget Transfers over $50,000 2024-2-5

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

Miss Grenier student representative advisory vote: Yes

I. KPBSD Board Governance Handbook Updates

Move to approve the updates to the KPBSD Board Governance Handbook.

Motion by Penny Vadla, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Ms. Vadla commented on the agenda item.
Mr. Kelly commented on the agenda item.
Ms. Truesdell commented on the agenda item.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

Miss Grenier student representative advisory vote: Yes

13. Action Items

A. 2024-25 Tentative Tenure Teacher Contract(s) *REVISED

Paul Marks appreciated the cooperation during negotiations.

Move to approve the 2024-25 Tentative Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Penny Vadla.

Mr. Tauriainen declared a conflict of interest.
Mr. Kelly ruled that Mr. Tauriainen does have a conflict of interest and should abstain from this vote.
Ms. Morgan declared a conflict of interest.
Mr. Kelly ruled that Ms. Morgan does have a conflict of interest and should abstain from this vote.
Mr. Kelly passed the gavel to Ms. Vadla and declared conflict of interest.

Ms. Vadla ruled that Mr. Kelly does have a conflict of interest and should abstain from this vote.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Matt Morse, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

Abstain: Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Jason Tauriainen

Miss Grenier Student Representative Advisory vote: Yes

B. *LAYDOWN Approval of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Kenai Peninsula Education Association Regarding Reapproval of 2021-2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement

Move to approve the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Kenai Peninsula Education Association Regarding Reapproval of 2021-2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Penny Vadla.

Mr. Tauriainen declared a conflict of interest.
Mr. Kelly ruled that Mr. Tauriainen does have a conflict of interest and should abstain from this vote.
Ms. Morgan declared a conflict of interest.
Mr. Kelly ruled that Ms. Morgan does have a conflict of interest and should abstain from this vote.
Mr. Kelly passed the gavel to Ms. Vadla and declared conflict of interest.

Ms. Vadla ruled that Mr. Kelly does have a conflict of interest and should abstain from this vote.

Ms. Truesdell spoke in regards to the appreciation of the cooperation between the unions and the district.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the cooperation between the unions and the district.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Matt Morse, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

Abstain: Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Jason Tauriainen

Miss Grenier Student Representative Advisory vote: Yes

C. *LAYDOWN Approval of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Kenai Peninsula Educational Support Association Regarding Extension of 2021-2024 Collective Bargaining Agreemen

Move to approve the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Kenai Peninsula Educational Support Association Regarding Extension of 2021-2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Penny Vadla.

Mr. Tauriainen appreciated that this MOA has come forward and the cooperation between the union leaders and the district.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the cooperation between the union leaders and the district.
Mr. Morse appreciated the cooperation between the union leaders and the district.
Ms. Cizek spoke to the agenda item and is in favor of moving this forward. She spoke in regards to inflation. She also appreciated the cooperation between the union leaders and the district.
Ms. Morgan also appreciated the cooperation between the union leadership and the district.
Ms. Truesdell also commented in support of the agenda item.
Miss Grenier commented on the agenda item.
Mr. Kelly commented on the agenda item. He also appreciated both Ms. Druce, and Ms. Litwiniak as well as Mr. Crabtree throughout these negotiations.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Matt Morse, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

Miss Grenier Student Representative Advisory vote: Yes

14. First Reading of Policy Revisions

A. BP 1260 Visits to the Schools

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 1260 Visits to the Schools.

B. BP 1311 Participation in Community Life

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 1311 Participation in Community Life.

15. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

Shonia Werner spoke in regards to Skyview highlights and events and appreciated Board members during Board appreciation month.
Lindsay Bertoldo proposed to have an exit survey for staff leaving the district. She also spoke in regards to school funding, and Seward schools and consolidation.
Paul Marks spoke in regards to drama debate and forensics program and events at SOHI.

16. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Ms. Cizek appreciated the meeting this evening. She appreciated the students and staff.

Ms. Morgan appreciated the meeting this evening. She appreciated the testimony this evening especially the student testimony. She encouraged advocating for a BSA increase to the state legislators in Juneau. She wished Miss Grenier luck in Juneau and appreciated her as well. She appreciated Ms. Bertoldo's testimony this evening. She encouraged the inclusion of small schools to attend larger school activities and events including powerschool training and community events.

Mr. Morse appreciated the meeting this evening. He appreciated the school board reports this evening. He appreciated the cooperation with the negotiations.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the meeting this evening. She also appreciated the cooperation with negotiations. She appreciated the school board reports this evening. She noted the AASB Juneau Fly-in. She appreciated being a member of this Board. She appreciated the testimony this evening. She noted two teachers who will be testifying in Juneau. She noted future meetings with the small schools committee.
Miss Grenier appreciated the meeting this evening and encouraged student outreach.
Ms. MacRae appreciated the cooperation with negotiations.
Mr. Tauriainen appreciated Paul Marks' testimony. He appreciated the cooperation between Ms. Druce, Ms. Litwiniak and Mr. Crabtree during the negotiation process. He appreciated Mr. Holland's role in the negotiations process. He appreciated the school reports this evening. He appreciated the testimony this evening. He agreed with Ms. Cizek's comments in regards to the contracts that moved forward this evening. He wished those who are attending the Juneau fly in well wishes.
Ms. Vadla spoke in regards to the AASB June Nelson Memorial Scholarship. She appreciated Board members. She encouraged community advocacy for a meaningful increase to the BSA. She appreciated the assessment work session held earlier today. She appreciated the finance update work session. She appreciated Miss Reutov's report she gave at the small schools committee. She appreciated the school board reports. She is looking forward to the AASB Fly-in. She appreciated Mr. Holland. She appreciated Ms. Druce and Ms. Litwiniak and Mr. Crabtree for their collaboration in the negotiations process. She appreciated the meeting this evening.
Mr. Daugharty appreciated Ms. Druce, Ms. Litwiniak, and Mr. Crabtree for their cooperation during negotiations. Mr. Daugharty also appreciated the cooperation of the Board during this time. He noted that this was a testament to the culture of this district. He encouraged parent involvement with the schools. He noted Wednesday Kenai Chambers invited Ms. Deena Bishop to speak. He noted the carnival basketball tournament in Homer.
Mr. Kelly appreciated the school board reports this evening. He appreciated the student testimony this evening and encouraged further student voice. He recognized Deena Marian. He appreciated and agreed with Ms. Morgan's comments in regards to small schools. He noted the Balancing Act software and encouraged all to use it as a tool to look at the school budget. He appreciated all who attended the meeting.

17. Executive Session

There were none this evening.

18. Adjourn

Mr. Kelly adjourned the meeting at 9:38 p.m.