APPROVED 04-01-2024

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Board of Education Meeting (Monday, March 4, 2024)

Generated by Nikkol Sipes on Wednesday, March 6, 2024

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

The Homer swing choir sang the National Anthem.

C. District Mission Statement

Ms. Morgan read the district mission statement.

D. Roll Call

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

E. Approval of Agenda

Move to approve the March 4, 2024 Regular Business meeting agenda as presented.

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Matt Morse.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

F. Approval of Minutes 02-05-2024

The February 5, 2024 Regular Business meeting minutes were approved as printed.

G. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes 02-05-2024

The February 5, 2024 Special Meeting minutes were approved as printed.

2. Awards and Presentations

There were none this evening.

3. School Reports

A. Homer High School, Mr. Doug Waclawski

Mr. Doug Waclawski presented the Homer High School report to the Board.
Mr. Spencer Co introduced the student council video shown during the Homer High School Report.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the school board report. She appreciated Mr. Co and the student council.
Mr. Morse appreciated the school board report.

B. Paul Banks Elementary School, Mr. Sean Campbell

Mr. Sean Campbell presented the Paul Banks Elementary School report to the Board.
The Homer Opus Paul Banks Preludes played two songs.
Mr. Daugharty appreciated Mr. Campbell and the school board report.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the school board report.
Mr. Kelly appreciated the school board report.

4. Student Board Representative Report

A. Student Board Representative Report

Miss Maggie Grenier reported on the following:
She appreciated the school board reports this evening. She spoke in regards to various events including the Soldotna High School sweetheart dance, fundraisers, and a talent show. She spoke in regards to Seward High School events including dances, and the Ocean Science Bowl. She spoke in regards to Nikiski High School events including fundraisers, dances and a worm off between the principal and a student.

5. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

There were none this evening.
Mr. Kelly called a brief at ease at 6:48 p.m.
Mr. Kelly called the meeting back to order at 7:01 p.m.

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

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

Kara Clemens testified regarding mental health education programs.
Miranda Weiss testified regarding mental health education programs.
Heidi Stokes spoke in regards to Chapman school goals.
Mike Illg appreciated the Board regarding the boys and girls club. He testified in regards to the budget in particular pools and theaters. He supported the newly drafted BP 1311 Participation in Community Life on the agenda this evening.
Lashellia Powell testified in regards to Chapman school and the budget.
Rachel Lord testified in regards to the budget in particular regarding pools and theaters. She testified to the importance of paraprofessionals.
Julie Engebretsen spoke in regards to Chapman school and appreciated and recognized Ms. Stokes. She spoke in regards to the budget and school funding.
Casey Eberle spoke in regards to a hygiene program. He testified in regards to school maintenance and school zone lights.
Alison Gaylord testified in regards to pools and theaters as well as, the importance of mental health programs in schools to support school councilors.
Rebecca Hinsberger testified in regards to the CKLA committee and curriculum.
Sue Reynolds appreciated Mr. Campbell and spoke in regards to literacy success in schools.

7. Hearing of Delegations

There were none this evening.

8. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland reported on the following:
He appreciated the school reports this evening. He appreciated and noted the testimony on the evening. He noted the importance of meeting the needs of the students and not just in the classroom. He recognized Ms. Stokes for receiving the Anchor Point recognition award. He appreciated all administrators and he appreciated Mr. Kyle Schneider. He noted a meeting with Ms. Seimers from KPC to discuss the middle college program and CTE courses. He spoke in regards to the K-Selo project and spoke in regards to the KPB Assembly's resolution regarding the project. He recognized Homer Council Members and the Homer Mayor in attendance at the meeting. He noted an upcoming joint budget work session with the Borough and the School District. He noted a letter to Commissioner Bishop from the Federal Department of Education in a potential shortfall in funding. He spoke in regards to resolutions passed by KPB assemblies and councils in support of a BSA increase. He appreciated those who attended the AASB legislative fly-in. He spoke in regards to SB 140 and gave several details of the bill. He spoke in regards to Charter Schools and the process. He spoke in regards to the budget and school funding. He spoke in regards to recruitment and retention and the challenges this district is facing in this regard. He spoke in regards to the Alaska Reads Act in particular retention and notifications to parents. He appreciated teachers and appreciated hearing updates on the CKLA implementation.

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, appreciated Superintendent Holland for his review of SB 140. She noted that she met with Representative Ruffridge. She noted a meeting with Representative Carpenter and Senator Bjorkman. She noted the importance of outreach to the Governor in support of the current BSA increase in SB 140. She noted the importance of retention of teachers. She noted that she attempted to visit the Homer area schools in particular the hard to reach schools but was weathered out. She spoke in regards to school funding.
Kelly Cooper, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, appreciated the school board. She noted the joint budget work session coming up. She noted she visited the Homer Middle School during mock interviews.
Jenna Fabian, AAESP Secretary, highlighted collaboration between Southern Kenai Peninsula schools including Razdolna, Homer High School, Homer Middle School, Chapman, and Paul Banks Elementary.

10. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland reported on the following:
He appreciated the school board members in particular for highlighting student voice at the meetings. He noted the importance of supporting students. He appreciated staff and community members in supporting students.
He noted Spring Break is coming up. He noted the love of reading month and those schools that he attended for the event and fostering a love of reading. He appreciated Ms. Linton on her work with spirit of youth award grants. He recognized Mr. Eric Soderquist and Mr. David Henson for their awards. He recognized Annaleah Karron and her efforts with CTE. He noted several extracurricular highlights happening around the district including education rising, battle of books, cross country skiing, basketball, wrestling, and the indigenous film festival. He appreciated Ms. Pioch for her outreach and efforts with the indigenous education program. He recognized Ms. Hayes on her work with the Budget Forums. He noted several openings currently in the district for principals and at district office. He appreciated all staff and the school board.

11. Reports

A. January Finance Reports 2024-3-4

Ms. Hayes provided the January finance reports.

B. Board Reports

Miss Grenier attended the AASB Fly-In Youth Conference.
Ms. Morgan attended joint Seward PTA and Seward site council meeting. She attended a town hall meeting with Senator Bjorkman. She attended the Seward school principal input meeting, and the Seward meeting about Seward middle and Moose pass principal position and the Seward budget forum.
Ms. Vadla attended the indigenous education advisory committee, the AASB Legislative Fly-In, the AASB Board of Directors meeting, Soldotna High School principal input zoom meeting, Senator Bjorkman's townhall meeting, Ruffridge's coffee meeting, an energy solution supper, and also attended the indigenous film festival.
Mr. Morse attended the Kenai High School site council, the Soldotna Budget forum, the Soldotna High School principal input meeting, and the Port graham and Nikolaevsk principal input meeting.
Ms. Truesdell attended the AASB fly-in, the Soldotna High School budget forum, and was a Soldotna High School art judge.
Mr. Daugharty attended the Homer High School site council meeting, the AASB fly-in, Sarah Vance's townhall meeting in Homer, a KPSAA meeting, and the Homer High school budget forum.
Ms. Cizek visited Kelly King and Nicole Murphy and discussed the SIT program. She attended Soldotna budget forum and volunteered at Skyview, as well as, attended principal input for some of the current openings. She also attended the Skyview site council meeting.
Ms. MacRae attended Representative Carpenter's townhall. She visited and spoke with teachers regarding truancy. She visited with Representative Vance.
Mr. Tauriainen attended battle of the books, visited the intermediate wing at Nikiski, and virtually attended legislative sessions regarding SB 140, and attended Nikiski North Star basketball games.
Mr. Kelly attended the assembly meeting as the liaison, a Paul Banks PTA meeting, Representative Vance's townhall, the Homer budget forum, the Port graham principal input, the Susan B. English School principal input, another KPB Assembly meeting and the Healthcare policy committee meeting.

C. Committee Reports

Ms. Morgan reported on the Policy Committee meeting held earlier today.
Mr. Kelly reported on the Finance Committee meeting held earlier today.

D. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly reported on the following work sessions held earlier today:
Finance Update
Facility Update
2024-2025 Organizational Chart Update
Board Policy Review
Board Discussion

12. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

Mr. Kelly commented on agenda item 12F.

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Matt Morse, 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

Miss Maggie Genier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

B. AR 5127(a) Graduation Ceremonies and Activities

Resolution: Move to approve AR 5127(a) Graduation Ceremonies and Activities.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Matt Morse, 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

Miss Maggie Genier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

C. BP 1260 Visits to the Schools

Resolution: Move to approve BP 1260 Visits to the Schools.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Matt Morse, 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

Miss Maggie Genier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

D. BP 1311 Participation in Community Life

Resolution: Move to approve BP 1311 Participation in Community Life.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Matt Morse, 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

Miss Maggie Genier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

E. 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 Matt Morse, 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

Miss Maggie Genier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

F. 2024-2025 District Organizational Chart

Resolution: Move to approve the 2024-2025 District Organizational Chart.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Matt Morse, 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

Miss Maggie Genier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

G. * REVISED Leave of Absence Request/Certified

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Matt Morse, 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

Miss Maggie Genier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

H. Leave of Absence Request/Support

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Matt Morse, 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

Miss Maggie Genier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

13. Action Items

A. Revised Six Year Plan for the Years 2025 to 2030

Move to approve the Revised Six Year Plan for the Years 2025 to 2030

Motion by Virginia Morgan, second by Matt Morse.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Miss Maggie Genier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

14. First Reading of Policy Revisions

A. BP 5112.6 Education for Homeless Children and Youths SUGGESTED TITLE CHANGE TO "BP 5112.6 EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE"

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 5112.6 Education for Homeless Children and Youths SUGGESTED TITLE CHANGE TO "BP 5112.6 EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE".
Ms. Truesdell commented on the policy revisions.

B. AR 5112.6 Education for Homeless Children and Youths SUGGESTED TITLE CHANGE TO " AR 5112.6 EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE"

The Board was provided a first reading of AR 5112.6 Education for Homeless Children and Youths SUGGESTED TITLE CHANGE TO " AR 5112.6 EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE".

C. BP 6171 Title I Programs

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 6171 Title I Programs.

D. AR 6171 Title I Programs

The Board was provided a first reading of AR 6171 Title I Programs.

E. BP 6174 Bilingual Bicultural Education - Limited English Proficiency Education

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 6174 Bilingual Bicultural Education - Limited English Proficiency Education.
Ms. Vadla commented on the policy revisions.

15. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

Mike Illg appreciated custodians and secretaries within the schools.
Rachel Lord spoke in regards to truancy, title I funding and applying for free and reduced lunches, and in regards to community partnerships.
Deb Cox spoke in regards to CTE classes and staffing at the High School. She spoke in regards to the AK Reads Act as well as the Districtwide Librarian position. She spoke in regards to pools and theaters within the community.
Winter Marshall-Allen appreciated the meeting being in Homer and spoke to SB 140, the budget, school funding and staffing.

16. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Mr. Tauriainen appreciated advocacy to the state legislature.
Miss Grenier appreciated testimony this evening in particular the topic of mental health. She noted the importance of education beyond the basics. She appreciated Ms. Lord's testimony this evening. She noted the balancing act. She appreciated the meeting this evening.
Ms. Morgan appreciated Miss Grenier's presence on the Board. She appreciated the testimony this evening in particular building connections and community partnerships, and truancy. She appreciated the Homer areas advocacy, and the community.
Ms. Vadla appreciated and recognized Mr. Eric Soderquist, and David Henson. She recognized Annaleah Karron for her work in CTE. She appreciated and recognized Miss Grenier and Mr. Jeren Nash during the fly-in to Juneau. She noted the June Nelson Memorial scholarship. She appreciated those in attendance. She appreciated meeting the Homer council members before the meeting. She appreciated the testimony this evening and those who attended the meeting.
Ms. MacRae appreciated the meeting this evening. She noted the CKLA curriculum committee.
Ms. Cizek noted the student representative in Mat-Su and noted a conversation she had with the Mat-Su School Board President in this regard. She appreciated the testimony this evening and appreciated the attendance this evening. She noted and appreciated the balancing act and some of the feedback from it. She noted the CKLA review committee. She appreciated everyone for attending the meeting.
Mr. Daugharty spoke in regards to non-tenure teacher contracts and support for those teachers. He appreciated meeting with the Homer council members this evening ahead of the meeting for dinner. He appreciated and stressed the importance of the testimony regarding the pools and theaters. He appreciated Ms. Heidi Stokes. He noted the AASB fly-in. He appreciated the attendance this evening.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the meeting this evening. She appreciated Mr. Holland. She appreciated Ms. Druce. She recognized and appreciated Ms. Barbara Rohlstead at Mountain View. She appreciated the school board reports this evening. She recognized and appreciated Mr. Soderquist and Mr. Henson. She appreciated the meeting this evening.
Mr. Morse appreciated the Homer city council members for being in attendance. He appreciated the Homer Opus performance this evening. He appreciated the meeting this evening. He appreciated Mr. Illg's testimony this evening. He noted the balancing act and being able to resubmit answers. He appreciated those who attended the evening.
Mr. Kelly noted a few items in the general information packet. He appreciated the Homer pool manager. He appreciated Ms. Stokes. He appreciated the school board reports this evening. He noted the Paul Banks Readothon. He noted SB 140, details within the bill and where it is at in the process with the Governor. He appreciated the attendance at the meeting this evening.

17. Executive Session

There were none this evening.

18. Adjourn

Mr. Kelly adjourned the meeting at 9:26 p.m.