APPROVED 10-07-2024

Board of Education Information Committee Meeting (Tuesday, March 5, 2024)

Generated by Nikkol Sipes on Wednesday, March 6, 2024

1. Board Information Committee

A. Call to Order

Ms. Vadla called the meeting to order at 9:32 a.m.

B. Roll Call

Members Present: Penny Vadla, Tim Daugharty, Matt Morse (attended virtually), Patti Truesdell, Spencer Co, student representative

Board Members Present: Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae, Virginia Morgan, Jason Tauriainen (attended virtually), Zen Kelly, Miss Maggie Grenier, Student Representative

C. Approval of Agenda

The March 5, 2024 Information Committee agenda was approved as presented.

D. Approval of Notes 02-05-2024

The February 5, 2024 Information committee meeting notes were approved as presented.

2. Student Representative Update

A. Student Representative Update

Mr. Spencer Co reported on the following:
He reported on two State Legislative bills in his report. He noted that he is looking forward to the reports from AASB fly-in.
He noted several details regarding SB 140 including the BSA, Charter Schools and noted some of the Governor's comments at his latest press conference. He noted the importance of reaching out to the governor and advocating. He noted HB 148 regarding the Alaska performance scholarship, he gave some details and spoke to the importance of this bill. He spoke regarding hearing how important this bill is to his peers. He noted that Homer High School Student Council has been active in communicating and recognizing the importance of CTE classes to students in the district.

3. Information New Business

A. Legislative Fly-In Discussion

Ms. Vadla opened up discussion regarding the legislative fly-in and invited those who attended the AASB fly-in to report on their experiences. She thanked and recognized many who helped organize the trip and information packets to leave with legislators and stakeholders. She noted the students who attended the trip to Juneau and recognized them for their advocacy efforts. Miss Grenier reported on the AASB fly-in. She was grateful of the opportunity and proud of the efforts put forward in their advocacy effort and teamwork. She noted the main take away from the event, including how to advocate with state legislators, which is finding common ground with legislators and compromise in a solution. She appreciated the school board, and Ms. Sipes for helping organize the trip. Jeren Nash reported on the AASB fly-in and was grateful for the opportunity to attend. He noted his experience at the Youth leadership institute and appreciated meeting with other students from around the state to share experiences within their schools. He was able to meet with over 20 legislators during the trip. He learned about how a bill becomes a law, he appreciated the opportunity and learning about the legislation he noted the importance of student of voice. Mr. Kelly posed a question to the students who attended the AASB trip including how they liked meeting with legislators and more details about individual appointments. Miss Grenier did feel heard in most cases by most legislators. She noted a conversation with Ruffridge, and being able to change perspective. She noted the importance of outreach and communication from the schools of this district and being able to give the student perspective to the legislators. Mr. Nash noted his communication with Representative Carpenter and Representative Vance in particular. Ms. Vadla commented on this communication during the trip and her recollection of the meetings. Ms. Truesdell reported on the AASB fly-in. She appreciated AASB for their preparation over the weekend before the legislative meetings, in particular about finding common ground with legislators to come to a solution or agreement. She noted that Miss Grenier had the opportunity to be a Guest House Page. She appreciated the legislator meetings and the respect that they received from those that they met with. She also commented on her recollection of the communication with Representative Carpenter and Representative Vance. She appreciated attending the fly-in and the team that attended with her. Mr. Daugharty reported on the AASB fly-in. He appreciated that the students were able to attend this year. He noted several highlights including testimony from students to the legislators. He was proud of the students who attended and how they addressed the legislators. He noted how powerful student voice and their presence is during the trip. He appreciated Mr. Shea Nash and Ms. Annaleah Karron for attending with the Board Members and proposed that a collaboration similar to this would be better to enact in the following years. He noted that the importance of students learning the legislative process. He noted ways to improve the trip by consolidating costs in the future and organizing travel. He noted the importance of keeping politics out of the education sphere as Board members and that the focus should always be with the students. Ms. Vadla appreciated all the reports today. She made some final comments and gave further highlights of the trip to Juneau. Ms. Morgan appreciated all the reports, and that the students were able to attend. She also proposed coordinating with other groups in the future if there are others from the Kenai Borough visiting at the same time to Juneau. Mr. Kelly addressed the student representatives and that they are experts in student voice, and that legislators should respect their opinions and thoughts. Ms. Truesdell addressed the students as well and noted the importance of building relationships with other students and noted the importance of student voice. Ms. Vadla appreciated everyone who attended the trip.

4. Adjourn

A. Adjourn

Ms. Vadla adjourned the meeting at 10:16 a.m.