APPROVED 05-06-2024

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley Street, Soldotna AK 99669

Board of Education Meeting (Monday, April 1, 2024)

Generated by Nikkol Sipes on Tuesday, April 2, 2024

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

Mr. Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

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

C. District Mission Statement

Miss Grenier 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, Ms. Patti Truesdell, Mrs. Penny Vadla, Mr. Zen Kelly, Miss Maggie Grenier, Student Representative

E. Approval of Agenda

The April 1, 2024 Regular Business meeting was approved as presented.

Move to approve the April 1, 2024 Regular Business meeting agenda as presented.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 03-04-2024

The March 4, 2024 Regular Business meeting minutes were approved as printed.

G. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes 03-07-2024

The March 7, 2024 Special Meeting minutes were approved as printed.

2. Awards and Presentations

There were none this evening.

3. School Reports

A. Nikiski North Star Elementary School, Ms. Jenna Fabian

Ms. Jenna Fabian provided the Board with the Nikiski North Star Elementary School Report.
Students from NNS performed a skit to resolve conflict.
Ms. Fabian played the STEAM-Integrated Specials Compilation.
And finally the First and Second Graders performed America to Me.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the school board presentation.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the school board presentation.
Mr. Tauriainen appreciated the school board presentation.
Miss Grenier appreciated the school board presentation.
Mr. Kelly posed a question to Ms. Fabian of the importance of the elementary school councilor at NNS. Ms. Fabian spoke to this.
Mr. Kelly appreciated Ms. Fabian and the report this evening.
Mr. Tauriainen appreciated the elementary school councilor at NNS.

B. Razdolna School Report, Mr. Michael Sturm

Mr. Michael Sturm provided the Razdolna School Report to the Board.
Students spoke to several of the slides within the presentation.
Mr. Morse appreciated the presentation this evening.
Mr. Tauriainen appreciated the presentation this evening.
Ms. Cizek appreciated the presentation this evening.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the presentation this evening.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the presentation this evening.
Mr. Holland appreciated the presentation this evening.
Mr. Kelly appreciated the presentation this evening.
Mr. Kelly called a brief at ease at 7:01 p.m.
Mr. Kelly called the meeting back to order at 7:16 p.m.

4. Student Board Representative Report

A. Student Board Representative Report

Miss Maggie Grenier reported on the following:
She appreciated the attendance at the meeting this evening. She appreciated the school board reports. She gave an update regarding the high schools in the district including Soldotna High School's fundraisers, Homer High School's spirit week, and reported that the Homer student council sent three delegates to the SGH conference. She noted Nikiski Middle High School's upcoming performance of Mama Mia, and that the high school held an auction to raise money for a member of the community to assist with healthcare costs. She noted the upcoming district wide mass band event. She appreciated the attendance this evening once more.

5. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

A. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

Kaydence Malone spoke in regards to her experience at Nikiski North Star Elementary school including activities, sports, and staff.
Jeren Nash Soldotna student body president introduced some of the officers of the community outreach committee and social media committee at Soldotna High School.

Emerson Kapp spoke regarding the community outreach committee, introduced some of the members of the committee present and reported on the committee's events throughout the year.

Campbell Kincaid spoke to some of the community outreach committee fundraisers and events as well as involvement with student councils.

Emma Glassmaker spoke spoke as a member of and reported on the social media committee at Soldotna High School, including the involvement with the Soldotna High School students, student council and the social media platforms.
Jeren Nash spoke in regards to the Education Rising program and introduced students who would like to speak to the program this evening. He also spoke regarding the importance of education, his experience in Juneau and he also appreciated Mr. Sturm and the Razdolna school report.
Caitlyn Eskelin spoke regarding her experience in the Education Rising program.
Morgan Carlson-Kelly spoke to her experience regarding Education Rising program.

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

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

Laura Spitler spoke regarding the special needs preschool program at K-Beach elementary and transportation in the district.
Luke Herman spoke in regards to the budget and school funding.
Barbara Ralston spoke in regards to the annual bike rodeo safety program.

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 board reports this evening. He appreciated the student testimony this evening. He spoke in regards to the FY25 preliminary budget. He spoke regarding the maintenance of equity letter from the State Department of Education and Early Development and his conversations with Commissioner Bishop regarding the letter and potential funding. He noted a meeting with Mayor Micciche and Commissioner Bishop regarding the K-Selo project. He appreciated the Mayor on his efforts in this regard. He noted the scheduled Special Meeting for the approval of the FY25 Budget on April 15 and spoke to the three budget scenarios that were discussed in finance committee and then in work session earlier today. He spoke in regards to the Boys and Girls club expansion in Homer. He noted a presentation he gave to the Chamber of Commerce. He noted the upcoming joint budget work session scheduled with the assembly as well as the KPBSD quarterly update to the assembly. He noted several upcoming events happening in the district, including Caring for the Kenai, mass choir and mass band events.

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, spoke in regards to concerns with the maintenance of equity funds potentially owed to the KPBSD. She spoke in regards to the NEA and their advocation for a BSA increase. She noted an educator scholarship that is available. She appreciated the education rising program outreach. She spoke in regards to the upcoming KPEA elections and the candidates. She appreciated the finance work session this afternoon. She appreciated the Board. She spoke in support of Ms. Litwiniak regarding the support staff positions. She appreciated and agreed with Mr. Holland's comments regarding the diversity and uniqueness of the KPBSD.
Ms. Susanna Litwiniak, KPESA president, noted that she visited Juneau last week. She noted a conversation with Representative Ruffridge regarding school funding. She noted with her conversations that she had in Juneau that she explained how success can be measured by alumni. She spoke in regards to the battle with school funding each year. She noted her concerns for the support staff in the district and the support positions that are still open. She noted the importance of working together.
Ms. Jenna Fabian, AAESP Secretary, continued her updates regarding highlighting collaborations between schools within the district in efforts to support positive student outcomes.
Mr. Ryan Tunseth, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, spoke in regards to the finance work session earlier today and supported the consensus of the Board this afternoon. He spoke in regards to the Bond Package projects.

10. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland reported on the following:
He appreciated Mr. Tunseth's comments this evening. He appreciated the Board for having difficult conversations and making making difficult decisions regarding reductions in balancing the budget. He noted several hiring updates including some of the most recent principal positions, and the student support services director. He noted several extra curricular highlights. He noted that spring sports and events have officially begun. He noted that Senator Murkowski will be visiting Seward High School and Ms. Dendurent shared more information regarding the visit.

11. Reports

A. February Finance Reports 2024-4-1

Ms. Hayes provided the February Finance Reports.

B. Board Reports

Ms. Vadla advocated to override the veto of the governor and wrote to many state legislators. She attended the June Nelson Memorial scholarship committee meeting. She visited the Soldotna high school government class. She attended the finance committee meeting, the ELA curriculum committee meeting, the special meeting and chaired the parks and rec committee.
Ms. Morgan contacted state legislators to advocate for the veto override. She visited Homer Middle School. She attended the AASB legislation update, Moose pass and Seward principal interviews, Soldotna High School principal interviews and the finance committee meeting.
Mr. Morse attended the special meeting. He visited Aurora Borealis Charter School and Soldotna High School for Mr. Herman's government class.
Mr. Tauriainen attended a Nikiski coaches meeting, visited Nikiski North Star. He attended and chaired the ad hoc committee meeting and attended the finance committee meeting as well as an agenda planning meeting for the next ad hoc committee meeting.
Ms. Cizek attended the curriculum committee meeting, the board's special meeting, Aurora Borealis Charter School APC meeting, the finance committee meeting and many of the principal interviews.
Ms. Truesdell attended Aurora Borealis charter school APC meeting, a Kenaitze meeting, a homeless coalition meeting, and Representative Ruffridge's the townhall
Mr. Daugharty attended a meeting with borough and city representatives regarding pool operations and maintenance. He attended the board's special meeting, the four day ad hoc committee meeting, a coaches Homer High meeting, a boys and girls club meeting, the finance committee meeting, and had coffee with the representative.
Ms. MacRae advocated to the state legislature.
Mr. Kelly attended Mr. Herman's government class at Soldotna High School, the borough assembly meeting, Nikolaevsk principal interviews, a Healthcare policy committee meeting, and chaired the finance committee meeting.

C. Committee Reports

Ms. Vadla reported on the March 5, 2024 Information Committee meeting.
Mr. Tauriainen reported on the March 11, 2024 Four-Day School Week Ad Hoc Committee meeting.
Mr. Kelly reported on the March 25, 2024 Finance Committee meeting.
Ms. Morgan reported on the Policy Review Committee meeting held earlier today.

D. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly reported that the Board held work sessions earlier today for the following:
2024-2025 Tentative Board Meeting Dates
Board Policy Review
Finance Update
Board Discussion

12. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-J.

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

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 Grenier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

B. AR 3310 Purchasing Procedures

Resolution: Move to approve AR 3310 Purchasing Procedures.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-J.

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

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 Grenier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

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

Resolution: Move to approve BP 5112.6 Education for Homeless Children and Youths with a TITLE CHANGE TO "BP 5112.6 EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE".

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-J.

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

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 Grenier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

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

Resolution: Move to approve AR 5112.6 Education for Homeless Children and Youths with a TITLE CHANGE TO " AR 5112.6 EDUCATION FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE".

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-J.

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

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 Grenier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

E. BP 6171 Title I Programs

Resolution: Move to approve BP 6171 Title I Programs.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-J.

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

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 Grenier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

F. AR 6171 Title I Programs

Resolution: Move to approve AR 6171 Title I Programs.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-J.

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

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 Grenier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

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

Resolution: Move to approve BP 6174 Bilingual Bicultural Education - Limited English Proficiency Education.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-J.

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

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 Grenier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

H. 2023-24 New Teacher Contract(s)

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-J.

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

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 Grenier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

I. 2024-25 New Administrator Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve 2024-25 New Administrator Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-J.

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

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 Grenier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

J. 2024-2025 Tentative Board Meeting Dates

Resolution: Move to approve the 2024-2025 Tentative Board Meeting Dates.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-J.

Motion by Matt Morse, second by Jason Tauriainen.

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 Grenier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

13. Action Items

A. Resolution 23-24-2 Reemployment of Retirees

Move to approve Resolution 23-24-2 Reemployment of Retirees

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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 Grenier Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

14. First Reading of Policy Revisions

A. BP 3311 Bids

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 3311 Bids.

B. BP 1312 Public Complaints Concerning the Schools

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 1312 Public Complaints Concerning the Schools.
Ms. Truesdell commented on the policy revisions.

C. BP 1312.1 Public Complaints Concerning School Personnel

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 1312.1 Public Complaints Concerning School Personnel.

15. Public Presentations/Comments

There were none this evening.

16. Board Comments

Ms. Morgan appreciated the school board reports this evening. She appreciated the student testimony this evening. She appreciated the attendance this evening. She spoke in regards to the finance discussions with the three scenarios. She spoke in support of the Board's consensus during the work session earlier.
Miss Grenier appreciated Ms. Litwiniak's testimony this evening. She noted the difficulty of measuring student success as a number however it can be seen in various ways including in alumni like Ms. Litwiniak had suggested in her testimony earlier. She appreciated the attendance this evening.
Mr. Tauriainen noted the difficulties of facing a budget deficit. He noted the importance of advocacy to the state legislature. He spoke in regards to assessments. He noted the importance of visiting schools to measure student success. He noted the importance of being aware of the budget process. He appreciated the school board reports this evening.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the school board reports this evening. She noted the diversity of the schools within the KPBSD. She appreciated school councilors and noted the importance of school councilors. She appreciated Ms. Druce. She appreciated the student testimony this evening and the performances from the students during the board reports.
Ms. Cizek appreciated the school board reports this evening. She spoke in regards to the finance discussions surrounding the budget.
Mr. Morse appreciated the meeting this evening and the school board reports.
Ms. Vadla encouraged advocacy to the state legislature. She spoke in regards to the finance discussions that have been had regarding the budget. She appreciated the students who performed this evening during the board reports. She appreciated the student testimony this evening including the education rising program comments. She appreciated Ms. Karron. She appreciated Mr. Brian Hickey, and Mr. Kyle McFall. She spoke in regards to the Silver and Gold awards. She appreciated the attendance this evening.
Ms. MacRae spoke in regards to the difficult discussions regarding balancing the budget. She appreciated the attendance at the meeting this evening.
Mr. Daugharty appreciated Ms. Fabian and Mr. Sturm for their school board reports. He appreciated the student testimony this evening. He appreciated the students performances this evening. He appreciated Mr. Jeren Nash and his testimony this evening. He spoke in regards to the legislature's desire for a measurement of student success.
Mr. Kelly appreciated state legislators that are working very hard to push for an increase to the BSA. He noted HB 392 and included some of the details of the bill including a BSA increase, lack of teacher bonuses and charter school provisions. He noted the upcoming work session with the assembly tomorrow. He spoke in regards to addressing positive student outcomes and measuring student success and encouraged visits to schools.

17. Executive Session

A. Executive Session-Negotiations

Move the board go into executive session to discuss matters, the immediate knowledge of which, would clearly have an adverse effect upon the finances of the district. Specifically this session is held to discuss negotiations.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, 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

B. Adjourn Executive Session

Move to adjourn the executive session.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Penny Vadla.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Not Present at Vote: Virginia Morgan

18. Adjourn

Mr. Kelly adjourned the meeting at 10:09 p.m.