Board of Education Small Schools Committee Meeting

Monday, August 5, 2024

Meeting Notes: DRAFT

1. Board Small Schools Committee

A. Call to Order

Ms. Truesdell called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

B. Roll Call

Members Present: Patti Truesdell (Chair), Tim Daugharty, Dianne MacRae, Virginia Morgan, Eric Pederson, Director of Elementary Education

Other Board Members Present: Zen Kelly

C. Approval of Agenda

The August 5, 2024 small schools committee meeting agenda was approved as presented.

D. Approval of Notes 04-15-2024

The April 15, 2024 small schools committee meeting notes were approved as printed.

2. Small Schools New Business

A. Discussion: Committee Agenda Planning

Ms. Truesdell opened the discussion by asking the committee to begin planning for future meetings, including topics to address and ways to support small schools. Ms. Truesdell reviewed the charge of the Small Schools Committee. Ms. Morgan posed a question regarding the potential to form an advisory committee in the future. Ms. Truesdell asked the committee to consider holding some type of workshop. Mr. Holland noted that a workshop may fall outside the purview of a Board committee. He emphasized the importance of establishing a clear vision or specific questions from the Small Schools Committee before forming a future advisory committee or something similar. Ms. Morgan mentioned emails from small school administrators as inspiration for developing an outline to move forward with a plan. Ms. Truesdell highlighted several of the concerns that small schools had shared with the committee. Ms. Morgan spoke about her personal experience living in a small community and attending a small school. She noted that it was helpful to have outreach and available resources. She suggested providing resources to support small school teachers and staff, particularly those who are new to the district. Ms. MacRae asked for clarification regarding whether the proposed support was intended for staff or students. Ms. Morgan responded that supporting staff, in turn, supports students. She also emphasized the importance of having a strong support system for students in small schools. Mr. Holland asked that the committee establish clear goals and questions so that the administration can best assist the committee with its requests. Ms. Truesdell proposed creating a "Small School Guide" for staff working in small schools, especially new employees. Mr. Daugharty asked Mr. Pederson how he supports new administrators in the district. Mr. Pederson explained that he connects new administrators with experienced administrators to create a support network. Ms. Dendurent asked Mr. Pederson to share information about the administrator meeting "job-alikes," where administrators from similar schools and communities collaborate and support one another. Ms. Morgan noted the challenges small schools face in securing substitutes during training opportunities. Mr. Pederson also discussed the district's mentor program. Ms. Morgan proposed inviting staff or members of the public to committee meetings to speak or present. Mr. Kelly noted that the committee format does not lend itself to inviting public speakers and that such discussions would be more appropriate during a Board work session. He encouraged the committee to bring recommendations of that nature forward to the full Board. Ms. Morgan read Board Policy (BP) 1230, Advisory Committees. She expressed frustration that the committee may not be fully achieving solutions for small schools. Ms. Truesdell referred to the issue of PTR and asked whether there was a solution to classroom size concerns and the staffing formula in relation to the letter submitted by the small school administrators. Mr. Daugharty discussed PTR and staffing formulas in other school districts, noting that PTR is affected by the distances between schools. Ms. Morgan commented that class sizes in Cooper Landing might benefit from a similar model. Mr. Daugharty also suggested that Seward could potentially benefit from this type of model if it were feasible. Ms. Morgan noted the limitations older students face in a smaller school and community setting. Mr. Holland discussed the importance of social connections and noted the limitations of what district distance education can provide. Ms. Morgan stated that many upperclassmen are moving out of smaller communities because of the lack of opportunities. Ms. Truesdell asked about the letter the administrators had written to the committee. Mr. Pederson interpreted the letter to mean that the small school administrators were requesting a lower PTR. Mr. Holland noted that small schools already follow a different staffing formula than larger schools. Ms. Dendurent explained that the district is working on staffing challenges in smaller communities and that one approach includes offering elective camps to provide students with additional opportunities. Ms. Morgan asked whether there was a way to incentivize positions at small schools. Ms. Dendurent responded that the district is working with Human Resources to explore those options while remaining compliant with state guidelines and law. Ms. Truesdell asked a question regarding mCLASS certification. Ms. Dendurent explained that she and Mr. Crabtree are working toward expanding opportunities for mCLASS certification in the future. Mr. Holland discussed the district's Middle College and Project GRAD opportunities and how the district may be able to expand those programs. Mr. Daugharty spoke about the loss of after-school activities affecting some small schools. He noted that after-school activities and athletics help retain students at these schools and encourage families to remain in their communities. Ms. Morgan and Ms. Truesdell agreed with Mr. Daugharty. Ms. Morgan emphasized the importance of supporting the small school administrators and acknowledged that they had come together to write the letter included in the agenda. Mr. Holland suggested that the committee might benefit from reviewing current information regarding PTR, educational opportunities, and incentives at a future meeting.

Mr. Kelly noted that staffing challenges for small schools differ from those in larger schools and highlighted the ongoing challenge of filling existing vacancies in small schools. Mr. Holland added that it may be helpful to review the incentives already in place and determine whether any changes are needed. He discussed several existing incentives. Mr. Kelly noted that inadequate funding, combined with inflation, is one of the primary reasons the district continues to face staffing challenges across the district.

Mr. Daugharty discussed Career and Technical Education (CTE) and community engagement. He asked whether Kenai Peninsula Borough funding outside the cap could be used to support CTE programs that would benefit the community and help develop a ready workforce. Mr. Kelly explained that the district is already funded below the cap; therefore, requesting this type of funding would still remain within the funding cap rather than outside of it. Mr. Holland referenced a recent conversation with Ms. Karron regarding the costs associated with students earning certifications through CTE programs. Ms. Truesdell concluded the discussion by identifying the committee's next steps, which include reviewing what is currently in place for small schools and communities regarding incentives, staffing formulas, PTR, and educational opportunities.

3. Adjourn

Ms. Truesdell adjourned the meeting at 1:55 p.m.