APPROVED 10-07-2024

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley Street Soldotna AK 99669

Board of Education Meeting (Monday, September 9, 2024)

Generated by Nikkol Sipes on Tuesday, September 10, 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

Ms. Vadla 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 (attended virtually), Mrs. Penny Vadla, Mr. Zen Kelly, Miss Emerson Kapp, Student Representative

E. Approval of Agenda

The September 9, 2024 Regular Business meeting agenda was approved as presented.

Move to approve the September 9, 2024 Regular Business meeting agenda as presented.

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

F. Approval of Minutes 08-05-2024

The August 5, 2024 Regular Business meeting minutes were approved as presented.

2. Awards and Presentations

A. Golden Apple Award, Mr. Andrew Scrivo

Mr. Andrew Scrivo was presented the Golden Apple Award.

3. School Reports

A. Seward High School, Mr. Henry Burns

Mr. Henry Burns provided the Seward High School report to the Board.
He noted the growth of the drama program at Seward High School and introduced Megan Miller, drama advisor and theater tech, who spoke more to the program and two students within the drama program spoke to their experience.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the school report.
Mr. Tauriainen appreciated the school report.
Miss Kapp appreciated the school report.
Ms. Morgan appreciated the school report. She also congratulated Mr. Scrivo on the Golden Apple Award.
Mr. Kelly appreciated the school report.

4. Student Board Representative Report

A. Student Board Representative Report

Miss Emerson Kapp reported on the following:
In her first report as Student Representative to the Board Miss Kapp introduced herself, and noted her excitement for her service to the Board this year. She gave several highlights and updates from schools around the district including from Tustumena Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, K-Beach, Sterling, Chapman, Head of the Bay Schools, Skyview, Kenai Alternative, and Soldotna High School. She expressed her excitement to be a voice for students in the district.

5. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

A. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

There were none this evening.

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

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

Judith Eckert gave testimony on screen time in connection with the dopamine loop.
Jeanne Reveal testified regarding KPSAA participation fees.
Courtney Abel testified regarding KPSAA participation fees.
Tiffany Holt testified regarding KPSAA participation fees.
Alicia Jensen testified regarding KPSAA participation fees.
Sharon Kim testified regarding curriculum, and enrollment within the Seward Area schools.
Christy Jordan testified regarding elementary councilors and the budget.
Mica Van Buskirk testified regarding the staffing formula, the BSA, and school funding.
Abigail Price testified regarding KPSAA participation fees.
Mandy Wood testified regarding staffing in Nanwalek.
Pepper Tonz testified regarding KPSAA participation fees.

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 testimony this evening. He appreciated the school report this evening. He noted the upcoming budget deficit the district will be facing that will impact many facets that were discussed this evening. He appreciated Mr. Scrivo and congratulated him on the Golden Apple Award. He noted the football field ribbon cutting for the Seward football field this Friday. He appreciated Miss Kapp's report this evening. He noted the State of Alaska teacher certification backlog and communications he has had with Representative Ruffridge in this regard. He spoke to KPBSD cell phone use policy and that there could be future Board discussion on the topic. He noted the Caring for the Kenai awards. He spoke of collaboration between the Seward Community Development Director and the District to work together to brainstorm solutions to the housing issues within the Seward Area. He noted that he will be the Alaska Superintendent Association President-Elect this year and that the Association will be taking up chronic absenteeism as their main focus. He spoke to the current pupil to teacher ratio in the district and how the district is working toward bringing more programs to schools.

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

Mr. Joshua Girard, KPESA Vice President, spoke regarding ESPs within the district including open positions. He spoke regarding housing in the Seward area.
Mr. Ryan Tunseth, Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, welcomed Miss Kapp. He updated the Board with the Assembly's latest meeting agenda items.
Mr. Michael Wojciak, KPAA president, welcomed Miss Kapp. He noted several positive aspects and highlights happening around the district, schools included in his report were Head of the Bay Schools, Homer area schools, Kenai Central High School, and Tebughna. He noted Ms. Truesdell's visit to K-Selo and Voznesenka. He appreciated the Board and encouraged other members to visit schools.
Ms. Mica Van Buskirk, Seward Site Council President, spoke regarding staffing and the staffing formula within Seward area schools.

10. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland reported on the following:
He appreciated Mr. Wojciak for speaking and keeping a positive note in his report this evening. He spoke to the increase of enrollment in the District. He noted Mr. Scott Lefebvre being hired at Seward Middle School and Moose Pass. He gave several highlights of athletic achievements in the district, including congratulating Brantley Jr. at Soldotna High School for record football wins. He gave an update regarding the three intent to develop charter school applications from ABC, Kenaitze, and Nikolaevsk. He addressed the testimony this evening regarding staffing in Nanwalek. He spoke to the importance of school safety especially after the latest national school shooting. He addressed the latest charges made public in regards to a former KPBSD custodian. He remembered and appreciated two special education teachers in the Seward area.

11. Reports

A. July Finance Reports 2024-9-7

Ms. Hayes provided the July Finance Reports to the Board.

B. Board Reports

Mr. Morse attended Kenai football games.
Mr. Tauriainen attended a Nikiski football game, NMHS open house, visited both Nikiski schools on the first day of school, the Shayna Pritrud volleyball memorial, and the Nikiski Middle School cross country race.
Ms. Vadla attended the administrator scavenger hunt, KPC open house, and visited Homer and attended Cook Inlet Keepers meeting.
Ms. Cizek attended an ABC charter school meeting, and the KPC 60th celebration.
Mr. Daugharty attended an Icelandic model meeting, and a MOU facility use meeting in Homer area.
Ms. MacRae noted emails that she and the Board are receiving.
Mr. Kelly attended the student representative orientation, Board orientation, and healthcare plan committee meeting.
Ms. Truesdell attended the ABC charter meeting, visited K-Selo and Voznesenka.

C. Committee Reports

Ms. Morgan reported on the policy committee meeting held earlier today.

D. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly reported that the Board held work sessions for the following:
Small Schools & Remote Sites
Facility Update
Board Policy Review
Board Discussion

12. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

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 Kapp, Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

B. 2024-25 New Administrator Contract(s)

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

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 Kapp, Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

C. 2024-25 New Teacher Contract(s)

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

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 Kapp, Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

D. 2024-25 Temporary Retired Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve 2024-25 Temporary Retired Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

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 Kapp, Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

E. 2024-25 Tentative Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

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 Kapp, Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

F. AR 4115 Evaluation/Supervision

Resolution: Move approve AR 4115 Evaluation/Supervision.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

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

G. Board Charter School Oversight Committee Assignment

Resolution: Move to approve the assignment of Ms. Morgan to the Board Charter School Oversight Committee.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

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 Kapp, Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

H. Student Representative to the School Board, Student Representative to the Information Committee, and Student Representative to the Small Schools Committee

Resolution: Move to approve Miss Emerson Kapp as the Student Representative to the School Board, Miss Feodora Afonin as the Student Representative to the Information Committee and Miss Inafa Reutov as the Student Representative to the Small Schools Committee.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

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 Kapp, Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

13. Action Items

A. LAYDOWN Superintendent Immediate Family Member Hire

Mr. Kelly commented on the item.
Mr. Tauriainen commented on the item.
Ms. MacRae commented on the item.

Move to approve the hire of Kianna Holland.

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 Kapp, Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

14. First Reading of Policy Revisions

A. BP 3000 Concepts and Roles

The Board was provided a first reading of Board Policy BP 3000 Concepts and Roles.

B. BP 3200 Income "SUGGESTED TITLE CHANGE TO BP 3200 REVENUE"

The Board was provided a first reading for Board Policy BP 3200 Income "SUGGESTED TITLE CHANGE TO BP 3200 REVENUE".

15. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

Kaye Tuia testified regarding KPSAA participation fees.
Matty Keller testified regarding KPSAA participation fees.
Kirk Thiemann testified regarding equitable opportunities.
Julie Gottfried appreciated the library staff members within the district.
Travis Keller testified regarding KPSAA participation fees.
Grace Williams testified regarding class offerings, and extra curricular activities in Seward.
Kristiana Smith testified in regards to Connections homeschool, and class offerings in Seward.
Laurie Kapp testified in regards to Connections homeschool.
Jeanne Reveal read a letter in regards to KPSAA participation fees.
Cindy Ecklund testified in regards to Connections homeschool and school funding.
Mica Van Buskirk testified in regards to the staffing formula.
Tiffany Holt testified in regards to school funding.

16. Board Comments

Mr. Tauriainen appreciated the testimony this evening. He appreciated the meeting in Seward. He noted Nikiski's cell phone use policy, and the Anxious Generation book. He spoke to the testimony this evening regarding participation fees in sports as well as homeschooling.
Miss Kapp appreciated the testimony this evening, and addressed a testimony this evening. She also appreciated the meeting this evening.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the IT team this evening. She noted all the student representatives on the Board this year. She welcomed Mr. Scott Lefebrve. She congratulated Mr. Scrivo. She appreciated the speakers this evening. She appreciated Seward's advocacy last legislative session. She appreciated the meeting.
Ms. Morgan welcomed Miss Kapp to the Board. She spoke to testimony several years ago and how it reflects the budget cycle and legislative climate today. She noted a well rounded education includes music, art and sports. She noted the importance of advocacy. She appreciated the emails and testimony this evening. She appreciated Mica Van Buskirk and her efforts in the Seward area.
Ms. MacRae noted the importance of sports. She spoke to the testimony in regards to participation fees.
Mr. Morse welcomed Miss Kapp to the Board. He appreciated the testimony this evening and spoke to his vote regarding the KPSAA Handbook changes. He noted inflation and the upcoming presidential election. He appreciated the meeting and comments this evening.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the meeting. She congratulated Mr. Scrivo. She noted the loss of two special education teachers. She noted the Georgia school shooting. She noted the importance of school councilors. She spoke to the testimony regarding homeschooling and participation fees. She expressed the importance of volunteering. She appreciated the staff, and the Board.
Ms. Cizek appreciated the meeting this evening. She appreciated the testimony this evening. She welcomed Miss Kapp. She appreciated Judith Eckert's testimony. She spoke to the testimony regarding the participation fees. She expressed the importance of communication especially ahead of impactful changes. She once again appreciated the meeting.
Mr. Daugharty appreciated the testimony this evening. He noted the importance of reviewing cell phone policy. He welcomed Miss Kapp. He congratulated Mr. Scrivo. He noted he sits on the KPSAA Board, and spoke in regards to the KPSAA participation fees as well as homeschooling. He also noted the importance of art, and music. He appreciated the meeting this evening.
Mr. Kelly appreciated the testimony this evening. He noted when the Board voted on the changes for the KPSAA Handbook. He also spoke to how the participation fees are allocated and the district budget. He encouraged everyone to vote in the upcoming elections.

17. Executive Session

There were none this evening.

18. Adjourn

Mr. Kelly adjourned the meeting at 9:36 p.m.