APPROVED 12-02-2024

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK, 99669

Board of Education Special Meeting (Monday, November 18, 2024)

Generated by Nikkol Sipes on Monday, November 18, 2024

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

Mr. Kelly called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.

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

C. District Mission Statement

Ms. Cizek read the district mission statement.

D. Roll Call

Members Present: Ms. Kelley Cizek, Mr. Tim Daugharty, Ms. Sarah Douthit, Ms. Dianne MacRae, Ms. Virginia Morgan, Mr. Jason Tauriainen (attended virtually), Ms. Patti Truesdell, Mrs. Penny Vadla, Mr. Zen Kelly
Members Absent: Miss Emerson Kapp, Student Representative

E. Approval of Agenda 11-18-2024

The November 18, 2024 agenda was approved as presented.

Move to approve the November 18, 2024 Special Meeting agenda as presented.

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Penny Vadla.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

2. Discussion: Aurora Borealis Charter School Renewal Application

A. Aurora Borealis Charter School Renewal Application

The Board and the Aurora Borealis Charter School Renewal applicants discussed the application ahead of the Board taking action. Ms. Vadla posed questions regarding minutes at the academic policy committee meeting. Mr. Mahr, ABC, APC Chair, and Mr. McCanna, ABC Principal clarified the reasoning behind having minutes in Appendix D in the application. Mr. McCanna noted that the current APC membership is referred to in a different portion of the application. Ms. Vadla posed a question regarding how often the applicants review their own charter. Mr. McCanna provided a timeline and topics that are reviewed annually. He also pointed to the KPBSD Exhibit 6187C Charter School Annual Review form and including this form annually moving forward. Ms. Dendurent clarified the years of renewal being proposed for the application and the reasoning behind previously staggering the number of years between the KPBSD Charter Schools. Mr. McCanna made final comments regarding the renewal application. He appreciated and accredited the parents and staff that support ABC.

3. Action Items

A. Aurora Borealis Charter School Renewal Application

Suzanne Phillips spoke to the item.
Theo Lexmond spoke to the item.
Michele Mcguire spoke to the item.
Chris Van Slyke spoke to the item.

Move to approve the Aurora Borealis Charter (ABC) School Renewal Application for 10 years.

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Penny Vadla.

Ms. Cizek spoke in support of the item.
Ms. Vadla spoke in support of the item.
Ms. MacRae spoke in support of the item.
Ms. Douthit spoke in support of the item.
Ms. Truesdell spoke in support of the item.
Ms. Morgan spoke support of the item.
Mr. Daugharty spoke in support of the item.
Mr. Kelly spoke in support of the item.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Mr. Kelly called a recess at 10:47 a.m.
Mr. Kelly called the meeting back to order at 10:59 a.m.

4. Discussion: Tułen Charter School Application

A. Tułen Charter School Application

The Board and the Tułen Charter School Applicants discussed the initial application ahead of taking action. Mr. McFall noted the updates to the application since the November 4, 2024 work session including an initial draft MOU. Ms. Vadla appreciated the updates and posed a question regarding the initial enrollment numbers. Mr. McFall spoke to the maximum number of students the school could enroll at this time as well as current staffing levels. Ms. Vadla posed a question regarding bussing and transportation. Mr. McFall clarified that the KPBSD busses and transportation will be used to transport students. Ms. Truesdell spoke to next steps and the intended start date. Mr. McFall clarified the intent is to begin next fall. Ms. MacRae posed a question regarding the cultural framework. Mr. McFall noted that the school will focus on Dena'ina culture but will include others as well. Mr. Kelly requested clarification to the MOU and noted that the application is contingent upon a successful MOU between the district and Kenaitze. Mr. McFall spoke to services within the MOU. Ms. Dendurent spoke to administration's review of the MOU document and clarified parameters of the document moving forward. Ms. Cizek posed questions regarding the MOU and timeline of review of the document and the process for any changes that could be made to the agreement. Ms. Dendurent noted that the MOU is reviewed annually and could be revised with written consent and agreement of both parties. Ms. Vadla appreciated the clarification of the MOU. Ms. Morgan posed further questions regarding any potential changes in the MOU and any additional costs that could arise. Ms. Dendurent and Mr. Kelly spoke to this.

5. Action Items

A. REVISED Tułen Charter School Application

Deneeda Swanson spoke to the item.

Move to approve the Tułen Charter School Application for a 5-year term contingent upon a successful MOU.

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Penny Vadla.

Ms. Vadla spoke in support of the item.
Ms. Morgan spoke in support of the item.
Ms. Truesdell spoke in support of the item.
Ms. Cizek spoke in support of the item.
Ms. Douthit spoke in support of the item.
Ms. MacRae spoke in support of the item.
Mr. Daugharty spoke in support of the item.
Mr. Holland was permitted to speak by the Chair and spoke in support of the item.
Mr. Kelly spoke in support of the item.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Mr. Kelly provided an overview of the next steps in the Charter Application process.
Ms. Dendurent clarified when the application and written Board decision is scheduled to be submitted to DEED.

6. Adjourn

A. Adjourn Meeting

Mr. Kelly adjourned the meeting at 11:27 a.m.