APPROVED 04-07-2025

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley Street, Soldotna Alaska 99669

Board of Education Meeting (Monday, March 3, 2025)

Generated by Nikkol Sipes on Wednesday, March 5, 2025

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

Mr. Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.

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

The Homer Swing Choir performed the National Anthem.

C. District Mission Statement

Ms. Truesdell 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, Ms. Patti Truesdell, Mrs. Penny Vadla, Mr. Zen Kelly, Miss Emerson Kapp, Student Representative

E. Approval of Agenda

The March 3, 2025 Regular Business meeting agenda was approved as presented.

Move to approve the March 3, 2025 Regular Business meeting agenda as presented.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Penny Vadla.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

F. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes: 02-03-2025

The February 3, 2025 Special Meeting minutes were approved as presented.

G. Approval of Minutes: 02-03-2025

The February 3, 2025 Regular Business meeting minutes were approved as presented.

2. Awards and Presentations

A. Awards and Presentations

There were none this evening.

3. School Reports

A. Homer Flex School, Mr. Christopher Brown

Mr. Christopher Brown provided the Homer Flex School report to the Board.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the school report this evening.
Ms. Morgan appreciated the school report this evening.
Ms. MacRae appreciated the school report this evening.
Mr. Kelly appreciated the school report this evening and asked Mr. Brown for his input on the budget and impacts on Homer Flex School. Mr. Brown noted the importance of Homer Flex school and that it offers students an alternative when they struggle in traditional schools.

B. West Homer Elementary, Mr. Eric Waltenbaugh

Mr. Eric Waltenbaugh provided the West Homer Elementary school report to the Board. Student Council members from 6th grade provided information regarding the West Homer Student Council and their roles. The 5th grade class performed a musical on xylophones.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the school report this evening.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the school report this evening.
Miss Kapp appreciated the school report this evening.
Ms. Douthit appreciated the school report this evening.
Ms. MacRae appreciated the school report this evening.
Mr. Tauriainen appreciated the school report this evening.
Mr. Daugharty appreciated the school report this evening.
Mr. Kelly appreciated the school report this evening.
Mr. Kelly noted the work sessions held earlier today regarding the school closures/consolidation and clarified which schools were still being pursued as potential options.
Mr. Kelly called a brief recess at 7:12 p.m.
Mr. Kelly called the meeting back to order at 7:27 p.m.

4. Student Board Representative Report

A. Student Board Representative Report

Miss Emerson Kapp, Student Representative reported on the following:
She reported on several highlights from schools in the district including those from Tustumena Elementary, Mountain View Elementary, Nikiski North Star Elementary, Sterling Elementary, K-Beach Elementary, Skyview Middle School, Connections, Nikolaevsk, Chapman School, and Soldotna High School. She noted the importance of student voice.

5. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

A. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

Jody Goodrich, Lukas Renner, and Marina Co students from Homer High School testified in regards to bell schedules. They also testified in support of the Homer High Library Aide position.
Taisha Prevost testified in support keeping Nikolaevsk open.

Kaylynn Campbell testified in support of keeping Nikolaevsk open.

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

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

Jennifer Ransom testified in opposition to school closures, and in support of modifying the staffing formula.
Mr. Kelly reminded the public and clarified the school consolidation/closures the Board is still considering after Board input at the work sessions this afternoon.
Michelle Boreland testified in regards to Homer High School bell schedules.
Rachel Lord testified in regards to the budget and in support of a BSA increase.
Judith Eckert testified in opposition to student cell phone use.
Carol Jaffa testified in support of Moose Pass school.
Bruce Jaffa testified in support of Moose Pass school.
Doug Hayman spoke in support of Tustumena school and community and Connections school.
Darci Marcou testified in support of the Quest and gifted students programs.
Rudy Multz testified in support of the Homer area schools and staff. He encouraged advocacy at the state legislature in support of education funding.
Deb Curtis testified in opposition to reduction in library aide positions.
Steve Cliech testified in support of small schools in the district in particular Nikolaevsk.
Laura Norton testified in support of Homer Flex remaining open.
Barbara Ralston testified this evening.
Lisa James testified in support of small schools remaining open in particular Moose Pass.
Blake Sawyer testified in support of Nikolaevsk remaining open.
Julie McConnel testified in support of Nikolaevsk remaining open.
Winter Marshall-Allen testified in opposition to reductions in the library aide positions.
Angela Cole testified in support of Nikolaevsk remaining open.
Mike Smith spoke in opposition to school closures.
Diane Maples testified in support of Nikolaevsk school.
Danielle Self testified in support of small schools remaining open.

7. Hearing of Delegations

A. 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 and recognized the school board as February was School Board appreciation month. He spoke to the work session conversations regarding the budget scenarios that were held earlier today. He noted that the fund balance that has been available in past years to assist in balancing the budget is no longer available. He made the public aware that the Board is considering reductions that allow for a surplus to retain some of the unassigned funds for the future especially with the ongoing negotiations with the unions. He spoke to conversations from the school/consolidation work session and the Board's directive to administration for further information regarding Sterling, Tustumena, and Nikolaevsk schools as well as alternative schools within the district. He noted that he was also tasked by Board President Kelly to procure cuts to administration positions-which he was successful in locating nearly 800,000 worth. He spoke to the latest Assembly meeting where he presented the KPBSD update to the Assembly. He noted that the Governor's Liaison also spoke to the Assembly as well. He recognized and appreciated the Assembly for showing their support for the District by drafting and passing a resolution in support of a BSA increase and sustainable education funding. He noted the increased student attendance and testimony at the Assembly meetings. He appreciated the Homer community for their attendance at the meeting and showing support for their community and schools and testifying this evening. He spoke to education funding in the state of Alaska. He appreciated the Moose Pass community support and input for keeping the school open. He appreciated Mr. Chris Brown and Mr. Eric Waltenbaugh's for their school presentations this evening. He appreciated the Swing Choirs performance. He expressed how he wished he could be at the meeting in person.
Mr. Kelly called a brief recess at 9:04 p.m.
Mr. Kelly called the meeting back to order at 9:11 p.m.

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. Michael Wojciak, KPAA president, spoke in support for fair, predictable education funding. He encouraged the Board to support staff retention. He gave highlights from schools around the district including Ninilchik, Nikolaevsk, Tebughna, Razdolna, Tustumena, Homer Middle, Paul Banks, and Sterling.
Ms. Rebecca Walker, KPEA president, appreciated the school board this evening during this time when difficult discussions must be made. She appreciated the testimony this evening. She appreciated the Board members that attended the Juneau fly-n. She appreciated Ms. Hayes, Mr. Crabtree and the Board for moving Tenured Teacher contracts forward this evening on the agenda. She noted the concerns with the KPEA negotiations. She noted the resignations in this evening's general information packet.
Ms. Susanna Litwiniak, KPESA president, began with a land acknowledgement. She spoke in reference to the finance committee and finance work session that were held this afternoon and appreciated the hard discussions the Board and administration had. She appreciated the Board moving forward with the tenure teacher contracts however she appreciated Mr. Kelly's comment earlier today in that the personnel action forms for classified employees should be considered soon as well. She spoke in support of Librarian aide positions.

10. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland reported on the following:
He recognized Mike Crain being selected as Region III Principal of the year, Christy Contraro for Alaska education technology educator of the year, Talon Musgrove for being awarded the tech support leadership award, Winter Marshall-Allen for being the inclusive practices teacher of the year and Jennifer Reinhart for being awarded the life changer of the year award. He acknowledged the retirements announced in the general information packet this evening. He gave several district athletic and extra curricular highlights and achievements happening in the district. He spoke to accountability and how the district is not only accountable but transparent regarding it's operations in student education, funding and the budget. He gave updates to the bond package projects including the K-Selo building as it is required that the district provide educational opportunities in the community. He noted the upcoming early release and the end of the quarter as well as spring break and encouraged staff to recharge during the break. He appreciated all staff.

11. Reports

A. January Finance Reports 2025-3-3

Ms. Voivedech provided the January Finance reports.
Mr. Tauriainen requested further information regarding utility expenditures for this year.
Ms. Dendurent clarified requests from the Board to the District administrators.
Mr. Kelly spoke to this.

B. Board Reports

Ms. Morgan attended the Seward school site council, health curriculum committee meetings, the budget development meeting in Seward, the joint work session with the assembly, and listened to and watched state legislature finance and education committee meetings. She attended the town hall meeting held by Senator Bjorkman.
Ms. Vadla attended the AASB Juneau fly-in, Indigenous education advisory committee, and joint budget work session with the assembly.
Mr. Tauriainen attended virtually the state finance and education committee meetings, and spoke with local legislators.
Ms. Douthit attended the AASB Juneau fly-in, visited Kenai Middle School, attended the KCHS site council meeting, attended the latest assembly meeting virtually, attended the Soldotna Chamber luncheon, and attended the Mountain View Love of Reading.
Miss Kapp attended the AASB Juneau fly-in.
Ms. MacRae attended the Chamber luncheon, the joint budget work session as well as the budget development meeting in Homer.
Ms. Cizek attended the budget meetings in Kenai, and Seward, she attended the joint budget work session with the assembly, and visited Mt. View Elementary.
Ms. Truesdell attended the budget development meeting in Kenai, and the joint budget work session with the assembly.
Mr. Daugharty attended Homer High site council meeting, planet youth org meeting, healthy youth living townhall meeting, Paul Banks winter carnival, a negotiations meeting, budget development meeting in Homer, attended the Homer Middle School mock interviews, a second negotiations meeting, coached at the Homer High school, virtually attended the KPSAA meetings, and the joint budget work session with the assembly.
Mr. Kelly attended the Paul banks winter carnival, Homer budget forum meeting, Kenai Central budget forum meeting, the joint budget work session with the assembly, and the healthcare committee meeting.

C. Committee Reports

Ms. Morgan provided the policy review committee meeting report for the meeting held earlier today.
Ms. Vadla provided the information committee meeting report for the meeting held earlier today.
Mr. Kelly provided the finance committee meeting report for the meeting held earlier today.

D. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly reported that the Board held work sessions earlier today for:
Finance Update
Board Policy Review
School Consolidation/Closure
Board Discussion

12. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

Winter Marshall-Allen spoke to the item.

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-F.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Virginia Morgan.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Miss Kapp Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

B. 2024-25 Long-Term Substitute Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve long-term substitute teacher contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-F.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Virginia Morgan.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

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-F.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Virginia Morgan.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Miss Kapp Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

D. Budget Transfers over $50,000 2025-3-3

Resolution: Move to approve budget transfer in excess of $50,000.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-F.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Virginia Morgan.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Miss Kapp Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

E. Revised Resolution 24-25-1 Gaming Permits - Designating Primary & Secondary Members 2025-3-3

Resolution: Move to approve the Revised Resolution 24-25-1 Gaming Permits - Designating Primary & Secondary Members.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-F.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Virginia Morgan.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Miss Kapp Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

F. LAYDOWN 2025-26 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s) and Tenure

Resolution: Move to approve the 2025-26 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s) and Tenure

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-F.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Virginia Morgan.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Miss Kapp Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

13. Action Items

A. LAYDOWN 2025-26 Tentative Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve the 2025-26 Tentative Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Penny Vadla.

Mr. Tauriainen declared a conflict of interest.

Mr. Kelly ruled that Mr. Taurianinen does have a conflict of interest and that he should abstain from the vote.

Ms. Morgan declared a conflict of interest.

Mr. Kelly ruled that Ms. Morgan does have a conflict of interest and that she should abstain from the vote.

Mr. Kelly passed the gavel to Ms. Vadla and declared a conflict of interest.

Ms. Vadla holding the gavel and presiding officer ruled that Mr. Kelly does have a conflict of interest and the he should abstain from the vote.

Ms. Truesdell spoke to the item.
Ms. Vadla spoke in support of the item.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Kelley Cizek, Tim Daugharty, Sarah Douthit, Dianne MacRae, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla

Abstain: Zen Kelly, Virginia Morgan, Jason Tauriainen

14. First Reading of Policy Revisions

A. BP 4111.2 Legal Status Requirement

The Board was provided a first reading for the policy revisions for BP 4111.2 Legal Status Requirement.

B. BP 4112.10 Employment of Retired Teachers

The Board was provided a first reading for the policy revisions for BP 4112.10 Employment of Retired Teachers.

C. BP 4112.61 Employment References

The Board was provided a first reading for the policy revisions for BP 4112.61 Employment References.

D. BP 4119.21 Code of Ethics

The Board was provided a first reading for the policy revisions for BP 4119.21 Code of Ethics.

E. BP 4122 Student Teachers

The Board was provided a first reading for the policy revisions for BP 4122 Student Teachers.

F. BP 5123 Promotion/Acceleration/Retention

The Board was provided a first reading for the policy revisions for BP 5123 Promotion/Acceleration/Retention.

G. BP 5131.6 Alcohol and Other Drugs

The Board was provided a first reading for the policy revisions for BP 5131.6 Alcohol and Other Drugs.

H. BP 6147 Alaska Reads Act Intervention Programs

The Board was provided a first reading for the policy revisions for BP 6147 Alaska Reads Act Intervention Programs.

15. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

Robanne Stading appreciated the Board, the meeting being held in Homer, and the Board moving forward with the tenure teacher contracts. She noted that student success has several metrics outside of the traditional assessments.
Bruce Jaffa appreciated the transparency of the Board and district with the budget meetings and presentations over the past month. He testified in support of teacher retention and education funding.
Jennifer Swick testified in support of small schools and meeting basic needs of students including core classes.
Debbie Cary testified in support of increasing education funding and encouraged advocacy to the state legislature.
Kyle Schneider spoke in support of music and that it is music in our schools month and spoke to the importance of music and arts education.
Frank Quinn testified in regards to education funding and the budget cycle as well as burn out.
Andrew Peter appreciated the Board, Mr. Kelly and Miss Kapp. He noted that the public interest in the budget is peaking and this is a positive.

16. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Mr. Tauriainen appreciated the attendance to the meeting this evening. He encouraged the public to advocate in support of education to the state legislature. He noted his advocacy and support for extra curricular activities and the importance of these activities.
Ms. Morgan appreciated the student, staff and community within the district. She appreciated the school reports and the student growth and success supported by these presentations. She appreciated the Moose Pass community support for the school, and the Nikolaevsk community support and she appreciated the Homer community for attending the meeting.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the speakers from the unions this evening. She recognized Mr. Waclawski's retirement as well as other retirements announced this month. She appreciated the school reports this evening. She appreciated the testimony this evening. She encouraged the public and community to provide the state legislators with these testimonies that they are providing to the Board as well as track legislation being considered by the legislature. She appreciated the attendance on the evening.
Miss Kapp appreciated those who attended the meeting and testimony, in particular the student testimony. She appreciated the Board moving forward with the tenure teacher contracts. She appreciated the school reports this evening.
Ms. Douthit noted that she did volunteer to judge at the DDF competition. She appreciated the Homer community support and attendance at the meeting. She noted that the Board will attempt to find the least impact moving forward on the students in regards to balancing the budget.
Ms. MacRae appreciated the tenure teacher contracts coming forward. She appreciated the student testimony this evening. She appreciated the attendance on the evening.
Ms. Cizek appreciated those who contacted the Board regarding school closures and budget input including input through the balancing act. She appreciated the Nikolaevsk testimony this evening in support of their school. She appreciated the testimony this evening.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the meeting being in Homer. She appreciated the attendance this evening and the Homer community. She noted the diversity of the schools within the district and the importance of each of them. She encouraged public involvement with advocating to the state legislature regarding education funding. She appreciated Mr. Holland.
Mr. Daugharty appreciated Mr. Quinn and Mr. Peter for their attendance and testimony this evening. He spoke to the school closure discussions. He noted his experience as a school coordinator and the importance of schools in small communities in particular. He appreciated the Nikolaevsk and Moose Pass community support for their schools. He appreciated the Homer Flex presentation this evening and recognized the importance of the alternative schools. He appreciated the West Homer school report and the musical performance and how these performances can be used as metrics of student success. He noted the importance of thinking outside the box. He appreciated the meeting. He encouraged advocacy to the state legislature and the borough regarding education funding.
Mr. Kelly appreciated the responses in the balancing act. He noted that the school district has an audit every year. He appreciated the Moose Pass support and noted the level of advocacy from the community to keep the school open. He noted the importance of advocacy to the state legislature in order to keep school consolidations from being a consideration now and in the future. He encouraged visiting schools and classrooms to see first hand student successes and growth. He recognized retirements. He wished Mr. Holland a happy birthday. He spoke in regards to the request for increase to the BSA. He encouraged advocacy to the state legislature in support of education funding.

17. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

There were none this evening.

18. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

Mr. Kelly adjourned the meeting at 10:59 p.m.