APPROVED 06-02-2025

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley Street Soldotna AK. 99669

REVISED Board of Education Meeting (Monday, May 5, 2025)

Generated by Nikkol Sipes on Tuesday, May 6, 2025

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

Mr. Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.

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

C. District Mission Statement

Ms. Truesdell read the district mission statement.

D. Roll Call

Members Present: Ms. Kelley Cizek, Mr. Tim Daugharty (attended virtually), 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 May 5, 2025 Regular Business meeting agenda was approved as presented.

Move to approve the May 5, 2025 Regular Business Meeting agenda as presented.

Motion by Patti Truesdell, 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 04-07-2025

The April 7, 2025 Special Meeting minutes were approved as presented.

G. Approval of Minutes 04-07-2025

The April 7, 2025 Regular Business meeting minutes were approved as presented.

H. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes 04-23-2025

The April 23, 2025 Special Meeting minutes were approved as presented.

2. Awards and Presentations

A. Student Representatives, Miss Emerson Kapp, Miss Feodora Afonin and Miss Inafa Reutov

Student Representatives, Miss Emerson Kapp, Miss Feodora Afonin and Miss Inafa Reutov were recognized for their year of service.

3. School Reports

A. Ninilchik School, Ms. Sheri Maynard

Ms. Maynard and some of her students provided the Ninilchick school report to the Board.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the school report this evening.
Ms. Douthit appreciated the school report this evening.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the school report this evening.
Mr. Kelly posed a question regarding the presentation and the behavior changes the student's reported as a positive. He appreciated the school report.

4. Student Board Representative Report

A. Student Board Representative Report

Miss Emerson Kapp, student representative reported on the following:
For her last report Miss Kapp gave highlights from several schools in the district including Mountain View Elementary, K-Beach Elementary, Fireweed Academy, Chapman school, Port Graham school, Skyview Middle school, Homer Middle school, Connections Homeschool, Seward High school, Kenai Central High school, and Soldotna High School. She appreciated the attendance this evening.
Mr. Kelly introduced Miss Shania Weathers, incoming student representative.

5. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

A. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

Emma Wood testified in support of Sterling Elementary.
Wylder Koecher testified in support of Sterling Elementary.
Scott Powell testified as class president at Soldotna High School, gave highlights from the school year and student achievements. He testified in support of Middle College.
Mr. Kelly called a brief recess at 6:48 p.m.
Mr. Kelly reconvened the meeting at 6:55 p.m.

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

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

Jeff Jicha testified in regards to budget reductions in particular the Sterling Elementary school closure proposal.
Penny Bearden testified in regards to the recent Nanwalek plane crash.
Andrew Christensen testified in support of Sterling Elementary.
Joan Corr testified in regards to a personnel complaint. Mr. Kelly noted that the Board does not hear testimony regarding complaints about personnel.
Patricia Bouton testified in regards to ventilation in school buildings.
Krystal Duval testified in support of Sterling Elementary school.
Elizabeth Kvamme testified in support of Sterling Elementary school.
Paul Marks testified in regards to budget reductions and in support of Sterling Elementary school.
Brian Krauklis testified in support of Sterling Elementary school.
Merci Torkelson testified in regards to negotiations.

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 recognized teachers during teacher appreciation week and school nurses as school nurses appreciation day is coming up this week. He spoke to a meeting with the Aurora Borealis Charter school APC members to add a high school to their charter school in the future. He spoke to the legislature passing SB 57. He encouraged the public to look into the district's budget 101 series on the finance page to learn about school funding. He noted he will be giving a KPBSD quarterly update at tomorrow's assembly meeting. He appreciated the Mayor and the Assembly's support throughout the budget process this year. He appreciated Ms. Maynard's school report and recognized her for her efforts with the Ninilchik school in her first year as the administrator. He appreciated Ms. Bearden for her aid during the Nanwalek plane crash.

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. Susanna Litwiniak, KPESA president, began with a land acknowledgement. She spoke to KPESA employee concerns regarding employment next school year. She encouraged the Board to use her as a resource. She appreciated the Board.
Ms. Stephanie Cox, with KPEA, appreciated Miss Kapp, and appreciated teachers during national teacher appreciation week. She encouraged the public to support education funding at the assembly meeting tomorrow.
Mr. Will Chervenak, KPAA president, appreciated the Board, and shared highlights from schools around the district including Kenai Central High school, Susan B. English school, Hope school, Cooper Landing school, Nikolaevsk, Kenai Middle school, Mountain View Elementary school, Tebughna school, Sterling Elementary, and Skyview Middle school.

10. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland reported on the following:
He recognized the district librarian Julie Godfried for being recognized at the reading symposium. He encouraged attendance to the theater drama at Nikiski Middle/High School "All Shook Up". He noted that graduations are coming up. He gave district student athletic highlights. He spoke to the finance work session held earlier today and the budget reductions scenarios. He recognized the non-tenured teacher contracts coming forward on the agenda this evening. He appreciated the Board. He appreciated the advocacy from the public throughout the legislative session. He spoke to education funding and the effects of inflation. He spoke to the budget reductions within the 680 BSA increase scenario the Board put forward in the FY26 Preliminary Budget. On closing he spoke of supporting the district's priorities outlined in the strategic plan.

11. Reports

A. March Finance Reports 2025-5-5

Ms. Voivedich provided the Board with the March Finance Reports.

B. Third Quarter Budget Transfers 2025-5-5

Ms. Voivedich provided the Board with the Third Quarter Budget Transfers report.

C. Board Reports

Ms. Cizek visited Skyview Middle, attended Skyview Site council, the Board finance committee meeting, and a Sterling site council meeting.
Ms. Truesdell visited Tustumena school, Redoubt Elementary, and attended the Breath Free coalition meeting.
Ms. Morgan attended the district Health Curriculum committee meeting, the Board finance committee meeting, Board Special meeting, and attended a KPBI public radio.
Ms. Douthit attended the extremely chili track meet in Homer.
Ms. Vadla attended the AASB June Nelson Memorial scholarship selection meeting, the district Indigenous advisory committee meeting, and she visited Redoubt Elementary school.
Ms. MacRae reported that she spoke with the public.
Mr. Daugharty attended union negotiations meetings, districtwide student council meeting held in Homer, the Board finance committee meeting, planet youth survey, the Homer High Middle school step up day, Paul Banks site council meeting, and a mock trial of the Homer senior government class.
Mr. Kelly attended McNeil site council, Susan B. English principal input, KPBI coffee table public radio talk, and a district Healthcare committee meeting.

D. Committee Reports

Ms. Morgan provided the policy committee report for the meeting held earlier today.
Mr. Kelly provided the finance committee meeting report for April 22, 2025.

E. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly reported that the Board held work sessions earlier today for the following:
Six Year Plan
KPSAA Handbook Review
Finance Update
Board Discussion

12. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-L.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 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-L.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 Advisory Vote: Yes

C. 2025-26 New Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve 2025-26 New Teacher Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-L.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 Advisory Vote: Yes

D. 2025-26 Tentative Administrator Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve the 2025-26 Tentative Administrator Contract(s)

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-L.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 Advisory Vote: Yes

E. 2025-26 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s)-REVISED

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-L.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 Advisory Vote: Yes

F. AR 4112.4 Health Examinations

Resolution: Move to approve AR 4112.4 Health Examinations.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-L.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 Advisory Vote: Yes

G. AR 6187 Charter School Guidelines

Resolution: Move to approve AR 6187 Charter School Guidelines.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-L.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 Advisory Vote: Yes

H. BP 6187 Charter School Policy

Resolution: Move to approve BP 6187 Charter School Policy.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-L.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 Advisory Vote: Yes

I. Budget Transfers over $50,000 2025-5-5

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-L.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 Advisory Vote: Yes

J. Leave of Absence Request/Certified

Resolution: Move to approve the request for an unpaid leave of absence

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-L.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 Advisory Vote: Yes

K. Leave of Absence Request/Support

Resolution: Move to approve the request for an unpaid leave of absence.

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-L.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 Advisory Vote: Yes

L. 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-L.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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 Advisory Vote: Yes

13. Action Items

A. Health Curriculum Revision

Move to approve the revised Health Curriculum.

Motion by Virginia Morgan, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

No: Dianne MacRae

Miss Kapp, Student Advisory Vote: Yes

Ms. Truesdell spoke in support of the item.
Mr. Tauriainen spoke in support of the item.
Mr. Kelly spoke in support of the item.

B. Nikolaevsk School Closure

Lisa James testified in opposition of the item as well as potential ways forward for the Nikolaevsk community and education.

Move to approve the Superintendent to implement the permanent closure of Nikolaevsk School, effective June 30, 2025, at the end of the 2024–2025 school year.

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Jason Tauriainen.

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 Advisory Vote: Yes

Ms. Truesdell spoke to to the item and that she will be voting in favor.
Ms. Vadla spoke to the item.
Mr. Kelly read the public background content within the action item on the agenda for public awareness. He noted that he will be voting in favor of the item.
Ms. Morgan spoke to the item and that she will also be voting in favor.
Mr. Tauriainen spoke to the item and that he will also be voting in favor.
Ms. Douthit spoke to the item.
Ms. MacRae spoke to the item.
Mr. Daugharty spoke to the item.

14. First Reading of Policy Revisions

A. BP 5121 Assessment (Evaluation of Student Achievement)

The Board was provided a first reading of Board Policy 5121 Assessment (Evaluation of Student Achievement).

15. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

Amanda Kimrel testified in regards to the Sterling Elementary PTO and in support of Sterling Elementary school.
Patricia Bouton testified once more in regards to school building ventilation.
McKayla Jacobs testified in support of Sterling Elementary school.
Winter Marshall-Allen appreciated the Board, spoke to education funding, and appreciated the non-tenured teacher contracts on the agenda.
Lisa James testified in support of the Nikolaevsk school and community.
Taina Letta testified in support of Sterling Elementary school.
Andrew Christensen testified in regards to bullying and racism.
Krystal Duval testified in regards to the Sterling Elementary school closure proposal.
Mark Walker testified in regards to the Sterling Elementary school closure proposal.
AnnaLeah Karron testified in regards to the CTE and Middle School programs.
Donna Anderson testified regarding Sterling Elementary, bullying, and teacher exit interviews.
Bill Elam testified in support of Sterling Elementary school as well as education funding.
Rebecca Wood testified in support of Sterling Elementary school.
Jeff Jicha testified regarding budget reductions.

16. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Ms. MacRae spoke to opting in verse opting out.
Mr. Daugharty appreciated teachers during teacher appreciation week. He spoke to the school closure vote this evening and how it was a very difficult decision. He encouraged everyone to think outside the box regarding solutions to education funding and the FY26 budget reductions. He addressed some of the testimony this evening. He appreciated the attendance on the evening.
Miss Kapp appreciated the attendance on the evening and the testimony this evening. She emphasized the importance of working as a group. She appreciated her time serving as the student representative to the Board.
Ms. Truesdell addressed Mr. Christensen's testimony this evening regarding bullying. She appreciated Miss Kapp and her service to the Board. She spoke to the importance of working together to ease the transition of a school closure. She appreciated teachers during teacher appreciation week. She appreciated the testimony this evening. She appreciated Ms. Bearden's testimony this evening.
Ms. Cizek spoke to the opposition to the Sterling Elementary closure proposal and proposed finding a way to remove it from the reductions list. She appreciated Ms. Bearden's testimony this evening. She appreciated the attendance on the evening.
Ms. Douthit appreciated the attendance on the evening and the testimony this evening. She spoke to the difficult vote of closing Nikolaevsk school. She spoke to her son's graduation and the graduations that she will be attending. She spoke to how important her Board service is to her and to serve the students of the district. She once again appreciated the attendance this evening.
Ms. Morgan appreciated Ms. Bearden's testimony. She appreciated Ms. James' testimony this evening. She offered to support the Nikolaevsk community any way she can. She appreciated Miss Kapp and her service to the Board. She appreciated teachers during teacher appreciation week. She appreciated the testimony this evening especially the student testimony. She appreciated Mr. Jicha's testimony. She appreciated the attendance on the evening.
Ms. Vadla appreciated teachers during appreciation week. She appreciated the work sessions held earlier this afternoon. She appreciated the Ninilchik school report and the Ninilchik school. She appreciated the attendance to the meeting this evening. She appreciated the testimony especially the student testimony. She appreciated Miss Kapp and thanked her for her service to the Board. She appreciated Ms. Karron's testimony this evening. She spoke in support of exit interviews. She appreciated Ms. Bearden's testimony this evening. She spoke to education funding and is hopeful on an increase to the BSA. She appreciated the attendance to the meeting once more.
Mr. Tauriainen appreciated Miss Kapp for her service on the Board. He appreciated teachers during teacher appreciation week. He appreciated Ms. Bearden's testimony this evening. He spoke to the difficult decisions the Board still has yet to make regarding the budget in particular the school closure proposals. He spoke to education funding. He spoke to entertaining the idea of the four-day school week. He appreciated the student testimony this evening.
Mr. Kelly noted and appreciated the non-tenure contracts that were brought forward this evening. He recognized some of the retirements in the general information packet. He noted the importance of offering something in place to any item that is being suggested to be removed from the reductions list. He spoke to the difficult vote of closing the Nikolaevsk school. He appreciated the support and attendance at the meeting this evening.

17. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

There were none this evening.

18. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

Mr. Kelly adjourned the meeting at 9:51 p.m.