APPROVED 08-04-2025

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St. Soldotna Alaska 99669

*REVISED Board of Education Meeting (Monday, July 7, 2025)

Generated by Nikkol Sipes on Tuesday, July 8, 2025

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

Mr. Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:08 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, Ms. Sarah Douthit, Ms. Dianne MacRae, Ms. Virginia Morgan, Mr. Jason Tauriainen, Ms. Patti Truesdell, Mrs. Penny Vadla, Mr. Zen Kelly

E. Approval of Agenda

The July 7, 2025 Regular Business Meeting agenda was approved as presented.

Move to approve the July 7, 2025 Regular Business Meeting agenda as presented.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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

F. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes 06-02-2025

The June 2, 2025 Special Meeting-Superintendent minutes were approved as presented.

G. Approval of Special Meeting Minutes 06-02-2025

The June 2, 2025 Special Meeting minutes-Negotiations were approved as presented.

H. Approval of Minutes 06-02-2025

The June 2, 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. School Reports

There were none this evening.

4. Student Board Representative Report

A. Student Board Representative Report

There were none this evening.

5. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

A. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

Emma Castimore and Mattie Castimore testified in support for local pools, and pool staff.
Makayla Jicha testified in support of Sterling Elementary.

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

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

Paul Marks testified in regards to Soldotna High School AP Scores.

7. Hearing of Delegations

A. Hearing of Delegations

There were none this evening.

8. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland deferred to speak until the Superintendent Report.

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, spoke to the impact and effect staff can have on students and that by supporting staff in turn ensures that students are better supported.
Ms. Rebecca Walker, KPEA president, agreed with Susanna Litwiniak and echoed the importance of supporting staff to support students. She encouraged advocating to the state legislature in regards to increasing education funding.

10. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland reported on the following:
He appreciated the Board. He recognized the Kenai Middle School robotics team and also gave athletic highlights. He appreciated Mr. Marks' testimony and praised the AP scores of the district. He appreciated Makayla Jicha's testimony. He recognized the finance department for their certificate of excellence in finance reporting. He noted that the district is audited annually and the finance department continuously performs well. He noted the Governor's special session scheduled for August 2 and gave known details related to the session at this time. He spoke to the recent federal grant funding freeze which equates to 3 million dollars in funding that is potentially impacted for the KPBSD. He noted that administration will begin to navigate what this means for the district, in particular the grant funded staff positions. He recognized and appreciated the Borough Assembly for funding to the cap. He addressed details relating to the district's unassigned fund balance and provided an update on eRate funding. He noted that the Tustumena Boys and girls club was affected by the federal grant funding freeze and will be closing after the summer. He noted that the district will receive a CSLD grant from the state in the amount of 600,000 dollars as a part of the Alaska Reads Act and appreciated Assistant Superintendent Dendurent as well as Curriculum Coordinator Melissa Linton for their efforts in writing and applying for the grant. He appreciated the Board and noted that there are still difficult decisions that the District will continue need to navigate facing another budget deficit next year as well. He spoke to the importance of having the least impact on students as possible. He appreciated the Board, community and staff for their patience while the district navigates this year's budget deficit.

11. Reports

A. May Finance Reports 2025-7-7

Ms. Voivedich provided the May Finance Reports.

B. Board Reports

Ms. Morgan attended via zoom the Anchorage District School Board meeting. She also attended the finance committee meeting via zoom and a webinar from AASB on local contributions.
Ms. Tauriainen attended the finance committee meeting via zoom.
Ms. Vadla attended the Anchorage District School Board meeting. She listened to the Governor's budget discussion. She attended the June Nelson Memorial Scholarship overview meeting and the finance committee meeting via zoom.
Mr. Daugharty attended the Borough Assembly meeting, a local parent group after school program for Paul Banks, a city council meeting in Homer, and the finance committee meeting.
Ms. Douthit attended the Board quarterly work sessions, borough assembly meetings, and the finance committee meeting.
Ms. Truesdell attended the finance committee meeting via zoom, a tobacco free coalition group meeting, and the borough assembly meeting.
Ms. Cizek attended the finance committee meeting.
Mr. Kelly attended both borough assembly meetings last month, and the AASB webinar on local contributions.

C. Committee Reports

Ms. Morgan provided the policy review committee report for the meeting held earlier today.
Mr. Kelly provided the finance committee report for the June 26, 2025 meeting including an overview of the committee's recommendation to the Board for the FY26 Budget which is up for action this evening.

D. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly reported that the Board held work sessions earlier today for the following:
KPBSD Student Climate and Mindset Survey Results
Health Care Committee Update and Overview
Finance Update
Board Discussion

12. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-C.

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

B. 2025-26 New Teacher Contract(s)

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-C.

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

C. Budget Transfers over $50,000 7/7/2025

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-C.

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

13. Action Items

A. Nikolaevsk School Facility Transfer to the Kenai Peninsula Borough

Ms. Truesdell commented on the item.
Mr. Kelly commented on the item.

Move to declare the Nikolaevsk School facility surplus and direct the Superintendent to transfer the facility to the Kenai Peninsula Borough.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

B. Six Year Plan for the Years 2026 to 2031

Ms. Vadla commented on the item.
Mr. Kelly commented on the item.
Ms. Cizek commented on the item.

Move to approve the Six Year Plan for the Years 2026 to 2031.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Sarah Douthit.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

C. *LAYDOWN KPBSD Resolution 25-26-1

Ms. Vadla spoke in support of the item.
Ms. Morgan spoke in support of the item.
Mr. Tauriainen spoke in support of the item.
Ms. Truesdell spoke in support of the item.
Mr. Holland spoke to and in support of the item.
Mr. Kelly spoke in support of the item.

Move to adopt KPBSD Resolution 25-26-1.

Motion by Virginia Morgan, 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

D. *REVISED FY26 Preliminary Budget Revision

Heather Barterson testified in regards to the action item.
Leslie Jacoby testified in regards to the action item.
Lydia Jacoby testified in regards to the action item.
Kameron Kowalski testified in regards to the action item.
Heidi Gaigel testified in regards to the action item.
Jennifer Swik testified in regards to the action item.
Debbie Cary testified in regards to the action item.
Tiffany Eck testified in regards to the action item.
Doug Hayman testified in regards to the action item.
Tara Swanson testified in regards to the action item.

Move to approve the FY26 Preliminary Budget Revision.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Kelley Cizek.

Mr. Tauriainen commented on the action item.
Mr. Kelly addressed Mr. Tauriainen's comments.
Ms. Truesdell commented on the action item.
Ms. Cizek commented on the action item.
Mr. Kelly addressed Ms. Cizek's comments.
Ms. Morgan commented on the action item.
Ms. Douthit commented on the action item.
Mr. Holland commented on the action item.
Ms. Vadla commented on the action item.
Mr. Kelly addressed Ms. Vadla's comments.
Ms. MacRae commented on the action item.
Mr. Holland addressed Ms. MacRae's comments.

Move to amend the motion to remove the Extra-Curricular Middle School Athletics stipends reduction (by 50%) and change the Extra-Curricular High School Athletics stipends reduction to 25%.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Tim Daugharty.

Mr. Tauriainen commented on his amendment.
Mr. Kelly spoke to the resolution adopted as well as the amendment.
Ms. Cizek commented on the amendment.
Ms. Morgan commented on the amendment.
Mr. Kelly commented on the amendment.
Mr. Daugharty commented on the amendment.
Ms. Douthit commented on the amendment.
Superintendent Holland commented on the amendment.
Assistant Superintendent Dendurent commented on the amendment.
Mr. Tauriainen gave final comments on his amendment.
Ms. Morgan posed a clarifying question regarding volunteers replacing stipend coaches.
Mr. Kelly addressed Ms. Morgan's questions.
Superintendent Holland also addressed Ms. Morgan's questions.

Final Resolution: Motion Failed

Yes: Jason Tauriainen

No: Kelley Cizek, Tim Daugharty, Sarah Douthit, Zen Kelly, Dianne MacRae, Virginia Morgan, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla

Move to amend the motion to add a reduction of middle school reading by 25%, and reduce the high school and middle school activity stipends to 25%.
Ms. Cizek spoke to her amendment.
Mr. Tauriainen spoke to the amendment.
Mr. Kelly commented on the amendment.
Ms. Cizek will withdraw her amendment.

Move to approve the FY26 Preliminary Budget Revision.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Kelley Cizek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

No: Penny Vadla

14. First Reading of Policy Revisions

A. First Reading of Policy Revisions

There were none this evening.

15. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

Paul Marks appreciated the Board and testified in regards to education funding.
Jeff Jicha testified in regards to the budget.
Heidi Gaigel appreciated the Board and testified in regards to the budget and funding.
Tara Swanson testified in regards to staffing in Seward.
Laurie Chaikoiya testified in regards to education funding.

16. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Ms. MacRae appreciated the meeting this evening. She spoke to the late timing of education funding.
Ms. Truesdell spoke to the passing of the budget this evening. She appreciated Makayla Jicha's testimony this evening. She is hopeful for volunteers to assist in the schools this year. She encouraged public outreach to the state legislature to increase education funding. She noted and was impressed by the most recent AP scores. She noted the difficulties of balancing the FY26 budget. She appreciated the attendance on the meeting this evening.
Ms. Cizek appreciated the attendance on the meeting this evening. She appreciated Leadership for their direction to the Board and for navigating the effects of passing the FY26 budget. She appreciated the community input, and is hopeful that this year's process will allow for a more efficient process next year.
Ms. Douthit appreciated the attendance on the evening. She appreciated the Leadership team for their input during this budget process. She recognized the legislatures that worked hard this year to pass the education funding. She appreciated the public and community input and testimony this evening.
Mr. Tauriainen spoke to the difficult budget process this year. He appreciated Mr. Holland for his understanding in staffing and potentially exploring options within the staffing formula. He encouraged the public to advocate to the Governor and the local legislators regarding education funding. He noted the difficult conversations the Board will need to have early this school year regarding the budget for the next fiscal year. He appreciated the testimony and attendance at the meeting this evening.
Ms. Vadla appreciated Makayla Jicha's testimony this evening. She appreciated Paul Marks' testimony this evening. She appreciated all the testimony and the attendance at the meeting this evening. She appreciated the finance committee for their work on the budget scenario document. She appreciated the work sessions held earlier today. She appreciated administration.
Ms. Morgan appreciated the attendance on the meeting this evening especially those who came from the Seward community. She appreciated the Human Resources the department and Director Crabtree. She is hopeful with the passing of the budget that Human Resources can move forward with personnel action forms and other certified staffing positions. She appreciated Paul Marks' testimony. She agreed with Mr. Tauriainen with looking into the staffing formula further. She appreciated the Board.
Mr. Daugharty noted his concerns regarding the Governor and education funding. He appreciated and commended the Borough Assembly for funding to the cap. He also noted his concerns regarding progress on the bond package projects especially when the Board may be considering school closures in the future. He appreciated the Seward community for their testimony and attendance this evening. He appreciated the district office leadership. He noted the difficulty of the task of implementing the stipends reductions. He appreciated the Board. He appreciated the community input. He encouraged community and district collaboration.
Mr. Kelly read a press release from DEED regarding Alaska student reading scores and how they have increased. He noted that these test scores speak for themselves and that there have been improvements each year. He spoke to the budget and education funding affecting what the district can offer. He attributed the student success to the staff of the district, however noted that with some of the implemented budget cuts staff will have to work harder with less funding as there will be less staff. He noted potential upcoming discussions regarding the four day school week. He appreciated Paul Marks' testimony this evening. He appreciated Jeff Jicha's testimony this evening. He noted that the Board will aim to begin budget discussions early this school year. He is hopeful that there will be work done to begin to move pool operations to another entity such as the Borough or local communities by the end of next school year.

17. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

There were none this evening.

18. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

Mr. Kelly adjourned the meeting at 9:19 p.m.