APPROVED 09-08-2025

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

REVISED Board of Education Meeting (Monday, August 4, 2025)

Generated by Nikkol Sipes on Tuesday, August 5, 2025

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

Mr. Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m.

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

C. District Mission Statement

Mr. Daugharty 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 August 4, 2025 Regular Business meeting agenda was approved as amended.

Move to approve the August 4, 2025 Regular Business meeting agenda as presented.

Motion by Penny Vadla, 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, Penny Vadla

Move to amend the agenda to add agenda item FY26 Budget Revision as 13D.

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

F. Approval of Minutes 07-07-2025

The July 7, 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)

There were none this evening.

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

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

Joan Korr testified in regards to cellphone policy, and curriculum.

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 noted the work on long term planning across the district. He noted the FCC and the Commissioner will be meeting with Director Soderquist to discuss broadband access and e-rate. He met with Ms. Morgan and Mica Van Buskirk regarding staffing in the Seward area. He met with the Mayor regarding the Soldotna Prep redesign project and noted there was a work session held today in this regard to hear from the Mayor and his team regarding the Soldotna Area Schools and the Bond Project. He noted the intent to develop a charter school and intent to amend a charter school which were featured in the general information packet of the meeting this evening. He noted the completion of the Redoubt Principal interviews and the selection of Scott Lefevfbre. He noted that the federal funding freeze was lifted however the impact of the freeze was still felt on recruitment and staffing for the district. 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 recognized Mr. Vaughn Dosko and Director Graham and the KPSAA Board regarding a stipend solution with the 50 percent reduction the Board passed in the FY26 Budget. Finally he noted that he was invited to be and participated in the dunk tank during progress days.

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 celebrated the state legislature's veto override and spoke to the collective voice that advocated for education funding over the last legislative session. She noted the beginning of the school year is coming up and that there are 50 support staff positions open currently. She appreciated the Planning and Operations for the packet they put together with the consolidation of schools featured in work session earlier. She spoke from her experience with reactions from the support staff upon hearing Board discussions during the FY26 budget process. She is looking forward to starting the new school year.

10. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Holland

Mr. Holland reported on the following:
He appreciated and addressed Joan Korr's testimony. He commended the high scores of the AP exams from students within the district and that they surpass the national scores as well. He noted the return of staff at the start of the school year and that school for most students will begin on August 20. He noted the upcoming Administrator meetings and the focus of this year, with data driven student learning. He welcomed new administrators and administrators that are new to their position this year. He noted several structural adjustments at district office due to the position and budget reductions. He celebrated the collective advocacy efforts across the state for education funding increase and the state legislature's veto override. He appreciated the local legislators for their work this past legislative session. He noted the latency of the August 2 session and decisions regarding education funding. He encouraged continuous advocacy efforts for education funding as the work is not done when taking into account inflation. He spoke to the importance of student outcomes and that they are the Board and Administration's primary goal despite public comments from the Governor. He appreciated his conversations with Representative Ruffridge and Representative Elam and their work on education policies. He spoke to NAPE assessments and how Alaska does not utilize this assessment like other states in the country. He reiterated that student outcomes are the priority of this district. He again appreciated those who advocated for education funding over the last legislative session and encouraged continue support because students deserve better.

11. Reports

A. Fourth Quarter Budget Transfer Report 2025-8-4

Ms. Voivedich provided the Fourth Quarter Budget Transfer Report.

B. Board Reports

Mr. Daugharty attended negotiations meetings, and spoke about the volunteer organization called Host in Homer.
Ms. Truesdell attended Tulen Charter School interviews, and Breathe Free alliance meeting.
Ms. Morgan attended a meeting with Katie Oliver with AASB on policy, and a meeting with Superintendent Holland and Mica Van Buskirk.
Ms. Vadla attended an AASB Board of Director's meeting.

C. Committee Reports

Ms. Morgan provided the policy review committee report for the meeting held earlier today.

D. Board Work Session Report

Mr. Kelly provided the Board work session report and reported that the Board held work sessions for:
Soldotna Schools Feasibility Study Discussion
School Consolidation Discussion
KPBSD Strategic Plan Update
Complete Board Goals
Board Policy Review
Soldotna Schools Ed-Spec Resolution
KPSAA Activities Fees Discussion
Finance Discussion
Board Discussion

12. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-E.

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

B. 2025-26 New Teacher Contract(s) REVISED

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-E.

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

C. 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-E.

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

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

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-E.

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

E. LAYDOWN 2025-26 Temporary Retired Teacher Contract(s)

Resolution: Move to approve the 2025-26 Temporary Retired Teacher Contract(s).

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-E.

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

13. Action Items

A. 2025-2026 Board Goals

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

Move to approve the 2025-2026 Board Goals.

Motion by Virginia Morgan, 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. KPSAA Fees Increase Request *REVISED

Mr. Tauriainen commented on the item.
Mr. Tauriainen moved to amend the motion.
Mr. Kelly called a brief recess at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Kelly reconvened the meeting 7:04 p.m.
Mr. Tauriainen withdrew his motion to amend after clarification.
Mr. Kelly requested the document attachment with the narrative be removed from the action item as the stipends adjustment will be taken up on agenda item 13D. The Board is only considering the motion on the table which is the increase of KPSAA activity stipends.
Mr. Kelly commented on the item.

Move to approve the KPSAA Fees Increase Request.

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, Penny Vadla

C. Soldotna Schools Education Specifications

Ms. Vadla commented on the item.
Ms. Truesdell commented on the item.
Mr. Tauriainen commented on the item.
Ms. Douthit commented on the item.
Mr. Daugharty commented on the item.
Mr. Kelly addressed Ms. Vadla's question and commented on the item.

Move to approve the Soldotna Schools Education Specifications.

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

No: Penny Vadla

D. LAYDOWN FY26 Budget Revision

Jennifer Hornung testified in regards to the item.
Justin Ruffridge testified in regards to the item.
Tabitha Blades testified in regards to the item.
Paul Marks testified in regards to the item.

Move to direct the Finance Department to do a budget revision to fund Middle School and High School student activities stipends (Function 4700 in the budget) an additional 25%, which is $260,957.

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Mr. Kelly spoke to his motion.

Move to amend to fund the Middle and High School activities stipends at an additional 50 % which is $521,914.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Patti Truesdell.

Mr. Tauriainen spoke to his amendment.
At the request of President Kelly Director Crabtree spoke to volunteers and coaches.
Ms. Blades spoke to personal leave and volunteer coaches.
Ms. Cizek spoke to the amendment and proposed 75% and have the extra 25% covered by the activities fees increase.
At the request of President Kelly Director Crabtree spoke to this suggestion.
Ms. Douthit requested clarifications to Mr. Tauriainen's amendment.
Mr. Tauriainen spoke to the reasoning behind the amendment in particular fundraisers.
Ms. Douthit spoke to the item and referred to the activities fees to cover additional costs.
Mr. Daugharty spoke to the amendment.
Mr. Kelly commented on the amendment.

Move to amend to fund the Middle and High School activities stipends at an additional 50 % which is $521,914.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Failed

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell

No: Kelley Cizek, Sarah Douthit, Zen Kelly, Dianne MacRae, Virginia Morgan, Penny Vadla

Move to amend to fund the Middle School an additional 50% which is 96,430 and High School student activities stipends an additional 25% which 212,742 for $309,172.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Kelley Cizek.

Mr. Tauriainen spoke to his second amendment.
Mr. Kelly called a brief recess to correct numbers within the amendment at 8:04 p.m.
Mr. Kelly reconvened the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
Ms. Morgan requested clarification regarding middle school activities fees in the second amendment.
Ms. Cizek spoke to upcoming negotiations and having funds available.
Mr. Tauriainen spoke once more in opposition to coaches fundraising for their stipends.
Ms. Douthit once more spoke to activities bringing in extra revenue with the increase the Board passed.
Ms. Vadla posed a question to the costs associated with the amendment.
Mr. Kelly spoke to his intentions regarding his original amendment.

Move to amend to fund the Middle School an additional 50% which is 96,430 and High School student activities stipends an additional 25% which 212,742 for $309,172.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Kelley Cizek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Kelley Cizek, Tim Daugharty, Sarah Douthit, Virginia Morgan, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell

No: Zen Kelly, Dianne MacRae, Penny Vadla

Mr. Tauriainen commented on the main motion.
Ms. Truesdell commented on the main motion.
Mr. Kelly commented on the main motion and gave an overview of what the amendment means for the district and the budget.

The main motion passed as amended.

Motions

Move to direct the Finance Department to do a budget revision to fund Middle School and High School student activities stipends (Function 4700 in the budget) an additional 25%, which is $260,957.

Motion by Zen Kelly, second by Jason Tauriainen.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

No: Dianne MacRae

Move to amend to fund the Middle and High School activities stipends at an additional 50 % which is $521,914.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Failed

Yes: Tim Daugharty, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell

No: Kelley Cizek, Sarah Douthit, Zen Kelly, Dianne MacRae, Virginia Morgan, Penny Vadla

Move to amend to fund the Middle School an additional 50% which is 96,430 and High School student activities stipends an additional 25% which 212,742 for $309,172.

Motion by Jason Tauriainen, second by Kelley Cizek.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Kelley Cizek, Tim Daugharty, Sarah Douthit, Virginia Morgan, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell

No: Zen Kelly, Dianne MacRae, 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

Mayor Peter Micciche testified in regards to the Soldotna bond package projects and appreciated the Board for passing the Soldotna Education Specifications.
Stacey Sigora testified in regards to the Nikiski Volleyball expenditures, student activities fees, coaching stipends and fundraising.
Vanessa Fefelov testified in regards to student activities fees and coaching stipends.

16. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Ms. MacRae spoke to the ongoing negotiations.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated the attendance on the evening. She appreciated Joan Korr's testimony. She noted the grand opening of Tulen Charter School. She noted the intent to develop a charter school application from the Nikolaevsk Charter School Applicants. She appreciated the meeting this evening and the testimony.
Ms. Cizek appreciated the meeting this evening. She appreciated and is excited about the Soldotna Education Specifications passing this evening.
Ms. Douthit appreciated the attendance at the meeting this evening. She appreciated patience while the Board navigates through the budget process. She noted the long term fiscal plan as a Board Goal that was passed this evening. She appreciated the State Legislature's veto override. She encouraged the public to review the Board Goals. She expressed her excitement on the Soldotna Education Specifications that were passed this evening. She noted the start of the upcoming school year.
Mr. Daugharty spoke to the Board's work and how it seems never ending. He noted even though the Board took up divisive issues tonight, working together and discussing the issues is important to move forward. He spoke to his conversations that he had with administrators regarding the upcoming school year, and that there was some hope and optimism for this year with the veto override.
Ms. Morgan spoke to the budget reductions over the past year and that even though there was a veto override that there will still be difficult times ahead noting that negotiations were also still in progress.
Ms. Vadla expressed that she is looking forward to the new school year. She appreciated the Borough for presenting in the work session held earlier today. She appreciated the state legislature overriding the Governor's veto. She appreciated Representative Ruffridge for attending the meeting. She noted the important role of the Board in protecting the staff and students of the district. She appreciated Superintendent Holland and his administration for their efforts. She appreciated the Board Goals. She appreciated the testimony and attendance on the evening.
Mr. Tauriainen appreciated the Board for their support on the budget revision this evening. He appreciated the attendance at the meeting this evening. He appreciated the Bond Package presentation from the Borough and their efforts on the project. He is extremely thankful for the local state legislature representatives and their votes to override the Governor's veto.
Mr. Kelly apologized to Mr. Jicha for a comment last meeting. He appreciated and recognized local state legislative representatives for their votes to override the Governor's veto. He spoke to several of the proposed education funding bills and the previous legislative session. He noted the budget revision the Board passed this evening was a compromise and appreciated the Board. He appreciated coaches. He'd expressed that he would like to see an 1800 BSA proposal in the next legislative session to match inflation. He appreciated the attendance on 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 8:55 p.m.