Board of Education Meeting

March 2, 2026

Meeting Minutes-Approved (04-06-2026)

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Meeting Location:

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers

144 N. Binkley Street

Soldotna Alaska

Zoom ID: 708 024 188 https://zoom.us/j/708024188

1. Opening Activities

A. Call to Order

President Tauriainen called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

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

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

C. District Mission Statement

Miss Weathers, Student Representative read the district mission statement.

D. Roll Call

Board Members Present:
Board Member Cizek
Board Member Daugharty
Board Member Douthit
Board Member MacRae
Board Member Truesdell
Board Member Vadla
Board Member VanBuskirk
Board Member Waddell (attended virtually)
Board President Tauriainen
Student Representative: Miss Shania Weathers
A quorum was established.
Others Present were:
Superintendent Holland
Assistant Superintendent Dendurent
Finance Director Voivedich
Elementary & Secondary Education Director Graham
Student Support Services Director Kelly

E. Approval of Agenda

MOTION: Move to approve the March 2, 2026 Regular Business Meeting agenda as presented.

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Sarah Douthit.

President Tauriainen called for a roll call vote as there was a member attending virtually.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Kelley Cizek, Tim Daugharty, Sarah Douthit, Dianne MacRae, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Mica VanBuskirk, Ash-Lee Waddell

2. Awards and Presentations

A. Awards and Presentations

There were none this evening.

3. School Reports

A. Port Graham School, Ms. LoAna Benton

Principal LoAna Benton provided the Port Graham School Report to the Board via zoom.
Board Members that offered comments and appreciated the report:
Member Vadla
Student Representative Weathers
Member Truesdell
Member Waddell
President Tauriainen

4. Student Board Representative Report

A. Student Board Representative Report

Board Student Representative, Miss Shania Weathers, provided the Student Representative Report.

5. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

A. Student Presentations/Comments (Any topic)

President Taurianinen called for student presentations and comments on any topic.
Students who offered comments:
Talitha Wilcox
Evan Goggia
Lucia Micciche and the Soldotna High School Student Dance Council
Cole Grayson Smith
Brennan Weaver
Seeing and hearing no further requests for comment from students, President Tauriainen closed student presentations and comments.

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

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

President Tauriainen addressed procedure and testimony given at the last meeting. He also read the district's procedures during Board meetings.
President Tauriainen called for public presentations and comments on items not on the agenda.
Members of the public who provided comments were:
Tamra Wear regarding library aides.
Lisa Bass regarding River City Academy.
Danielle Byler regarding Tustumena.
John Rummery regarding McNeil Canyon.
Andrew Peter regarding McNeil Canyon.
Ryezen Lejala regarding River City Academy.
Ross Fay regarding Tustumena.
Nick Berg regarding River City Academy.
Colette Henderson regarding Tustumena.
Amanda DeBoer regarding Tustumena.
Richard Derkvorkian regarding public testimony.
Kylie Wilcox regarding River City Academy.
Paul Marks regarding Drama Debate and Forensics.
Seeing that the aggregate of public comment during this time had been met President Tauriainen closed public comments and noted that there is a second time for public comments on agenda item 15A.
President Tauriainen called a brief at ease 7:29 p.m.
President Tauriainen reconvened the meeting at 7:37 p.m.

7. Hearing of Delegations

A. Hearing of Delegations

There were none this evening.

8. Communications and Petitions

A. Mr. Holland

Superintendent Holland deferred his time to speak until the Superintendent's 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

President Tauriainen called for comments from representatives from the listed organizations.
The following representatives offered comments:
Susanna Litwiniak, KPESA President
Rebecca Walker, KPEA President
Seeing and hearing no further requests to comment from representatives from the listed organizations President Tauriainen closed Speakers comments.

10. Superintendent's Report

A. Mr. Holland

Superintendent Holland provided the Superintendent's report.

11. Reports

A. January Finance Reports 2026-3-2

President Tauriainen called for the Finance Reports.
Finance Director Voivedich provided the January Finance Reports.
President Tauriainen called for any Board questions or comments.
There were none offered.

B. Board Reports

Member Douthit attended the AASB Legislative Fly-in, a Luncheon at Kenai Alternative, the KCHS Budget Forum, she met with Mountain View and KCHS Administrators, she attended the February 19 Finance committee meeting, and attended a Mountain View Community Readers program.
Member Cizek attended the AASB Legislative Fly-in, the KCHS Budget Forum, attended a Skyview Site Council Meeting and the Kenai Central High School Adams Family play.
Member Truesdell attended a DDF event at Soldotna High School, Mountain View Love of Reading, and volunteered at the Food Bank.
Vice President Daugharty attended the Juneau AASB Legislative Fly-in, a West Homer parent/teacher advocacy meeting, the agenda planning meeting with Superintendent Holland and Board President Tauriainen, he attended negotiations meetings, virtually attended the Homer Budget Forum, an activities coaches meeting at Homer High School, the February 19 Special meeting and Finance Committee meeting, and further negotiations meetings, a Homer Advisory Board meeting, a Homer Theater scheduling meeting, a KPSAA meeting, and principal advocacy meetings in the Homer area.
Member Vadla attended a Title IV committee meeting, and the February 19 Special meeting and finance committee meeting.
Member VanBuskirk attended a site council meeting in Seward, Seward advocacy meetings, provided an update to the Seward City council, attended a town hall in Moose Pass with Senator Bjorkman.
President Tauriainen attended the agenda planning meeting with Superintendent Holland, the February 19 finance committee meeting and special meeting, and met with Mayor Micciche.

C. Committee Reports

Member Douthit, chair of the finance committee, provided both the February 19, 2026 and March 2, 2026 finance committee meeting reports.
Member Cizek, chair of the policy review committee, provided the March 2, 2026 policy review committee meeting report.

D. Board Work Session Report

President Tauriainen reported that the Board held work sessions for the following topics and gave a brief summary:
Meeting Procedure & Agenda Item Questions
Staffing Formula Discussion
School Consolidation Update
Board Discussion
President Tauriainen reported that all members present at the business meeting attended the work sessions.

12. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Consent Agenda

President Tauriainen read all items on the consent agenda this evening.
President Tauriainen called for public comment on the consent agenda items.
There were no comments offered.
President Tauriainen closed public comments for the consent agenda items.

MOTION: Move to approve Consent Agenda items 12 B-H.

Motion by Kelley Cizek, second by Patti Truesdell.

B. 2025-26 Long-Term Substitute Teacher Contract(s)

C. Exhibit 9322 Order of Business

D. February 2, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes

E. February 2, 2026 Business Meeting Minutes

F. February 19, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes

G. 2025-26 New Teacher Contract(s)

H. 2026-27 Tentative Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

President Tauriainen called for a roll call vote as a member was attending virtually.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Kelley Cizek, Tim Daugharty, Sarah Douthit, Dianne MacRae, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Mica VanBuskirk, Ash-Lee Waddell

Student Representative Weathers Advisory Vote: Yes

13. Action Items

A. Outside Agency Personnel Approval

President Tauriainen called for public comment on the Outside Agency Personnel Approval.
There were none offered.
President Tauriainen closed public comment on the action item.
MOTION: Move to approve the credentials of trainers from outside organizations such as the Lee Shore Center (Central Peninsula). The presenters are highly trained and assist teachers in presenting information to students on curricular topics.

Motion by Penny Vadla, second by Sarah Douthit.

President Tauriainen called for Board comments on the Outside Agency Personnel Approval.
No comments were offered.
Seeing and hearing no Board requests to comment President Tauriainen closed Board comments and called for a roll call vote as one member was attending virtually.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Kelley Cizek, Tim Daugharty, Sarah Douthit, Dianne MacRae, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Mica VanBuskirk, Ash-Lee Waddell

Student Representative Weathers Advisory Vote: Yes

14. First Reading of Policy Revisions

A. BP 4135/4235/4335 Soliciting and Selling

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 4135/4235/4335 Soliciting and Selling. President Tauriainen called for public comment on BP 4135/4235/4335 Soliciting and Selling. There were none offered.
President Tauriainen called for any Board comments on BP 4135/4235/4335 Soliciting and Selling. There were none offered.
BP 4135/4235/4335 Soliciting and Selling was moved to a second reading and action at the April meeting.

B. BP 4136/4236/4336 Nonschool Employment

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 4136/4236/4336 Nonschool Employment. President Tauriainen called for public comment on BP 4136/4236/4336 Nonschool Employment. There were none offered.
President Tauriainen called for any Board comments on BP 4136/4236/4336 Nonschool Employment. There were none offered.
BP 4136/4236/4336 Nonschool Employment was moved to a second reading and action at the April meeting.

C. BP 4156.3/4256.3/4356.3 Reimbursement, Uniforms and Allowances

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 4156.3/4256.3/4356.3 Reimbursement, Uniforms and Allowances. President Tauriainen called for public comment on BP 4156.3/4256.3/4356.3 Reimbursement, Uniforms and Allowances. There were none offered.
President Tauriainen called for any Board comments on BP 4156.3/4256.3/4356.3 Reimbursement, Uniforms and Allowances. There were none offered.
BP 4156.3/4256.3/4356.3 Reimbursement, Uniforms and Allowances was moved to a second reading and action at the April meeting.

D. BP 4300 Management and Supervisory Personnel

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 4300 Management and Supervisory Personnel. President Tauriainen called for public comment on BP 4300 Management and Supervisory Personnel. There were none offered.
President Tauriainen called for any Board comments on BP 4300 Management and Supervisory Personnel. There were none offered.
BP 4300 Management and Supervisory Personnel was moved to a second reading and action at the April meeting.

E. BP 4313.1 Load/Scheduling/Hours of Employment

The Board was provided a first reading of BP 4313.1 Load/Scheduling/Hours of Employment. President Tauriainen called for public comment on BP 4313.1 Load/Scheduling/Hours of Employment. There were none offered.
President Tauriainen called for any Board comments on BP 4313.1 Load/Scheduling/Hours of Employment. There were none offered.
BP 4313.1 Load/Scheduling/Hours of Employment was moved to a second reading and action at the April meeting.

15. Public Presentations/Comments

A. Public Presentations/Comments Any Topic

President Tauriainen called for public comment on any topic.
Members of the public who offered comments:
Representative Louise Stutes regarding education funding.
David Houser regarding library aides and certified librarians.
Tara Swanson regarding budget reductions.
Andrew Christensen regarding teacher qualifications.
Rachel Farley regarding Tustumena.
Robanne Stading
Tamra Wear regarding certified librarians.
Susana Litwiniak regarding Tustumena and library aides.
Danielle Byler regarding Tustumena.
Paul Marks regarding budget reductions.
Clinton Hinds regarding Tustumena.
Doug Hayman regarding Tustumena.
Seeing that the aggregate for public comment was met, President Tauriainen closed public comments.

16. Board Comments

A. Board Comments

Ms. Douthit appreciated the attendance at the meeting this evening. She appreciated the testimony this evening. She emphasized the challenges involved in making budget decisions. She noted that she will work collectively with the Board to make the best decisions for students.
Miss Weathers appreciated the student testimony.
Ms. Vadla appreciated the attendance at the meeting this evening. She appreciated the Superintendent Report and celebrations. She was opposed to the librarian reductions. She expressed concern regarding the number of school closures that are being discussed. She expressed discernment regarding some of the public comments this evening. She appreciated those that attended the meeting once more.
Mr. Daugharty appreciated those that are in attendance. He acknowledged that the budget process seems like a broken record as the District is in a budget deficit once more this year. He appreciated teachers and classified staff. He encouraged the public to advocate to their representatives. He noted that the District is only given it's revenue from the Borough and the State.
Ms. MacRae appreciated the testimony this evening, especially those who advocated for Tustumena.
Ms. VanBuskirk appreciated the student testimony and all those in attendance at the meeting this evening. She also reiterated that the District does not control the revenue, and encouraged the public to advocate to the state and the borough assembly for increased funding. She expressed the weight of the decisions the Board is facing regarding the school consolidation discussions. She reminded the public that the Board is focused on student outcomes. She noted the uncertainty of funding and the toll it takes on the District and community. She noted the loss of enrollment over the last 20 years. She also expressed that the retention of staff is what she feels is most effective for positive student outcomes. She noted where the public could find the District's finance information. She is opposed to the library aide reductions. She understands the impact of these decisions.
Ms. Cizek appreciated the attendance at the meeting. She noted that she visited Tustumena last year, but also noted the lack of enrollment in Sterling and Tustumena schools over the last few years. She noted that the biggest District expenditure is employee salary and benefits. She expressed that the shortfall from the state funding shift to the Borough was unexpected this year and that the negotiations are still ongoing which the Board is also trying to anticipate how much funding will be needed to support those agreements. She also echoed other Board Members, and that the District does not control it's revenue. She noted that there aren't very many choices to balance the budget. She encouraged the public to advocate to the State and the Borough. She appreciated those in attendance this evening once more and noted that there are very difficult decisions to be made in the near future.
Ms. Waddell appreciated the school report and testimony this evening. She noted the difficulty of travel from rural communities.
Ms. Truesdell appreciated libraries and librarians. She reminisced of her time on the Board during Covid. She noted that she did volunteer at Tustumena previously. She noted that school buildings are important, especially in smaller communities, but that staff are even more important. She encouraged the public to advocate to the State and the Borough.
Superintendent Holland acknowledged the exceptional work with Special Education at Tustutmena. He appreciated the testimony this evening. He encouraged the Board to remain focused on student outcomes throughout this budget process. He noted the transparency of the District and the Budget. He also acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions.
President Tauriainen appreciated the attendance this evening. He appreciated the passionate testimony this evening. He noted his experience working with the District. He again appreciated the testimony. He also acknowledged the difficulty of the budget decisions. He echoed other Board members and that the District does not control it's own revenue and encouraged the public to advocate for education funding to the State and the Borough.

17. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

There were none this evening.

18. Adjourn

A. Adjourn meeting

Seeing that business was complete, President Tauriainen adjourned the meeting at 9:14 p.m.