Board of Education Meeting

April 6, 2026

Meeting Minutes-Approved (05-04-2026)

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

148 N. Binkley St., Soldotna, AK 99669

Meeting Location:

600 E. Fairview Ave.
Homer, AK 99603
Homer High School Theater

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 6:03 p.m.

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

The Homer Swing Choir performed the National Anthem.

C. District Mission Statement

Mr. Daugharty read the district mission statement.

D. Roll Call

9 Board Members Present:
Board Member Cizek (attended virtually)
Vice President Daugharty
Board Member Douthit
Board Member MacRae
Board Member Truesdell
Board Member Vadla
Board Member VanBuskirk
Board Member Waddell
President Tauriainen
Student Representative, Miss Shania Weathers (attended virtually)
A quorum was established.
Others present were:
Superintendent Holland
Assistant Superintendent Dendurent
Human Resources Executive Director Crabtree
Finance Director Voivedich
Student Support Services Director Kelly

E. Approval of Agenda

MOTION: Move to approve the April 6, 2026 Regular Business Meeting agenda as presented.

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Ash-Lee Waddell.

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

Superintendent Holland presented the 33rd Alaska Legislature official recognition honoring Alaska School Boards and school board members for the work they do as locally elected public officials.
Ms. Vadla presented previous Board Member Kelly his gift for his service.

3. School Reports

A. K-Selo and Vosnesenka School Reports, Mr. Michael Wojciak

Principal Wojciak provided the K-Selo and Vosnesenka School Reports to the Board.
Board Members that offered comments and appreciated the report:
Ms. Vadla
Ms. Waddell

B. McNeil Canyon School, Mr. Pete Swanson

Principal Swanson provided the McNeil Canyon School Report to the Board, with the assistance of McNeil Canyon teacher Kendall Dellasperanza.
Board Members that offered comments and appreciated the report:
Mr. Daugharty
Ms. Vadla
Ms. Waddell
Ms. MacRae
Superintendent Holland
President Tauriainen called a brief at ease at 6:52 p.m.
President Tauriainen reconvened the meeting at 6:53 p.m.

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:
Brayden Barber testified regarding River City Academy.
Seeing and hearing no further requests for comment from students, President Tauriainen closed student presentations and comments.

6. Public Comments (Items not on the agenda)

A. Public Comments (Items not on the agenda)

President Tauriainen called for public comments on items not on the agenda.
Members of the public who provided comments were:
Eric Pederson testified regarding Homer High School.
Erin Brege testified regarding international travel.
Amy Sookraj testified regarding touch life photography.
Matt Morse testified regarding SB 277.
Rachel Lord read an appreciation letter for the Homer Footloose cast.
Seeing and hearing no further request to comment President Tauriainen closed public comments and noted that there is a second time for public comments on agenda item 12A.

7. Agency and Association Reports

A. Agency and Association Reports-3 minutes per report

President Tauriainen called for reports from agencies and associations.

Rebecca Walker, KPEA President
Susanna Litwiniak, KPESA President
Kirk Jackson, West Homer Elementary Site Council Member
Ashley Ford and Ahnie Litecky, West Homer PTO Members
Lindsay Trieweiler, Paul Banks PTA President
Seeing and hearing no further request to comment from representatives President Tauriainen closed Agency and Association reports.

President Tauriainen called a brief at ease 7:31 p.m.
President Tauriainen called the meeting back to order at 7:39 p.m.

8. Superintendent's Report

A. Superintendent Holland

Superintendent Holland provided the Superintendent's Report.

9. Reports

A. February Finance Reports 2026-4-6

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

B. Board Reports

Ms. Douthit attended the March 23 finance committee meeting, a Kenai senior connection fundraiser, attended the town hall in Kenai, and toured Paul Banks and West Homer Elementary this morning.
Ms. Truesdell attended the finance committee meeting, a K-beach site council meeting, and will attend the love of reading next week.
Ms. Vadla attended the Homer area school tours this morning, an AASB Board of Director meeting, listened to Senator Murkowski's address to the state legislator, and attended the Kenai Peninsula student art show.
Mr. Daugharty attended negotiations meetings, spoke on KBBI coffee table in Homer with Superintendent Holland, attended a District negotiation planning sessions, a Board of Education agenda planning meeting, and attended the finance committee meeting virtually.
Ms. VanBuskirk attended the finance committee meeting, the District's Seward consolidation meeting, Co Seward education advocates meeting, and the Homer school tours.
President Tauriainen attended the finance committee meeting, the Homer area tours, the Board of Education agenda planning meeting, and visited Nikiski Middle High School and Nikiski North Star Elementary School.

C. Committee Reports

Member Douthit, chair of the finance committee, provided both the March 23, 2026 finance committee meeting report.

D. Board Work Session Report

President Tauriainen reported that earlier today the board held work sessions for:
Finance Work Session
2026-2027 Board Meeting Dates
2026-2027 District Organizational Chart
Board Policy Review
President Tauriainen reported that all Board members at the meeting this evening attended the work sessions.

10. 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 10 B-P.

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Ash-Lee Waddell.

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

C. 2026-2027 Board Meeting Dates REVISED

D. 2026-2027 Organizational Chart

E. 2026-27 New Teacher Contract(s)

F. 2026-27 Tentative Non-Tenure Teacher Contract(s)

G. BP 4135/4235/4335 Soliciting and Selling

H. BP 4136/4236/4336 Nonschool Employment

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

J. BP 4300 Management and Supervisory Personnel

K. BP 4313.1 Load/Scheduling/Hours of Employment

L. BB 9323 Meeting Conduct (First Reading and Action)

M. Budget Transfers over $50,000 2026-4-6

N. March 2, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes

O. March 2, 2026 Business Meeting Minutes

P. Leave of Absence Request/Certified

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

Move to approve Consent Agenda items 10 B-P.

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Ash-Lee Waddell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

Miss Shania Weathers, Student Representative Advisory Vote: Yes

11. Action Items

A. River City Academy Closure

President Tauriainen called for public comment on the River City Academy Closure action item.
Those who offered comments were:
Kylie Wilcox testified in opposition.
Dawn Magness testified in opposition.
Lisa Bass testified in opposition.
Danielle Byler testified in opposition.
Brayden Barber testified in opposition.
Seeing that there were no further requests to comment on the action item President Tauriainen closed public comment.
MOTION: Move to approve the Superintendent to implement the permanent closure of River City Academy, effective June 30, 2026, at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

Motion by Mica VanBuskirk, second by Ash-Lee Waddell.

President Tauriainen called for Board comments on the River City Academy Closure.
Board Members who offered comments were:
Ms. Truesdell
Ms. VanBuskirk spoke in support of the motion.
Ms. MacRae spoke in support of then motion.
Ms. Vadla spoke in opposition of the motion.
Ms. Waddell spoke in support of the motion.
Ms. Cizek spoke in support of the motion.
Ms. Douthit spoke in support of the motion.
Mr. Tauriainen spoke in support of the motion.
Seeing and hearing no further Board requests to comment President Tauriainen closed Board comments and called for a roll call vote as one member was attending virtually.

Move to approve the Superintendent to implement the permanent closure of River City Academy, effective June 30, 2026, at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

Motion by Mica VanBuskirk, second by Ash-Lee Waddell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

No: Dianne MacRae, Penny Vadla

B. Seward Middle School Closure

President Tauriainen called for public comment on the Seward Middle School Closure action item.
Those who offered comments were:
Ben Bohart testified in opposition.
Seeing that there were no further requests to comment on the action item President Tauriainen closed public comment.
MOTION: Move to approve the Superintendent to implement the permanent closure of Seward Middle School, effective June 30, 2026, at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

Motion by Sarah Douthit, second by Patti Truesdell.

President Tauriainen called for Board comments on the Seward Middle School Closure.
Board Members who offered comments were:
Ms. Truesdell spoke in support of the motion.
Ms. VanBuskirk discussed adding language addressed to the Borough regarding the use of the building if the school closes.
President Tauriainen called a brief at ease at 8:39 a.m.
President Tauriainen called the meeting back to order at 8:40 p.m.

President Tauriainen, at the recommendation of administration, would like to leave Ms. VanBuskirk's recommendation off the motion at this time and that her recommendation would be included in the minutes.

Ms. VanBuskirk was supportive of this recommendation at this time.
Ms. VanBuskirk spoke in support of the motion.
Mr. Tauriainen spoke in support motion.
Seeing and hearing no further Board requests to comment President Tauriainen closed Board comments and called for a roll call vote as one member was attending virtually.

Move to approve the Superintendent to implement the permanent closure of Seward Middle School, effective June 30, 2026, at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

Motion by Sarah Douthit, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

No: Dianne MacRae

C. Sterling Elementary School Closure

President Tauriainen called for public comment on the Sterling Elementary School Closure action item.
Those who offered comments were:
Cat Cramer testified in opposition.
Amanda Kimbrell testified in opposition.
Brian Krauklis testified in opposition.
Courtney Freeves testified in opposition.
Michael Hicks testified.
Joshua Girard testified in opposition.
Debbie Brown testified in opposition.
Winter Marshall-Allen testified in opposition.
Rachel Barton testified in opposition.

Seeing that there were no further requests to comment on the action item President Tauriainen closed public comment.
MOTION: Move to approve the Superintendent to implement the permanent closure of Sterling Elementary School, effective June 30, 2026, at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

Motion by Mica VanBuskirk, second by Patti Truesdell.

President Tauriainen called for Board comments on the Sterling Elementary School Closure.
Board Members who offered comments were:
Ms. VanBuskirk requested more information regarding the transportation of students upon the closure of the school.
Superintendent Holland provided clarifying information.
Ms. VanBuskirk requested further information regarding the number of students that included.
Superintendent Holland could not provide that information at that time.
Ms. Douthit
Ms. VanBuskirk spoke in support of the motion.
Ms. Truesdell spoke in support of the motion.
Mr. Tauriainen spoke in support of the motion.
Seeing and hearing no further Board requests to comment President Tauriainen closed Board comments and called for a roll call vote as one member was attending virtually.

Move to approve the Superintendent to implement the permanent closure of Sterling Elementary School, effective June 30, 2026, at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

Motion by Mica VanBuskirk, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

No: Kelley Cizek, Dianne MacRae

D. Tustumena Elementary School Closure
President Tauriainen called for public comment on the Tustumena Elementary School Closure action item.
Those who offered comments were:
Rachel Farley testified in opposition.
Debbie Brown testified in opposition.
Brent Johnson testified in opposition.
Rachel Lord testified.
Anne Base testified in opposition.
Danielle Byler testified in opposition.
Michael Wilson testified in opposition.
Colette Henderson testified in opposition.
Jennifer Barkman testified in opposition.
Monica Schoonover testified in opposition.
Seeing that there were no further requests to comment on the action item President Tauriainen closed public comment.
MOTION: Move to approve the Superintendent to implement the permanent closure of Tustumena Elementary School, effective June 30, 2026, at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

Motion by Mica VanBuskirk, second by Patti Truesdell.

President Tauriainen called for Board comments on the Tustumena Elementary School Closure.
Board Members who offered comments were:
Ms. Vadla spoke in opposition of the motion.
Ms. Douthit spoke in support of the motion.
Ms. VanBuskirk spoke in support of the motion.
Ms. Truesdell spoke in support of the motion.
Mr. Tauriainen spoke in support of the motion.
Seeing and hearing no further Board requests to comment President Tauriainen closed Board comments and called for a roll call vote as one member was attending virtually.

Move to approve the Superintendent to implement the permanent closure of Tustumena Elementary School, effective June 30, 2026, at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

Motion by Mica VanBuskirk, second by Patti Truesdell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

No: Dianne MacRae, Penny Vadla

President Tauriainen called a brief at ease at 10:05 p.m.
President Tauriainen called the meeting back to order 10:16 p.m.

E. FY27 Preliminary Budget
President Tauriainen called for public comment on the FY27 Preliminary Budget action item.
Those who offered comments were:
Collette Chote testified in support of librarians.
LoAna Benton testified in support of distance education.
Olivia Filpot testified in support of hands on classes.
Jared Ford testified in opposition to school consolidations.
Michelle Borland testified in support of programmatic staffing.
Lindsay Martin testified in support of pools.
Michael Hicks testified in support of distance education.
Laura Carstens testified in opposition of the current preliminary budget and school consolidations.
Zen Kelly testified in regards to state and borough education funding, negotiations and staffing contracts.
Winter Marshall-Allen testified in support of student support services.
Robanne Stading testified in support of distance education.
Seeing that there were no further requests to comment on the action item President Tauriainen closed public comment.
MOTION: Move to approve FY27 Preliminary Budget based on Scenario One (1) with KPB FY27 proposed funding of $59,074,865

Motion by Sarah Douthit, second by Penny Vadla.

President Tauriainen called for Board comments on the FY27 Preliminary Budget.
Board Members who offered comments were:
Mr. Tauriainen spoke in support of the motion. He also clarified that this is the preliminary budget.
Ms. VanBuskirk spoke in support support of the motion.
Ms. Douthit spoke in support in support of the motion.
Ms. MacRae
Seeing and hearing no further Board requests to comment President Tauriainen closed Board comments and called for a roll call vote as one member was attending virtually.

Move to approve FY27 Preliminary Budget based on Scenario One (1) with KPB FY27 proposed funding of $59,074,865

Motion by Sarah Douthit, second by Penny Vadla.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

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

F. LAYDOWN KPBSD Resolution 25-26-3 Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget

President Tauriainen called for public comment on the KPBSD Resolution 25-26-3 Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget.

Those who offered comments were:
Rachel Lord testified in support.
Zen Kelly testified in support.

Seeing that there were no further requests to comment on the action item President Tauriainen closed public comment.

MOTION: Move to adopt Resolution KPBSD 25-26-3 Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget and attachment A.

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Ash-Lee Waddell.

President Tauriainen called for Board comments on KPBSD Resolution 25-26-3 Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget action item.

Board members who offered comments were:
Ms. VanBuskirk discussed including language to the Borough regarding the use of the closed buildings.
Ms. Cizek spoke in opposition to including the attachment A.
Ms. Douthit addressed the drafting of the resolution and attachment A.
Ms. Truesdell spoke in support of the resolution.
Mr. Daugharty spoke in opposition of the resolution.
Mr. Tauriainen spoke in support of the resolution.
Ms. Douthit once more addressed the purpose of the resolution.
Mr. Daugharty once more spoke in opposition.

Seeing and hearing no further Board requests to comment President Tauriainen closed Board comments and called for a roll call vote as one member was attending virtually.

Move to adopt Resolution KPBSD 25-26-3 Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget and attachment A.

Motion by Patti Truesdell, second by Ash-Lee Waddell.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Yes: Sarah Douthit, Jason Tauriainen, Patti Truesdell, Mica VanBuskirk, Ash-Lee Waddell

No: Kelley Cizek, Tim Daugharty, Dianne MacRae, Penny Vadla

12. Public Comments (Any Topic)

A. Public Comments (Any Topic)

President Tauriainen called for public comment on any topic.
Members of the public who offered comments:
Brent Johnson
Seth Reese
Danielle Byler
Amy Gilson
Matt Morse
Kyle Schneider
Liza Spencer
Seeing and hearing no further requests to comment President Tauriainen closed public comments on any topic.

13. Board and Administration Comments

A. Board and Administration Comments

Mr. Daugharty expressed appreciation to the Board and those in attendance. He noted the approval of the preliminary budget and its forthcoming submission to the Borough Assembly. He spoke regarding the bond package and the management of deferred maintenance, and shared his motivations for becoming a board member and his involvement in education. He recommended that discussions regarding school consolidations occur earlier in the school year and emphasized the importance of completing the Soldotna Prep building remodel. He also highlighted the value of community involvement in planning for the future use of the school buildings closed during the meeting. He again thanked those in attendance.

Ms. MacRae appreciated those who attended the meeting this evening. She encouraged public involvement with education.
Ms. Waddell shared that student support services have had a significant impact on her own life and stated that she will strongly advocate for the students who rely on these services.
Ms. VanBuskirk thanked those who attended the meeting and encouraged continued advocacy for education funding and related issues at the borough, state, and community levels, as well as with those now responsible for managing school pools. In light of the school consolidations, she noted that students and families are resilient and emphasized that students often take cues from how parents respond to change.
Ms. Truesdell expressed appreciation for the dedication and hard work of the Board and all involved, and thanked those in attendance. She emphasized that the schools are not failing and encouraged the public to continue advocating for education.
Ms. Vadla reminded everyone about the June Nelson Memorial Scholarship and expressed appreciation for Sean Campbell and all those in attendance. She also shared some regret regarding the budget reduction scenarios approved that evening and thanked the community for their testimony.
Ms. Douthit reflected on her reasons for running for the Board and noted that she did not envision nights like the one experienced. She emphasized that Board members are people doing their best and encouraged those affected by school closures to remain engaged and work toward solutions.
Ms. Cizek expressed appreciation for the school reports and for those who provided testimony during the meeting. She acknowledged the difficult decisions made that evening and noted that this is only the beginning of the budget process. She also thanked Amy Sookraj for her testimony regarding Lifetouch and expressed appreciation for Superintendent Holland’s report.

Superintendent Holland expressed appreciation for the staff and their leadership, which was evident throughout the evening. He highlighted both the positive work occurring in the district and the ongoing challenges it faces, including growth in data assessments. He noted that the district cannot outpace social media and emphasized the importance of proactively addressing misinformation. He also spoke to the transparency of the budget and budget process. He addressed the pool closures and the transfer of maintenance and operations, and referenced his meeting with the Mayor regarding those discussions. He shared his sadness about the school closures approved that evening, explaining that the intent was to preserve the overall system’s viability. He expressed appreciation for his district office staff, noting the district would struggle without them, and concluded by thanking the Board.

Mr. Tauriainen expressed appreciation for the Board and reflected on his reasons for running for office. He acknowledged the difficulty of the decisions made and thanked those in attendance, as well as those who provided testimony. He also appreciated the school tours held that morning and noted that the Board and district will continue to face difficult decisions in the future, including potential school closures. He stated that factors such as rising homeschooling can contribute to school closures and expressed optimism that the Borough will provide support. He encouraged continued advocacy at the state legislature and borough level, and once again thanked those who attended.

14. Executive Session

A. Executive Session if needed

There were none this evening.

15. Adjournment

A. Adjourn meeting

Seeing that business was complete, President Tauriainen adjourned the meeting at 11:59 p.m.