UNAPPROVED

Board of Education Committee Meetings (Monday, January 15, 2018)

Generated by Debbie Tressler on Thursday, January 18, 2018

1. Finance Committee Approved 2/1/18

A. Call to Order

11:30 a.m.

B. Roll Call

Members Present: Zen Kelly, Dan Castimore, Mike Illg, and Tim Navarre

C. Approval of Notes

Approved

D. Finance Committee Information Requested

Mr. Jones reviewed the district savings as a result of the change to the Aetna preferred provider health insurance program. Even though the district saved over one million dollars, health care costs continue to increase. Other program changes can be considered as negotiations begin, including a high deductible plan.
Mr. Jones explained the cost differences between the traditional and high deductible health care plans and related savings. Ms. Hayes reported that 64 employees have optioned out of health insurance coverage this year. The committee would like more information regarding the breakdown of certified versus classified employees who have opted out.
Mr. Jones discussed the district's efforts to identify and reduce areas within the budget causing a lapse. He explained the differences between the borough's lapse reporting versus the district's.
Information requests for next meeting: Break out of the 64 employees currently opting out of health care insurance.
Next meeting: Possible before the Feb. 5 meeting for up to 2-2 1/2 hours. Mr. Kelly suggested the morning of Feb. 1 but will check the calendar and let the committee know.

E. Adjourn

12:08 p.m.

2. Charter School Advisory Committee Unapproved

A. Call to Order

12:09 p.m.

B. Roll Call

Members Present: Lynn Hohl (via telephone), Dan Castimore, and Jason Tauriainen

Mr. Castimore chaired the meeting as Ms. Hohl was participating via telephone.

C. Approval of Notes 2017-12-4

Approved.

D. Aurora Borealis Charter School (ABCS) Grade Expansion Proposal

The committee discussed a document from Mr. Cody McCanna, ABCS principal, containing high school graduation and curriculum requirements for the proposed grade levels. A copy of the document was emailed to Ms. Hohl. Mr. Tauriainen discussed an email to the Board from the Boys and Girls Club expressing their concerns that the grade level expansion might displace their program. Mr. McCanna reported on classroom building and location options being considered by the school; they do not want to harm any other programs.
If the schools is sanctioned by Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA), the school will pay the required fees. Mr. McCanna spoke with Kenai Central High School about ABCS students joining their sports programs; he was not encouraged that this plan would work. Mr. Jones explained that KCHS is only required to include Connections students as sports and activities participants.
The addition of four high school grade levels cannot move forward until appropriate space is secured. It was acknowledged that the existing school location could accommodate the addition of one or two grade levels only. Mr. McCanna acknowledged there are still a variety of things that need to be resolved before being able to initiate the expansion, and that includes the facility plan.
Mr. Tauriainen asked administration how this expansion impacts the budget and staffing for the rest of the District. Mr. Jones stated that because those students would be coming from multiple locations, the expansion will impact multiple locations, and is difficult to account for at this stage in the FY19 budget process. Mr. Tauriainen summarized by saying it would be very difficult, but not impossible to make adjustments for an FY19 expansion. Mr. Jones concurred.
Mr. Castimore summarized that the committee is clearly of the opinion that postponing implementation until FY20 or FY21 would help set the school up for success. Mr. McCanna expressed appreciation for the committee's openness to the idea of their expansion. Before proceeding, ABCS administration will present a proposal or plan that includes resolution of the facility need, the athletics/activities need, and also find out what interest there is from non-ABCS students about enrolling in the high school program, once established.

E. Committee Charge and Board Policies

This item was not discussed due to lack of time.

F. Adjourn

12:43 p.m.