Do you know an inspiring and passionate educator deserving of the recognition of Alaska Teacher of the Year? Nominations are now open for the 2022-2023 period.

• Has five or more years experience in the field of education
• Is an expert in their field who guides students of all backgrounds and abilities to achieve excellence
• Collaborates with colleagues, students, and families to create a school culture of respect and success
• Deliberately connects the classroom and key stakeholders to foster a strong community at large
• Demonstrates leadership and innovation in and outside of the classroom walls
• Expresses themselves in an engaging and articulate way
• Contributes to the field of education and strives to strengthen the profession

The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers at 144 Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK unless otherwise noted.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Meeting Schedule – December 5, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers

Policy Review Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
10:30 a.m.

Work Sessions (Public Listening)
1:00 p.m. Board Policy Review
1:30 p.m. Small Schools Committee Discussion
2:00 p.m. 2023 Legislative Priorities
2:15 p.m. Class Size Report
2:30 p.m. Finance Budget
3:00 p.m. Homer Forest Charter School Application
4:00 p.m. Curriculum Update
4:30 p.m. Board Discussion

6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )

If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Nikkol Sipes at NSipes@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907.714.8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast

The KPBSD Effective Literacy Team will be responsible for developing a district roadmap that articulates literacy improvement goals and guidance that will help identify steps that will be taken to achieve them.  This committee is charged with collaboratively developing the KPBSD Vision and Mission for Literacy and providing direction on district structures and practices to support high quality, effective literacy instruction for all KPBSD students.

The Effective Literacy Team is seeking members from all stakeholder groups who have strong collaboration skills, are open to diverse perspectives, and have a passion or expertise in literacy instruction. The most important characteristic is willingness to participate in building a common understanding and expectations of K-12 literacy as a TEAM. Click HERE to read Roles and Responsibilities.

The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers at 144 Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK unless otherwise noted.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Meeting Schedule – November 7, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers

Policy Review Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
10:00 a.m.

Information Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
11:00 a.m.

Work Sessions (Public Listening)
1:00 p.m. 2023 Legislative Priorities
1:30 p.m. Finance Update
2:00 p.m. Literacy Update
2:30 p.m. Homer Forest Charter School Application
4:00 p.m. Board Policy Review
4:30 p.m. Board Discussion

6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )

If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Nikkol Sipes at NSipes@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

On Wednesday, October 19, 2022, the KPBSD will send TEST emergency messages via email, text message, and automated call. These are the methods we have available to alert you directly in an emergency situation.

If you do not receive our TEST message in all the ways you want, please contact your child(rens) school to ensure your contact information is up to date.

Saturday, October 22, 2022
12:15pm – 3:00pm
Skyview Middle School

Would you like more information about your child’s development?
CHILD FIND Can Help!

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) provides free screening for children 3 through 5 years old (not yet in kindergarten)

Areas screened include: speech and language, learning and understanding, coordination and movement, social-emotional skills, self-helping skills (feeding, dressing, and toileting), vision or hearing.

Children already identified with disabilities should also be screened if not receiving special education services through the district.

Screenings in your area

To make an appointment or for more information call the KPBSD Child Find office at 907.260.5148 or email ChildFind@kpbsd.k12.ak.us

Additional locations on the Kenai Peninsula will be added throughout the year

Developmental Checks

The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers at 144 Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK unless otherwise noted.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Meeting Schedule – October 3, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers

Special Meeting – Student Eligibility Reinstatement (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs)
11:00 a.m.

Special Meeting – District 5 Sterling / Funny River Candidate Interviews (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs)
1:00 p.m.

Work Sessions (Public Listening)
4:30 p.m. Board Discussion

6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs)

Meeting Schedule – October 4, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers

Board Policy Review Committee (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs)
9:00 a.m.

Work Sessions (Public Listening)
10:30 a.m. Board Discussion
11:00 a.m. 2023 State and Federal Legislative Priorities
1:00 p.m. Health Care Update

If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Nikkol Sipes at NSipes@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast

The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held at Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers at 144 Binkley Street, Soldotna AK unless otherwise noted.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Meeting Schedule – September 27, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers

Charter School Oversight Committee Meeting (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs)
8:30 a.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education has a vacancy for District 5 Sterling / Funny River.

October 11th, 10:00AM – 1:00PM
@ Soldotna High School Gym

FREE TO ATTEND!

Your chance to speak to the representatives from 40+ participating colleges and career partners.

Visit our College & Career Fair page for more information.

The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held at Homer High School, 600 E Fairview Avenue, Homer, AK in the Mariner Theater. The public is welcome to attend.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Meeting Schedule – September 12, 2022

Homer High School Mariner Theater

Information Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
2:00 p.m.

Work Sessions (Public Listening)
2:30 p.m. AASB 2022-2023 Resolutions and 2023 Legislative Priorities
3:30 p.m. CTE/Middle College Overview
4:30 p.m. Board Discussion

6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )

If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Nikkol Sipes at NSipes@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast

School ends 90 minutes early for students Friday, September 9, 2022

• Buses will run 90 minutes earlier than normal at end of day
• PreK on early release days, afternoon PreK sessions are cancelled
• Morning PreK sessions do occur

Thank you for your understanding.

The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers at 144 Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK unless otherwise noted.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Meeting Schedule – August 1, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers

Board Policy Review Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
10:30 a.m.

Special Meeting – Student Eligibility Reinstatement (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs)
1:00 p.m.

Work Sessions (Public Listening)
2:30 p.m. SIT/RISE Presentation
3:00 p.m. Federal Programs Presentation
3:30 p.m. Governance Handbook Review
4:00 p.m. Board Policy Review
4:30 p.m. Board Discussion

6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )

If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Nikkol Sipes at NSipes@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast

KPBSD is grateful for all our school leaders who served, and retired or moved onto new adventures at the end of the school year in June.

Let us collectively welcome new school principals, assistant principals, and district office coordinators and directors who will begin these new assignments in the 2022-2023 school year!

KPBSD Administrators 2022-2023

• Chapman School, Eric Hart, Principal
• Connections Homeschool Program, Douglas Hayman, Principal
• Fireweed Academy, Kyle Darbonne, Principal
• Kenai Alternative High School, Kyle McFall, Principal and Teacher
• Ninilchik School & Nikolaevsk School, Matthew LaHue, Regional Principal
• Paul Banks Elementary School, Sean Campbell, Principal
• Port Graham School, Jimmy Hayes, Principal and Teacher
• River City Academy, Shea Nash, Principal and Teacher
• Seward Middle School & Moose Pass School, Matthew Potter, Principal and Teacher
• Skyview Middle School, John Galahan, Assistant Principal and Behavioral Interventionist Teacher
• Skyview Middle School, Shonia Werner, Principal
• Soldotna High School, Tracy Smith, Assistant Principal and Behavioral Interventionist Teacher
• Tustumena Elementary School, Devin Way, Principal

District Office

• Human Resources and Title IX, Jeffrey Ambrosier, Coordinator
• Secondary Education, College and Career Readiness, Anna Karron, Coordinator
• Secondary Education, Virtual Learning and Professional Development, Amanda Adams, Coordinator
• Student Support Services, Josh Brantley, Coordinator
• Student Support Services, Amy Hagen, Coordinator
• Director Student Support Services, Theresa Manning, Director

The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers at 144 Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK unless otherwise noted.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Meeting Schedule – July 11, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers

Special Meeting – Pay Schedules (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs)
9:00 a.m.

Work Sessions (Public Listening)
10:00 a.m. Board Policy Review
10:30 a.m. Finance Update
10:45 a.m. Strategic Plan Introduction
1:00 p.m. Complete 2022-2023 Board Goals
2:00 p.m. Administrative Update
2:30 p.m. Staffing Formulas
3:30 p.m. Substitute and Temporary Wages
4:00 p.m. School Safety
4:30 p.m. Board Discussion

6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )

If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Nikkol Sipes at NSipes@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast

Soldotna, June 30, 2022—The USDA discontinued universal free meals for students, and parents and guardians are encouraged to complete their online meal application so children will have access to meal benefits based on their determination the first day of the school year. On July 1, 2022, the streamlined online application for Free and Reduced Meals to determine benefits and qualify communities for federal funds is live. KPBSD Free and Reduced Meal application: http://mealapp.kpbsd.org

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District 2022-2023 Meal Prices:

Breakfast: Students approved for Free and Reduced meals: $.00; Grades K-12: $2.50

Lunch: Students approved for reduced meals: $.40; Grades K-6: $3.50; Grades 7-12: $4.00

The Community Eligible Program (CEP) qualifies every student in the school to receive free meals. KPBSD CEP schools are Nanwalek School, Nikolaevsk School, and Tebughna School.

Key changes to student meals in the 2022-2023 school year beginning in August:

• Discontinuation of Universal Free Meals: USDA is ending the universal free meals for the 2022-2023 school year.  For the 2022-2023 school year, families can apply for free or reduced-price meals starting July 1. 

• Online Application: Parents or guardians must reapply each year for free or reduced meal benefits This year, all applications will be accepted online through the new state portal at http://mealapp.kpbsd.org. If someone does not have access to the internet, each school will have a few paper applications in the school office.

• Meal benefits from the 2021-2022 school year will carry over until September 28, 2022, but a new application must be received by KPBSD Student Nutrition Services by then, or the student will revert to a paid meal status.

• Opt-In form required to charge meals up to two days of meals: Students will not be permitted to charge any meals this year until parents or guardians have signed an Opt-In form for their child. The Opt-In is included in the online packet, and SNS needs a form completed for each student that a parent gives permission to charge. When completed, students will be allowed to charge up to two days of meals, and no further charges will be allowed until the amount is paid back.

In 1965, federal funds were established through the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to ensure that all children have a fair and equal opportunity to education. KPBSD has developed programs to support struggling learners all around the district, and various forms are included in school registration packets each year to help identify qualifying students and families. Completion of the Free and Reduced Meal application–even by families who do not want to use free or reduced price meals–is important to the continuation of these federally funded programs. Federal funding is based on qualified applications.

Links

KPBSD Student Nutrition Services webpage

KPBSD Free and Reduced Meal application: http://mealapp.kpbsd.org

KPBSD secure webstore to add food service funds for meals, or use the link on the KPBSD mobile app

The Kids Kenai River Spring Cleanup was another huge success! Nearing the end of the school year, on a sunny day, followed by yet another chilly day with snow, approximately 450 students removed 1,318 pounds of trash from the banks of the Kenai River.

In 2022, seven locations were cleaned on May 12th and 13th from Bing’s Landing and Izaak Walton Campground in Sterling, to Soldotna Creek Park, the Soldotna Visitor Center bridge area, Centennial and Swiftwater Park and Campgrounds in Soldotna, and the KPB River Center on Funny River Road.

Redoubt Elementary removed the most litter — a whopping 380 pounds! As the litter pick-up winners, they celebrated with a pizza party. All participants received root beer float supplies.

Over the past eight Spring Cleanup Events, the kids have removed over 18,000 pounds of trash from the Kenai! The Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA) is pleased to collaborate with Cindy and Mark Glassmaker to coordinate this annual event. Shannon Martin, KRSA Executive Director said, “It takes a willing community to host such large-scale events and we are seeking additional volunteers to join the Cleanup Committee. Please let me know if you would like to join our efforts in 2023.”

Thank you to:

Organizers: KRSA, Cindy and Mark Glassmaker
Volunteers: KRSA Staff, the Glassmakers, and Professional Fishing Guides from Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker, City of Soldotna Parks and Recreation Staff
Donation: Fred Meyers Soldotna, Kenai River Professional Guide Association (KRPGA), Janet Warner Avery Family

Special thanks to City of Soldotna and DNR for allowing early access to the river locations. Thank you to SAFE Kids and Central Peninsula Hospital (CPH) for providing life jackets. Most importantly thank you to the students, teachers, and chaperones for their efforts!

Kenai River Spring Cleanup on Facebook

Story contributed by Shannon Martin, KRSA

The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers at 144 Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK unless otherwise noted.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Meeting Schedule – June 6, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers
1:00 p.m. Board Policy Review Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
2:30 p.m. Special Meeting-Negotiations (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs)

Work Sessions (Public Listening)
3:00 p.m. Board Policy Review
3:30 p.m. Finance Update
4:00 p.m. Strategic Plan Update
4:30 p.m. Board Discussion

6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )

Meeting Schedule – June 7, 2022

The Donald E. Gilman River Center
514 Funny River Road
Soldotna, AK 99669
Planning Session
9:30 a.m. Review of Staffing Formula
1:00 p.m. Review of Board Self Evaluation
1:30 p.m. Review of 2021-2022 Board Goals & 2022-2023 Board Goals

If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Lisa Gabriel at lgabriel@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development announced four teachers as finalists for the 2023 Teacher of the Year, including our very own Heather Baker who teaches a multiage 4th and 5th grade class at K-Beach Elementary School!

“It is truly an honor and a humbling experience to be a finalist for Alaska Teacher of the Year,” said Heather Baker. “To be nominated for the award means that I was successful in impacting a child’s learning journey in a profound enough way that someone took time to note it. That brings me true joy because that is why I am here every day. I want to positively impact the lives of the children who walk through my doors. I want them to see themselves as more than any label they feel attached to. I want them to see their successes and growth, to love this learning journey they are on and know that I am here to support and love them along the way. I am incredibly proud of the students in my room. This award highlights our learning journey together. It was their work that was highlighted in videos and samples that truly shined.”

Heather Baker is an outstanding teacher who is known for her student-centered and personalized approach to teaching students,” said Superintendent Clayton Holland. “Not only does Mrs. Baker have a positive impact with the students she works directly with, she has a huge impact as a teacher leader who works to expand effective educational practices as member of the district Champs Community of Practices. Champs contribute to innovative practices across our entire district with reflection on success, and provides a support system for staff who are problem solving and innovating their instructional practices. Mrs. Baker is known for the support she provides and her strong work with student goal setting, data driven practices, and flexible student choice.”

K-Beach Elementary principal Janae Van Slyke said, “Heather Baker is an outstanding educator who designs her lessons and units using a student-centered approach. She creates an immersive learning environment focused on inquiry through interactive lessons. Mrs. Baker utilizes performance-based assessments and project-based learning rubrics to enhance student learning. She works collaboratively with her students to determine project design criteria and assessment, and she personalizes her instruction to meet the needs and interests of individual students. Mrs. Baker is an exceptional teacher and this honor is well deserved!”

In her words…

Tip: Fail Forward!

“My advice for a current student; fail forward. EVERYONE makes mistakes. Learn from each wrong answer or attempt because that is what true growth looks like. Be willing to take chances and try new things. In doing so you will grow. And know that if it is truly easy, then you already know it. True learning is hard because it is new and it stretches you. Do not be afraid of that process. Know that everyone goes through it.”

Math teacher who made a difference

“There is one experience and teacher who stands out in my own learning journey. Mr. Barrington was one of my high school math teachers. He noticed that my off task disruptive nature was actually boredom. He took time to give me multiple different placement tests and walked me through some different math theories to place me in the class I truly needed to be in rather than the one my grade level dictated. In skipping several math classes, I was able to find a place where I was truly challenged and break the label I had been given of disruptive student. That experience shapes how I approach different learners within my own room.”

Delight

“I love having conversations with students and hearing them articulate their learning. Much of my classroom structure is small group or one on one meetings. Listening to students advocate for their learning and be active participants in designing their journey is the highlight of each day. Each pathway is unique to the individual, and I love that.”

Mom of seven, and a family that reads!

“I am a mom of seven, so my fun comes from watching each of them explore and enjoy the world. They are all incredibly different and unique people from the high schooler to the infant, so that is a very varied adventure. Something we all love doing though and often do together is read. We read to each other, listen to books at night or on drives, and talk about the books we’ve read. That is probably my greatest joy.”

Gratitude

“I am incredibly grateful for Amanda Adams and the CHAMPS Leadership Team. Amanda saw things in me and my classroom before I did. She encouraged me to step out of my classroom and become a teacher leader in the district. She encouraged me to take a role on the CHAMPS Leadership Team and that amazing group of educators has supported me in and out of the classroom. They have mentored and encouraged me while I step up to help mentor and encourage other educators.”

Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson said, “Alaska’s Teacher of the Year finalists have been recognized by their peers as deserving of special recognition. We join them in celebrating the dedication of these four educators and also as an opportunity to thank all Alaskan teachers for their hard work.”

The Alaska Teacher of the Year and an alternate will be announced at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. The selected teacher will serve as Alaska’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year and will be able to participate in programs and activities with other State Teachers of the Year coordinated by the Council of Chief State School Officers.

A teacher at K-Beach Elementary School in Soldotna since 2019, Mrs. Baker has also taught at Nikiski North Star Elementary, and worked as a Migrant Ed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) teacher and tutor. She earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science from the University of Washington and a Master of Arts (MA) in Education with Elementary focus from the University of Southern California.

“As graduation ceremonies take place across the school district, I’m reflecting about how a gradation is not just a celebration for students and their families, but also a celebration of the tremendous amount of work that our staff contribute as district employees. Our students first come to us with various life situations and backgrounds, and from there, we strive to bring them forward to graduation.

Our staff model appropriate behavior, kindness, patience, structure, academic rigor, and encourage student reflection and critical thinking. This all leads to a foundation of success for them as they leave our schools. Our students are ready for the challenges of life beyond their K-12 education because of our staff. So I especially thank every KPBSD employee for all they do and have done for our students, their families, and our communities.

For everyone who will retire or resign this year, I wish you all the best and thank you for your years of service to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. Our schools, students, and communities are better for all that you have contributed to them. Enjoy your new adventures!”

– Superintendent Clayton Holland

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District appreciates the commitment and service these retiring employees contributed, each with ten or more years in the school district. Each of you has made a difference. THANK YOU!

• Acela Carr, 33 years, Custodian I at Homer Middle School
• Connie Todd, 33 years, Head Custodian II at Redoubt Elementary School
• Connie Best, 30.5 years, Special Education Resource Aide at Soldotna High School
• John Mills, 30 years, Intermediate Grade Teacher at Tustumena Elementary School
• Gretchen Bagley, 29 years, Physical Education Teacher at K-Beach Elementary School
• Sylvia Ingram, 29 years, Pool Manager at Seward High School
• Lisa Atchley, 28 years, Primary Multi-Grade Teacher at Kaleidoscope Charter School
• Lisa Gabriel, 28 years, Administrative Secretary to the Superintendent and Board of Education at District Office
• Diane Buchanan, 27 years, Student Nutrition Services Supervisor at Student Nutrition Services
• Rich Bartolowits, 25.5 years, Principal at Connections Homeschool
• Christopher Perk, 25 years, Health Teacher and Athletic Director at Homer High School
• William Vedders, 25 years, 3rd Grade Teacher at K-Beach Elementary School
• Bob Ermold, 25 years, Student Support Services Coordinator at District Office
• Jackie Kempf, 25 years, Speech Language Pathologist at Soldotna Elementary School & Soldotna Montessori Charter School
• Heidi Vann, 25 years, Special Education Resource Teacher at Kenai Middle School
• Anita LeDoux, 25 years, School Secretary III at Aurora Borealis Charter School
• Elaine Chalup, 24 years, Intermediate Multi-Grade Teacher at Voznesenka School
• James Carlson, 23.5 years, Career Technical Education Teacher at Soldotna High School & Kenai Central High School
• Dawn Edwards-Smith, 23 years, Principal and Teacher at River City Academy
• Thomas DeGray, 23 years, Generalist Teacher at River City Academy
• Katherine Serge-Hoeschen, 22 years, Language Arts Teacher of Voznesenka School
• Sherry Gladden, 21.5 years, Special Education Intensive Needs Aide at Redoubt Elementary School
• Krista Etzwiler, 21 years, 3rd Grade Teacher at West Homer Elementary School
• Saundra Choate-Hudson, 21 years, Health Teacher at Homer High School
• Julie Nichols, 21 years, Administrative Secretary II at Connections Homeschool
• Elizabeth McDermid, 21 years, Special Education Resource Aide at K-Beach Elementary School
• Tracy Foister, 21 years, Special Education Intensive Needs Aide at Soldotna High School
• Cecilia Deatherage, 20 years, Speech Language Pathologist at Seward Elementary School
• Kien Wilkinson, 20 years, Head Custodian II at West Homer Elementary School
• Mira Banic, 20 years, Food Service Manager I-S at Seward Middle School
• Wendi Dutcher, 18 years, Generalist Teacher and Advisor at Connections Homeschool
• Sheryl Oliver, 18 years, Food Service Cashier at Kaleidoscope School
• Nadejda Teutov, 18 years, Custodian I at Voznesenka School
• Michael Sellers, 17 years, Principal and Teacher at Nikolaevsk School
• Loren Reese, 17 years, Principal and Teacher at Kenai Alternative High School
• Lisa McDonal, 17 years, Special Education Resource Teacher at K-Beach Elementary School
• Ricky Bush, 17 years, Head Custodian II at K-Beach Elementary School
• Cheryl Romatz, 16.5 years, 3rd Grade Teacher at K-Beach Elementary School
• Matt Widaman, 16 years, Career Technical Education Teacher at Secondary Education
• David Justice, 16 years, Special Education Resource Teacher at Soldotna High School
• Kimberly Christianson, 16 years, Food Service Manager I-S at Redoubt Elementary School
• Charlotte Jackson, 16 years, Special Education Intensive Needs Aide at K-Beach Elementary School
• Jill DuFloth, 15 years, Interim Principal at Skyview Middle School
• Lisa Fellow, 15 years, School Counselor at Homer Middle School & Homer High School
• Jennifer Waltenbaugh, 15 years, 2nd Grade Teacher at Paul Banks Elementary School
• Adam Anders, 14 years, Physical Education & Health Teacher at Nikiski Middle-High School
• Jan Darch, 14 years, 4th & 5th Grade Teacher at Kaleidoscope Charter School
• Stephanie Jones, 14 years, School Secretary II at Nikolaevsk School
• Anita Hakkinen, 13 years, Title I Interventionist at Redoubt Elementary School
• Mark Wackler, 13 years, Generalist Teacher & Advisor at Connections Homeschool
• Shanna Johnson, 13 years, Read 180 Teacher at Skyview Middle School
• Yolanda Ifflander, 13 years, School Nurse (Itinerant) at Seward Area Schools
• Jane Dunn, 12.5 years, Homeless Liaison at Homer Area School
• Stanley Vogel, 12 years, Special Education Resource Aide at Central Peninsula Schools
• Adam Dang, 11.5 years, Head Custodian I at Tustumena Elementary School
• William Turley, 11.5 years, Head Custodian II at Seward High School
• Pegge Erkeneff, 11 years, Director Communications, Community & Government Relations at District Office
• Albert Plan, 11 years, Physical Education, Health Teacher and Athletic Director at Seward High School
• Anne McCabe, 11 years, Student Success Liaison at Soldotna High School
• Cristina Kilcher, 10.5 years, School Nurse at Nikolaevsk School
• Nicole Stover, 10 years, Special Education Resource Teacher at Seward High School
• Natali Jones, 10 years, Itinerant School Counselor at Nikolaevsk School

Soldotna, May 2, 2022—Presented with the award at a surprise assembly on May 2, 2022, with her family, school community, AAESP board members, and Kenai Peninsula Borough School District leaders in attendance, Principal Kelly entered the full gym for the surprise announcement and celebration. She was nominated and selected by her fellow principals for this distinguished recognition through a statewide search process conducted by the Alaska Association of Elementary School Principals.

“Sterling Elementary is a special place,” said KPSBD Superintendent Clayton Holland during the surprise award assembly. “When you walk into the building, you can feel the positive school culture and climate that exists in Sterling Elementary. You can tell that Sterling Elementary School is a place that staff and students want to be and that parents want to be a part of. Ms. Kelly has worked alongside her staff and school community to create this feeling. She will do anything and everything for her students and staff. … Ms. Kelly will represent the entire state of Alaska very well as their Nationally Distinguished Principal. We are all very proud of her and Sterling Elementary School.”

Principal Kelly said a favorite aspect to her work each day is to welcome students every morning when they arrive to school. “They are always so excited to see us, have stories to tell about their night, morning or weekend, and I get to be the first person at the school to call them by name and welcome them back to learning.” An important concern at Sterling Elementary is to “become as close to a zero waste school as we can.” She explains, “We recycle paper, cardboard, plastics and aluminum. We separate our food waste in our lunchroom so that less waste goes to the landfill. I believe that it is important to teach our students about preserving our community and ensuring that we leave it better than we have found it. We try to do our small part in preserving the world.”

Principal Kelly said, “This award makes me think of all of the hard work and dedication that all of our staff put into our school, students, and families every day. It makes me think of all of the times that we have been short staffed, particularly over the last three years and how there is always someone, or many someones who step up to fill voids. It is this community of learners and educators that have given me the ability to become who I am as an administrator. I am honored and humbled by this award. We never do what we do in education for recognition, but when one of us is recognized for our work, all of us are recognized! The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District has world class educators at all of our schools!”

In 1998 Mrs. Kelly graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a dual major in elementary education and special education. She earned a Master of Arts Degree in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix, and later received a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Practices from the International Institute of Restorative Practices in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She began her administrative career as an interim principal at Kilohana Elementary School in Kaunakakai, Hawaii, in 2009, she worked in Coeur d’Alene School District #271 in Idaho, and Tempe Elementary School District #3. After moving to Alaska in 2011, she started her career in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District as a districtwide Special Education program coordinator, then became the Sterling Elementary in 2014. She is currently in her eighth year as the principal at Sterling Elementary.

“This year alone, Ms. Kelly has stepped in to be the Intensive Needs Special Teacher, worked with all the support staff, and run meetings to meet the needs of all students,” said Superintendent Holland during the assembly. “She fills in everywhere needed. She has been seen early in the morning at school moving snow, or bringing her family in to clean the building when the custodian was out. Mrs. Kelly never complains about all that she has had to do, but rather jumps in and models for all of us to do what it takes to keep the school running and meet the needs of the entire school community. She does all of this while maintaining a focus on academics, meeting the social emotional development needs of her students, and providing support to her staff. In regard to her staff, one of her biggest accomplishments is working to surround herself with great staff!”

Principal Kelly believes in balancing leadership and management to make sure her students are surrounded by effective and caring people. She believes that the crux of leadership is motivating people and that leadership is shared amongst her school, and the larger, community. Assistant Superintendent Kari Dendurent said, “An important area is Denise’s character and community commitment through her dedication to the Social Emotional Learning for her students and staff demonstrated by earning her certification in Restorative Practices. This practice brings individuals to a cooperative and productive state through empowerment.”

Mrs. Kelly was a finalist for the Kindness Experience Award from the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in 2019 and received a Human Dignity Award from the Victory Over Violence Organization in 2010. She said, “I take pride in everything that I do. And everything that I do, I do for our students. There is not a student that I have had pass through Sterling Elementary that hasn’t stolen my heart. I love this community, and I cherish my position at our school.” Mrs. Kelly has volunteered at the Sterling Senior Center and Community Center.

Principal Kelly said, “I would like to thank so many people. I wish that my mom were alive to see how she has inspired me to think about kindness and compassion first. I would like to thank my family for always being supportive of the work that I do for Sterling Elementary–the time that I am away from home and the times that they have come to help at the school. I would like to thank our staff and students who are the heart of our school and the Sterling community. I would like to thank the families of Sterling for trusting me with their children every day. So many people to thank!”

Commissioner Michael Johnson reached out to say, “Congratulations Principal Kelly and thank you for being an example of citizenship for your students.” He added that Principal Kelly is, “not just a school leader, she also serves her community.”

Principal Kelly will travel to Washington D.C. in October 2022 for two days of activities planned to honor and bring well-deserved recognition to the elementary administrators selected by their respective states.

AAESP believes that Denise Kelly is well deserving of the National Distinguished Principals’ Award. We are proud to acknowledge her leadership and commitment to Alaska’s children representing Alaska’s elementary principals.

Links

• Sterling Elementary School website
• Sterling Elementary School Facebook page

“This week is National Teacher Appreciation week! I want to thank all of our teachers for their hard work and dedication to our students, their families, and our communities. The work you have done, and continue to do, is incredible and has made a huge impact on the future of our students. Because of your work, our district stands out as an example in the state of Alaska for all that can be good and positive in education. At a time when people tend to look and rally around the negative, our district and schools are able to continually show our communities and state the significant positive impact our teachers have in the lives of our students. I’m honored to work with our teachers as together we ensure our schools meet the needs of all of our student population in KPBSD. Thank you!”

– Superintendent Clayton Holland

Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week May 2-6, 2022, and Teacher Appreciation Day, Tuesday, May 3, 2022.

A Proclamation on National Teacher Appreciation Day and National Teacher Appreciation Week, 2022

“What can I do, invent or create to better care for the environment of the Kenai Peninsula or improve the area’s preparedness for a natural disaster?”

In the 32nd year, on April 21, 2022, students, judges, and the community gathered in person for the first time in three years for the live Caring for the Kenai Top 12 event. Overall participation was lower again this year following the pandemic trend. However, the final 12 ideas were innovative and some were entirely new to the competition!

Superintendent Clayton Holland, a judge for the live competition said, “The Caring for the Kenai highlights all that is good with the Peninsula. The outstanding staff working with our students, the support and engagement of parents, and the hard work, vision, and critical thinking of the students themselves. This competition shows what happens when students are given the space to be creative, when they work hard, research, and apply their skills to a project that has meaning and impact to all of us here on the Kenai Peninsula. I congratulate every student who took part in this event and I thank all the educators who have worked to prepare them. Well done!”

Abigail Youngberg of Cook Inlet Academy took top honors and a $1,600 cash award in the 32^nd annual Caring for the Kenai environmental awareness competition for her “Smart Stocker” idea. “The Smart Stocker would prepare everyone for a natural disaster before it happens by getting them emergency food and supplies so they can be prepared,” said the CIA sophomore, She has reached out to Kroger and other major grocery chains to see if they are willing to help her further develop her app.

A sophomore from Nikiski Middle High School earned second place and $1,100 dollars with her B.E.E Bold curriculum for elementary school students, “My curriculum is taught by high school students using near peer teaching to educate elementary school children about the environment across the Peninsula,” explained Jessica Perry. “I see my curriculum as a bridge for younger kids to prepare for the CFK competition,” she said.

Lauren Lamb of CIA created “Karen for the Kenai” and took 3^rd place and the $900 cash award for her digital picture book series about the environment, “I got the idea from a joke my dad said at the dinner table one night and now I’ll be looking for a publisher,” said Lamb in an interview.

Mylan Johnson, a junior at Homer High plans on using recycled French fry oil to power cars, “I was inspired by a friend who powers his boat with vegetable oil. I started researching the idea and found out it had been forgotten and I plan to bring it back to life. I see myself collecting oil and one day converting my diesel truck to run on veggie oil,” said Johnson who earned 4^th place and $750 cash.

Kim Leslie, a KPBSD Distance Education teacher from Seward drove to Kenai to the live competition to encourage and support Madison McDonald whose idea took 5^th place. She said, “‘I’m interested in CFK but I don’t have any ideas.’ That is usually the first response I get after pitching Caring for the Kenai to my students. ‘Yet,’ I say. ‘You don’t have any ideas yet.’ And then we talk… about where we live, about what they care about, worry about, wonder about. And then the ideas emerge. And that’s the beautiful thing about CFK: they only need an idea. There is no expectation that their idea will truly take off the first year and become a tangible product or effort or event. That might come later with iterations but the first year is just about the idea. As a teacher, this means I simply need to create the space, the time and the support to nourish those ideas—which is pretty easy! The kids are the ones doing the heavy lifting, the real thinking, the research, the interviews, the building, the designing. So CFK is the perfect storm of what science education should be. A student-driven process of inquiry that leads to an authentic, relevant, community-enriching outcome. Yee ha!”

Madison McDonald a KPBSD Connections Homeschool student is creating a free earthquake safety app for kids who find themselves in a real natural disaster situation and want to know what to do next. Her idea won her 5^th place honors and a check for $650. In 6^th Place winning the $550 dollar cash award with his idea for the microbial use of oil spill cleanup was another Mariner from Homer High, Lucas Nollar.

In addition to the $8,000 in cash awards for the finalists, this year $20,000 will be awarded to the school’s classrooms of the finalists thanks to the CFK signature sponsor Marathon Petroleum Corporation and the community partners Kenai River Raven Lodge, Peninsula Community Health Services, Sweeney’s Clothing, Eyewear Express, Hilcorp, ConocoPhillips, Kenai River Sportfishing Association, and KSRM radio group.

High schools using CFK as part of state standards curriculum this year were: Soldotna High School, Cook Inlet Academy, Homer High School, Kenai Central High School, and Nikiski Middle High School. Students can enter every year of their high school career, whether the contest is assigned in class or not. Each school receives $750 for their participation and the remainder of the $20,000 is allocated according to how the school’s students ranked in the CFK competition. Other finalists that earned $400 each for making it to the final 12 out all the entries submitted were:

• Laurel Matson & Rebekah Dillingham-CIA for their new CFK jingle.
• Regan Baker – Homer High – for his Electricity re-invention
• Caleb Wohlers – Soldotna High – with a Free Play idea
• Micah Scott – CIA- Polluted Minds
• Conner West – CIA- RTEC using recycled tires for erosion control
• Hazel Pearson – Homer High- Decreasing Alaska’s clothing waste

“CFK is an opportunity for Peninsula students to have a real-world experience. The creativity and resiliency of our community and our youth during these trying times brings hope for the future,” said Merrill Sikorski CFK creator. Due to student scheduling conflicts the joint chamber presentation scheduled for April 28, 2022, will now be held May 11, 2022, at the Soldotna Regional Sports Center along with the Soldotna Chamber scholarship awards and is open to the public.

This year’s panel of judges included KPB Assembly president Brent Johnson, Bruce Jackman (Marathon Petroleum Corporation), Clayton Holland, KPBSD Superintendent, Tim Dillon, KPEDD executive director, Ben Wright, PCHS, executive director, Shannon Martin, KRSA executive director and Emily Moss (2021 CFK 1^st Place Winner).

The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held in the Seward High School Theater at 2100 Swetmann St., Seward, AK 99664 unless otherwise noted.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Meeting Schedule – May 2, 2022

Seward High School Theater

Work Sessions (Public Listening)
2:00 p.m. District Library Presentation
2:30 p.m. Remote / Distance Education Presentation
3:00 p.m. Six Year Plan
3:30 p.m. Finance
4:00 p.m. Board Discussion

6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )

If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Lisa Gabriel at LGabriel@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast

Board Policy Committee – May 9, 2022

Denali Conference Room
148 N. Binkley Street
Soldotna, AK 99669

9:00 a.m.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

During the month of April over 100 pieces of art made by AnnMarie Rudstrom’s Kindergarten students from Soldotna Elementary are on display at Kaladi Brother’s Coffee on Kobuk Ave. in Soldotna, Alaska.

Throughout the school year, Mrs. Rudstrom selected art projects that allowed students to explore various mediums to gain an understanding of the many unique ways art can be created. Most often the projects were connected to units they were studying or seasons of the year. Mrs. Rudstrom believes all children are artists and with the right opportunities and guidance they can create beautiful and meaningful art. Students learned about art concepts such as primary and secondary colors, abstract versus realistic art, titling art to capture the main idea, and how line and color help to create a mood.

On Friday, April 8, 2022, these students took a field trip to the coffee shop to enjoy steamers and to admire their work on display. Students were clearly proud to show off their work to family members and chaperones. This class has received many compliments and encouragement for their beautiful pieces. Be sure to stop by and see it for yourself!

PS: Treat yourself and watch the Soldotna Elementary Kindergarten new registration video for 2022-2023

Principal Vaughn Dosko, Kenai Middle School, is awarded the 2022 Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP)

“The positive culture and traditions at Kenai Middle School are a direct result of the good work of Mr. Vaughn Dosko,” said Superintendent Clayton Holland. “Mr. Dosko has strived to build positive relations with his staff, families, the community of Kenai, and most importantly with his students. This work has resulted in having a building that produces positive student outcomes and the inclusion of all students. Congratulations to Mr. Dosko for this well-deserved recognition!”

For the past 11 years, Mr. Dosko has been the leader of Kenai Middle School, and he is completing his 16^th year in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. After learning about this award, Principal Dosko said, “Jubilation in evoked in me because this is not a one person award this is an award for the staff, students, community and district. I thank the staff at KMS, the district office staff, students, and the community of Kenai. My wife and kids need a huge shout out as well because I am not there as much as I would like because KMS eats up a lot of time.”

Assistant Superintendent Kari Dendurent shared that Principal Dosko puts students first. “When one walks into Kenai Middle School it is evident KMS is student friendly and has a welcoming and safe aura. This is seen immediately at the entrance with student work, the many student engagement activities, through observation in student-to-student interactions as well as the multitude of events throughout the school year.”

Mr. Dosko attended high school in Craik, Saskatchewan, Canada, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education at Minot State University, in Minot, North Dakota, and a Master of Education from the University of Idaho.

A favorite aspect to his work each day is bus duty! Mr. Dosko says, “I love doing bus duty. There is nothing better than to see and greet all the kids as they get off the bus or dropped off by mom, dad, or a sibling.” He shares that, “While in high school I volunteered in the special education room working with students who needed extra help” and this inspired his career path. Advice from Principal Dosko to younger people is, “Keep a journal of your journey!”

Helping others become their best is an important quality in Principal Dosko. He said, “For the past three years, I have worked with the State of Alaska principal mentorship program. I enjoy giving back to the profession to help new to the state and new administrators be successful. If I had not had people step up and help me, I would not be where I am today.”

The KPBSD joins Kenai Middle School to celebrate Principal Vaughn Dosko. You can visit the school Facebook page or website to learn more about the great things happening in this school.

Links

• Kenai Middle School website
• Kenai Middle School Facebook
• Essay: How have you embedded the needs of each student as a guiding value to inform organizational decision-making? by Vaughn Dosko, Principal Kenai Middle School

About AASSP

AASSP sponsors regional and statewide Principal of The Year recognition awards to honor the educational leaders who play such a pivotal role in student success. They may be nominated by anyone–students, staff, parents, district office staff or principal peers—with awards finalized by AASSP members in their region. Regional Principals of The Year are eligible to be in the running for the statewide Alaska Principal of The Year.

Each AASSP 2022 Regional Principal of The Year will be awarded and recognized at the 56th Annual Alaska Principals’ Conference, scheduled to be held in Anchorage October 14-15, 2022.

The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers at 144 Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK unless otherwise noted.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Meeting Schedule – April 11, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers
10:00 a.m. Policy Review Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
11:00 a.m. Information Committee Meeting (Public Listening)

Work Sessions (Public Listening)
1:00 p.m. KPSAA Handbook Changes
1:30 p.m. Alaska STAR Assessment
2:00 p.m. Curriculum Update
2:30 p.m. Bond Resolution
3:00 p.m. Finance
3:30 p.m. Board Policy Review
4:00 p.m. Board Discussion

6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )

Meeting Schedule – April 12, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers
Quarterly Work Session
9:00 a.m. Strategic Plan
11:00 a.m. Board Training

If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Lisa Gabriel at lgabriel@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast

Hiring a School Principal Public Involvement Opportunities

Everyone is invited to watch the principal candidate interviews live via Zoom, and then provide written feedback through a new survey link provided during the live interview. Thank you for your participation in the selection and hiring of KPBSD principals.

Check back to this page for updates, or additional schools that are hiring a new administrator.

Format
ON the hour, Zoom audience members join interview process. The Zoom doors will close when each candidate interview begins, so make sure to join the call at the top of the hour, and no later than 10 minutes later.
:10: Introduction of Candidate followed by 45 minute Candidate interview.

Example:
4:00 – 4:10 Zoom audience members join call when doors open
4:10 – 4:15 Candidate arrives and is introduced. Doors close
4:15 – 5:00 Interview with Candidate

Public Comment
Everyone present at the interview may submit written candidate feedback. Details will be provided during the Zoom call.

Principal Interviews

Upcoming Community Meetings

The purpose of a community meeting with district office leadership, and the survey, is to learn about the attributes that students, parents, staff, and community members seek in their next school principal.

Questions?

Kendra Denney, KPBSD Personnel Specialist, is waiting and ready to assist! Call her at 907.714.8845 or email teach@kpbsd.org

Visit school websites and social media for additional information.

• Take 5 minutes to review these 5 important education bills
• Talk to 5 friends, colleagues, or family members about these topics, and then:

Five action ideas

1. Contact your state legislator via phone, email, or attend a town meeting
2. Testify at a legislative hearing in a LIO office, make a phone call, or write a letter
3. Listen to a committee hearing, and track bill movement with SMS alerts from #AKleg
4. Talk to elected officials in city and borough government, and your school principal or site council about these bills
5. Advocate for a state fiscal plan; speak up to share your positive stories about education. Help the public understand the positive value and outcomes happening in KPBSD

Legislative information

• March 2022: KPBSD Focus on Five Education Bills
• February 2022: KPBSD Board of Education AASB Legislative Fly-In Packet for Legislators
• KPBSD State Legislators 2021-2022 contacts
• The Alaska State Legislature website

Dedicated webpage: KPBSD and the Legislature

Thank you for your advocacy; your stories about the positive outcomes from KPBSD schools will assist with these bills.

Student teams from around the district tackled this year’s ‘STEM Design Challenge’ called the ‘Toothpick Bridge Challenge’ for the past few months (either at school, virtually, or a combination), with the final results determined in late February. This year’s team challenge was to build a bridge from only toothpicks and glue that is able to support a maximum amount of weight. The weight was a suspended five-gallon bucket, in which up to 20 quarts of water were individually added until either the bridge structure failed or the bridge was able to hold the full five-gallon (20 quart) volume capacity of the suspended bucket (41.7 pounds).

Facilitated by the district’s gifted education program (Quest), the STEM Design Challenge has been a substitute for the annual ‘Mind A-Mazes’ district challenge the past couple of years, and has given students around the peninsula an opportunity to work collaboratively on a STEM competition which they could work on at home or school. This year’s challenge was created and coordinated by Quest teachers Brandon Young and Brian Bailey. Teams were required to follow a variety of specific rules for construction and testing, with each team then submitting a single video submission of their bridge weight test results.

Students were encouraged to research various bridge design types, specifically trusses, when designing their bridges. Geometric principles of design (including measurement of angles) and physical principles such as tension and compression were also explored by numerous teams during the research, design, construction, and testing portions of the challenge. Whether teams’ bridges held a few quarts or over 20 quarts of water, they all were able to attempt a challenging engineering task and share their results with other teams from around the district. Some of the winning teams are even designing additional weight tests to see just how much MORE their toothpick bridges can hold beyond the 5 gallons of water – adding barbells, bricks, or even people!

Out of 30 team entries from around the KPBSD, the top results and winning teams whose bridges were all able to hold the maximum five-gallon water bucket weight results are:

1st place teams (tie) – Elementary Division

Nikiski North Star Elementary – “M&M’s” Morgan Hooper, Mia Settlemyer, Isabella Durfee
Mountain View Elementary – “Maci and Marley” Maci Miller, Marley Mesa
Nikiski North Star Elementary – “Gold Nuggets” Emily Porter, Autumn Warner, Logan Kimbell

1st place teams (tie) – Middle/Senior Division

Nikiski Middle – “Baffingly beautiful babbling bridge building bailey bros” Rainy Jenness, Ryenne Douglas, Sadie Porter, Eden Nightingale, Halle Blades
Kenai Middle – “Team Lucario” Dylan Fry, Wyatt Hansen, Oscar Marcou, Elloree Smith
Nikiski Middle – “Corn on the Cob” Adalynn Choate, Milly Hornung

Thank you to Brian Bailey for contributing this story, and the coaches, judges, students, and everyone who assisted and supported the teams!

The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers at 144 Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK unless otherwise noted.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Meeting Schedule – March 14, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers
10:30 a.m. Policy Review Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
11:00 a.m. Information Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
11:30 a.m. Finance Committee Meeting (Public Listening)

Work Sessions (Public Listening)
1:00 p.m. Board Policy Review
1:15 p.m. K-5 Math Adoption
1:45 p.m. Legislative Bills
2:45 p.m. Finance Work Session
3:45 p.m. Student Council Resolutions
4:30 p.m. Board Discussion

6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )

If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Lisa Gabriel at lgabriel@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast

The 2022 ASTE Teacher of the Year journey began for Billeen Carlson in 2008 as a substitute teacher in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, then in 2017 after earning her Master of Arts in Teaching degree, she began teaching as a secondary (6-12 grade) generalist teacher at Nikolaevsk School. She is a Homer High School alumni [Class of 1994], and graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage.

ASTE President Bill Burr said, “We were honored have celebrate Billeen as the ASTE Teacher of the year. She is a true example of the power of teaching for her students. She is moving education forward by giving students choice and voice.”

“I am thrilled that Ms. Carlson was named the ASTE educator of the year,” said Superintendent Clayton Holland. Ms. Carlson brings a high level of enthusiasm and a willingness to step in and help students and staff from across the district with remote instruction and the use of technology to maximize the effectiveness of instruction and learning. Congratulations to Billeen on this much deserved recognition!”

“I was surprised to receive this award,” said Billeen. “Our district is full of experienced, technologically savvy educators who put students first. Of the team who attended ASTE, most presented on tools and strategies to the statewide audience. As far as districts in the state, the Kenai was the most highly represented. As a district, we should be proud of our level of educational competency.

I would particularly like to thank my administrator, Mike Sellers, who has encouraged me to ‘fail forward’ at every step in my growth as an educator. I have felt empowered to learn and apply my learning to the benefit of my students. I would also like to thank Amanda Adams who lit a fire under me about collaborating with my colleagues and sharing my expertise. She made me feel like I had something to add to the bigger conversation and that I had better get off my tuckus and add it.”

With all of the chaos and hardships surrounding education in the last couple of years, I have been blessed with the right skills, the right mindset, and the right level of resiliency to rise above our challenges.

Billeen carlson

Thoughts from the 2022 ASTE Teacher of the Year

Career path influences
I was blessed by a series of deeply caring and inspirational teachers during my time as a student in the KPBSD. Jim Holcomb & Nina Faust were particularly supportive while I was in high school. They helped me believe in myself and encouraged me to develop my strengths rather than hammering on my deficits.

In the right place at the right time
I love the challenge of working with diverse groups of students in challenging environments. The pandemic shut down provided me the opportunity to leverage my technology skills to the benefit of my students and colleagues. I also enjoy working with students to personalize their learning experiences and to help them meet performance standards in non-traditional ways. With all of the chaos and hardships surrounding education in the last couple of years, I have been blessed with the right skills, the right mindset, and the right level of resiliency to rise above our challenges.

Challenges and solutions 
I know firsthand that, in order to be a successful adult, people need to know how to advocate for themselves and how to manage their own learning; I have loved our school district’s push to provide these skills for our students. Our communities on the Kenai Peninsula are particularly hard hit by stressors and Adverse Childhood Experiences—it is important for our students to be deliberately taught resiliency skills and to learn how to learn and how to advocate for themselves as they move into adulthood.

Insight for K-12 students
Set goals, be an advocate for yourself and others, take ownership of your learning, and be confident that hard work will pay off. And know that the inverse is also true.

Billeen attended Chapman School (1990), Homer High School (Class of 1994), earned an Associate of Arts degree in English from Kenai Peninsula College (2004), a Bachelor of Arts in History (2010) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) for Secondary Education with a social studies focus (2012) from the University of Alaska Anchorage UAA.

What is ASTE and why is it important for learning? An ASTE staff blog post explains, “Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away the landscape of education and learning was limited to the classroom that a student and teacher were sitting in. It depended on the books and tools at their disposal, and it depended on the capacity and endurance of the teachers and students to seek beyond what was in that room. There were borders, boundaries, and geographical distances isolating humans. Technology has continually diminished these barriers offering us a glimpse into the depths of what is possible. Expanding worldviews. Building relevance. Finding common ground to solve problems faced by not one person or culture, but by us all.”

Links

• ASTE website
• KBBI story: The Winds of Hope project and personalized learning at Nikolaevsk School

Friday Early Release Update in the KPBSD

“Thank you to all of our staff and families who provided input regarding early release days. From the more than 1,800 survey responses, it is clear that the early release days provided benefit to our students by allocating time for our staff to plan, review data, and collaborate. The extra time has been much needed this year with all the disruptions caused by COVID-19. We also heard how it has been a hardship on many working parents who struggled to make arrangements for their childcare when school ended 90 minutes earlier than normal, and acknowledge that difficulty.

Given all the input, and with the impact of COVID in schools waning, the KPBSD will add three additional Friday Early Release days on March 18, 25 and April 1, 2022. On these three days, school will end 90 minutes earlier than usual, and buses will also run 90 minutes earlier than normal. Then for the rest of this school year, we will return to the regular weekly school schedule. Thank you for everything you do to support student learning.”

– Superintendent Clayton Holland

The primary purpose of the early release for students and maximum day for staff is to provide:

Time to plan instruction: the learning gap between students is larger and additional time is needed to plan to meet those needs.
Time for collaboration: grade level and subject matter teams, special education, intervention
Time to communicate with parents and other important stakeholders
Time to review student data in a manner that guides instruction
Time for secretaries to catch up on data entry
Time for nurses to input data without disruption
Time to clean buildings
Time for trainings that staff haven’t been able to engage in
Time available for students to address individual instructional needs (make-up tests, receive targeted intervention, etc…)

Review the KPBSD districtwide and the school variance calendars.

*variance: Kachemak-Selo, Nanwalek, Nikolaevsk, Razdolna, and Voznesenka schools are in session and have a different spring break

“March is a time of hope and optimism on the Kenai with increasing daylight and warming weather. I wish all of our staff, students, and families a wonderful Spring Break and hope you make the time to get outside and do those things that make living here great. I look forward to seeing you all again when the last quarter of school begins on March 14th.”

– Superintendent Clayton Holland

A Kenai Central High School graduate [Class of 1990] and a teacher at K-Beach Elementary for 24 years, Jason Daniels received national recognition as the Science Awardee for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). His Mom and Dad were educators in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, and inspirations for his career.

“The Presidential Award is a symbol of teaching excellence,” said Mr. Daniels. “I work with many excellent teachers who are deserving of recognition and I am humbled to receive this honor. The award process is a reflective journey of professional development and I am a better teacher as a result. It honors my students and families, colleagues, and administrators that believed in me and I am thankful for their support. The greatest reward in my teaching is to see my students succeed in their learning.”

“Mr. Daniels is an outstanding longtime educator with the KPBSD and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition,” said Superintendent Clayton Holland. “He is not only an exceptional educator who makes learning real and relevant to his students, he is an even better person who develops positive and trusting relationships with his students, their parents, and his colleagues. Please join me to celebrate Mr. Daniels.”

K-Beach Elementary Principal Janae Van Slyke said, “Mr. Daniels is an outstanding educator who personalizes his instruction to meet the needs and interests of individual students. Mr. Daniels creates an immersive classroom experience focused on mathematics and science inquiry. His students are engrossed in science and learning how it impacts their daily lives. This honor is well deserved!”

In his words…

Early life inspirations

My parents inspired my career path. They were both teachers. They came to Alaska in 1969 from Oregon and settled in Seldovia. I was born there—actually in Homer because there was no hospital in Seldovia. My Mom’s teaching superpower was her love for her students. She earned a reputation by her colleagues for her nurturing caring teaching style. I joked that she treated her students better than she treated me! All kidding aside, she was a great role model for putting kids first. My Dad went on to get his principal endorsement and was the first principal to open the doors at Redoubt Elementary. I learned a great deal from him as well. As a marine science teacher in Seldovia, he introduced me to science at an early age in the tide pools near Seldovia. I was hooked on science from then on. My Dad demonstrated the traits of a strong leader who was dedicated and who always strived to be the best educator he could be. To this day he gives me advice, whether requested or not, about how to handle challenges in teaching. I joke with him that he has never stopped teaching.

Advice to my younger self, or a current K-12 student

Stand on your own two feet. Do not worry what others are doing. Start now to decide what you want to do with your life. Start thinking of small things you can do now to get you to your goal. You are not too young to start pursuing your passions.

Favorite part of the school day

Certainly one of my students’ favorite parts of school and one of mine as well is the opportunities to experience STEM through hands on learning. English and Language Arts are an important part of science learning, and there is nothing more engaging, exciting, and sometimes surprising, in my experience, than getting your “hands dirty”. Whether it is taking apart an owl pellet, solving a real world-engineering problem, or walking to Slikok Creek to conduct water quality tests, experiential learning adds color to an otherwise pastel science learning canvas.

On teaching science

Teaching science can be scary and intimidating for some teachers. It is not a core subject, so not as much attention is spent in teaching it. I would like teachers who are nervous about jumping in and teaching STEM to know that it can start with one good lesson. One good lesson will turn into another … and another, until you look back and realize ‘I’ve got this, and the kids are getting something out of it, and I’m enjoying the engagement and deep thinking and learning that is happening here.’ Start with one good lesson.

Fun and Play

My wife and I like to get together with friends and be social, we like to bike, kayak, camp, work around the house, grow veggies, and travel.

Thankful

I want to thank my colleague Suzanne Klaben, my principal Janae Van Slyke, my PAEMST and teaching mentor Diane McBee, and many other partners in teaching over the years who have supported me, encouraged me, and inspired me.

Mr. Daniels earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from UAA, and an MEd in educational technology from UAS. He is a National Board Certified Middle Childhood Generalist, and holds a master teacher certificate with an endorsement in educational technology.

Links:

PAEMST awards

The statewide award recognizes her commitment and dedication to school nutrition! Fun fact: every day KPBSD Student Nutrition serves a daily average of 1,200 breakfasts and 3,200 lunches!

For thirty years, Diane Buchanan has worked in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, a diverse district the size of West Virginia, with 42 schools, some only accessible by boat or plane. Starting as a student nutrition cashier in 1992 at Soldotna Junior High, for the past six years, she has served as the Student Nutrition Services Supervisor, where she oversees food nutrition services, school kitchen management, free and reduced lunch applications, and menus among other responsibilities.

During the past two years of the pandemic, she and her team stepped up to provide “Get It and Go” lunches when schools were in remote learning, juggled supply chain issues of not receiving food, and kept school meals served every day that school has been open in person. In 2020, at the start of the pandemic, the Governor of Alaska announced the shift of all schools to remote learning after spring break. Immediately, district leadership asked what can we do to provide meals to students, since so many families rely on school meals. The Director of Planning and Operations called Diane, and everyone went to work over the weekend. KPBSD was proud to offer “Get it and Go Meals” and an online ordering service that began the Tuesday after that 2020 spring break.

An avid quilter, she creates beautiful art, she is a beekeeper, goes along with her family on hunts, rides her four-wheeler, enjoys gardening and flowers, is active in her church, and loves time with her grandchildren.

In her words…

Advice to her younger self, or current students
Always have a job and work for a living and no matter what job you have, always give 110%. You do not have to have a college degree to have a job in field you have interest so keep searching for the opportunity to get into a field of work you enjoy.

How I got started…
My career in student nutrition started when I wanted a job that would allow me to be on the same schedule as my children, and allow me to volunteer in their school. I started in student nutrition not expecting it to be my life’s career choice, but after these many years I realized that this was something I really enjoyed and will have a hard time leaving.

Facing challenges
When the pandemic hit, the student nutrition staff was asked to work at different kitchens as a group preparing hundreds of sack breakfast and lunch meals each day for the students of KPBSD. The staff worked together without any questions or complaints and like all of us not knowing what this really was or when it would end. The staff would stand out in all types of weather for an hour each day handing out meals to families as they drove up.

Gratitude
I would like to thank the many student nutrition staff who I have worked with over the last 30 years. The KPBSD student nutrition staff are a remarkable bunch of people that quietly feed the students every day without much recognition of what they have accomplished each day.

Her team says, “These last two years working through the Covid-19 challenges have been trying to say the least. Diane’s leadership has been extraordinary. It is obvious Diane love her job, and she loves numbers! Diane has shared her knowledge of the ins and outs of Student Nutrition. When she retires she leaves big shoes to fill, all of which has become second nature to her. She will be greatly missed.”

“For over 30 years Ms. Buchanan has provided outstanding service to the district and all of our students,” said Superintendent Holland. “During the last two years, Diane worked through school closures, staffing issues, and supply chain shortages to make sure our students have access to food. The geographic diversity and size of our district makes this even more impressive! Congratulations to Ms. Buchanan for this well-deserved recognition. We are incredibly proud of her and all of our student nutrition services employees.”

Link

KPBSD Student Nutrition

KPBSD School Counselors, you are appreciated!

Please join me to celebrate our school counselors during National School Counselor Appreciation week! Now, more than ever, we recognize and appreciate the great work our school counselors provide to our students and to our entire district. On a daily basis they connect with students, and are actively engaged to help them examine their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents. They work in partnership with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising children in today’s world’ they focus on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, career, and social and emotional development; they work with teachers and other educators to provide an educational system where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic, and optimistic aspirations for themselves. The work that our School Counselors are doing resonates not only in our schools and communities today, but also into the future lives of our students.

Superintendent Clayton Holland

Celebrate school counseling by taking part in the 2022 National School Counseling Week photo challenge. Simply download each day’s sign, write in your response and then take a picture with it to post to your social media channels. Be sure to tag ASCA and #NSCW22.

• Monday, Feb. 7: School counselors and other school-based mental health professionals are better together because …
• Tuesday, Feb. 8: School counselors and administrators are better together because…
• Wednesday, Feb. 9: School counselors and teachers are better together because…
• Thursday, Feb. 10: School counselors and the community are better together because…
• Friday, Feb. 11: School counselors are better together because…

February is School Board Appreciation Month in Alaska! Together throughout our school district and state, let us honor school board members who provide grassroots governance of public schools. Kindly make a special effort to tell school board members that their hard work is noticed and very much appreciated. 

We are thankful for our Board of Education!
Idea: send a thank you note to your school board representative!

• Zen Kelly, President, District 9, South Peninsula
• Debbie Cary, Vice President, District 7, Kasilof/Central
• Jason Tauriainen, Clerk District 3, Nikiski
• Penny Vadla, Treasurer, District 4, Soldotna
• Jennifer Waller, District 5, Sterling/Funny River
• Virginia Morgan, District 6, Seward/East Peninsula
• Matt Morse, District 2, Kenai
• Patti Truesdell, District 1, Kalifornsky
• Timothy Daugharty, District 8, Homer
• Neviya Reed, Student Representative

The mission of public schools is to meet the diverse educational needs of all children and to empower them to become competent, productive contributors to a democratic society and an ever-changing world; and

AND, school board members are dedicated to the success of our public schools, the students who attend them, and work closely with educational professionals, parents, and other community members to promote excellence in student learning and academic achievement; and

AND, local school board members are committed to children and believe all children can be successful learners and the best education is tailored to the individual needs of the child; and

AND, local school board members contribute their time and talents to our communities, and work closely with parents, educational professionals, and other community members to create the educational vision we want for our students; and

AND, local school board members are responsible for ensuring the structure provides a solid foundation for our school system; and

AND, local school board members ensure the assessment of students, school staff, and educational programs and are accountable to the community; and

AND, local school board members are strong advocates for public education and are responsible for communicating the needs of the school district to the public and the public’s expectations to the district.

Join the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District to recognize the dedication and hard work of our local school board members, and the working in collaboration with them to mold an education system to meet the needs of all our children, today and in the future! 

Links

• KPBSD Board of Education webpage
• BoardDocs

`The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers at 144 Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK unless otherwise noted.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below. District Administration may determine if it is prudent to allow public in person participation based on risk level or if the meeting will only be virtual and streamed live.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Meeting Schedule – February 7, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers

10:00 a.m. Special Meeting (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs)
1:00 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
1:30 p.m. Information Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
2:15 p.m. Board Policy Committee Meeting (Public Listening)

Work Sessions (Public Listening)

3:00 p.m. Board Policy Review
3:15 p.m. Finance
3:45 p.m. Strategic Plan
4:30 p.m. Board Discussion

6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )

If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Lisa Gabriel at lgabriel@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast

Work, lead, and live in Alaska’s Playground!

Newly announced leadership positions for the 2022-2023 school year are open for applicants until filled:

Principal Openings for 2022-2023 school year

• Regional Principal: Nikolaevsk and Ninilchik schools
• Port Graham School
• Tustumena Elementary School (Kasilof)

College and Career Readiness Coordinator (District Office, Soldotna)

Community Meetings and Surveys

The purpose of the community meeting with district administration is to learn about the characteristics that students, parents, staff, and community members seek in their next principal.

Three principal candidate interviews for the Nikolaevsk School and Ninilchik School regional principal will be on Zoom, Wednesday, April 6, 2022, beginning at 4:00 PM. Everyone who participates will receive a survey link to provide audience input.

Questions?

Kendra Denney, KPBSD Personnel Specialist, is waiting and ready to assist! Call her at 907.714.8845 or email teach@kpbsd.org

Discover the Kenai Peninsula: 42 KPBSD schools, in 17 diverse communities

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is looking for exceptional individuals to become a part of our administrative team. The KPBSED is located in a beautiful part of Southcentral Alaska and is one of the more unique and progressive districts in Alaska. KPBSD schools serve over 8,000 students from a variety of communities. KPBSD includes 42 schools ranging in size from a K-8 building of 16 to a traditional high school of over 700. KPBSD schools offer students a strong education that prepares them for life after graduation. The 1,200 KPBSD staff members are dedicated to continuous improvement that embraces our strategic plan goals in academic success, organizational excellence, and community and family engagement. If you choose the KPBSD, you will be joining an exciting and successful team of top-notch educators who do whatever it takes to help our students achieve success.

KPBSD Human Resources Web Links

• Employment Page
• Current Openings – Apply Now
• Volunteer
• Substitute
• Job Fairs
• Alaska Certification
• Student Teacher
• Bargaining Agreement & Salary Schedule
• Contact Human Resources

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education will hold a joint budget work session with the Borough Assembly at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 01, 2022, at the George A. Navarre Administration Building, Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers, 144 North Binkley St., Soldotna, AK.

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

1:00-2:00 p.m.

For more information, visit the Kenai Peninsula Borough website and navigate to Assembly>Calendar: https://www.kpb.us/

Attend in person, or listen via the KPB Zoom

Meeting ID: 884 7373 9641

Passcode: 671108

School Board Agenda and KPBSD presentation: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public

The KPBSD Migrant Education Program went on a long-awaited trip to Washington D.C. through the Close Up program. The trip was sponsored by Title I-C (Migrant Education), and gave 14 migrant students from the Kenai Peninsula an opportunity to have an academic experience, while learning life skills and forming new relationships. Our migrant specialists chaperoned the trip and noted incredible personal growth from each student as the week progressed. In fact, the group of students is eagerly planning a get together in December to continue developing their relationships that were formed through the trip.

Close Up

Originally scheduled for the spring of 2020 but postponed due to pandemic travel restrictions, the students were finally able to attend in November of 2021. Close Up is an incredible student travel experience that allows students to visit our nation’s capital, meet congressional representatives, and see numerous historical sites. From the moment they landed in Washington D.C., their days and evenings were packed full of learning and new experiences. Highlights from the trip include:

meeting Congressman Don Young, Senator Dan Sullivan, and one of Senator Lisa Murkowski’s aides—Brian Dusek—who talked a lot with the participants, and is a Soldotna High School Class of 2017 graduate!

History

Experiencing history through a new perspective, the focus for Washington D.C. trips has been the inclusion of women and people of color in American History.

Sitting on the steps of Capital Building and learning about our government in action, and visiting historical landmarks like the Washington Monument, Mount Vernon, Historic Williamsburg, along with the Lincoln Memorial and many others.

Curiosity and Inquiry

Students were overheard wondering why certain people and wars get memorials, asking critical thinking questions about who has access to our countries history, along with the exclamation of awe when they were actually standing next to the Washington Monument. Many students wanted more time in the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and enjoyed learning in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

Students came back to Alaska eager for new opportunities and excited to continue learning. This type of experience that weaves academic, life skills, and engagement together is incredible for student success. We are so happy that we could make this experience possible!

From Senator Dan Sullivan’s November 29, 2021, social media post:

“It’s always the highlight of my day when I get to meet with young Alaskans. I welcomed a group of students from the Kenai Peninsula visiting our nation’s capital with the Close Up Program. It was great to take some questions and hear about their goals and plans for the future.”

Student Voice

“After high school, I still don’t know what I’ll be doing, but after DC, I know there are so many opportunities I can do. I’ve always loved meeting new people and trying new things, But Washington D.C is something I could have never imagined.” –Clavdia Kulikov

Story contributed by Jessica Scogin, KPBSD Federal Programs Coordinator
Photos provided by Jessica Scogin, and Senator Dan Sullivan’s Facebook page post

The following school board meetings and work sessions will be held in the Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers at 144 Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK unless otherwise noted.

PLEASE NOTE: The meetings are open to the public. The public is invited to attend in person and to listen and participate as noted below. District Administration may determine if it is prudent to allow public in person participation based on risk level or if the meeting will only be virtual and streamed live.

(877) 853-5257
Conference ID: 708 024 188
When prompted for an Attendee ID, press #.

Zoom ID: 708 024 188

Monday, January 10, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers

 9:00 a.m. Policy Review Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
10:00 a.m. Information Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
10:30 a.m. Finance Committee Meeting (Public Listening)
11:00 a.m. Special Meeting (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )

Work Sessions (Public Listening)

1:00 p.m. Board Policy Review
1:15 p.m. Assessment Report
1:45 p.m. Board Governance Handbook Review
2:15 p.m. Soldotna Reconfiguration
2:45 p.m. Legislative Priorities
3:15 p.m. Finance Work Session
4:30 p.m. Board Discussion

6:00 p.m. Business Meeting: (Public Listening and Participation will be as noted on the Agenda in BoardDocs )

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Betty J. Glick Assembly Chambers

Quarterly Work Session

9:00 a.m. Special Meeting
10:00 a.m. Finance Work Session
11:00 a.m. Project Grad
4:00 p.m.  Charter School Committee Meeting-Redoubt Conference Room(Public Listening)

If you would like to pre-register to testify telephonically (optional) or if you have any technical difficulties or questions, contact Lisa Gabriel at lgabriel@kpbsd.k12.ak.us, 907-714-8836, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To view the agenda and packet items, log on to: http://www.boarddocs.com/ak/kpbsd/Board.nsf/public.

To view the live broadcast log on to https://kpbsd.org/board or Live Broadcast