Year: 2017

Celebrate Jonathan Dillon, 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of Excellence!

Jonathan Dillon 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of Excellence (3)

“While I am honored by this recognition, I want to share that it isn’t mine alone. What we achieve at Mountain View Elementary—both students and staff—comes from the ways in which each of us work to support one another. I am fortunate to teach alongside helpful administrators, loving families, master teachers and staff, and—most importantly—kind, curious students. I am grateful to be a part of the Mountain View family.” – Jonathan Dillon

Jonathan Dillon teaches music in kindergarten through fifth grade at Mountain View Elementary School in Kenai. He has been a teacher for five years, all five of which have been in Alaska. In addition to being nominated by parents of his students, Jonathon was recognized by many of his fellow teachers. The universal consensus is that he’s a really nice guy, always willing to help struggling students and his coworkers, he simply loves teaching.
Johnathan graduated from University of Alaska Fairbanks with a bachelor’s in music and earned a master’s degree, also in music, from the University of Montana. Clearly, he is a gifted musician, but it’s as a teacher that he earned this compliment from a parent: “Mr. Dillon is remarkable in his ability to include all students, of all abilities, in his classes. When a student tells him they do not know something, whether music-related or not, he kindly interjects, ‘Not yet.’”
Whereas conventional wisdom may be that some people have musical talent and some do not, Johnathon approaches each student with the belief that every one of them can learn to create music. Because he teaches a number of grade levels, he is able to mentor them through the first years of learning music, helping them progress: playing a number of instruments, reading and even writing music. Most important, they learn to sing.
He says, “I believe singing is a great equalizer in music education. Each child has his or her own unique voice – and learning to use that voice is the foundation upon which all other musical skills flourish.”
Johnathan is dedicated to helping his students. He teaches band during lunch, and choir after school. He holds concerts during the year to not only allow his students to showcase their talents but to teach them what it means to learn a discipline in private then use it in real application – in public.
One of the many fellow teachers who nominated Johnathon wrote, “Mr. Dillon uses music as a vehicle to elevate each person to the point that they are operating at their highest self – and to ask, ‘How can I make someone else’s day a bit brighter?’ If Mr. Rogers were to come back as a music teacher, his name would be Johnathan Dillon.”
Jonathan Dillon 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of Excellence (2)
Many of Jonathan’s students come to school from very difficult home situations, including homelessness, adoption, foster care, poverty, divorce, and so forth. But as another fellow teacher wrote, “Mr. Dillon is a leader in our school in the way he models kindness, generosity of time and attention, and inclusion of all in his program. He goes above and beyond for those kids every day.”

“Music is only a small part of the curriculum that Mr. Dillon delivers to Mountain View Elementary students,” said Karl Kircher, Mountain View Elementary principal. “Good teachers model what they want their students to learn, and on a daily basis Mr. Dillon seamlessly models kindness, empathy and assuming positive intent as he manages his classes. The entire culture of our school is affected by his actions as he inspires our staff to emulate his practices. The amazing relationships that Mr. Dillon develops with his students and the joy they find in singing together with their friends is evidenced by the fact that 46, 4th and 5th grade students participated in after school, extra-curricular choir this year. Mr. Dillon’s smile and demeanor as he goes about his day from classes to Kindergarten lunch duty to his after-school computer code writing club for shows that he takes in as much joy as he gives.”

This year’s nominees were again, an excellent representation of our staff as a whole,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “They are humble, hard-working and student-centered. They are willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed and reach their full potential.”
“BP is proud to honor these great teachers and their tireless work in the classroom,” said BP Alaska Regional President Janet Weiss. “We see it as part of our ongoing commitment to the communities where our people live and work – and an investment in the people who help make Alaska great.”
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District BP Teachers of Excellence winners are:

Congratulations, Jonathan Dillon, BP Teacher of Excellence!
Kodiak, Alaska

Celebrate Stephanie Cronin, 2017 BP Teacher of Excellence

Stephanie Cronin, Seward High School, 2017 BP Teacher of Excellence

“It is truly humbling to receive this award. I am very proud to accept it on behalf of my fellow 2017 Teachers of Excellence, and all the excellent teachers across our district. Thank you BP for this program and the recognition you give to public educators!” –Stephanie Cronin

Stephanie Cronin 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year (5)Stephanie Cronin teaches math and engineering at Seward High School. She has spent all 20 years of her teaching career in Alaska.
Stephanie graduated from University of Minnesota Minneapolis with a bachelor degree in economics and also received a bachelor’s in mathematics from University of Alaska Anchorage. She continued at UAA for graduate school received a Master of Arts in Teaching and also a master’s degree in educational leadership.
Stephanie’s enthusiasm as a student translates fluently to her enthusiasm as a teacher.
One of her students writes, “She planted the seed in my brain that it’s okay to be excited about math. Mrs. Cronin’s ability to bring excitement and engagement into the math room stems from the way she really cares about each student. I hope someday I can inspire any individual the way Mrs. Cronin and her selfless devotion to her career has inspired me.”
Stephanie’s goal in the classroom is to encourage her students to become creative problem-solvers, who are not afraid to try hard, take risks–and potentially fail.
She accomplishes this by building trusting relationships with each student. She greets each student as he or she enters her classroom, and honestly listens when they answer her question, “How are you?” Her classroom is a safe place, where students want to be, and where they feel the confidence to tackle tough problems.
She challenges her kids. When she gives the class a problem to solve, for example, she does not tell each student whether or not he or she got the correct answer. Rather, she sends them back and tells the entire class to agree on an answer. Only when they have all talked it out and come to an agreement will she lead them through a diagnosis of how to perform the correct math.
In this way, she turns individual effort into success as a member of a group–a team—and that evolves into self-confidence.
When a University of Alaska representative visited Stephanie’s classroom last year to promote college attendance, she remarked how impressed she was at the high number of students who wanted to become math teachers and engineers. When the students were asked why, they answered, “It’s because of Mrs. Cronin.”
Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. In addition to other awards, in 2012, Stephanie received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, which was presented to her by Vice President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., and she is the 2017 State of Alaska Alternate Teacher of the Year.
Another former student who attended Stanford University honor Ms. Cronin with the Stanford Recognition “Teacher Tribute” award for having the greatest influence on his education.
Principal Trevan Walker states: “If one were to survey any Seward High graduate since the Class of 2000 then I am confident that they would not only be able to describe ‘Positive Math Attitude,’ but that they would be able to describe what ‘PMA’ personally means to them. I can think of no greater tribute, to a truly excellent teacher, than this.”
This year’s nominees were again, an excellent representation of our staff as a whole,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “They are humble, hard-working and student-centered. They are willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed and reach their full potential. Mrs. Cronin is definitely one of our finest teachers who has transformed math instruction at Seward High School. She makes a positive difference everyday and is an unforgettable influence on her students. This award is very well deserved.”
“BP is proud to honor these great teachers and their tireless work in the classroom,” said BP Alaska Regional President Janet Weiss. “We see it as part of our ongoing commitment to the communities where our people live and work – and an investment in the people who help make Alaska great.”
Now in its 22nd year, the BP Teachers of Excellence program honors K-12 teachers from all school districts statewide, including public and private schools.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District BP Teachers of Excellence winners are:

Congratulations, Stephanie Cronin, BP Teacher of Excellence!
Stephanie Cronin 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year
Kodiak, Alaska

Celebrate Karl Kircher, BP Educational Ally Award, 2017 Kenai Peninsula

BP Teachers of Excellence 2017
Karl Kircher BP Education Ally Kenai 2017
Karl Kircher, BP Educational Allies Award, 2017 Kenai Peninsula
The award recognizes the additional unsung heroes in our schools—support staff, administration or volunteers—who are working alongside teachers to inspire students and are making a difference in our schools and community.

“It is an honor to receive the BP Educational Ally in the School Community Award. The words “ally” and “community” really made this special for me. I’ve always considered my job as principal to be a supporting role to help create a community where teachers are inspired to excel by each other and by their students. The presentation also recognized our school’s efforts at community service to live up to our role as Kenai’s Neighborhood School. I was proud to receive this award as result of supporting a great team here at Mountain View Elementary.” –Karl Kircher, principal, Mountain View Elementary

At the BP Teachers of Excellence awards, this introduction was spoken, “The awardee from the Kenai Peninsula is just this type of individual. I’ll introduce him or her and ask them to come up to receive their award. And to make it more fun, they have no idea they’re here to be honored tonight.
This individual came to their school first as Vice Principal, then took the helm as principal two years later. Under his leadership, the school has taken on the subtitle of: A Neighborhood School which emphasizes kindness.
A tall man, this principal meets children at their level, sitting on the floor, listening, and engaging with the heart of students before speaking. He’s a creative thinker, a risk taker, and a man of action.
Not only does he respect the students, the staff and strive to improve the level of education for all students, he also seeks to engage with and meet the needs of the community.
He’s organized many community engagement opportunities such as the fall carnival, bike rides, and cook outs. He’s encouraged students and staff to reach out and give back, planting trees in public gardens, honoring veterans and packaging Christmas gifts to struggling families.
More than anything, we’re told, Karl Kircher, principal at Mountain View Elementary School, is a cheerleader—the director of a huge team working together for a common cause: equipping the next generation for success.
When we asked what type of prize Karl might like, his colleagues responded that his greatest joy in life is his family, especially his little grandson. So we have purchased Karl tickets for two adults and one child for the Kenai Fjords Tours National Park tour in Seward, so he can spend some much-deserved quality time with his family this summer.”

“I am excited Mr. Kircher has been selected as the first Educational Ally recipient in KPBSD,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “He is a tireless leader at Mountain View Elementary that has implemented a successful kindness culture at the school.  He has done an excellent job supporting teachers make the kind of difference that has raised the bar for all students.”

Please congratulate Karl Kircher, BP Educational Ally for the Kenai Peninsula!
Facebook: Mountain View Elementary
Website: Mountain View Elementary
Kodiak, Alaska

Kodiak, Alaska

Stephanie Cronin, 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year!

Congratulations to the 2017 Kenai Peninsula Borough BP Teacher of the Year, Ms. Stephanie Cronin, Seward High School!
Stephanie Cronin 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year

“This is a great honor; I would like to thank BP for recognizing teachers of excellence across the state of Alaska, and for their support of public education! I became a teacher to make a difference. Teachers make a difference when they inspire students to push beyond their imaginary limits and begin to truly believe in themselves. This is my goal every day.” –Stephanie Cronin

A whirlwind of enthusiasm in the classroom, she consistently inspires students to dig deeper and reach higher to achieve their full potential.
Described by colleagues, she is a “legendary teacher in the district and state, who continues to impact many lives through the ability to engage students, and is consistently working to strengthen the district and enrich the working lives of colleagues.”
In addition to her impressive education background, she is a member of many committees and professional organizations, all devoted to improving the education of our young people. Mrs. Cronin states that “volunteerism gives me the chance to give back to the community that has given me so much.”
In a community where there is only one high school, one might say that all paths to a diploma go through this teacher’s classroom. This means that the teacher must be all things that all students need in order to find success. She accomplishes this through PMA or “Positive Math Attitude.”
Principal Trevan Walker states: “If one were to survey any Seward High graduate since the Class of 2000 then I am confident that they would not only be able to describe ‘Positive Math Attitude,’ but that they would be able to describe what ‘PMA’ personally means to them. I can think of no greater tribute, to a truly excellent teacher, than this.”
The 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year receives a $1,500 scholarship to be used towards continuing education and an award sculpture.
This year’s nominees were again, an excellent representation of our staff as a whole,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “They are humble, hard-working and student-centered. They are willing to go above and beyond to help students succeed and reach their full potential. Mrs. Cronin is definitely one of our finest teachers who has transformed math instruction at Seward High School. She makes a positive difference everyday and is an unforgettable influence on her students. This award is very well deserved.”
Stephanie Cronin 2017 Kenai BP Teacher of the Year (1)

Caring For the Kenai

2017 Caring for the Kenai Competition

“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?”

Watch Live Competition Video http://bit.ly/2017CaringForTheKenai

When Caring for the Kenai stepped into its twenty seventh year, a new super hero was created by Soldotna Prep freshman Anya Hondel and it took first place honors and a $1,600 cash award in the annual environmental and natural disaster preparedness contest.
Anya Hondel First Place c4k
“I was trying to think of an idea but I was stuck. Science is not my best subject so I wanted to incorporate some of my passions into the idea. I love to teach and I love performing arts so my idea was to create a character that could raise environmental awareness by writing and performing a puppet show,” said Anya Hondel, student of Ms. McGlothen.
Taking second place and earning $1,100 was Angela Druesdow of Nikiski who invented a wolf yearn dispenser to keep moose off the highways. “My plan is to install my ‘Spook the Moose’ boxes along sections of the highways that have the highest incidence of road kills,” said Mr. Morin’s student.
Angela Druesedow 2nd place C4K
In third place and claiming a $900 prize was Bradley Walters another Soldotna Prep student from Ms. McGlothen’s class. Walters, a Snow Shoe Gun Club member and skeet shooter has a plan to make lead contamination inert. “We apply a phosphate base fertilizer that immobilizes the lead from seeping into the ground and harming wildlife.”
Bradley Walters 3rd place C4K
Taking fourth place honors and $750 was Hunter Beck of KCHS and Kristin Davis’s student. Beck plans to build an outdoor platform to protect streamside vegetation from erosion so the Stream Watch program can continue.
Coming in fifth and winning the $650 prize was Kimberly Trefon from KCHS of Ms. Grossl’s class whose idea is to protect city rain drains from road run off contaminants.
The team of Krysten Johnson-Gray and Daisy Terry of Seward, Shoshana Brasher’s students won sixth place and a $550 prize with a tsunami song that they wrote and performed.
In addition to the $8,000 in cash awards for the finalists, this year $20,000 will be awarded to the schools science departments, thanks to the CFK signature sponsor Tesoro Alaska and the community partners Kenai River Raven Lodge, Hilcorp Energy, Peninsula Community Health Services, ConocoPhillips and Peninsula Radiation Oncology Center.  High schools using CFK as part of state standards curriculum were: KCHS, Nikiski, Soldotna Prep, Ninilchik, Voznesenka, Homer, Seward, Cook Inlet Academy and several home school students. Each school receives $750 for their participation and the remainder of the $20,000 will be allocated proportionately to how the students ranked in the CFK competition. Additionally, twenty plus students will receive special recognition awards from local businesses and individuals.
Other finalists that earned $400 each for making it to the final 12 out of 400 some entries are:

  • Jacob McConnell of Soldotna Prep with his educational pamphlet on how not to get lost and what to do if you do.
  • Kylie Ness of Soldotna Prep wants to organize a fall community roadside clean up with contest incentives.
  • Giorgy Kalugin of Vosneszenka researched a way to deploy lady bugs to kill the aphid outbreak in the Southern Peninsula.
  • Brooke Nash of KCHS addressed the issue of mega food waste.
  • Chelsea Plagge from KCHS did an amazing research on a new triangle that produces electricity from footsteps called Pavegen. She is preparing to run an experiment using the triangles at her school.

“Caring for the Kenai is an excellent example of extending classroom learning into our communities,” said Sean Dusek, KPBSD Superintendent of Schools. “Student creativity and problem solving is on full display and I am very proud of what they have been able to produce from this experience. Our students continue to amaze me and clearly demonstrate that our future is in good hands.”

Eric Soderquist, KPBSD Director of Information Services, a former Caring for the Kenai winner, and judge this year said, “This year’s project ideas ranged from educational awareness surrounding topics such as food waste, energy conservation, and natural disaster, to Spruce Aphid control, and improving stream access for water testing projects. Anya Hondell, a 9th grade student in Mrs. McGlothen’s class at Soldotna Prep, along with her sidekick “Captain Conservation”, presented a portion of a melodrama “Captain Conservation: Saving Energy One Plug at a Time” coming this summer. Captain Conservation battles Killer Watts while educating children and adults alike about energy conservation. The Caring for the Kenai event was broadcast live to audiences around the world utilizing KPBSD’s Polycom platform. An on-demand recording is available at http://bit.ly/2017CaringForTheKenai.”
In addition to cash awards the finalists will receive the 2017 CFK hooded jacket. Saturday, April 29, 2017, finalists, teachers and guests will attend the CFK V.I.P Awards banquet hosted in their honor by Tesoro at the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska. All of the more than 400 participants that entered the contest will receive a custom battery pack for charging handheld electronic devices. This year’s oral presentation judges included Borough Mayor Mike Navarre, Tesoro Vice president Kenai Refinery Cameron Hunt, Brendyn Shiflea of ConocoPhillips, Marnie Olcott, CEO Challenger Learning Center, Eric Soderquist for KPBSD Supt. of Schools Sean Dusek, Dick Erkeneff, Kenai River Raven Lodge, Albert Wall PCHS CEO and Hunter Hanson CFK ’16 second place winner. Caring for the Kenai is administered as part of the Challenger Learning Center of Alaska educational programs.
IMG_9318
 

Sixth-graders invited to name two law enforcement K9s

2017 K9 Contest FlyerStudents Invited to Name Two K9s
Alaska’s sixth-grade classes are invited to submit names for two new law enforcement K9s, whose tasks will include searching for illegal drugs. Use of heroin and other opioids is a growing problem across the United States. Governor Bill Walker, who recently declared a public health crisis in Alaska, signed Administrative Order 283 to outline the state’s next steps to address the drug epidemic. The dog-naming contest is an initiative of Safer Alaska Building Strong Communities, to engage students in illicit-drug prevention.
Each sixth-grade class can submit one name for each dog. Be sure to match each name to a specific dog. K9A is a very friendly Belgian Malinois, one and a half years old, who prances like a horse when he walks. He is long and lanky. K9B, also a Belgian Malinois of the same age, pounces on his toy when he retrieves it. His fur is black from his paws to his knees, so he looks like he’s wearing socks.
Some helpful hints: Avoid cute names like Fluffy; these K9s are professional law enforcement members. Avoid scary names or the names of drugs. The names should be easy to say, preferably of one or two syllables. Names with a connection to Alaska might be strong contenders. Winning classes will receive acknowledgement from the Governor or Lt. Governor, a visit from the dog and his handler, and a plaque with a picture of the dog.
Submit names to Sharon Fishel at the Department of Education and Early Development at Sharon.fishel@alaska.gov. The deadline is May 10. If you have questions, contact Ms. Fishel at 907-465-6523 or Sharon.fishel@alaska.gov
2017 K9 Contest Flyer

Dear Alaska Legislators… #Day86

KPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALLYour legislators need to hear from you now. Our schools need fiscal certainty, and our children need hope for the future. Please express your individual thoughts to your legislators today.*

 

You could share how KPBSD makes a difference for you or your children, how a KPBSD education prepared you for your future, or thoughts about proposed bills and funding solutions.

 

We ask our Senate and House to come together in the next two weeks, overcome the rhetoric, and develop the right fiscal plan so KPBSD can prepare for the school year that begins in August.

 

Day 86 update

It appears increasingly likely there will be a reduction of state education funding. The Senate is proposing a five percent reduction which equates to a $5 million dollar cut to our budget. This action will have serious, negative consequences for students. Also, this cut significantly reduces the potential funding capability of the Kenai Peninsula Borough by more than $1 million.
The legislative session is coming to its statutory end and education funding for the KPBSD has not been determined. This leaves your schools in a bind, as we develop an educational plan that begins in less than four months. Every one percent reduction to state education funding means a loss of over $1 million in revenue for our district.
KPBSD demonstrates excellent results, and these proposed reductions put our improvements and innovations at significant risk.

“The state has a constitutional requirement to maintain a system of public education and I believe that the system should be of the highest quality,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “Our kids are the number one, consistent and sustainable resource in our state. Students should be supported and not be caught in the middle of a larger political issue.”

The KPBSD Board of Education’s number one priority is a reliable, multi-revenue fiscal plan for the State of Alaska. Please join district administration to advocate for adequate school funding by contacting your legislators.

Links

 

*Legislator contacts and KPBSD schools represented:

Senator Peter Micciche, District O |  Senator.Peter.Micciche@akleg.gov
https://www.facebook.com/SenatorPeterMicciche/     https://twitter.com/AKSenMajority
Schools: Aurora Borealis Charter, Cooper Landing School, Hope School, Kaleidoscope Charter, K-Beach Elementary, Kenai Alternative, Kenai Central High, Kenai Middle, Marathon School, Moose Pass School, Mountain View Elementary, Nikiski Middle-High, Nikiski North Star Elementary, River City Academy, Skyview Middle, Soldotna Elementary, Soldotna High, Soldotna Montessori, Seward Elementary, Seward High, Seward Middle, Sterling Elementary, Connections Homeschool Program
Senator Gary Stevens, District P | Senator.Gary.Stevens@akleg.gov
https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaSenateMajority
Schools: Chapman School, Fireweed Academy Charter, Homer Flex, Homer High, Homer Middle, Kachemak-Selo, McNeil Canyon Elementary, Nikolaevsk, Ninilchik, Paul Banks Elementary, Razdolna, Susan B. English, Tustumena Elementary, Voznesenka, West Homer Elementary, Connections Homeschool Program
Representative Mike Chenault, District 29 | Representative.Mike.Chenault@akleg.gov
https://www.facebook.com/repmikechenault/    https://twitter.com/ChenaultRep  
Schools: Cooper Landing School, Hope School, Moose Pass School, Nikiski Middle-High, Nikiski North Star Elementary, Seward Elementary, Seward High, Seward Middle, Sterling Elementary, Connections Homeschool Program
Representative Gary Knopp, District 30 | Representative.Gary.Knopp@akleg.gov
Schools: Aurora Borealis Charter, Kaleidoscope Charter, K-Beach Elementary, Kenai Alternative, Kenai Central High, Kenai Middle School, Marathon School, Mountain View Elementary, Redoubt Elementary, River City Academy, Skyview Middle School, Soldotna Elementary, Soldotna High, Soldotna Montessori, Connections Homeschool Program
Representative Paul Seaton, District 31 | Representative.Paul.Seaton@akleg.gov   
https://twitter.com/RepPaulSeaton    https://twitter.com/AKCoalition
Schools: Chapman, Fireweed Academy Charter, Homer Flex, Homer High, Homer Middle, Kachemak-Selo, McNeil Canyon, Nikolaevsk, Ninilchik, Paul Banks Elementary, Razdolna, Tustumena, Voznesenka, West Homer Elementary, Connections Homeschool Program
Representative: Louise Stutes, District 32 | Representative.Louise.Stutes@akleg.gov
https://www.facebook.com/RepLouiseStutes/    https://twitter.com/AKCoalition
Schools: Nanwalek School, Port Graham School, Tebughna School, Susan B. English, Connections Homeschool Program
 
 
 
 

Key Communicator Hour presentation and documents

Thank you to everyone who attended the Key Communicator Hour on Thursday, April 6, 1017. Following up  on requests from several attendees:
Click here to watch the April 6, 2017 video with Superintendent Dusek’s presentation, followed by Q & A
A question was asked if KPBSD has budget and legislature talking points; these are helpful links:

If you have questions, please contact Pegge Erkeneff, communications liaison: Communications@KPBSD.org, and search this blog for keywords such as budget, legislature, etc. for additional posts.
2017_04_06 Key Communicator Hour

News Release: Senate proposes 5% cut to KPBSD

News ReleaseKPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALL

Alaska Senate proposes 5% cut to education funding

Soldotna, April 4, 2017—The Senate Finance Committee proposed a 5% cut to education funding, creating an additional deficit hit of $5.29 million to the KPBSD. Plus, the 5% links to a second cut of $1.21 million by reducing the maximum allowable contribution the Borough may contribute to KPBSD, thus the cuts could total $6.51 million.
But, you can speak up now to tell our legislators why a cut this large will harm children, and the future of our youth and communities. Cutting education by 5% to solve the state fiscal crisis hurts classroom success and innovation, our youth, and future generations.
Therefore, this week, please call, write, testify, or speak face-to-face to Alaska Senators, and your local legislators.
Tell something true from your own experience. For example:

  • What is one simple way that your KPBSD school has made a difference to you or your family?
  • How are innovations in the classroom preparing children for their future?
  • How did your KPBSD public education prepare you for your current work or career?

Please help propel the quality of education forward through a request for status quo education funding, and a viable solution to the state fiscal crisis.
How to contact your legislator
Senate Finance Committee 5% Base Student Allocation (BSA) cut to education in HB57:

  • State contribution to KPBSD is reduced by $5,293,712
  • Borough maximum allowable contribution to KPBSD is reduced by $1,217,554
  • Additional potential FY18 revenue loss: $6,511,266

On April 3, 3017, KPBSD administration put forth the preliminary FY18 Status Quo funded budget to the Board of Education. (This budget does not include the additional 5% BSA cut.)

  • Already, the FY18 budget includes a deficit of $3.49 million
  • Expenditure reductions of $2,619,308 includes the elimination of 30.5 full time equivalent (FTE) positions, and use of General Fund savings

“I’m very concerned that the legislature is proposing these further reductions to education funding, particularly this late in our process of budgeting and staffing for next year,” said Superintendent Sean Dusek. “KPBSD is committed to deliver a quality education to our students, and provide stability for our staff and communities. These reductions compromise our ability to prepare our students for their future.”

Today, please take two minutes to tell the Alaska Senate why you believe education funding should not be cut so drastically, this late in the session. KPBSD believes every child counts. Give your perspective in person, by telephone, via email. Click to find legislator contacts.
Links

The number one KPBSD Board of Education legislative priority is, “Provide sustained, reliable, and adequate education funding for Alaska’s students.”
 
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What's happening? State of the KPBSD – April 6, 2017

2017_04_06 Key Communicator Hour web

You’re invited
State of the KPBSD with Superintendent Dusek
Thursday, April 6, 2017
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Everyone is welcome!

Superintendent Dusek will provide a legislative and budget update via Skype for Business, followed by time to respond to your questions. Learn about education related bills and school funding. Hosting schools:

  • Homer Middle School

  • Mountain View Elementary

  • Nikiski Middle-High School

  • Skyview Middle School

  • Susan B. English School

  • William H. Seward Elementary

“This is a critical juncture in Alaskan and American history. We are all working on providing the best education possible for our students every day. This takes hard work and certainty. Our Alaska legislature and borough can provide that certainty while maintaining public education as the number one priority of our state. At the federal level, public funds should also go to public entities while local control should be honored. We are at a crossroads and your voice will be critical to keep our system moving forward to develop high quality, productive citizens to be our future leaders.” – KPBSD Superintendent Sean Dusek