Category: Communications

News Release: KPBSD launches new system to accept online payments

News ReleasePrint
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888

Soldotna, April 21, 2015—“Mom, I forgot my lunch money!” Have you ever wanted to add money to a school meal account, for a student activity fee, donation, or lost book via an online payment? Now you can! KPBSD is working with RevTrak, which allows parents and other interested parties to make online payments to the district, via a computer or mobile device.

Food service payments
Online payment for food services is now available for all KPBSD schools. Online payments are processed in real time; this means that someone could make a payment in the morning, and the funds would be available for the student when he or she goes to lunch that day.
Student activity fees
Kenai Central High School and Ninilchik School are piloting the receipt of online payments for student activities, such as class fees, activity participation fees, donations, lost book fees and so forth. Additional schools are going live in coming weeks.
To make a payment
Parents or other people making payments can access a student record in three ways to make payments:

“The district has had many requests for some type of online payment capability, so we are glad to be able to offer this service for students and we hope it will be helpful,” said Laurie Olson, director of finance. “Liz Hayes in our finance department together with Eric Soderquist and David Henson in information services have worked since last summer to get this online and functioning; they are the main reason we are able to offer this service.”
Note: there is a 3.61% processing fee calculated on all payments, no exceptions. This is the actual cost of the processing fee from RevTrak, and is not a source of revenue for the district.
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KPBSD web store

Education Funding and KPBSD

Please contact Conference Committee members* and legislators to voice your opinion about the proposed reductions to education funding.

The Senate Finance Committee amended HB 72, with a 4.1 percent reduction to the Foundation Formula educational funding on April 2, 2015. The impact to KPBSD is:

  • Reduction of state contribution to KPBSD: $4,238,432
  • Reduction of local (borough) contribution to KPBSD: $977,007

Governor Walker proposed an operating budget reduction of educational One-Time Funding in HB 72.The impact to KPBSD is:

  • Reduction of state contribution to KPBSD: $2,262,989
  • Reduction of local (borough) contribution to KPBSD: $520,487

Potential 2015-2016 revenue loss to KPBSD: $7,998,915

  • Total possible reduction in state funding to KPBSD: $6,501,421
  • Total possible reduction in local (borough) funding to KPBSD: $1,497,494

KPBSD understands that difficult financial decisions have to be made. We have confidence in our legislators and Speaker of the House Chenault, who have demonstrated support and advocacy for public education on the Kenai Peninsula.
Over 80 percent of our 2015-2016 budget is related to staff (salary and benefits). An $8 million reduction translates into the potential loss of up to 100 positions and vital programs.
KPBSD is committed to deliver a quality education to our students and provide stability for our staff and communities. These unanticipated reductions, this late in the budgeting process, compromises our ability to prepare our students for their future.
It is a constitutional responsibility of the State of Alaska to provide and maintain a public school system open to every child.
*The HB72 Conference Committee comprised of Senate and House Finance standing committee members was announced April 7, 2015. The members are: Representative Mark Neuman; Representative Les Gara; Representative Steve Thompson; Senator Pete Kelly; Senator Anna MacKinnon; and Senator Donny Olson. These legislators are tasked to work together on the operating budget revenues, expenditures, and proposed reductions for a final budget by the end of the legislative session on April 19, 2015.
 

Links

*HB72 Operating Budget Conference Committee Members

Kenai Peninsula Legislators

 
Connect with KPBSD on Facebook, twitter, our Mobile App, and website to follow updates. Contacts for Alaska legislators are noted in this announcement, and also on the Alaska State Legislature webpage.
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Questions: Contact Pegge Erkeneff, Communication Specialist
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
907-714-8838
Communications@KPBSD.org
KPBSD 50 years logo

FAQs: Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP) Assessment

PrintKPBSD Information
Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP) Assessment FAQs

Soldotna, April 2, 2015—The annual student assessment required by state law to meet federal requirements takes place for our students in grades 3 through 10 between March 30 and May 1, 2015. In 2015, the Alaska Measures of Progress (AMP) assessment replaced the Standards Based Assessment (SBA). With AMP, students will take two tests—English language arts and math–instead of three, with fewer questions overall.*
Several questions have been asked about the type of data and personal information that is collected in the AMP assessment—it is the same as has been collected by SBAs and other state assessments since 2005. To note:

  • “Basic student information and student test scores are collected. Basic student information includes the student’s name, Alaska student ID number, and specific demographic information. EED does not collect sensitive information such as physical addresses, mailing addresses, or Social Security numbers.”*
  • “No data about individual students is ever given to the federal government. No data is sold to companies.”*
  • “Individual student test data is provided to the student’s school district to inform instruction. Only authorized school district staff that have a legitimate educational interest (such as the student’s teacher or principal) may see a student’s data.”*

Please contact your school principal with any questions or concerns about the AMP assessment.
April 2015: AMP FAQ sheet from KPBSD
 *LINKS from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
EED: FAQs about Student Assessment Data
EED: For Parents: Why We Test
EED: 10 Benefits of New Assessment
EED: AMP Resources
EED: Requirement to Test Students on Statewide Assessments
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Kenai Peninsula College Fair is October 23 in Soldotna

More than 60 educational institutions will send representatives to meet with KPBSD high school students on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, from 10:00—1:00 at the Soldotna Sports Center in Soldotna, Alaska. That same evening, a financial aid informational program will be offered from 6:30—7:30 p.m.
The third annual Kenai Peninsula College Fair is October 23, 2012, Soldotna Sports Center, 10:00—1:00 p.m. Juniors and seniors will attend with their schools. Connections students can sign-in at the door.
Confirmed educational institutions: Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE); Alaska Pacific University; AVTEC – Alaska’s Institute of Technology; Boise State University; California Baptist University; California Maritime Academy; Central Washington University; Corban University; Eastern Oregon University; Fort Lewis College; George Fox University; Gonzaga University; Hawaii Pacific University; Humboldt State University; Idaho State University; Kenai Peninsula College- UAA; Lewis & Clark College; Linfield College; Mayville State University; Montana State University; NAVY; New Mexico Tech; Northern Arizona University; Northwest University; Oregon Coast Culinary Institute; Oregon State University; Oregon Tech; Pacific Lutheran University; Prince William Sound Community College; Seattle University; Southern Oregon University; Southern Utah University; Southwestern Oregon Community College; The Art Institutes; The Evergreen State College; The University of Montana; UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences; Universal Technical Institute; Motorcycle Mechanics Institute; Marine Mechanics Institute; NASCAR Tech; University of Alaska Anchorage; University of Alaska Fairbanks; University of Alaska Southeast; University of British Columbia (UBC); University of British Columbia (UBC); University of California, Davis; University of Hawaii at Manoa; University of Idaho; University of Puget Sound; University of Saskatchewan; University of Washington; University of Wyoming; US Air Force Academy; US Army/Army Reserve; USU Eastern; Western State Colorado University; Western Washington University; Wyotech.
PLUS! Financial Aid Night: October 23, 2012, Soldotna Sports Center, 6:30—7:30 p.m.
Topics covered: overview of federal and state financial aid programs; local scholarship offerings; student timelines; and funding post-secondary education. Sponsored by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Kenai Peninsula College.
Both are free events, everyone is welcome.
2011 College Fair story 

KPB: State Disaster Assistance 2012 severe storms

The Kenai Peninsula Borough asked the school district to share information about State Disaster Assistance:

 For Individuals and Families with damaged homes and essential personal property lost in the Kenai Peninsula Borough during the 2012 Severe Storms.

To apply, please visit the Disaster Assistance Center at:

Anchor Point Fire Department – 72440 Milo Fritz Rd.
October 15-16, 2012       9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

 Seward  Legends Building 412 Washington St.
October 15-17, 2012       9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

 Soldotna KPB Emergency Response Center – 253 Wilson Lane.
October 18, 2012       9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

  Or call 1-855-445-7131 until November 20, 2012

  Please have the following information with you when you visit: 

  • Description of damages and/or losses
  • Home Ownership Documentation
  • Insurance information
  • Personal Identification

 Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply in person at a KPB Disaster Assistance Center

 To apply by phone, call toll free 1-855-445-7131

 TTY 1-855-445-7131

 The deadline to apply for individual assistance is November 20, 2012.

 Disaster assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or economic status.

SB 182: Pupil Transportation Funding

February 23, 2012–KPBSD encourages your support of SB 182: Pupil Transportation Funding. We’ve made announcements that public testimony would be taken on Friday morning, at 8:00 am.

This afternoon  the LIO office announced  that the scheduled SB 182 public testimony hearing scheduled for Friday, February 24, 2012, at 8:00 AM status has been changed to testimony by invite only.
However, you can offer written testimony which will be treated and weighed like oral testimony.
Send your e-mail (or letter) regarding SB 182 (or any bill) to your LIO office. The LIO office will compile e-mails, and forward them to the committee. (Also contact your local legislator.)
The teleconference can be viewed live online at Legislative TV at http://alaskalegislature.tv/
Homer LIO
Homer_LIO@legis.state.ak.us  
345 W Sterling Hwy, Ste#102A, Homer, AK  99603
235-7878; Fax: 235-4008 
Kenai LIO
Kenai_LIO@legis.state.ak.us   
145 Main St Loop #217, Kenai, AK   99611
283-2030; Fax: 283-3075
Seward LIO
mailto:Seward_LIO@legis.state.ak.us302
302 Railway Suite 107 Seward, AK 99664
224-5066; Fax: 224-5067
Several education bills are in the current legislative process. In particular, KPBSD is supportive of these three:
SB 171: Increase Base Student Allocation (BSA) An Act increasing the base student allocation for public schools; and providing for an effective date. Increases the base student allocation (BSA) each of the next three years resulting in a FY13 BSA of $5,805; FY14 BSA of $5,935 and FY15 BSA of $6,070. (Increases of $125, $130 and $135)
SB 182: Pupil Transportation Funding An Act amending the amount of state funding provided to school districts for pupil transportation.
 SB 3: Funding for School Meals An Act providing for funding for school lunch and breakfast; and providing for an effective date.

KPBSD and Alaska Shield 2012 simulation

KPBSD is participating in the Alaska Shield 2012 simulation exercise.
Thank you to staff, Soldotna Middle School, custodians, Student Nutrition Services staff, and locals who will stay at the SMS shelter.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Management explains:

The Kenai Peninsula Borough (KPB) is participating in Alaska Shield 2012. Alaska Shield is an annual, state-wide exercise to test the ability of emergency responders to manage disasters and emergencies. Alaska Shield 2012 will SIMULATE a natural gas outage in Soldotna and Sterling during a period of extreme cold. In a real gas outage emergency, many people would have difficulty heating their homes, cooking and so on.
As part of the exercise, an emergency shelter will be established at SMS to provide a refuge for people who would not be able to stay safely in their homes. There will be NO ACTUAL interruption in natural gas service.

In the event of a REAL gas shortage, residents would be requested to:
• Set thermostat at 60 degrees in living areas (55 if away)
• Turn water heater gas valve to “pilot”
• Do not use natural gas fireplaces, decorative heaters or gas grills
• Consolidate household activities into as few rooms as possible
• Use the microwave for cooking
Links:
Kenai Peninsula Borough homeowners: Do you know you can register your cell phone to receive emergency messages?
Aaron Selbig, KBBI reports “Emergency Responders Participate in Alaska Shield 2012”
Peninsula Clarion reports: “Preparedness exercise a good reminder to us all”
Press Release from the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management

Alaska Performance Scholarship Information for 2011 Graduates

Alaska Department of Education and Early Development announcement:
Alaska Performance Scholarship Information for 2011 Graduates

Application Extension for APS Class of 2011 Closes December 15

The extended application window for the Alaska Performance Scholarship closes December 15, 2011. The extended application window provides an opportunity for High School graduates who graduated prior to June 30, 2011, and who met all academic eligibility requirements, including test scores, prior to June 30, 2011, to document their eligibility and apply for an APS award.
If you have not yet filed a 2011-2012 Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSAs), you can still submit it to be considered for an Alaska Performance Scholarship award through December 15, 2011.
If you are a private school student or privately homeschooled student who has not yet submitted a 2011 Eligibility Determination Application; you may also submit it through December 15, 2011. Public school graduates of 2011 also may use the 2011 Eligibility Determination Application to submit SAT/ACT scores directly to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development for tests taken June 2011 or earlier that were not received by their public school. 

Note that the deadline for future graduates to apply will be June 30 immediately following high school graduation (June 30, 2012, for Class of 2012 graduates).

KPBSD sets United Way goal of $12,000.00

KPBSD MEMO

KPBSD sets United Way goal of $12,000.00

 

Soldotna, October 18, 2011—KPBSD supports United Way, and encourages KPBSD employees to consider contributing via a payroll deduction, or a one-time donation to help meet our KPBSD $12,000 goal.
Dr. Steve Atwater writes:

“The District is again pleased to partner with United Way. We recognize the multitude of services that United Way provides are a great benefit to our students, families, and the community. Please support United Way.”

The United Way 2011 Campaign theme is Living United “On the Kenai”:

“The money you donate goes directly to peninsula residents (not United Way) through direct program services provided by our 29 member agencies.  All dollars contributed to Kenai Peninsula United way are invested in nonprofits on the Kenai Peninsula.  Smaller agencies providing invaluable services may otherwise go unnoticed if not for their affiliation as a United Way member agency.”

Pledge Form Payroll Deduction offers an opportunity to give a little each paycheck, but over the course of the year it adds up.  You can designate a particular agency if it is dear to your heart.
If you are asking yourself, “Why should I give to United Way?” KPUW offers these points:

  • KPUW supports local Kenai Peninsula projects only
  • KPUW accounts for every dollar in service provided
  • It is a volunteer force of your local friends and neighbors making decisions (allocations, admissions, KPUW Board)
  • One single donation helps 29 different agencies
  • United Way is the only charity allowed payroll deduction program nationwide
  • You can see the results of your donations every day in your own community
  • Over 87% of Kenai Peninsula United Way funds stay here on the Kenai Peninsula

Your gift has the power to improve lives:
For less than $5 a week, your annual gift of $250 will provide:
Fifty well balanced and nutritious meals to home bound seniors.
One week of shelter for a mother and child escaping abuse.
For less than $10 a week, your annual gift of $500 will provide:
A senior citizen five round trip rides to the hospital per week for essential medical treatments.
One year of after school programs for twenty five underprivileged children who would otherwise be home alone.
Please support United Way, and help KPBSD reach the $12,000 goal this year! That’s double last year’s contributions, but still less than KPBSD has contributed in the past.