Category: KPBSD District Stories

KPBSD Inspiration, Kristin (Beck) Bates, Seward High School #ClassOf2004

“A combination of opportunities I had while attending Seward schools sent me into a salmon spiral,” said Kristin Beck Bates, a Seward High graduate who attended Nikiski Elementary, K-Beach Elementary, Seward Elementary, Seward Middle School, and graduated in 2004.

Kristin Bates Seward 2004

KPBSD Inspiration, Kristin (Beck) Bates, Seward High School #ClassOf2004

Kristin, now the hatchery manager at Trail Lakes Hatchery north of Moose Pass, Alaska, explains, “We have 3 million smolt (fingerling) sized fish on site and every day they need to be fed, their tanks cleaned, and monitored. It gives me a daily purpose, and knowing that these sockeye and coho are someday going to fill the freezers of my fellow Alaskans makes me work even harder to make sure they are healthy and happy. When working with live animals, no one ever gets a day off. It is a 24/7 job to make sure we are here in case of emergencies. It may sound corny, but these slimy little critters are family and I enjoy seeing them develop and grow from the moment they are fertilized as eggs to releasing them into the ocean. Saying goodbye is always the hardest part!”
 
Experiential learning
Participating in Take Your Kid to Work Day (with Phillis Shoemaker) at the Institute of Marine Science (IMS) during elementary school taught Kristin to siphon out king crab tanks at a very young age. A member of the ocean based learning group called Youth Area Watch with teacher Mark Swanson, she said, “A highlight was helping scientists ID orca whales in Resurrection Bay! In high school, I had internships for credit at the Alaska Sealife Center (set up by teacher Dan Krier) and the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery with Jeff Hettrick. I later enjoyed an oceanography class that included a trip to the University of Hawaii, Hilo, where we caught sea cucumbers for research. Seward’s annual Silver Salmon Derby had me star struck every summer catching beautiful coho, but one memory I won’t forget when I was about 15, was going to the Bear Creek Weir near Seward and asking future coworker Cathy Cline how to get a job working with fish and doing what they did with salmon. I remember her saying, ‘stay in school, come back and see me when you are 18,’ and describing how incredible working at the weir was Now at 32, I manage the Bear Creek Weir and look back at all the experiences I had while growing up in KPBSD’s schools!”
 

Bates believes,
“The world is growing in size and I can use my skills to raise healthy fish to put out into our oceans. By doing the best I can while the small fish are in the hatchery, it means they will have a better chance at surviving their crazy ocean life. I feel like my part is small in the ‘bigger picture’ of salmon resources globally, but in some way I am helping feed the world and Alaskans. I have strong environmental ethics and want to use them to better our great state. I want to work towards making hatcheries more eco-friendly, maximize production through new technology, and work with the local communities to see what ideas they have for bringing fish hatcheries closer to their coastal waters.”

 
Inspiration: sit on a boat for 20 hours
“Fishing with my Dad as a child in Seward inspired me. I still don’t like to eat bologna and processed American cheese sandwiches, but I could sit out on a boat for 20 hours a day just trying to catch one of those amazing silver salmon! I have other siblings that would opt out of fishing, but I was in the boat every chance I could get. I hold these memories close of me and my Dad. I want every person to be able to fish for salmon on the Kenai Peninsula for many years to come. This drives me to think of new ideas and innovative ways to bring more fish to local waters. A career in fisheries is challenging every day. I am lucky to be practicing my skills right at home here on the Kenai Peninsula. Having my family close, working with salmon stocks that I grew up fishing for, and educating the people in communities that I care about—this really makes my life complete. Because of all of these details, I know that I am right where I am supposed to be. I do not know where my career is going to take me, but as long as I am advocating for the states salmon resources, I know that I will be doing meaningful work for the people of Alaska.”
 
Life advice for K-12 students
“Stick with it. Looking back it wasn’t as hard as I thought while in the moment. There are teachers who truly care about you—lean on those special ones to give you life advice and help guide your future. Put yourself first. Every time. Lastly, do not lose touch with those teachers who gave you an extra hand. They will not ever stop caring about you and can be a resource well into the future!”

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Seward High basketball

Heartfelt thank you to Seward High School teachers:
“Through the diverse opportunities you gave me to get out and explore our community and career paths, I found something truly unique. Now I get to directly give back to the Kenai Peninsula in a very humbling way. I could not have done it without you and I strive to make you all proud! Dan Krier, Martha Fleming, Stephanie Cronin, and my many sports coaches, I owe you one for getting me through school! I wanted to quit many times, but because of your dedication to your students, I kept coming back. Special shout out to my Mom, retired (yet still teaching) KPBSD teacher Laura Beck, her special connection to her students and her kids really made me into who I am today: a science nerd, who also loves educating!”
 
Education beyond KPBSD

  • University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho
    • Fishery Resources: Managing fish populations to ensure that they are healthy and sustainable
    • Wildlife Resources: Managing wildlife resources to make sure populations are healthy and that people and nature can stay balanced overtime.
  • University of Phoenix (2017), MBA. “I wanted to add a higher degree that would make me into a well-rounded employee and manager.”

 
Connect with Kristin
Kristin began working for Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association (CIAA) in 2014, as the assistant Hatchery Manager at Trail Lakes Hatchery, just north of Moose Pass, Alaska. In 2017, she was promoted to Hatchery Manager. Kristin says, “We raise sockeye (14 million annually) and coho salmon (500,000 annually) for many user groups on the Kenai Peninsula. CIAA provides and protects your salmon resource through hatchery enhancement and habitat rehabilitation and protection.”

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Hidden Lake, sockeye enhancement project

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Caribou hunting up north off of the Denali Highway

 
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Elementary school softball

 
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High School “Close Up” group going to Washington D.C. to learn about government

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Outward Bound students, Trail Lakes Hatchery, summer 2018

KPBSD celebrates Kristin Bates who is proof positive of the KPBSD mission to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.
Do you have a story tip about a KPBSD graduate to profile in our Wednesday Inspiration?
Kindly email Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD communications liaison, Pegge@KPBSD.org.
Net pens hold sockeye smolt in Resurrection Bay
Net pens hold sockeye smolt in Resurrection Bay

Forty-three free public school choices in KPBSD

KPBSD: One district, 43 diverse schools
FY19 school choices in KPBSD
Parents and schools share equally valuable roles in education. Parents and guardians are more than volunteers; they are part of a school’s learning community. Students and parents both have enormous influence in the quality of a child’s education. Research shows that parents and teachers build partnerships that help children succeed. In the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) you can choose to send your child to:

Superintendent Sean Dusek said, “I believe the diversity of our district is a strength. Our students have many opportunities to share and learn from one another. While there are challenges in serving this diverse district, we also gain many perspectives that support our mission of preparing every student for their future.”

KPBSD Neighborhood Schools
Neighborhood schools offer the district adopted curriculum choices and educate elementary, middle and secondary students. School configurations range from K-2, K-5; K-6; K-8; K-12; 6-8; 6-12; 7-8; and 9-12.
KPBSD Alternative Schools
Alternative schools provide free public school choices for students who have not found success at a traditional school and desire other options to complete their education and receive a high school education:

KPBSD Charter Schools
Charter schools provide free public school choices for students and their families. Attendance is based on a lottery system. Charter schools allow parents, teachers and students to choose an alternative curriculum or program of study. Charter schools also offer a choice to parents who want a style or type of instruction that they believe best fits their child’s needs. KPBSD offers four charter schools:

KPBSD Homeschool
The KPBSD homeschool option provides offices in Homer, Soldotna, and Seward to serve families and students who reside on the Kenai Peninsula. Connections Homeschool is the largest school in the district, and receives the added support from being a part of the KPBSD school district. Students receive a KPBSD high school diploma.

KPBSD Performance-Based School
A performance-based school does not include time in spent in a class or a grade as a variable to consider when determining student advancement. That is, at the end of the school year a student in a performance-based school is not advanced to a new grade. The advancement only occurs after a student has demonstrated proficiency in meeting the standards within the prescribed course of study.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District provides diverse schools in order to meet the educational needs of every student, and develop productive, responsible citizens who are prepared to be successful in a dynamic world. 
To learn more about free public school options in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District: http://bit.ly/SchoolsKPBSD.
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KPBSD Inspiration: Jeffrey Dolifka, Class Of 2006

“Take risks and don’t be afraid of failure,” says attorney Jeffrey Dolifka, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Class of 2006, Skyview High School. “I wish I had figured that out a lot earlier in my life.”
Jeffrey Dolifka Skyview C06
He’s been in the courtroom since he was five, when he’d accompany his father, and sit beneath a table, look at the judge, and play. Now he is an attorney with his dad at Dolifka & Associates, P.C., in Soldotna, Alaska, a practice that includes Estate Planning, Probate, Adoptions, Guardianships, and Real Estate Law. Jeffrey Dolifka, who attended Soldotna Middle School and Skyview High School (Class of 2006) knew in first grade he wanted to be an attorney. As a young child, he would travel to work with his Dad to court in Kenai, Seldovia, and Homer. Jeffrey says, “My father, Dale Dolifka, was the most influential person on my career path. He has been an attorney in our community for over 40 years. He is a great example for me as an attorney and a father, and always prioritized giving back to the community and trying to help those in need.”

Three KPBSD teachers impacted his life, along with Winston Churchill. Dolifka says:

 

  • Rob Sparks, my history and government teacher. After seven year of college, I still consider him the most influential educator in my life. Mr. Sparks’s designed his classes to challenge students to think outside the box and to challenge the status quo. I learned over and over that if there is an issue or problem that you believe needs changed, it is YOUR job to change it. I spent many classes debating Mr. Sparks. I never imagined it was preparing me for the courtroom and life.
  • Dave Schmidt, my chemistry and biology teacher. Mr. Schmidt would never give up on a student. It did not matter if the student was the valedictorian or about to drop out of high school, he cared about every student and helped them succeed, staying hours after school every day. He helped me through many rough days in high school and was a great role model.
  • Renee Merkes, my math teacher. I would not have graduated from high school without Mrs. Merkes. Math was my worst subject and Mrs. Merkes would stay after school for hours each day and help me with my math homework. She refused to give up on me and I cannot thank her enough.

 

Jeff Dolifka profile story (7) 

“Take risks and don’t be afraid of failure.”

I was always so afraid of failing and embarrassing myself that I missed a lot of opportunities. The fear of failure causes many people to pass up on opportunities in their life and those missed opportunities can quickly turn into regrets. I wish I had figured that out a lot earlier in my life. I was deathly afraid of public speaking which is tough if you want to be an attorney. A photo of Winston Churchill and his wise counsel kept me going all through college and helped me push through my fear and barriers. Churchill said, ‘Success is the ability to move from one failure to another without loss of enthusiasm.’ That insight helped me to move out of state for school, and kept me going at Western Washing University for one year before transferring to Boise State University where I graduated in 2010 with a Degree of Bachelors of Arts (Major in Political Science, Minor in History). Moreover, especially in my studies at the University of Colorado Law School (2013), and anticipating taking the Bar exam—what if I failed? I did pass the Alaska Bar in October of 2013!
When life gets hard, and it will, what will you do?
“Sports taught me lessons to go through horrible times, and prepared me for life lessons. I love to coach basketball, and hope to coach at Skyview Middle School sometime in the next year or two as soon as there is an opening!”
Fishing
I love fishing. My Mom is an Alaska Native, and starting about four years old, I would go to Ninikchik to fish with my Grandma who instilled a love of fishing in me. Now, during the summer months, you will likely find me somewhere on the river.

Service and volunteering

One of my primary goals is to help children, specifically those who have grown up in tough environments. My parents taught me the value of service, I am involved with several organizations, including the Mae Ciechanski Scholarship Fund*, Kenai River Special Management Area Board, Boys and Girl Club, and I co-chair an advisory committee that is attempting to build a sport complex with an indoor turf field and track.
*High school students, apply for the Mae Ciechanski Scholarship Fund—especially for the trade and vocational tech scholarships. We have a lot of scholarships to award this year!

Soldotna Sports Complex

No stranger to a playing field or basketball court, a big project close to my heart with an important timeline on December 12, is to build a new sports complex in Soldotna. I have been working on the sports complex expansion for over three years. The project has recently taken a step forward to become a reality:
The Soldotna City Council will vote on several ordinances related to the new sports complex at a Soldotna City Council Meeting on December 12, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. The vote will determine whether the City of Soldotna residents will get to vote on the project in early March.
Wherever you live on the Peninsula, if you believe a sports complex would be a beneficial addition to our community, please show up to the meeting and show your support.

When I took the risk to go out of state to college, I never changed my Alaska residency. I knew I wanted to return to this community, where I will raise my family, and give back as best I can.

KPBSD celebrates Mr. Dolifka who is proof positive of the KPBSD mission to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.
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Links:

Do you have a story tip about a KPBSD graduate to profile in our Wednesday Inspiration? Kindly email Pegge Erkeneff at communications@KPBSD.org.
 

Two-Hour Delay start: Monday, December 3, 2018

►ALERT UPDATE 7:00 AM: All KPBSD schools will open with a TWO HOUR DELAY START* on MONDAY, December 3, 2018, due to weather conditions throughout the Peninsula.
Parents and guardians, if you decide, based on conditions near you to keep your child at home, kindly call your school to let them know. Absences will be excused. Reports are that some side roads are not yet sanded and may be icy—be safe and exercise caution.
►One busing exception: Special education buses will contact parents directly if there is a concern in their ability to safely navigate driveways or side roads. All schools will be open with a two-hour delay start.

*A two hour delay means that buses run two hours later than normal, school begins two hours later than normal, and staff arrives at school two hours later than normal. The school day ends at the normal time.

FY19 12_3 2 hr delay
 
►ALERT: TWO HOUR DELAY START* for ALL Kenai Peninsula Borough School District schools on MONDAY, December 3, 2018, due to weather conditions throughout the Peninsula.
If weather and road conditions warrant a full closure, an announcement will be made by 7:00 AM.
*A two hour delay means that buses run two hours later than normal, school begins two hours later than normal, and staff arrives at school two hours later than normal.
Parents and guardians, if you decide, based on conditions near you to keep your child at home, kindly call your school to let them know. Absences will be excused.

►INFORMATION #6 #AlaskaEarthquake

►INFORMATION #6: Friday, 11/30/18, 4:50 PM
Thank you to everyone who worked closely in and with KPBSD schools today after the earthquake this morning, the Tsunami warning, evacuations, aftershocks, and damage assessments. You make a difference!
 
KPBSD anticipates Kenai Peninsula schools will open on a normal schedule Monday, December 3, 2018. If anything changes over the weekend, KPBSD will announce this through usual communication channels: website, social media, email to staff, Mobile App, and possible a districtwide alert via SMS, email, and phone.
 
Superintendent Dusek said, “The events of today demonstrated the high level of professionalism and competence our staff possesses in regards to responding to a critical incident. We train regularly to be ready for these types of situations and we responded well today. I greatly appreciate our staff’s efforts and we will learn from today so that our responses in the future will be even better. I look forward to school on Monday as we continue to work with our students to provide the safest learning environment possible across this district.”
 
Kindly take care of yourself and your neighbors.
 
TIP: The KPBSD Mobile App is free for users and available for immediate download on iPhone and Android devices. You can find Kenai Peninsula Borough SD in the app
Links:

Thank you earthquake day

Sources of Strength #SuicidePrevention

Nine KPBSD schools—Homer Flex School, Kenai Alternative School, Kenai Central High School, River City Academy, Seward High School, Seward Middle School, Skyview Middle School, Soldotna High School, Soldotna Prep School—are developing peer leaders through Sources of Strength (SOS) thanks to funding from the Alaska Community Foundation, GCI suicide prevention grant, and Alaska Children’s’ Trust!
This fall, students and adults from Skyview Middle School, River City Academy, Soldotna Prep, Kenai Alternative High, and Kenai Central High School participated in Sources of Strength training October 29-31, 2018, creating videos (Kenai What are you grateful for? and RCA, SMS, and Soldotna Prep What are you thankful for?), social media and school campaigns.
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Sources of Strength is one of KPBSD’s suicide prevention programs positioning students to become peer-leaders of suicide prevention in their schools and community.
Unlike other evidence-based suicide prevention programs, Sources of Strength (SOS) focuses on positive protective factors in student lives, such as trusted adults and mentors, healthy activities, and positive friends. These strengths aid students to develop help-seeking behaviors, coping mechanisms, and resilience that can assist overcoming difficulty and adversity in their lives. Students, with support from their adult leaders, design campaigns to promote wellness in their school.
Helpful Links

Sources of Strength is a best practice youth suicide prevention project designed to harness the power of peer social networks to change unhealthy norms and culture, ultimately preventing suicide, bullying, and substance abuse.

RCA, SoPrep, Skyview

KCHS and Kenai Alt

SOS Seward High school (4)

Seward’s Sources of Strength is a diverse group of students and adults that recognize life has difficulties, and that we will each go through good times and tough times. Their mission is to ensure that during the rough times no one gets so overwhelmed or hopeless that they want to give up. The Seward High November school assembly promoted understanding, fun, and launched their Instagram next social media campaign. Connect with Seward High on Instagram at @sewardsos.

Sources of Strength frisbee KPBSD

KPBSD Winter Music Program Lineup

2018 winter concerts

 Celebrate what’s right in the world, and treat yourself – attend a music concert or school play!

Programs are at school location unless otherwise noted. Some schools have more than one program, and so the location may vary by date.

  • Aurora Borealis Charter School – December 4, 6:00 p.m., Christmas Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • Chapman School – December 11, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert
  • Cooper Landing School – December 14, 5:30 p.m., Christmas Program with Potluck Dinner
  • Homer High School – December 17, 7:00 pm, Winter Concert, Mariner Theater; December 19, 7:00 pm, Candlelight Carols & Desserts, Mariner Theater
  • Homer Middle School – December 13, 7:00 p.m, Winter Concert, Homer High Mariner Theater
  • Hope School – December 8, 5:00 p.m., Holiday Community Carnival; December 19, 6:00 p.m, Student Concert
  • K-Beach Elementary School – December 11, 6:30 p.m., K-2 Christmas Concert, Soldotna High Auditorium; December 18, 6:30 p.m., Winter Band Concert, K-Beach Gym
  • Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science Charter School – December 13, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert, Kenai Central High School; December 18, 6:00 p.m., Band Concert 4-5 Grade, Kaleidoscope Gym
  • Kenai Central High School – December 11, 7:00 p.m., Dessert Auction and Holiday Concert featuring the KMS Concert & Intermediate Band, KCHS Concert & Jazz Band, KCHS Auditorium; December 16, 3:00 p.m., Holiday Choir Concert, KCHS Auditorium
  • Kenai Middle School – December 6, 7:00 p.m., Winter Choir Concert, KCHS Auditorium; December 11, 7:00 p.m., Dessert Auction and Holiday Concert featuring the KMS Concert & Intermediate Band, KCHS Concert & Jazz Band, KCHS Auditorium
  • McNeil Canyon Elementary School – December 6, 6:30 p.m., Winter Concert, McNeil Canyon Gym
  • Moose Pass school – December 7, 7:00 p.m., Music Program
  • Mountain View Elementary School – December 10, 6:00 p.m., Band Concert, Gym; December 17, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 1-3, KCHS Auditorium
  • Nanwalek School – January 3, 1:00 p.m., Nanwalek Christmas Program
  • Nikiski Middle-High School – December 4, 7:00 p.m., Auditorium
  • Nikiski North Star Elementary School – December 6, 6:00 p.m., Kindergarten Winter Concert, NNS Gym; December 6, 6:45 p.m., Concert and Modern Band Winter Concert, NNS Gym; December 11, 6:00 p.m., Christmas Concert Grades 1-2, NMHS Auditorium
  • Paul Banks Elementary School – December 11, 12:30 p.m., Winter Program, Homer High Mariner Theatre
  • Port Graham School – December 21, 2:00 p.m., Port Graham Christmas Caroling Program
  • Redoubt Elementary School – December 6, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 1-2-3, Soldotna High Auditorium; December 11, 6:00 p.m., Winter Band Concert, Redoubt Gym
  • Seward Elementary School – December 18, 7 p.m., Swing Holiday Program
  • Seward High School – January 14, 6:30 p.m., Music Collective Winter Concert
  • Skyview Middle School – December 13, 7:00 p.m., Winter Concert Band, Choir, Drumline
  • Soldotna Elementary School – December 4, 6:30 p.m., Christmas Concert, Soldotna High Audtitorium; December 18, 6:00 p.m., Band & Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS), Soldotna Elementary Gym
  • Soldotna High School – December 18, 7:00 p.m., Band, CHoir, Jazz, Swing Choir, Soldotna High Auditorium
  • Soldotna Montessori Charter School – December 3, 6:30 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-6, Soldotna High Auditorium; December 18, 6:00 p.m., Band & Choir Concert (SOEL and SMCS), Soldotna Elementary Gym
  • Sterling Elementary School – December 6, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-3; December 11, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades 4-6 and band
  • Susan B. English School – December 13, 6:00 p.m., Winter Concert Grades K-12
  • Tebughna School – December 18, 2:00 p.m., Holiday Program
  • West Homer Elementary School – December 4, 12:30 p.m., Christmas Program, Homer High Mariner Theater

Printable flyer with music lineup

Celebrate Jason Daniels, Alaska State Finalist for the PAEMST!

Jason Daniels, Alaska State Finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching

 “Our children, to a greater and greater degree, will inherit a world full of STEM, which is all the more reason to set our students up for success by providing quality experiences in the STEM field, whether it be through career exploration, like Upstream Academy, or project-based learning in the classroom. STEM experiences are so important!”
–Jason Daniels, KPBSD teacher, and PAEMST finalist
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A fifth grade teacher at Kalifornsky Beach Elementary School in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Jason Daniels enjoys working with kids every bit as much today as he did when he first started teaching 20 years ago. Jason teaches English-Language Arts and Math, as well as Health, German language, and STEM. He graduated from the University of Alaska, Anchorage, with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Elementary Education and received his Masters in Educational Technology from the University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau.
Jason is an International Teaching Fellow and a National Board Certified Teacher, which highlights his interest in global understandings and pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning. His favorite subject is science. Jason enjoys interacting with students through hands on authentic learning experiences in and out of the classroom.
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Every month he takes his class on the Adopt-a-Stream Program* where everyone becomes a custodian and caretaker of the local salmon spawning stream at Slikok Creek. He coordinated a NASA astronaut visit to his school, a visit from STARlab portable planetarium, and currently he takes part in Upstream Academy, whose mission is to increase STEM awareness among middle school students, especially those from under-served populations.
Staying active is an important part of Jason’s career. For the past 18 years he has coached wrestling, modeling good sportsmanship, perseverance, and character building. In 2012, Jason completed an Australian Teacher Exchange and taught in Australia for a year. He loves teaching, learning, and challenging himself in new ways. He also enjoys traveling and outdoor adventures with his wife.

“I have been fortunate to know Mr. Daniels for many years and have seen him in action with his students,” said Superintendent Sean Dusek. “He is one of our district’s finest educators, especially in the areas of engaging students, integrating technology in the curriculum and most importantly, demonstrating a high level of care for all of his students. I can give no higher praise than to say that I would have my own children in his classroom if given the chance.  He is truly exceptional.”
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https://www.paemst.org/
About PAEMST
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Up to 108 teachers are recognized each year.
Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.
* The Slikok Creek Adopt a Stream Program is a fifth grade program at K-Beach Elementary. Both Mr. Daniel’s class, together with fifth grade teacher Suzanne Klaben’s class participate. Daniels and Klaben coordinate to take their classes down once a month and work together for this interactive hands on program.
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Jason Daniels-2

Resources for Budget Development Forum at 22 school sites

Budget Development with every KPBSD site council

Building a school budget is foundational to schools, so bring your questions and concerns about funding, expenditures, and priorities.
Everyone is invited to participate. October 30, 2018. Twenty-two school locations. One hour, 6:00 – 6:30 PM

Resources:

 
Are there additional students services that need to be added to the budget?
Is it time to utilize expenditure reductions previously considered, but not implemented?
2018_10_30 BUDGET SITE-COUNCIL meeting
Soldotna, October 22, 2018—The process is rolling forward for Fiscal Year 2019-2020 budget planning, and decisions must be made with the best information available. At 6:00 PM on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, KPBSD school principals will meet with site-councils and the public after a live video-streamed presentation from the district to 22 school sites.

“We are entering a critical time in our district’s financial life,” said Superintendent Sean Dusek. “For several years, KPBSD has been forced to utilize savings to mitigate deep cuts to the classroom. The time for sustainable, adequate funding from the state and borough is upon us. As we begin this year’s process, we are asking all of our stakeholders to be engaged to help prioritize programs and services offered in our district. We have had to make many difficult decisions in the last few years, as our funding has not kept up with costs, such as healthcare. We hope this process will help inform our state and borough leaders of the needs our students and communities have to continue to provide an excellent education. I look forward to beginning this discussion and supporting all stakeholders to participate in the district, borough and state budgeting process.”

WHO
*Site-Councils, together with everyone who is interested—parents, staff, students, business partners, community members, and elected officials—are invited to participate.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018, 6:00 PM, at 22 KPBSD schools:

Aurora Borealis Charter School – KCHS Library; Chapman School – Homer Middle School; Connections Homeschool – Soldotna High Library; Cooper Landing School – Cooper Landing Library; Fireweed  Acacemy – Homer Middle School; Homer Flex – Homer Middle School; Homer High – Homer Middle School; Homer Middle – Homer Middle School; Hope School – Hope School Mrs. T’s room; K-Beach Elementary – K-Beach School; Kachemak-Selo – Voznesenka School; Kaleidoscope School of Arts & Science – Kaleidoscope Library; Kenai Alternative – KCHS Library; Kenai Central High School – KCHS Library; Kenai Middle School – KCHS Library; McNeil Canyon Elementary – Homer Middle School; Moose Pass School – Moose Pass Library; Mt. View Elementary – KCHS Library; Nanwalek School – Nanwalek School, Mr. Beck’s room; Nikiski Middle-High School – Nikiski Middle-High Library; Nikiski North Star Elementary – Nikiski Middle-High Library; Nikolaevsk School – Room 111; Ninilchik School – Ninilchik Library; Paul Banks Elementary – Homer Middle School; Port Graham School – Mr. Way’s room; Razdolna School – Voznesenka School; Redoubt Elementary – Soldotna High Library; River City Academy – Soldotna High Library; Seward Elementary – Seward El PD Room; Seward High School – Seward El PD Room; Seward Middle School – Seward El PD Room; Skyview Middle School – Skyview Library; Soldotna Elementary – Soldotna El Library; Soldotna High – Soldotna High Library; Soldotna Prep – Soldotna High Library; Soldotna Montessori – SMCS room 411; Sterling Elementary – Sterling El Library; Susan B. English – SBE School Commons; Tebughna School – Tebughna School; Tustumena Elementary – Tustumena Library; Voznesenka School – Voznesenka School; and West Homer Elementary – Homer Middle School.
*KCHS is Kenai Central High School
Creating district and school budgets is a foundation for quality instruction and school culture. During this October 30 meeting, an opportunity to learn about reductions which have been considered in the past—some implemented, some not—as well as potential new or additional revenue will be explored. When you attend this meeting, you will learn about district and school level considerations, and potential scenarios going forward, as the budget process begins. Although this is primarily for site councils, everyone is encouraged to participate.*

“Our annual budget is one of the most important things we do each year,” said Dave Jones, assistant superintendent of instructional support. “We want to give our parents, staff, students, and community members a chance to learn about our budget, participate in the process, and offer input. The meeting on October 30 is an important step in the process to develop the FY20 budget. We hope to see a large turnout at all our schools across the district.”

Participant input will be synthesized and presented to the KPBSD school board during future board meetings and work sessions.
Link
KPBSD Finance Department

KPBSD Key Communicators – Champions for Children

Nearly 50 parents, students, elected officials, district leadership team, regional principals, and community partners gathered for a Key Communicator Evening “Champions for Our Children” at Skyview Middle School, on Thursday, October 25, 2018. Three quick hours passed with an energetic keynote presentation about Personalized Learning (PL) in KPBSD, and other programs of interest through station rotations. Everyone could chose two of the four topics: School Climate and Student Safety; Student Opportunities; Public Advocacy; and General Fund Budget. Identified through a survey ahead of time, district Leadership Team members facilitated the four areas of interest sessions based on their areas of expertise.

A lively, informative evening, everyone attending offered positive reflections and feedback. Superintendent Sean Dusek, who provided a district update said, “I am very pleased with the participation and work that occurred at our most recent Key Communicator meeting. Our instructional efforts, challenges and proactive measures were discussed and many questions, suggestions and reflections were gathered to help ensure our schools’ stories are clearly shared across the borough and state.”

To learn more about KPBSD Key Communicators, be added to the email list, or become involved, review the webpage, or email Pegge Erkeneff, Communications Liaison, at Pegge @ KPBSD.org.KC evening program in KPBSD 10_25_18_Page_1Presentation Materials in PDF format:

 
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