News Release – Page 13 – KPBSD Communications Field Notes

Funny River Fire update: 67,084 acres with 15 percent containment. Red Flag Warning in effect.

ALASKA INTERAGENCY INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
TYPE 2 TEAM
Rob Allen, INCIDENT COMMANDER
FIRE INFORMATION
PHONE: (907) 714-2484
INCIWEB: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3878/
EMAIL: funnyriverfire@gmail.com

10:30am May 23, 2014

PDF: 5-23-14 – Funny River Fire Update

FUNNY RIVER FIRE UPDATE
67,084 acres with 15% containment. Red Flag Warning in effect.

The fire is 67,084 acres and is still contained within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Good progress was made yesterday with 15% containment achieved with secure line on the north east flank of the fire. There are 374 personnel assigned to fire.

Over 400 people attended public meetings in Kasilof and Funny River last night with the meetings simulcast on a local radio station. Local residents expressed concerns about campfires being allowed in the area over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend with the very dry forest and red flag weather conditions. As of 4pm, May 22, 2014, the fire was 3.5 miles from the Kasilof River, 3 miles east of the Pollard Subdivision, and 3.5 miles from the Cardwell area and less than 2 miles from the Bear Creek Subdivision on Tustumena Lake. The fire perimeter reaches Funny River Road at mile 7.5 to the north and the shores of Tustumena Lake to the south. During last night’s operation, structural fire crews from around the state protected Funny River road. Smoke jumpers were dispatched to the water accessible only Bear Creek subdivision as the fire moved within 2 miles of the subdivision. Today, on the east flank, helicopters with water buckets are assisting crews to protect the Funny River community to the north. The presence of a vegetative fuel break along the northeast boundary of the Refuge has assisted fire crews in protecting the community of Funny River. To the south, an additional fire crew from Oregon is assisting the smokejumpers at Bear Creek subdivision in structure protection activities. On the west flank, crews are working to extend the containment line down to Cole Lake. Four water scooping aircraft (CL215s) are operating to protect the community of Kasilof. These aircraft are scooping water from Tustumena and Skilak Lakes.

An increase in fire activity is expected this afternoon with southwest winds 6 to 12 MPH gusting to 20 MPH. Vegetation remains extremely dry on the Kenai Peninsula. Residents and visitors are urged to use extreme caution with anything that could ignite a fire. Weekend visitors to the area and residents are reminded that fire crews, air and ground equipment are working in close proximity to the Sterling Highway and Funny River Road. Do not block roads to view the fire. Pull off only in safe designated pullouts.

Information about current smoke conditions is available from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation at http://dec.alaska.gov/air/am/smoke.htm

Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Services has set up a call line to help homeowners with fire preparedness. Residents can call (907) 714-2495. Information is available at http://www.borough.kenai.ak.us/emergency-mgmt/fire

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Update: Funny River Fire Grows to 44,423 acres, Public Meetings Scheduled for Tonight

ALASKA INTERAGENCY INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

TYPE 2 TEAM
Rob Allen, INCIDENT COMMANDER
FIRE INFORMATION
PHONE: (907) 714-2484
INCIWEB: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3878/
EMAIL: funnyriverfire@gmail.com
May 22, 2014
PDF 5-22-14 Funny River Fire Update

FUNNY RIVER FIRE UPDATE

Funny River Fire Grows to 44,423 acres, Public Meetings Scheduled for Tonight

Firefighters continued working through the night to contain the Funny River Fire. The Funny River Fire has burned 44,423 acres within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. It is five percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Alaska Interagency Incident Management Team will hold two public meetings tonight.
The first will be held at 6 p.m. at Tustumena Elementary School, 58231 Sterling Highway, Kasilof
and the second will be held at 8 p.m. at the Funny River Community Center, 35850 Pioneer Access Road, Soldotna.
Fire managers and emergency operations officials will discuss the firefighting efforts and public safety and will take questions.
Crews have made good progress in corralling the fire on the northwest corner by creating a dozer line. The arrival of water-scooping aircraft today will help reinforce efforts to contain the southwest flank of the fire and protect the community of Kasilof. The fire is approximately 4 miles from the Kasilof River and 3.5 miles east of the Pollard Subdivision. Firefighters will also continue work today on the northwest corner, where they worked overnight burning out vegetation to protect Funny River Road residents. The fire is 3 miles from the water accessible only Bear Creek Subdivision and a crew of firefighters are headed to the subdivision today. The arrival of additional crews today is expected to help the Alaska Type II Incident Management Team make progress on containing the blaze.
Residents in the area should expect to see increased air traffic related to the fire. A Temporary Flight Restriction remains in effect over the fire area.
The fire continues to send heavy smoke over the Kenai Peninsula and other parts of Southcentral Alaska. An Air Quality Advisory remains in effect.
Information about smoke is available from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation at http://dec.alaska.gov/air/am/smoke.htm
Kenai Peninsula Borough Office of Emergency Services has set up a call line to help homeowners with fire preparedness. Residents can call (907) 714-2495.
Central Emergency Services is urging residents who live near the fire to stay aware and be prepared. Information is available at http://www.borough.kenai.ak.us/emergency-mgmt/fire
Vegetation remains extremely dry on the Kenai Peninsula. Residents and visitors are urged to use extreme caution with anything that could ignite a fire.

Funny River Fire Update via Alaska Incident Management Team

ALASKA INTERAGENCY INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
TYPE 2 TEAM
Rob Allen, INCIDENT COMMANDER
FIRE INFORMATION
PHONE: (907) 351-2206
EMAIL: funnyriverfire@gmail.com
5-21-14 Funny River Road Fire Update – PDF
May 21, 2014

FUNNY RIVER FIRE UPDATE

Funny River Fire Grows to 20,000 acres

The Funny River Fire is sending significant smoke into Soldotna and Kasilof today and as far as Anchorage and Homer. The fire, currently estimated at 20,000 acres, is burning within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Despite cooler temperatures and higher humidities overnight, the fire was active, with significant movement on the eastern flank of the fire.
Crews with the Alaska Division of Forestry and Central Emergency Services worked overnight to keep the blaze from crossing the Funny River Road at about Mile 7. Recent efforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to reduce the buildup of beetle-killed spruce along the Funny River Road helped stop the advance of the fire.
The Alaska Type 2 Incident Management Team took over management of the fire this morning. Fire managers are focusing efforts today on the northern flank to keep it from crossing the Funny River Road and on the western flank to keep it from reaching the Sterling Highway and the communities of Kasilof and Sterling. It remains at least three miles from the Sterling Highway. Fire managers are also working to better map the fire and provide maps to the public.
Significant resources are being deployed on the fire, including air tankers, wildland firefighting crews and engine crews with experience fighting structural fires. Heavy smoke is affecting visibility and efforts to fight the fire from the air.
An early spring with very little precipitation has left vegetation extremely dry on the Kenai Peninsula. Residents and visitors are urged to use extreme caution with anything that could ignite a fire.
Air Quality Advisories are in effect for Southcentral Alaska. Information about smoke is available from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation at http://dec.alaska.gov/air/am/smoke.htm
Central Emergency Services is urging residents who live near the fire to stay aware and be prepared. Information is available at http://www.borough.kenai.ak.us/emergency-mgmt/fire
5-21-14 Funny River Road Fire Update – PDF

News Release: Nikiski Schools update

NEWS RELEASE

Nikiski schools update II

Soldotna, May 9, 2014, 5:00 PM—The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) can confirm that the person who is the subject of an investigation of inappropriate contact between a teacher and a student is the same suicidal person Alaska State Troopers (AST) were searching for yesterday.
KPBSD can also confirm that AST contacted the person at noon today. He was in his vehicle parked on the Kenai Spur Highway. Based on the fact that he was suffering from apparent physical injuries, the trooper called for an ambulance which transported him to a hospital where he is undergoing treatment for his injuries. He is not in custody of the troopers at this time, and neither the school district nor the troopers are releasing his name.
The case is still under investigation.
On 05-08-2014, the AST Department of Public Safety posted on their website: “On 5/8/2014 around noon, the Alaska State Troopers received a report of a suicidal adult male in the Nikiski area. The man reportedly threatened to commit suicide by consuming sleeping pill and alcohol. The man had been at the local high school earlier in the day. Troopers responded to the school in an attempt to locate the individual. The man is described as a white, adult male with dark hair. He is believed to be in a dark red, extended cab 1998 Dodge Dakota with a dented driver’s door. The vehicle has a license plate with the last three number 396. Anyone with information regarding the location of this vehicle is encouraged to contact law enforcement immediately by calling 9-1-1.”

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Nikiski schools update I

Soldotna, May 9, 2014, 1:00 PM—An internal KPBSD investigation began during the morning of Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Nikiski Middle-High School, which resulted in a call to the State Troopers.
The school district report to the Alaska State Troopers (AST) resulted in AST beginning an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior between a teacher and a student.
Further information resulted in the school district initiating precautionary lockdowns at both Nikiski Middle-High School and Nikiski North Star Elementary School. Throughout the afternoon the school administrators and district office continued to communicate with law enforcement.
Student and staff safety is a priority in KPBSD schools, and the district will always act proactively to keep students safe. We thank the parents, staff, students, and community for their patience and understanding during a stressful time on Thursday at our schools as we assessed the unfolding situation.
At this time, Friday, May 09, 2014, the school district is continuing to cooperate with AST in an ongoing investigation.
The teacher involved with the investigation is on administrative leave. Further updates will be provided when and if additional details are available and can be made public.
On 05-08-2014, the AST Department of Public Safety posted on their website: “On 5/8/2014 around noon, the Alaska State Troopers received a report of a suicidal adult male in the Nikiski area. The man reportedly threatened to commit suicide by consuming sleeping pill and alcohol. The man had been at the local high school earlier in the day. Troopers responded to the school in an attempt to locate the individual. The man is described as a white, adult male with dark hair. He is believed to be in a dark red, extended cab 1998 Dodge Dakota with a dented driver’s door. The vehicle has a license plate with the last three number 396. Anyone with information regarding the location of this vehicle is encouraged to contact law enforcement immediately by calling 9-1-1.”

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Media Release: KPBSD 2014_05_09 Nikiski Schools Updated Information

Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, communications specialist, 907.714.8888
Pegge@kpbsd.org
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

Media release: KPBSD 2014-2015 budget revision

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
Media Release
KPBSD 2014-2015 budget revision

Soldotna, April 11, 2014—Due to the changing fiscal climate at state and local levels, district administration is recommending that funding for the Skyview Middle School pool in Soldotna, Alaska, be reinstated into the 2014-2015 (FY15) budget.
KPBSD district administration has reinstated a $180,000 General Fund expenditure for the Skyview Middle School pool, previously eliminated during a January 14, 2014, Board of Education work session, and included in the 2014-2015 Preliminary Budget presented to the school board on February 3, 2014. The $180,000 reduction was in addition to a $1.3 million budget reduction made in the fall of 2013, in anticipation of a substantial FY15 budget deficit.
The insertion of the $180,000 into the FY15 budget means that the Skyview Middle School pool would remain open during the 2014-2015 school year.
The Board of Education packet prepared for the April 14, 2014, school board meeting has been revised. The FY15 Budget (Revised) document states, The Preliminary General Fund revenue budget will increase by $180,000, from $161,206,486 to $161,386,486, with budgeted revenue from all sources of $154,456,357, use of Fund Balance reserved for Health Care in the amount of $2,156,400 and use of General Fund Balance increased from $4,593,729 to $4,773,729.”
Links
April 14, 2014 School Board agenda and business packet
School Board Communication: FY15 Budget (ADDENDUM), view pages 4-5 of the FY15 Budget (REVISED) document.
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This and all KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
Suggest or contribute a story online link: http://bit.ly/SuggestKPBSDstory
Please contact me with questions or connections to be made for your KPBSD district and school stories.

KPBSD and KPC Announce New Efforts to Make it Easier and Less Expensive to Take College Classes

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District and Kenai Peninsula College
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888 or Gary J. Turner, KPC Director, 907.262.0315
KPBSD and KPC Joint Media Release
Soldotna, April 7, 2014—JumpStart opens to juniors, and includes bus transportation from high schools to KPC. Kenai Peninsula College (KPC) and Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) officials jointly announced two new initiatives will enable more high school students to take KPC courses at reduced tuition rates.
Beginning with the fall 2014 semester, high school juniors will be able to take advantage of the JumpStart program that had previously only been available to high school seniors. Students can enroll for up to six credits each semester starting the fall semester they become juniors. Tuition cost is $55 per credit versus the regular rate of $174.
Funded by a 1/10^th mill rate on borough property taxes, JumpStart has been in existence for many years. Opening the program to juniors means that high school students will be able to take up to 30 credits (one full college year) at the reduced rate—by the time they graduate from high school.
Students and their parents can potentially save $3,570 on their first year of college compared to regular University of Alaska rates. [View KPC JumpStart Costs Savings Fall 2014-Juniors] These courses are dual credit meaning students taking the KPC courses receive both high school and college credit if they successfully complete the course(s) with a “C” or better. Course credits earned at KPC through the University of Alaska are typically transferable to accredited colleges and universities throughout the United States.
Transportation
Secondly, KPBSD will transport KPC enrolled students from all central peninsula high schools to KPC’s Kenai River Campus in order to take courses. Buses will arrive at Kenai River Campus (KRC) at 9 a.m. and the last departure will be at 1:30 p.m. Nikiski students would depart their high school and KRC 15 minutes earlier.
The shuttle service will provide continuous service between the schools throughout this period meaning a student could take one or two classes at KRC and return to their high schools to continue their high school classes. Bussing students on the southern peninsula to KPC’s Kachemak Bay Campus is still being discussed with high school administrators and transportation providers.
“I get many requests from parents asking that the JumpStart program be opened to juniors,” said Gary J. Turner, KPC director. “Due to the declining number of high school seniors, we looked closely at our borough budget and the projected number of seniors the district is anticipating, and determined we can afford to do this with the same amount of funds.” The borough budget request sent by KPC to the mayor and assembly has been revised to include juniors.
“Access to KPC courses has always been a challenge to our students without transportation,” said Dr. Steve Atwater, KPBSD superintendent. “We believe that by providing a shuttle, many more of our students will be able to take these dual credit classes and save a considerable amount of money on their college education. I am thrilled to learn that our juniors will now be eligible to use the JumpStart support for taking KPC classes. This is a necessary and positive change to help our graduates prepare for life after high school. I offer thanks to our borough for their continued support of KPBSD and KPC.”
Registration
Registration and advising for high school students at the Kenai River Campus (KRC) in Soldotna will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., April 26, and from 3-5 p.m., April 28. Students who do not enroll during these “early bird” sessions will be able to receive advising from 1-4 p.m., August 13, and enroll in classes from noon-5 p.m., August 15 and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., August 21 and 22.
High school students can receive advising and register at the Kachemak Bay Campus (KBC) in Homer from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., April 21 – August 22.
Contact:
Gary J. Turner, KPC Director, 907-262-0315, gjturner@kpc.alaska.edu
Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD Communications Specialist, 907-714-8888, Pegge@KPBSD.org
Links:
Kenai Peninsula College
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

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This and all KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
Suggest or contribute a story online link: http://bit.ly/SuggestKPBSDstory
Please contact me with questions or connections to be made for your KPBSD district and school stories.
Pegge Erkeneff | Communications Specialist
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, 148 N. Binkley Street, Soldotna, AK 99669 | 907.714.8888

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to develop productive, responsible citizens who are prepared to be successful in a dynamic world.

Important Pre-K dates in April and May 2014

Media Release

Pre-Kindergarten Title I assessments take place in April and May

Will your child be four years old by September 1, 2014?

Soldotna, April 2, 2014—Children who will be four years old by September 1, 2014, have an opportunity to attend pre-kindergarten classes at their local area school in the fall. To qualify for the classes, parents and guardians must contact their local area school to schedule a Pre-K assessment, and complete an application prior to the school screening appointment date.
“The Title I funded Pre-K programs available at specific sites in the KPBSD provide an excellent opportunity for children who turn four by September 1, 2014, to get a jumpstart on success in school,” said Christine Ermold, director of elementary education. “KPBSD’s Pre-K teachers are all certified and have specialized training in early childhood education. As a result, the programs they offer are engaging and developmentally appropriate, with an emphasis on preparing children to be successful when they enter kindergarten. Pre-K the KPBSD way focuses on experiences that facilitate each child’s growth in the targeted areas of social and emotional development; approaches to learning; communication, language, and literacy; cognitive development, and; physical well-being.”

Action steps

Contact local attendance area school. (See list)
Complete a Pre-K application—the school office will provide applications, or download a Pre-K application from the KPBSD website. http://bit.ly/PreKapplication
Return the application to your neighborhood school office during school hours. Schedule your child’s assessment prior to the date for your neighborhood school. (See dates on school list.)
Children must be age 4 by September 1, 2014
Title I KPBSD programs web link: Title 1 programs at KPBSD

KPBSD Title I Elementary School Screening dates
Students qualify for Title I services based on academic need.

Chapman Elementary, 235-8671, April 24, 2014
Mountain View Elementary, 283-8600, April 15, 2014
Nikiski North Star Elementary, 776-2600, April 17, 2014
Paul Banks Elementary, 226-1801, April 10, 2014
Redoubt Elementary, 260-4300, April 29, 2014
Seward Elementary, 224-3356, May 6, 2014
Soldotna Elementary, 260-5100, April 29, 2014
Sterling Elementary, 262-4944, April 30, 2014
Tustumena Elementary, 260-1345, April 16, 2014

Title I programs are required to utilize effective, research based instruction, and must also provide evidence that students receiving Title I support are showing academic growth.

Priceless art time — Pre-K the KPBSD way!

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This and all KPBSD media releases are online at this web page: http://bit.ly/MediaPublicRelationships
New: Suggest or contribute a story online link: http://bit.ly/SuggestKPBSDstory
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888

Opportunity knocks: high school students to attend Job and Career Fair in Kenai

Media Release
KPBSD juniors and seniors to attend career and job fair
Soldotna, March 17, 2014—The annual Peninsula Job and Career Fair, billed as the biggest recruitment event on the Kenai Peninsula, will be Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Peninsula Job Center in Kenai, Alaska. KPBSD and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) will once again partner to deliver resume writing, interviewing, and work ethics training in preparation for this event.
Students from Kenai Alternative School, Kenai Central High School, Nikiski Middle-High School, Skyview High School, and Soldotna High School, will attend. More than sixty employers will be present to speak to job seekers about their current and future job openings. KPBSD students who plan to attend must sign-up through their school counselor, and bring several copies of their resume to provide to employers. Transportation is provided by KPBSD.
KPBSD is happy to once again be able to partner with the DOLWD,” said John O’Brien, director of secondary education and student activities. “Our students benefit from access to their professionals working together with our school counselors and career guides on resume writing, interviewing, and work ethics training skills. KPBSD juniors and seniors looking for either part time employment or something more, can benefit from attending the Peninsula Job and Career Fair, since it is the biggest recruitment event on the Peninsula.”
Employers include: AJEATT, Adult Learning Programs/MASST, Alaska Crane Consultants, Air National Guard, Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Department of Corrections, Alaska Division of Forestry, Alyeska Pipeline, ASRC Energy, AVTEC, Beacon OHSS, Central Peninsula Hospital, Consumer Care Net, Copper River Seafood, Crowley Marine Services, ESS Service, Fred Meyer, Frontier Community Services, Gas Drive Global, Governor’s Council on Disabilities, Halliburton, Home Depot, Hope Community Resources, Inlet Fish, Kachemak Electric, KDLL Radio, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Kenai Peninsula Care Center, Kenai Peninsula College, Key Bank, Kenaitze, Lee Shore Center, McDonalds, Nana Management, Northern Training Industrial, Offshore Systems, Pacific Star Seafood, Peak Oil Field Services, Peninsula Clarion, Peninsula Community Health Services, RESCARE, Safeway, Schlumberger, Snug Harbor, State of Alaska Juvenile Justice, Taco Bell, US Army, US Marines, US Navy, AK Army National Guard, Wal-Mart, and Wells Fargo.
“We are extremely pleased with the excitement students are expressing about attending the job fair and meeting with employers about current and future openings,” said Rachel O’Brien from the Peninsula Job Center. “School district personnel have been very instrumental and supportive of Department of Labor staff by allowing us to work with students during their class time and discuss resume writing, career exploration, interviewing skills and work ethics. Attending the job fair is an outstanding opportunity for students to speak directly to employers about short and long-term employment, learn about labor demands, and make local connections. The Peninsula Job Center wants to extend our sincere appreciation to KPBSD administration, principals, counselors and teachers of Skyview, Soldotna, Kenai, and Nikiski high schools for partnering with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development for the second year in a row to deliver this invaluable experience to local students.”
The Peninsula Job Fair is coordinated by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development with support from the Peninsula Clarion and alaskajobnet.com, the City of Soldotna, the City of Kenai, and the Kenai and Soldotna Chambers.
Contact for businesses: Rachel O’Brien, employment specialist, Peninsula Job Center, 907-335-3001
Contact for employers to sign up and have an informational or recruitment booth: Jackie Garcia, business connections specialist, Peninsula Job Center, 907-335-3030.
Media Release: Kenai Job Fair is March 26 2014
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Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888

KPBSD schools participate in drill on 50th anniversary of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
Media Release
March 27, 2014, at 1:36 p.m. – Great Alaska ShakeOut
Soldotna, March 17, 2014—To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will participate in the Great Alaska ShakeOut “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” earthquake drill at 1:36 p.m. on Thursday, March 27. In addition, we will conduct an ALMR radio check in conjunction with this drill.
Tens of thousands of Alaskans will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in The Great Alaska ShakeOut on March 27, 2014. KPBSD registered all our schools in the school district category, joining thousands of Alaskans who also registered to participate.
Dave Jones, assistant superintendent of instructional support, said, “We need to be prepared for incidents we hope never happen, but if they do, we can minimize the danger to our students, staff, and community.”
Earthquake preparation and the proper “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique is valuable safety education for our students and employees. We will also practice a radio check-in to the district office from each of our schools following this earthquake drill.
Alaska schools, families, and businesses are encouraged to participate. Resources, including audio clips for the drill, are available online at: http://www.shakeout.org/alaska/

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How would you spend 160 million dollars?

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
MEDIA RELEASE: How would you spend 160 million dollars?
Soldotna, February 14, 2014—Everyone interested in quality public education is invited to a public meeting about the 2014-2015 budget designed to provide a K-12 education for our local students on the Kenai Peninsula.
The reality is that when the budget process began, an $8,235,753 deficit for a status quo budget in 2014-2015 existed. This is to provide what KPBSD did in 2013-2014. Please step up to the plate and attend a public budget forum. You’ll take a deficit walk with Dave Jones, assistant superintendent of instructional support, and learn about the budget reductions we have already made, possibilities for the future, the role of the legislature, borough, and general fund balance. Do you know that in July 2013, the school board already determined a .5 increase for student-to-teacher ratio in the classroom to address the deficit? This equates to more than ten current positions which will not be funded next year. Even with this, other proposed expenditure reductions, and use of the general fund balance, KPBSD still has an unresolved deficit of $4,593,729 to solve.

Dr. Steve Atwater, superintendent, said, “The financing for our schools is complicated. I encourage the public to attend the budget forums so they can better understand this financing and to gain a sense of our deficit and what steps we are taking to close the revenue-expenditure gap.”

Parents, employees, students, community members—you are invited. Mark your calendar for one hour, and bring your inquiries and questions to KPBSD Budget 101, where you will learn about the district perspective, expenditures, revenues, and where to find specifics for your neighborhood school:

• Tuesday, February 18, 2014, 5:30 p.m., Seward High School library

• Wednesday, February 19, 2014, 5:30 p.m., Soldotna High School library

• Tuesday, February 25, 2014, 5:30 p.m., Homer High School library

Link
KPBSD finance department and budget documents: http://bit.ly/FinanceKPBSD

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