KPBSD inspiration: Amy McGlothen, Susan B. English #ClassOf2019

Amy McGlothen Susan B. English

Susan B. English School
Amy McGlothen, Class of 2019

In sixth grade, Amanda McGlothen, who we know as Amy, moved to Kenai, Alaska from Clatskanie, Oregon, and began attending Soldotna Elementary. At Skyview Middle School, Amy was known for being a very positive and friendly student and for always high-fiving other students in the halls. Her warm and out-going personality served her well in school and extra-curricular activities at Soldotna High School where she was a member of the Swing Choir for two years and a member of the drama program for three, including starring as Vera Claythorne in the Soldotna High School Theatre production, And Then There Were None.
In her senior year, Amy attended Susan B. English School in Seldovia, Alaska, and contributed to the school in a number of positive ways including serving as a school lifeguard and organizing many senior-led school activities such as prom and graduation. Amy looks forward to pursuing a lifetime goal by attending the University of Alaska Southeast to pursue her chosen major of Marine Biology at the Juneau, Alaska, coastal campus.

The mission of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District is to empower all learners to positively shape their futures.

KPBSD inspiration: Steven Hunter Smith, River City Academy, #ClassOf2019

Steven Hunter Smith

River City Academy (RCA)
Steven Hunter Smith, Class of 2019

“Don’t underestimate the determination of a quiet man.” This speaks volumes to the character and quiet leadership displayed by River City Academy’s valedictorian, Steven Hunter Smith.

Steven first joined RCA as a middle school student. He worked consistently and diligently throughout the years to reach his goals today. Academically, Steven has an excellent GPA of 3.89, and has worked beyond his high school graduation requirements to lay the foundation for his post high school world. Steven completed multiple courses at Kenai Peninsula College. He recently completed an Alaska Fisheries course through the University of Alaska, Southeast. These courses will be the foundation for his major in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alaska, Anchorage, where Steven will utilize his University of Alaska Scholars award.
More important than academics, Steven showed his strong–yet quiet–leadership abilities. Throughout the school, he was always willing to help other students. His positive attitude and calm demeanor followed him from class to class. Principal Dawn Edwards-Smith said, “On our annual field trip to Caines Head, Steven showed his leadership capabilities by ensuring that the whole group worked together, without losing his sense of humor.”
When not working on his schoolwork or fishing, Steven works as a deck hand for his family business. He recently completed the coursework for his Captain’s license.
RCA is grateful for Steven’s leadership and looks forward to seeing amazing things as he works to improve our community in the future!

 

Students earn Microsoft Office certifications #DistanceLearning

Preparing students for college and careers:
MOS certification program positively validates in-demand technology skills

Where do you want your learning to take you and how can KPBSD help you get there?
2019-06-13 MS Office certifications

The KPBSD Distance Learning Program awarded 243 Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications—an industry recognized, standards-based credential for validating Microsoft Office skills.

“As we reach this milestone of certifying 243 students and teachers so far in the two years since becoming a Microsoft Certification Testing Center, we have seen the immediate benefits of helping our students earn the Microsoft Office Specialist certification,” said Darren Jones, Distance Learning Technology Teacher for the KPBSD. “Many students and teachers discovered an interest in technology, and took advantage of the opportunity to increase their competence, productivity, and credibility with their expertise in the Microsoft Office products. We look forward to helping many more students and teachers earn this valuable industry credential in the coming years.” Every high school student in the district can enroll and take the necessary trainings to earn the coveted Microsoft Certifications through KPBSD’s Distance Learning Program.

Celebrate elite MOS status

Sarina Wilkinson, a Soldotna Prep ninth grader will attend Soldotna High School in August, and in her ninth grade year earned five of the six certifications offered during her first year of high school! She earned certifications in MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook, and MS Word Expert.
She earned two high school credits in her ninth grade year, and she will earn as many as 12 concurrent college credits from UAA. When she completes her final exam (she said it’s really tough!) she will earn the distinction of being the second and youngest KPBSD student to earn the elite status of Microsoft Office Specialist Master!
Emerald Miller, a Homer Connections Homeschool student graduated with the Class of 2019, and is the first student in the KPBSD to earn the elite status of Microsoft Office Specialist Master! She took Distance Computer Applications 1 and 2 during her junior year and Computer Applications 3 and 4 in her senior year earning her certifications in all six MS Office courses to the highest elite status. She will also have to opportunity to earn as many as 12 college credits from UAA for the successful completion of these KPBSD classes.

“We are pleased KPBSD’s Distance Learning Program has successfully implemented the MOS certification and is awarding these valuable credentials to help so many students prepare for a further education and build their resume,” said Aaron Osmond, General Manager, Certiport. “As more students realize the value of certification, their program will continue to grow and these individuals will begin to proliferate and improve the local workforce.”

The Microsoft Office Specialist certification is delivered by Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, and recognized globally as the premier credential for individuals seeking to validate their knowledge, skills and abilities relating to the Microsoft Office applications. With more than two million exams taken annually in 148 countries, MOS is the leading IT certification in the world.

About Distance Learning

The KPBSD Distance Learning Program offers a wide range of classes through an online format. The Distance Learning Program uses a variety of instructional material including teacher created materials and materials purchased from vendors such as Florida Virtual School and Aventa Learning. Online courses are delivered through the district’s Canvas learning management system (LMS). Canvas is a popular learning management system used by many secondary and post-secondary educational institutions around the world. The Distance Learning Program also utilizes multiple methods of communication including desktop conferencing tools such as Skype for Business, Google Hangouts, and others. The Distance Learning staff is also available via appointment, telephone, and email.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District will inspire all learners to pursue their dreams in a rigorous, relevant, and responsive environment.

KPBSD Inspiration: Nikiski Middle High Trio, Class of 2019

Bethany Carstens, Kelsey Clark, and Emma Wik Nikiski Class of 2019

Nikiski Middle-High School

Bethany Carstens, Kelsey Clark, and Emma Wik
Class of 2019

Bethany Carstens, Kelsey Clark, and Emma Wik have been friends for what seems like forever. “They grew up together in our small community of Nikiski and did everything together for the last 14 years,” said Principal Dan Carstens. “Not only are they at or near the top of their class academically, but they all compete at the highest level in volleyball, basketball, and track and soccer, racking up multiple all-conference, all-state and MVP honors during their high school careers while helping their teams raise three state banners during their time at Nikiski. All this while showing kindness and respect to teammates, coaches, and opposing players.”
Nikiski Class of 2019 Carstens-Clark-Wik-2

Now they move on to the next phase of their lives:

Bethany Carstens will attend Chicago State University where she has a full ride scholarship to play Division I basketball and pursue a nursing degree.
Kelsey Clark will attend Wenatchee Valley College to play volleyball and enter the radiological technician program.
Emma Wik is staying close to home where she will attend Kenai Peninsula College and pursue a nursing degree.
These three will continue to carry the torch and blaze new trails for successful Nikiski alumni!

Nikiski Class of 2019 Carstens-Clark-Wik (2)-2-2
 

KPBSD Inspiration: Caleb Napier Connections Homeschool, Class of 2019

Connections Caleb Napier Class of 2019

Caleb Napier
Connections Homeschool, Class of 2019

Caleb Napier is a goal-oriented young man always on the move. The past four years in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Connections Homeschool has given him the flexibility to pursue his many personal goals, while following his passions of music, exploring other cultures, aviation and serving others.
Musically, Caleb is an avid violin and mandolin player, serving on his church and youth group music teams. His longing to explore other cultures has taken him to 27 countries, with a few years even living in East Africa. Caleb’s fascination with aviation began as a toddler and continues to this day. He has worked every summer during his high school years at a floatplane charter service in Homer, Alaska.
Serving others has always been a part of his life; he has served in famine zones and refugee camps across the Middle East and Africa, and is constantly engaged in activities at Glacierview Baptist Church in Homer, Alaska.
In May, Caleb graduated from KPBSD Connections Homeschool, and five weeks later he graduates with his Associate Arts Degree from Liberty University, both with a 4.0 GPA! With this phase of education completed, Caleb will continue his service to God, others, and his country through the United States Marine Corps. He is scheduled to leave for boot camp in August, with a 5-year commitment to serve in the field of aviation mechanics.
Connections Homeschool offers flexible, personalized K-12 education options to more than 800 Kenai Peninsula learners.
www.KPBSD.org

Retirements: thank you for 15+ years with KPBSD

COVER 2019-06 Retiring Employees Best Wishes
KPBSD appreciates dedicated staff who will depart this year

“I wish everyone who is leaving our district all the best. I am so thankful for their contributions and commitment to KPBSD over the years and they will be missed. Best of luck and enjoy your next adventure!” –Sean Dusek, Superintendent

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District appreciates the commitment and service these retiring employees contributed, each with fifteen or more years in the school district. Each of you has made a difference, THANK YOU!
2019-05-20-HL KPBSD retirees and reignations 15 plus years

Collective Bargaining Update: May 16, 2019

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Collective Bargaining Update: May 16, 2019
Soldotna, May 16, 2019—The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) met with the Kenai Peninsula Education Support Association (KPESA) and Kenai Peninsula Education Association (KPEA) for collective bargaining on May 16, 2019.
The District did not accept the KPEA and KPESA May 13, 2019, last best offer, and proposed separate counter offers to each Association.

Each Association rejected the District’s May 16, 2019, counter offer.
No further bargaining has been scheduled.
Following bargaining this morning, the Associations distributed a quote to members and on social media attributed to the District’s bargaining team spokesperson. This is the accurate context of the quote, “…put up or shut up…” transcribed from the May 16, 2019, recording during bargaining.
Listen to the May 16, 2019 audio clip from collective bargaining:

“We have listened to Mr. Fischer and others talk about how the broker has been overly, well I don’t want to say excessive, in its recommendations to or analysis as to what the costs are going to be in the next school year. We think the broker has accurately, to the best of the information available to it, considered all of the factors that go in to a health care program. We believe that the request by the association that somehow, the district should accept your proposals and not have a cap, is not accurate.
We do not believe that what you’ve told us, that in your opinion the costs are going to go down next year to such an extent that even though the district may be giving up its cap, it’s not going to be impacted by that. We don’t believe that. We don’t agree with that.
But we do know, that if you agree with that, then your health care committee on the HDHP has the ability to set your members rates at whatever it wants. If you think the $367 rate that the hundred percent migration comes out to per month for the high deductible plan comes out to, and will not be what it’s going to be shown when it comes to June 30, 2020, or whenever, March of next year, set it at $200. Have every one of your members pay $200 per month. Have your health care committee going crazy for the first nine months of next year to see how it can reduce the cost. But if you believe the broker is not right, then put up and shut up or shut up on that. Do what you want the district to do. You want us to pay the higher cost if the broker is accurate–but why don’t you pay the lower cost while you think the broker is wrong, and you’ve solved the problem of your memberships costs next year.
So based upon our analysis, our review, we have a proposal for you. For each of the Associations. We have told you that we will not remove a cap, and we’re not removing a cap. We’ve told you that we respect KPESA’s determination that it wants to stick with KPEA, but our proposals remain separate.”
Links

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Collective Bargaining Update: May 13, 2019

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Collective Bargaining Update: May 13, 2019
Soldotna, May 13, 2019—Proposals were exchanged between The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD), and the Kenai Peninsula Education Support Association (KPESA) and Kenai Peninsula Education Association (KPEA) during collective bargaining on May 13, 2019. The Associations rejected the District proposals.

Collective Bargaining will continue on Thursday, May 16, 2019, beginning at 9:00 AM.
Link
School district Collective Bargaining webpage, includes Advisory Arbitration April 2019 report to KPBSD, KPEA, KPESA documents, and most recent proposals.

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Collective Bargaining: May 8, 2019 KPBSD proposals to KPESA and KPEA

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Soldotna, May 8, 2019—The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) proposals to Kenai Peninsula Education Support Association (KPESA) and Kenai Peninsula Education Association (KPEA)
KPBSD proposal to KPESA*
Attached is the District proposal to KPESA that accepts the recommendations in the Arbitrator’s report.
The proposal was rejected by KPESA at bargaining on May 8, 2019.
KPBSD proposal to KPEA**
Attached is the District proposal to KPEA that accepts the recommendations in the Arbitrator’s report.
The proposal was rejected by KPEA at bargaining on May 8, 2019.
Link
School district Collective Bargaining webpage, includes Advisory Arbitration April 2019 report to KPBSD, KPEA, KPESA documents.
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*KPBSD proposal to KPESA

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) proposal to
Kenai Peninsula Education Support Association (KPESA)
to settle the FY19, FY20, FY21 bargaining
The current agreement continues for FY 19-21 except for all previous TAs that modify existing language.  The Advisory Arbitrator’s Report is accepted as follows, with applicability to those employed on the date of ratification.

  • A change to the duration for July 1, 2018-June 30, 2021.
  • A new shift differential for KPESA, for Article 17, Section A in the amounts of 40 cents per hour for split shift and 60 cents per hour for graveyard shift.
  • A revised health insurance Article 27 for KPESA that sets forth the 70/30 split over the cap, as recommended by the Advisory Arbitrator.
  • For FY19, KPESA employees on the traditional plan as of December 31, 2018, will receive a refund of health care contribution overpayment as a result of the new 70/30 in the amount of $920. FY19 retro payment will be made as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, June 28, 2019.
  • For FY19, KPESA employees on the high deductible health plan as of December 31, 2018, will receive a refund of health care contribution overpayment as a result of the new 70/30 in the amount of $600. FY19 retro payment will be made as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, June 28, 2019.
  • The Traditional Plan will no longer be an option for employees with an initial date of hire after May 31, 2019.
  • Salary schedule increases in the amounts of .5 percent in FY19, 1 percent in FY20, and 2 percent in FY21.
  • KPESA employees not receiving a step increase will receive an additional .5 percent in FY19, 1 percent in FY20, and 2 percent in FY21, off base salary in that year’s Column H.
  • FY19 retro salary payments will be made as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, June 28, 2019.
  • Addition of Article 37 Extracurricular Programs, attached.

This proposal expires May 31, 2019.

**KPBSD proposal to KPEA

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) proposal to
Kenai Peninsula Education Association (KPEA)
to settle the FY19, FY20, FY21 bargaining
The current agreement continues for FY 19-21 except for all previous TAs that modify existing language.  The Advisory Arbitrator’s Report is accepted as follows, with applicability to those employed on the date of ratification.

  • A change to the duration for July 1, 2018-June 30, 2021.
  • Salary schedule increases in the amounts of .5 percent in FY19, 1 percent in FY20 and 2 percent in FY21.
  • KPEA employees at C+90/M-T not receiving a step increase will receive an additional .5 percent in FY19, 1 percent in FY20, and 2 percent in FY21 based on the same year’s salary in the C+90/M-T.
  • The Traditional Plan will no longer be an option for employees with an initial date of hire after May 31, 2019.
  • FY19 retro salary payments will be made as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, June 28, 2019.

 

News Release: Arbitrator’s Advisory Report

KPBSD_2017-2022_StrategicPlan_SealSoldotna, May 2, 2019—the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) received the Advisory Arbitration Report. The two days of Advisory Arbitration took place February 26-27, 2019, with the Kenai Peninsula Education Association (KPEA) and the Kenai Peninsula Education Support Association (KPESA).
District administration and school board members are reviewing and analyzing Arbitrator Dorothy Fallon’s Report.
KPBSD, KPEA, and KPESA will meet to continue bargaining on May 8, 2019.
The Arbitrator’s Advisory Report can be viewed or downloaded from the KPBSD collective bargaining webpage, or via the KPBSD homepage from a link in the Community Interest section.
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