Key Communicator Update: 4-9-21

Dear KPBSD Key Communicators,

I hope that you are well, as these weeks go by rapidly, and we gain light (though it is still chilly outdoors!). This news release was distributed last Monday, and the intent to enroll survey is open through next Friday. This week opened with Board of Education work sessions and the monthly Monday evening meeting, the Borough assembly meeting Tuesday evening, and transmitting the KPBSD FY22 budget to the Borough. On Wednesday an update to the SmartStart plan took effect, and students no longer need to wear a mask at recess. Additionally, if 6’ physical distancing can be maintained outdoors, a cloth face covering is not needed for outdoor PE, and classroom activities. School districts throughout the Alaska do continue to require a cloth face covering indoors, and the only exceptions may be very small communities off the road system, without any positive COVID-19 cases. The update took place throughout the KPBSD, except for Seward area schools.

We held three sets of principal interviews this week, to select the next administrator for Kenai Central High School, Paul Banks Elementary, and Homer Middle School. This afternoon an announcement was shared that Mr. Dan Beck (current Kenai Middle School assistant principal) will become the next principal of Kenai Central High School effective July 1, and Mr. Will Chervenak will continue to serve as the assistant principal at KCHS. Principal Tony Graham (Soldotna High School) accepted the position as KPBSD Director of Secondary Education, and so on Monday afternoon, April 12, a community meeting will take place to learn the wants and wishes for the characteristics of the next Soldotna High School principal. In addition, two of our Homer area principals will be serving at district office beginning July 1: Ms. Kari Dendurent (Homer Middle School) will become the new Assistant Superintendent, and Mr. Eric Pederson (Paul Banks Elementary) will be the Director of Elementary Education. Plans are underway for summer enrichment programs, credit recovery programs, and regional K-3 literacy intervention and boost programs. Our Connections Homeschool increased their allotment for the school year starting in August, and is currently enrolling students. If you have questions, kindly reach out to me!

Pegge Erkeneff, KPBSD Director of Communications, Community, and Government Relations

Monday, April 5, 2021 Online News Release

KPBSD is making a list and checking it twice: August enrollment intent survey open Monday, April 5-16, 2021

Soldotna, April 5, 2021—Assistant Superintendent Clayton Holland requests help from KPBSD parents to plan for the school year beginning in August, through a brief intent to enroll survey, open through Friday, April 16, 2021.

Dear KPBSD parents and students,

When school begins in August, KPBSD will offer in-person learning at all 42 schools. Alaska has made great strides with the pandemic, and while we are unable to predict the future, it is our intent that students and staff will not be required to wear masks or other face coverings next school year.

To help our schools plan, please answer the following questions on this
short survey that is open April 5-16, 2021. This will help us prepare for the upcoming school year.

Thank you for your time.

Assistant Superintendent Clayton Holland (incoming Superintendent, July 1, 2021)

Take brief districtwide intent to enroll survey—it is simple.
(Everyone is asked to complete the survey even if they already let their school know their intent to return or enroll)

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