Upward Bound students on a Major Marine tour in Seward
“My grades are the best they’ve ever been.” — Angel, sophomore
“It’s made me make more responsible decisions and think seriously about my life.” – Kaitlyn, junior
“It has helped me expand my options and shown me other things that I can do to achieve the goals I want to achieve. I now know how much more important my grades are and it has helped me have extra time to work on my schooling and get ready for my future.” – Seyara, junior
“It’s helped me stay focused in school, helped me keep my mind set on what my goals are and it’s taught me the steps to achieve my goals.” – Corin, senior
“I’ve learned life lessons and skills that I will hold onto and remember: like working and talking to people you normally wouldn’t, being a leader in a crowd, the importance of my decisions now, and time management.” – Destiny, senior
What are all of these students referring to? Their experience as a participant in Upward Bound.
Upward Bound is a federally funded U.S. Department of Education TRiO program hosted in ten high schools throughout the state of Alaska. Nikiski Middle-High School (NMHS) is fortunate enough to be one of those ten schools. In order to qualify as an Upward Bound participant, students must meet certain criteria including coming from a low income household and, or being a first generation college student. The program is designed to offer motivated students extra support and guidance throughout high school as they prepare to enter post-secondary education. Upward Bound really opens doors for students. When students were asked what they have learned about as participants in Upward Bound, they stated that they’ve learned about all sorts of college-related topics including scholarships, college entrance exams (ACT, SAT), the college application process, the FAFSA and student loans, study abroad opportunities, dorm-life, etc. Taylaur, a NMHS junior, sums it up when she said that, “In Upward Bound, students learn about adulting.”
All of this adulting focused education takes place at twice-weekly Upward Bound meetings. On Tuesdays, NMHS Upward Bound students work with their coordinator, Nicole Gaunt (Ms. G), covering college-related topics and checking in with their accountability partners to set and review progress towards their goals. Thursday meetings focus on grade checks and study hall. This emphasis on grades and goals are key as Upward Bound students are expected to strive for at least a 3.0 GPA. This past semester, NMHS’s group celebrated when nine of 14 students made the honor roll!
For their hard work and dedication, students are compensated both financially, with the chance to earn up to $40 month, as well as with opportunities to participate in the Unmanned Arial Vehicle (UAV) project, in cultural fieldtrips and in the Upward Bound summer programs at UAF. The summer programs allow students to experience living and learning on a college campus while working on academics, earning high school and even college credit, and exploring what Fairbanks has to offer.
While the summer programs are the icing on the cake, a lot of work goes into the day-to-day challenge of maintaining good grades as a high school student while preparing for the future. When NMHS Upward Bound students were asked to describe how participating in the school-year Upward Bound program with Ms. G has impacted their lives, a few common themes shine through: positivity, opportunity, encouragement and support.
“Upward Bound has taught me that getting help is okay.” — Avery, junior
“It has helped me reach my goals because I feel like I can get help from any of the people in there. I always feel welcome and all of them help each other stick to our goals. It has helped me have inspiration to keep my grades up.” – Lauren, junior
“Being in Upward Bound has given me the drive to pay more attention in my life, and focus on the goals I set.” – Lochlan, junior
“There’s just something about encouragement, and someone else wanting you to do something that is motivating and confidence building. My advisor cares about my success in life, and has helped me acquire skills and strategies to use while in college and beyond.”— Destiny, senior
“It’s helped me to try really hard to keep my grades up and apply for college. It’s given me a nice push.” – Shayne, senior
Sometimes we all need that little push to set and work towards our future goals. Nikiski Middle-High School is very proud of our Upward Bound students and program. It is inspiring to watch as these students to learn and grow, transitioning from high school and adolescence into college and adulthood.
Story contributed by Nicole Gaunt, School Counselor, NMHS
Upward Bound students showing off their new UB swag thanks to GCI
Posted in Community Partners School Stories by .
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
News Release
KPBSD team from Nikiski awarded top state recognition
Soldotna, February 19, 2016—A team of six KPBSD employees make a difference every day at Nikiski Middle-High School for their students with disabilities. Recognizing excellence, the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education awarded the 2016 Inclusive Practices Award to Megan Fowler, and her team of Zach Nerison, Jen O’Brien, Kristin Peek, Kally Seater, Angela Smith, and Kristina Stadelman.
Nikiski Middle-High Team: L-R Front: Kally Seater, Megan Fowler
Back: Kristina Stadelman, Angela Smith, Zach Nerison, Jen O’Brien, Kristin Peek
A team of six KPBSD employees make a difference every day at Nikiski Middle-High School for their students with disabilities. Recognizing excellence, the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education awarded the 2016 Inclusive Practices Award to Megan Fowler, and her team of Zach Nerison, Jen O’Brien, Kristin Peek, Kally Seater, Angela Smith, and Kristina Stadelman.
“The culture of Nikiski Middle-High School is to include all students in our academics and activities no matter their skills, abilities, or talents,” said Dan Carstens, principal. “Megan Fowler and her team embody this culture and continue to serve as examples for inclusive practices to their peers.”
Megan Fowler
“Our team has a shared philosophy that exceptional students are limited only by what educators imagine is possible for them. This award honors the philosophy of celebrating abilities.”Jen O’Brien
“I’m honored to be a piece of the puzzle! A puzzle that easily fits together at Nikiski High School. I went into the field of Special Education for the outcome and although outcomes can take a bit longer in my field, it’s fun trying to plan success for all of our kiddos. Teaching these special thinkers and celebrating their victories is so rewarding!”Kristin Peek
“It is such an honor to receive this award. This job can be so diversified that it takes us all working very hard together and with our school staff. It is very mentally and physically demanding, but the rewards are far greater than I’ve ever experienced in other positions. This is what makes it worth doing year after year!”Kally Seater
“The students are what make our job amazing. I am inspired by their eagerness to deal with daily challenges and overcome them. This team works together and has great support from our administrators. I am very grateful to receive this award.”Angela Smith
“It is an honor to be recognized for the hard work our students and staff do each day. It is truly a team effort supported by our whole school. True inclusion rewards everyone it touches, and spreads into the community. I am proud to see the ripple effect in their self-esteem and endurance to try their best every day. Congrats to all fourteen nominees – your programs all make a difference.”Kristina Stadelman
“Our classroom has been successful because of all of the assistance we have received from people available to help in our district.”
The 2016 Inclusive Practices Award recognizes outstanding educators who work to ensure students with disabilities have the opportunity for an inclusive education in the general education curriculum. The nominations are based on the following activities that assure a positive learning environment for all:
- Involving parents as equal partners in their child’s education
- Encouraging student’s self-determination
- Emphasizing inclusive practices amongst peers and others
- Providing leadership in sharing the values of inclusion
- Designing support services that enable access to the regular curriculum
- Modifying programs or curricula as needed
This year’s award was presented February 9, 2016, at a luncheon at the Hilton Hotel in Anchorage. The Statewide Special Education Conference (ASSEC) was attended by more than 200 special education educators, administrators, parents and advocates from all over the state.
“We are so proud of the team at Nikiski Middle-High School for winning this award,” said Clayton Holland, director of pupil services. “This team has been relentless in their pursuit of providing the best possible education for their students. This award is an honor for this team, for the Nikiski staff, and for all the special education teachers and support staff in the KPBSD that provide countless hours and work toward educating students with disabilities.”
“I am very proud of our special education staff and extremely excited that we continue to have school teams recognized through the Statewide Inclusive practices program,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “The team from Nikiski exemplifies what happens across our district and this team of Bulldogs really deserve this recognition for all of their hard work with our students.”
Over the past year and a half, Nikiski Middle-High School has turned a corner in regard to their special education mindset,” said Elizabeth Falk, pupil services program manager. “As a result of Ms. Fowler’s resolve, and the support of our district office, the Intensive Needs classroom has shifted the thinking throughout the entire Nikiski community. While working with some of the most challenging students, this group of administrators, teachers, and paraprofessionals model a truly inclusive educational model. Students now participate across all school settings: in the lunchroom, gym and even in extra-curricular activities such as the wrestling team. For inclusion to work, educational practices must be child-centered—this classroom reflects that. The team has discovered where each of their students are academically, socially, and culturally to determine how best to facilitate individualized learning.”
Links
- KPBSD Pupil Services
- Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education
- Facebook: Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education
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Posted in KPBSD employees News Release by .
Feb 16
9
Balancing Alaska Budgets
“I think it’s important for the people in my community to weigh in any opportunity that they get on the budget preference or revenue enhancements. And, while I don’t know how that is going to turn out yet, it will take some combination of both of those in order to come up with a sustainable budget that will move Alaska forward and help my community.” – Speaker of the House, Mike Chenault, February 8, 2016, in conversation with Soldotna High School student
KPBSD Board of Education student representative Brian Dusek talks with Speaker of the House, Mike Chenault, about a letter Soldotna High School students wrote to Alaska legislators about the budget and what the value of public education means to them.
Balancing a billion dollar state budget
On anything but a normal Monday in Juneau, when HCR 23 “Suspend Uniform Rules 20, 21, 23, 24” made fast tracks to pass through the House of Representatives, “restricting committee meetings of the Alaska House of Representatives to measures that substantially relate to and have as their primary purpose appropriating, raising, or allocating state revenue, until the Alaska House of Representatives passes a state operating budget to the Alaska Senate,” Speaker of the House Mike Chenault (and District 29 representative) met with one of his young constituents, a high school student from Soldotna, Alaska.
In Juneau for a school board legislative fly-in with board member Lynn Hohl, the student school board representative, Brian Dusek, shared a letter that Soldotna High School students wrote to Alaska legislators. Speaker Chenault said, “I hope we are on the right track, we are going to work on the budget, try to focus on the budget, and come up with a remedy for the budget. We’ll look at revenue streams, we’ll look at reducing the budget where we can. I think it’s important for the people in my community to weigh in, any opportunity that they get—either weigh in on the budget preference or revenue enhancements. And, while I don’t know how that is going to turn out yet, it will take some combination of both of those in order to come up with a sustainable budget that will move Alaska forward and help my community. So that’s where we will be and what we will work on for the next three weeks, and see if we can get a budget passed.” Alaska residents are asked to weigh in with their ideas to The House Majority “Idea Line” 1-844-414-5949 to help solve the State’s budget crunch.
“I’m having a great time advocating for public education and the KPBSD,” said Brian Dusek, Soldotna High School student and school board student representative. “It was great to learn more about the legislative process, meet Governor Walker, our senators, and our representatives, speak to public officials, and have a voice that represents my peers and community. I appreciate the KPBSD school board for allowing me to attend the legislative fly in, and I hope that I helped advocate for public education so it remains a #1 priority in the state. It’s been an amazing experience!”
The Legislature and KPBSD webpage offers helpful links, copies of legislator communications, KPBSD legislative priorities, LIO office locations, and more. This page is updated throughout the legislative session.
Balancing a multi-million dollar school district budget
“The district is facing a fiscal gap for our 2016-2017 budget,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “We are prioritizing the programs and services we will be able to offer in our schools. The district will likely need to make additional difficult decisions depending upon the level of funding we receive from the state and borough. This is an important year to be involved and engaged in all levels of our budget development, and understand the local (borough) and state level funding for public education.”
KPBSD Public Budget Meetings
Parents, staff, students, business partners, community members, and elected officials, are invited to bring your questions and ideas to a KPBSD public meeting, where you will learn about the district budget perspective, expenditures, revenues, and receive responses to your questions.
- Tuesday, February 16, 2016, Seward High School library, 5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 17, 2016, Soldotna High School library, 5:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 23, 2016, Homer High School library, 5:30 p.m.
Links
- KPBSD and the Legislature webpage
- KPBSD State Priorities brochure
- The House Majority Idea Line
- KPBSD Finance Department and budget documents
- 2016-2017 (FY17) Budget Development calendar
Building a Sustainable Future for Alaska The KPBSD Board of Education encourages everyone to participate in Governor Walker’s Sustainable Future: conversations with Alaskans through an interactive revenue and expenditure model that “allows you to fix Alaska’s budget your way.”
New! Alaska residents are asked to weigh in with their ideas to The House Majority “Idea Line” 1-844-414-5949 to help solve the State’s budget crunch.
Posted in KPBSD District Stories Student Posts by .
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
News Release
Investing in public education on the Kenai Peninsula
Soldotna, February 8, 2016—If the future success for our KPBSD K-12 students is dependent on a quality education so graduates will be prepared for college or a career, funding public education is crucial. In this time of fiscal uncertainty, KPBSD asks everyone to attend one of our public budget meetings, and become involved in the financial solutions for our school district and state.
KPBSD Public Budget Meetings
- Tuesday, February 16, 2016, Seward High School library, 5:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 17, 2016, Soldotna High School library, 5:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 23, 2016, Homer High School library, 5:30 p.m.
“The district is facing a fiscal gap for our 2016-2017 budget,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “We are prioritizing the programs and services we will be able to offer in our schools. The district will likely need to make additional difficult decisions depending upon the level of funding we receive from the state and borough. This is an important year to be involved and engaged in all levels of our budget development, and understand the local (borough) and state level funding for public education.”
Become involved. Parents, staff, students, business partners, community members, and elected officials, mark your calendar and bring your questions and ideas to a KPBSD public meeting, where you will learn about the district budget perspective, expenditures, revenues, and receive responses to your questions.
“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 ask questions.”
Links
- KPBSD Finance Department and budget documents
- 2016-2017 (FY17) Budget Development calendar
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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
KPBSD spring 2015 community budget meeting
KPBSD Key Communicator Collaboration
Hosting a mix of eighty people, KPBSD facilitated five active hours at the Challenger Learning Center on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, following a school board worksession. School board members, high school students, KPBSD Key Communicators, school site council leaders, school principals, district leadership team members, and invited community members and business partners participated in the first Key Communicators Collaboration, an event designed to educate, gather input from the community, and grow advocacy for public education and KPBSD schools. At a time when the state fiscal climate is a top topic, KPBSD gathered a bunch of smart people together to brainstorm and face the challenges in the district, and to offer solutions.
A mix of presentations began in the morning with the State of the KPBSD—highlighting awards and accolades, innovation, funding, and legislation—and in the afternoon, identifying positive #golden stories in the schools and with KPBSD graduates. The interactive day concluded with tips about how to communicate collaboratively, with each person choosing one action they could take during this legislative session that was unique to their own personality, care and concern, and talent.
“I was very pleased that so many of the key communicators were able to attend our meeting that really strengthened our communication lines with stakeholders,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “The energy in the room was positive all day and I am looking forward to continued engagement with all of our stakeholders to help our schools improve how they meet the needs of our students.” With people from Seward, Seldovia, Sterling, Homer, Ninilchik, Nikiski, Kenai and Soldotna, and all areas in between, excellent perspective and common themes emerged. The feedback from everyone was, “let’s do this more often,” and “thank you for helping me understand the real issues that the district is addressing.” “A focus on the positive stories in coming months that happen every day is critical, and we need help from everyone to share these stories,” said Pegge Erkeneff, one of the presenters and organizers of the day. “Our Key Communicator network was started two years ago, and is growing. Conversations happen every day—in school parking lots, the grocery store, and with our elected officials. This started as a two-way exchange between the school district and people that each school principal identified in their school community. Now it is expanding to include students, and community partners. It’s a fantastic opportunity to hear from people who care about our schools, and also to share issues the district is facing. We look forward to a continued conversation, and interaction.”
- To learn more about KPBSD Key Communicators, visit the webpage, http://bit.ly/KeyCommunicators
- Links to the February 2, 2016, presentations are online at the KPBSD Communications blog: http://bit.ly/KPBSDCommunicationsBlog
- The Legislature and KPBSD webpage
- Read the KPBSD Highlight story
Key Communicators
KPBSD formed a network of people who are interested in our schools in order to cultivate positive relationships with the school district and in our diverse communities. Conversations happen every day in school parking lots, at the grocery store, via social media, and in everyday ordinary life interactions. At times, people of all ages who care about public education want facts about issues in order to communicate effectively with community leaders, each other, and elected officials. The idea is that our Key Communicators will be informed about school district initiatives, issues, and celebrations through responses to questions, email messages, media releases, and e-newsletters from district office communications–and have an open line of communication with district leadership to ask questions and express concerns and celebrations in the school district. Together we will broaden community advocates and share our #golden stories.
On February 2, 2016, a KPBSD Key Communicator Collaboration with more than eighty participants took place from 10:00-3:00 p.m., at the Challenger Learning Center, in Kenai, Alaska.
Attendees: School board members, Key Communicators, site council representatives, leadership team, students, regional principals, community partners
Purpose: Collaborate with key people in our schools to talk about issues KPBSD faces this year, reflect on what we are doing well, ask questions, give administration a perspective, and grow advocates for KPBSD public education.
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February 2, 2016: Midyear State of the KPBSD presentation
Key Communicator Collaboration, Challenger Center morning presentation, by Sean Dusek, superintendent; Dave Jones, assistant superintendent of instructional support; John O’Brien, assistant superintendent of instruction; Pegge Erkeneff, communications liaison
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February 2, 2016: Communication: Make It Golden presentation
Key Communicator Collaboration, Challenger Center, afternoon presentation by Pegge Erkeneff, communications liaison
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February 2, 2016: Collaboration and Communication closing presentation
Key Communicator Collaboration, Challenger Center, afternoon presentation by Pegge Erkeneff, communications liaison
Links
KPBSD and The Legislature webpage
KPBSD Board of Education goals: Promote a shared value and responsibility for the process of education throughout the school district | Funding public education
Tustumena Elementary is a small school in a diverse, supportive community. Students learn in an individualized, positive, accommodating, and caring environment. Tustumena Elementary is an ideal school. Our students and community greatly benefit from all staff member’s efforts. Their dedication to education is so very apparent. We are so fortunate and appreciative to have such an exception school!
On a typical Day at Tustumena Elementary, students and families are greeted outside by our Principal, Mr. Hayman. No matter rain, snow, or shine, he is always there with a familiar smile. The day begins with morning announcements and the Pledge of Allegiance. Students transitioning in the hallways are often observed respectfully pausing to say the Pledge.
Many positive observations can be made by peering into our primary classrooms. Students are actively participating in circle time. A soft chorus of voices can be heard reading out loud. Examples of student’s creativity are proudly displayed. Students are engaged, and eager to learn here.
In the intermediate wing, students can be seen enthusiastically taking part in hands on learning activities. Students are encouraged to participate in classroom discussions. Artwork and writing samples adorn the hallways and classroom walls. Intermediate students mentor younger students in our Buddy Reader program. This greatly encourages our younger students to enjoy reading. This also inspires leadership skills. Students are often observed helping and encouraging each other.
Fun, educational field trips are taken throughout the year. Kindergarteners visit the animal hospital and forestry department. First graders visit the hospital to learn about different medical occupations. Second graders visit local museums which correlate with their grade level history lessons. The fourth grade class participates in an “egg take” at Anchor River. They collect salmon eggs to raise, and they learn about life cycles. The fifth grade class travels to Seward to tour the Sea Life Center. They also hike to Exit Glacier to see and observe various geologic features. The sixth grade takes an overnight fieldtrip by boat to Peterson Bay. They observe and learn about tide pool habitats.
School Enrichment Model (SEM) classes teach and inspire our students with a variety of activities. Recent classes include: yoga, karate, grains and bread baking, spices, and fly tying. These classes encourage students to explore new areas of interest, and discover new talents.
Students are encouraged to volunteer here and their participation plays a significant role in success of school fundraisers. With the support and guidance of our PTO, our students get to see the benefits of their dedication and hard work, (which also instils good work ethics) during the fieldtrips and special events that are funded by these efforts.
Here at Tustumena, we are fortunate to have a dedicated group of parents. They lend us their individual talents. On any given day, volunteers are seen reading with students, helping with art projects, leading SEM classes, fundraising, creating bulletin boards, and participating in class parties and events. Community involvement is encouraged, and our school strongly benefits from it!
A typical day at Tustumena ends with a bustle of activity in the lobby. Students greet their families and excitedly fill them in on their day. Teachers and staff wave and wish them all well as they part ways.
- Story contributed by a Tustumena School parent
- To contribute a school or “#GoldenNews story to KPBSD, click this link.
Posted in School Stories by .
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
News Release
All KPBSD schools will open on a normal schedule, Monday, January 25, 2016
Soldotna, January 24, 2016—On January 24, 2016, an earthquake rocked southcentral Alaska. On Sunday, school principals checked school sites, and the district worked with borough maintenance to inspect every KPBSD school to make certain that they are safe for our students and staff.
We are happy to share that there has been minimal damage and all schools will be open on a normal schedule on Monday, January 25, 2016.
All students, parents, and staff have been sent an automated call and email from the district office with this information.
Our thoughts extend to families and staff who are affected by the earthquake. Student and staff safety are our number one priority.
Bus transportation in the Kasilof area:
We do have an impact to transportation in the Kasilof area that affects Route 42 (Skyview Middle School, Soldotna Prep, River City Academy, and Soldotna High School); and Route 44 (Tustumena Elementary). Please check our social media sites for specific details. This information was sent in the automated email, and is posted on the KPBSD Facebook page.
Please check for any further updates on our social media pages. Parents should contact specific schools with any questions.
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note: Transportation information for Bus Routes 42 and 44 in the Kasilof area:
We do have an impact to busing in the Kasilof area that affects routes 42 (River City Academy, Skyview Middle School, Soldotna High School, and Soldotna Prep); and Route 44 (Tustumena Elementary):
- Route 42 serving Skyview Middle School, Soldotna Prep, RCA and Soldotna High School will arrive at the church at Mile 1 (Sand Street) at approximately 6:40 a.m., and will remain there until about 6:50 a.m. before heading into town. Parents can bring their children to the bus there, and pick them up there in the afternoon at approximately 2:45 – 2:50.
- Route 44 for Tustumena Elementary: All the children on K-Beach who ride this bus are on the north side of the road closure, so the morning bus will come from K-Beach Elementary to Satori Way and then turn around. ALL pickups in the morning will be done as the bus is northbound. The driver will then drive all the way around the top of K-Beach Rd and then back down Sterling Highway to Tustumena Elementary. The estimate is that any students who do ride the bus will arrive to Tustumena Elementary at 9:30 or thereabouts.
- The Pollard Loop portion of Route 44 in the morning will be covered by Route 41, and it may run about 3 – 5 minutes later than usual.
- In the afternoon, everyone who normally rides route 44 in the afternoon will do so. However, the K-Beach students will ride all the way up Sterling Highway to loop back around the top of K-Beach, and may not arrive to their stop until 4:30 or so.
Transportation information for Bus Route 43
- Route 43 serving Kenai Central High School, Kenai Middle School, and Mountain View Elementary will add an extra stop at the Armory on the way to school.
Soldotna High School does remain without power at this time, (Sunday afternoon) but HEA expects power back on sometime on Sunday. Soldotna High School does plan to open on a normal schedule on Monday.
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
NEWS RELEASE
Collective Bargaining Impasse Continues
Soldotna, January 21, 2016— Negotiations between the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD), and the Kenai Peninsula Education Association (KPEA) and the Kenai Peninsula Education Support Association (KPESA) remain at impasse. The January 13, 2016, KPBSD health insurance counter proposal to the KPEA and KPESA was not accepted by the Associations.
After an extended caucus on January 13, 2016, the KPEA and KPESA bargaining team comments—in response to the KPBSD proposal—made it clear that they will not accept any upper limit, or cap, on the amount of the District’s contribution to the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) that they proposed in October 2015. That proposal requires the District to pay 100% of the costs of the HDHP. In January, the Associations’ comment that it wants the District to pay the first $1,700 per employee per month, plus 100% of an annual cost escalator, and then 85% of any additional cost, is not a cap on the District’s contribution to health insurance costs. It regresses from the current 85%-15% cost sharing for the existing health plan. As such, the Associations’ comments were non-responsive, and displayed no reasonable, economically feasible, or realistic effort to break the current impasse in bargaining.*
The Associations have not presented a written counter proposal to the District. As a result, another negotiating session has not been scheduled.
A two day advisory arbitration hearing before Arbitrator Gary Axon has been scheduled for June 1 and 2, 2016. He was jointly selected by KPBSD, KPEA and KPESA.
Links
*January 20, 2016: KPBSD Response to KPEA and KPESA January 13, 2016 comments
KPBSD webpage: School District Collective Bargaining
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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
Posted in News Release by .
News Release
Update: Collective Bargaining
Soldotna, January 16, 2016—On Wednesday evening, during collective bargaining, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) negotiating team responded to a high deductible health care offer presented by the Kenai Peninsula Education Association (KPEA), and the Kenai Peninsula Education Support Association (KPESA). After thorough analysis, the District provided an 11 page response* outlining costs and reasoning, with the conclusion it could not accept the proposal because the district’s health care costs would increase by $1.1 million, among other reasons.*
In response to the KPEA and KPESA offer, on January 13, 2016, KPBSD presented the two Associations with a health care proposal** that also included a high deductible health care plan, but with a monthly cap on the employer contribution. The offer also included opt-out provisions for employees with alternate health care coverage. The District’s proposal was rejected by the KPEA and KPESA on January 13, 2016, and the two Associations did not present a formal counter proposal to KPBSD.
Links
*January 13, 2016: KPBSD Response to KPEA and KPESA October 14, 2015, Health Care proposals
**January 13, 2016: KPBSD Health Care Proposal to KPEA and KPESA
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Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, Communications Liaison
communications@KPBSD.org | 907.714.8888
www.KPBSD.org
Posted in News Release by .