March 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM - Regular Meeting

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PERTINENT FACTS:

The Board President will ask for public comment from visitors:

• School Communities
  • Coffman Cove
  • Hollis
  • Kasaan
  • Naukati
  • Port Alexander
  • Thorne Bay
  • Whale Pass
     
• Other Visitors

Please see the attachment for additional information about public comment.
 

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Recommendation
It is the Administration’s recommendation that the School Board approve the adoption of the AASB recommended revisions to BP 4000, BP 4020, BP 4021, and BP 4030, and approve the deletion of BP 4111.1/4211.1/4311.1.

Pertinent Facts
In accordance with Board Policy (BP) 0500, Review and Evaluation, the School Board conducts an ongoing review of district policies throughout the year.

In December 2025, the Alaska Association of School Boards (AASB) released updates to Article 4 - Personnel.  The policies listed above were updated as part of those revisions.

These policy revisions were presented to the School Board for first reading at the February 24, 2026 Regular Meeting and are presented at this time for second reading and adoption.
 

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Pertinent Facts

BP 4000 (All Personnel - Concepts and Roles) outlines the respective roles of the School Board and Superintendent in personnel matters. The policy reaffirms the Board’s authority to approve employment, adopt salary schedules, and serve as an appeals body, while recognizing the Superintendent’s responsibility for nominations, supervision, and day-to-day personnel management in accordance with state law.

The proposed revisions primarily update and clarify language. Changes replace references to "teachers" with "staff" to reflect that the policy applies to all personnel, modernize terminology related to collective bargaining agreements, and strengthen recognition of culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices. These updates improve clarity and alignment with current district practice without changing the core governance structure or authority outlined in the policy.
 

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Pertintent Facts

BP 4020 (Drug, Tobacco, and Alcohol-Free Workplace) affirms the School Board’s commitment to maintaining safe, healthy, and substance-free learning and work environments. The policy prohibits unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of alcohol, drugs, controlled substances, and non-FDA approved tobacco or nicotine products in district workplaces, at school-sponsored activities, and in district vehicles. It also outlines employee notification requirements, awareness programming, disciplinary procedures, and compliance with state and federal law.

The proposed revisions primarily clarify language to reflect current terminology and legal references. One paragraph regarding tobacco use was reorganized within the policy for clarity but not substantively changed. Overall, the revisions improve organization and alignment with current law while maintaining the Board’s longstanding expectation of a drug-, tobacco-, and alcohol-free workplace.

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Pertinent Facts

BP 4021 (Drug and Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers) establishes requirements for drug and alcohol testing for district bus drivers in accordance with state and federal law. The policy outlines prohibited conduct, required testing procedures (including pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing), consequences for failing or refusing a test, record confidentiality requirements, and required supervisor training. The purpose of the policy is to promote student safety and prevent accidents resulting from drug or alcohol misuse.

The proposed revisions include several clarifications. The policy now explicitly allows the district’s testing program to be implemented through a contract or agreement with the district’s transportation services contractor. Additional language clarifies that, despite state laws permitting limited marijuana use, the district retains authority to prohibit marijuana use in the workplace and must maintain a drug-free workplace as a condition of receiving federal funds. The revisions also reflect current federal Department of Transportation requirements mandating specimen validity testing (SVT) to prevent tampering with drug tests. These updates strengthen legal alignment and clarify compliance expectations while maintaining existing safety standards.

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Pertinent Facts

BP 4030 (Nondiscrimination in Employment) affirms the School Board’s commitment to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment in accordance with state and federal law. The policy outlines protected classifications, affirms reasonable accommodation requirements, and requires annual public notification of nondiscrimination protections.

The proposed revisions are limited in scope. The policy language has been revised to align more closely with current statutory terminology by referencing "sex" as defined under applicable state and federal law rather than listing specific subcategories. In addition, a cross-reference to a policy scheduled for removal has been deleted. These updates do not alter the district’s obligation to comply with applicable nondiscrimination laws.

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Pertinent Facts

BP 4111.1/4211.1/4311.1 (Affirmative Action) outlines procedures for identifying workforce underrepresentation and, where required by law, developing remedial hiring goals and timetables. The policy references affirmative action programs that are temporary, remedial in nature, and based on demonstrated need or legal requirement.

The proposed action is to remove this policy from the Board Policy Manual. The Alaska Association of School Boards (AASB) recommends deletion of the affirmative action policy due to outdated and potentially problematic language related to hiring preferences and demographic classifications. Current nondiscrimination laws continue to prohibit discrimination in employment, and those protections remain addressed under BP 4030 (Nondiscrimination in Employment). Districts considering any hiring preferences or remedial programs are encouraged to consult with legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal law.

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Pertinent Facts
This item is presented for informational purposes only. No board action is requested at this time.

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Recommendation
It is the administration's recommendation that the School Board ratify the Memorandum of Agreement between Southeast Island School District and Sealaska Heritage Institute to participate as a pilot partner in the Pathways and Partnerships to Support Culturally Relevant Career and Technical Education for Southeast Alaska Students grant initiative.

Pertinent Facts
Sealaska Heritage Institute has received a grant to expand culturally relevant career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for students across Southeast Alaska. Through this Memorandum of Agreement, Southeast Island School District will participate as a pilot partner in a regional Career and Technical Education Consortium that brings together school districts and partners to strengthen workforce pathways for students. The partnership will support the development of culturally relevant learning opportunities, career exploration activities, and regional CTE experiences designed to help students build skills, explore career options, and develop postsecondary plans before graduating from high school. The agreement runs from February 17, 2026, through July 1, 2028, and provides opportunities for students and educators to participate in regional programming, professional development, and career-focused events that support student success and future career readiness.
 

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PERTINENT FACTS
Contracted Business Manager Lucienne Smith presented the first proposed budget for FY 2027 to the Board during the work session held prior to tonight’s meeting. As outlined in the FY 2027 Budget Process and Timeline (included in the February 2026 Business Report), the budget will go through at least two readings before a final proposed budget is presented to the Board for consideration and approval.
 

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Recommendation
It is the administration's recommendation that the School Board authorize the Superintendent to negotiate and execute a contract with Douglas Enterprises for the 2025-2026 SISD Firewood Supply Project, in an amount not to exceed $50,000.

Pertinent Facts
On April 9, 2025, the Southeast Island School District (SISD) issued an open Request for Proposals (RFP) for the delivery of firewood to district schools in accordance with district policy and procurement requirements. The RFP was publicly advertised, and qualified vendors were invited to submit bids on an ongoing basis, with proposals opened monthly.

Douglas Enterprises submitted a complete and responsive proposal on March 3, 2026. Their bid meets the requirements outlined in the RFP and demonstrates the capability to meet the district's needs in a cost-effective manner.

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Recommendation
It is the Administration’s recommendation that the School Board approve the first reading of BP 4111/4211/4311, 4111.2/4211.2/4311.2, 4112.1/4312.1, 4112.4/4212.4/4312.4, and BP 4112.5/4212.5/4412.5, including AASB recommended revisions, and advance the policies to a second reading.

Pertinent Facts
In accordance with Board Policy (BP) 0500, Review and Evaluation, the School Board conducts an ongoing review of district policies throughout the year.

In December 2025, the Alaska Association of School Boards (AASB) released updates to Article 4 - Personnel. The policies listed above were included in those updates and are presented to the Board for first reading and consideration.
 

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Pertinent Facts
BP 4111/4211/4311 Recruitment and Selection outlines the District’s processes for recruiting, screening, and selecting qualified personnel. The policy continues to emphasize hiring the most qualified candidates, using fair and consistent procedures, and ensuring compliance with state and federal employment requirements.

The update clarifies language regarding permissible inquiries during hiring, specifically reinforcing limitations on asking about protected information and ensuring compliance with nondiscrimination laws. It also authorizes the Board to delegate the authority to make classified hires to the Superintendent, with notification to the Board, and consolidates prior policy BP 4211 into a single, unified policy for clarity and efficiency.
 

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Pertinent Facts
BP 4111.2/4211.2/4311.2 Legal Status Requirement outlines the District’s responsibility to ensure all employees are legally authorized to work in the United States. The policy requires verification of identity and employment eligibility for all hires and affirms that the District will not continue employment if an individual is found to be unauthorized to work.

The policy also reinforces the District’s commitment to nondiscrimination by prohibiting employment decisions based on citizenship status or national origin, while ensuring compliance with federal immigration laws and employment verification requirements. It clarifies expectations for proper documentation and emphasizes adherence to legal standards in hiring practices.
 

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Pertinent Facts
BP 4112.1/4312.1 Contracts outlines the process for issuing and accepting employment contracts for certificated and administrative staff. The policy affirms that contracts may be issued after January 1 for the following school year, must be approved by the Board, and require appropriate signatures in accordance with Alaska law.

The policy further clarifies procedures for reemployment, including that employees must respond to contract offers within 30 days or be considered to have declined reemployment. It aligns with state requirements regarding automatic reemployment and timelines for notification of nonretention or layoff, reinforcing consistent, legally compliant practices for contract issuance and acceptance.

 

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Pertinent Facts
BP 4112.4/4212.4/4312.4 Health Examinations outlines the District’s authority to require health examinations for employees, including requiring newly hired teachers to undergo a health examination and allowing additional physical or psychological examinations when necessary to ensure the health and safety of students and staff or an employee’s ability to perform assigned duties.

At this time, no changes are proposed to the policy.
 

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Pertinent Facts
BP 4112.5/4212.5/4312.5 Security Check reinforces the District’s commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment by ensuring all personnel meet high standards of integrity and suitability for working with students. The policy clarifies that all applicants, including volunteers, are subject to background checks, including fingerprint-based checks when required by law.

The update also strengthens accountability in the hiring process by specifying that falsification or omission of information on an application or during the hiring process may result in denial of employment or dismissal from a current position, and may be reported to the Alaska Professional Teaching Practices Commission for certified staff.

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Recommendation
It is the administration's recommendation that the Board approve the first reading of BP 5113 and advance the policy to a second reading.

Pertinent Facts
Following discussion of student attendance at the February 24, 2026, meeting, BP 5113 Absences and Excuses is presented for first reading.  The proposed updates to this policy strengthen clarity, consistency, and alignment with current guidance. The policy continues to emphasize the importance of regular attendance for student success.

The revision specifically expands the definition of excused absences to include participation in culturally significant activities, traditional practices, or subsistence activities recognized by a student’s family or community. It also clarifies that students with excused absences are given the opportunity to make up missed work without academic penalty, that participation in extracurricular activities may depend on team, activity, or program-specific requirements, and updates additional language to align with the Alaska Association of School Boards (AASB) model policy.

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RECOMMENDATION
It is the administration's recommendation that the Board approve Calendar A as the 2026-2027 calendar for all schools.

PERTINENT FACTS
The majority of ASC's voted for Calendar A; the weighted totals also showed a majority of votes for Calendar A:

The two calendar options were developed by a calendar committee and distributed to all school advisory school councils (ASC's) for voting.  The calendar selection process given to ASC's included:
 

1. Share Options: Distribute the two calendar options to your ASC members and stakeholders to review
2. Vote: Hold a vote with your ASC members & stakeholders
3. Submit Vote: Submit your ASC's final vote to me (cpage@sisd.org) by Friday, March 13, 2026

 

Description: 

PERTINENT FACTS:

The Board President will ask for public comment from visitors:

• School Communities
  • Coffman Cove
  • Hollis
  • Kasaan
  • Naukati
  • Port Alexander
  • Thorne Bay
  • Whale Pass
     
• Other Visitors

Please see the attachment for additional information about public comment.