February 24, 2026 at 12:00 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 and adopt BP 3000, BP 3100, BP 3110, BP 3200, and BP 3260.

Pertinent Facts
Following the direction of BP 0500, Review and Evaluation, the School Board reviews policies throughout the year.  Board Policies 3000, 3100, 3110, 3200, and 3260 are presented for second reading.
 

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Pertinent Facts
No changes are proposed for this policy. 

Board Policy 3000 establishes how Southeast Island School District manages public funds to support high-quality educational programs in a responsible, transparent, and sustainable manner. The policy affirms the School Board’s role in setting fiscal direction, approving budgets, ensuring accountability, and engaging the community, while assigning the Superintendent responsibility for preparing, administering, and reporting on the District’s finances. Together, the Board and Superintendent work to plan ahead, use resources efficiently, maintain safe and well-managed facilities, comply with legal requirements, and advocate for adequate funding to meet student needs and district priorities.
 

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Pertinent Facts
Minor updates have been made to correct capitalization and an Alaska statue citation.  

Board Policy 3100 requires the School Board to adopt and maintain a balanced annual budget that supports the District’s mission, goals, and legal obligations. The policy emphasizes accurate financial planning, Superintendent-led budget development, and public participation through hearings and input prior to budget adoption or revision, ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible use of public funds.
 

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Pertinent Facts
Minor updates have been made to this policy to correct an Alaska statute citation.

Board Policy 3110 recognizes the necessity of fund transfers, identifies that the Superintendent may authorize budget transfers, and provides for Board review and approval to ensure oversight and accountability.

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Pertinent Facts
Minor updates have been made to replace the term "income" with "revenue" and to include a reference to AS 14.07.070.

Board Policy 3200 discusses early and accurate revenue projections to support effective district planning.

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Pertinent Facts
No changes are proposed for this policy.

Board Policy 3260 affirms the District’s commitment to providing instructional materials for students and requires Superintendent approval for any sale of school supplies to ensure equity and oversight.
 

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Recommendation
The administration recommends that the Board select one Board self-evaluation tool.
 
Pertinent Facts
During the January 2026 meeting, the Board asked that the Superintendent identify survey options that could be used with a Board self-evaluation tool. As of February 23rd, the surveys were still under development by the vendor and not yet ready for review.  As a result, the Board only reviewed the self-evaluation tool options during the work session earlier today.

The materials provided by the Superintendent included:

• a new Board self-evaluation tool (Tool A)
• the AASB Board self-evaluation tool (Tool B), which the Board has used in prior years

Description: 
Recommendation
The administration recommends that the Board select one Superintendent evaluation tool. 
 
Pertinent Facts
During the January 2026 meeting, the Board asked that the Superintendent identify surveys that could be used with a Superintendent self-evaluation tool. As of February 23rd, the surveys were still under development by the vendor and not yet ready for review.  As a result, the Board only reviewed the evaluation tool options during the work session earlier today.

The materials provided by the Superintendent include:

• the Alaska Association of School Boards (AASB) tool (Tool A), which has been used in recent years,
• an alternative evaluation tool (Tool B)

Description: 
Recommendation
It is the Administration’s recommendation that the School Board approve the SISD Pre-K Home Language Support Classroom Procedure Checklist for use in all district Pre-K programs.

Pertinent Facts

Southeast Island School District’s Pre-K programs recognize that children’s home languages are strengths that support learning, identity, and family connection. Families complete a Home Language Survey at enrollment so staff can understand and plan for each child’s language background. Classroom environments are designed to reflect and value the languages and cultures of the children enrolled, using multilingual books, storytelling, visuals, and culturally responsive materials. Supporting home language development strengthens overall language growth and supports English acquisition.

These procedures promote inclusive, culturally sustaining practices where home language use is respected and supported throughout the school day, such as during instruction, social interaction, and emotional support. Families are valued as partners and experts in their child’s language and culture, and interpreters or community language resources are used when needed. Together, these practices support equitable access to learning, strong family engagement, and successful transitions to kindergarten for all students.

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Recommendation
It is the Administration’s recommendation that the School Board approve the first reading of the AASB recommended revisions to BP 4000, BP 4020, BP 4021, and BP 4030, and the proposed deletion of BP 4111.1/4211.1/4311.1 and move them 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 Board was most recently in the process of reviewing Article 3 - Business and Noninstructional Operations and the policies reviewed at first reading last month concluded with BP 3260.

Although the review of Article 3 is not yet complete, the Board will temporarily transition to Article 4 - Personnel to review and consider the recent AASB updates in a timely manner. Upon completion of the Article 4 review, the Board will resume its review of Article 3 beginning with the next policy following BP 3260.
 

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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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Recommendation
It is the Administration's recommentdation that the School Board ratify the Memorandum of Understanding dated January 26, 2026, between Southeast Island School District, Brightways Learning, and Island Hands for the implementation of Project APEX and Project ARISE.

Pertinent Facts
Southeast Island School District has approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Brightways Learning and Island Hands to implement Project APEX and Project ARISE, federally funded initiatives supporting Alaska Native students on Prince of Wales Island.

The projects focus on improving academic achievement, expanding career and technical education opportunities, increasing graduation rates, and strengthening culturally responsive instruction in partnership with tribal and community organizations.

Under the agreement, SISD serves as the lead grantee, with Island Hands providing project leadership and reporting support, and Brightways Learning supporting professional development and student engagement programming. The MOU ensures full FERPA compliance for student data and does not obligate the District to expend funds beyond those awarded through the grants.

Description:  No action needed.  Discussion item.
 

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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.