Anchorage Independent School District

The board meeting commenced with a moment of silence to honor a community member. Student presentations featured fourth-grade students showcasing their Medieval Museum projects. Reports were heard from the City Council, APTA, Superintendent, facilities, school administration, and finance departments. School initiatives highlighted included Love the Struggle Month, No One Eats Alone Day, middle school math instructional resource adoption, and advanced coursework planning. Consent agenda approvals covered school activity funds, the Treasurer's bond, surplus technology declarations, the Special Olympics Polar Plunge fundraiser, a Studer Education rounding agreement, and innovation lab pay apps. Additionally, accounts payable invoices, an updated STEM teacher job description, and a PowerSchool Smart Find Express absence management licensing contract were approved. The board awarded the annual lawncare and snow removal contract to True Landscaping. The APTA presented the preliminary design for their "Big Ask" project, for which the board approved the concept and pledged a $50,000 contribution from the district.

The meeting featured a tour and demonstration of the Paxton-Patterson lab in action by middle school students, and recognition of School Board Appreciation Month activities. Key actions included the division of board assignments for liaison roles (APTA, School Council, City Council, Legislative Liaison) and shared responsibility for reviewing vouchers and drafting communications. Staff reports covered facilities, personnel, conference participation, school updates, and monthly financials, including positive student growth data from MAP scores. The Superintendent reported on leadership standards and the signing of a new four-year contract extending her tenure through June 2030. On consent, the Board approved monthly expenditures, salaries, an insurance policy, donations, a photography agreement, and an innovation lab change order. The 2026-2027 school year calendar was adopted, and the schedule for the 2026 regular board meetings was established. Finally, the Board examined the FY27 Draft Budget and reviewed a five-year financial forecast.

The board celebrated Nolan Burtel's achievement at the National Cross Country Championships. They received a building systems evaluation report from G. Scott and Associates Architects and discussed immediate building needs and repairs. Reports were heard from the City Council meeting and the APTA regarding Christmas in Anchorage. The superintendent shared thoughts on cultural leadership, and the board reviewed KSA scores, celebrating staff and student achievements. The board approved the Comprehensive District and School Improvement Plans (CDIP/CSIP) and the district's Advanced Coursework Plan. Approvals included the closure of the auditorium sound contract, the Strategic Plan, a grant request, special meeting minutes, and an update to the University of Louisville student teacher MOA. The board also moved to a closed session.

The board celebrated third grade's vertebrae buddies' showcase, a collaboration with the Innovation Lab. The board heard APTA, City Council, School Council and facilities reports. The Superintendent shared her report, a first read of selected board policies, a personnel report including the hire of several new substitutes and coaches, professional development attendance, and travel reimbursement. The calendar committee convened and brought forward on first reading two calendar recommendations. The Principal shared her monthly report including minutes from the School Council meeting, KSA scores, and plans for an optional Human Growth and Development Family Engagement event. They also shared APS' first draft of the advanced coursework framework and a school-wide vision for anti-bullying curriculum. The board also approved Innovation Lab change orders for plumbing venting, cabinet color, and pocket door glass inserts and a BG-4 for the auditorium was approved to close out the AES lighting work.

The board celebrated new electees to Student Government and watched a video about leadership opportunities for students. Reports were heard from APTA, City Council, personnel, conference participation, facilities, Kindergarten readiness, school, and financial areas. The board approved vouchers, prior meeting minutes, the Section 125 cafeteria plan administrator, auditorium pay apps, KETS first offer of assistance, and the school calendar planning committee membership. A part-time Accounting and HR Clerk position was approved for the 2025-26 school year, and a cost-neutral Innovation Lab change order was accepted. A fundraiser request was approved to allow school-sponsored activities and grade levels to cover athletics concession stand shifts. The Board met in closed session for discussions regarding the appointment, discipline, or dismissal of an individual employee, with no action taken afterward.