Juneau School District

Key discussion points included the Staff Report, which mentioned a contract pending a vote, superintendent interviews, and a staff resignation. The Sandy West Report focused on coordinating the staff breakfast for the first day of in-service in the fall. The Principal's Report covered the Climate & Connectedness Survey for parents, the schedule for upcoming Family Engagement Nights (Math Night), and monthly Sing-along Assemblies. The Board Report provided an update on the Superintendent search, which would have an executive session the following day, and addressed contract negotiations for the Juneau Education Support Staff (JESS) Collective Agreement for 2026-2028. Staffing updates were requested with simple metrics, and a legislative update was provided. Future business included coordinating the distribution of site council agendas and minutes, and working with other site councils on bylaws.

The meeting addressed several new business items, notably concerns regarding the JSD Transcription Online (OL) Designation/Devaluation, with the site council recommending against applying the OL designation until a clear policy is established and advising against retroactive application on transcripts. Discussions also covered HomeBRIDGE/JDHS graduation, including ticket allocation and the status of this year's graduates receiving JDHS diplomas. An update on UA Scholars selection transparency was provided. Other topics included the CTE Apprenticeship Program process update, focus group participation in the Superintendent Search and the timeline for finalist announcements, and utilizing an alternative to the AASB's School Climate and Connectedness Survey. Reports included updates on UA Scholars criteria/factors, the SPED Process, a budget update which discussed potentially reallocating funds for a graduate coach, and the Strategic Plan Update. Old business included reimbursement system visibility, the need for dedicated physical space (like a library and meeting rooms) to enhance community engagement, and policies for activity eligibility and advisory for Homebridge students.

The Tlingit Moon and Tide Teaching Resource is a curriculum designed to bring Alaska Native science and ecological understanding into elementary classrooms. Its main strategic pillars involve exploring Native science in education, understanding the moon's significance in Tlingit culture, examining the role of tides, and integrating broader Tlingit cycles. The intended outcomes are to enhance the self-esteem of Native students in science, introduce all students to the value of indigenous knowledge, and foster respect for Tlingit culture and its interconnected worldview.

The meeting focused extensively on the Superintendent Search process, including a request for members to complete a survey prioritizing necessary superintendent qualities. Significant discussion revolved around the HomeBRIDGE UA Scholars situation, addressing notification status for rejected students, the need for the district to advocate for impacted students, and concerns over changing evaluation factors, specifically concerning the "OL" online devaluation policy. Requests were made for documents such as draft UA scholars criteria, parent designed courses, and the updated special education process. Other new business items included discussions on a potential shared graduation ceremony with JDHS, progress on culinary and apprenticeship surveys, and the HomeBRIDGE Yearbook. Reports covered budget discussions detailing critical staffing and resource needs, such as dedicated counselors, increased administrator time, and a year-round registrar. Old business items included updates on finance/accounting systems, the special education process, space requests, and activity eligibility policy.

Key discussions included updates on staff reports, noting delays in receiving the 2026-2029 JESS and JEA Negotiated Agreements, which is impacting the ability to fill open positions. The Report Card Committee is revamping K-6 report cards to align with State Standards. The Principal's Report detailed academic improvement data for reading proficiency based on the 3-Year Schoolwide Improvement Plan goals (DIBELS and MAP Reading scores) and reviewed past strategies focused on Responsive Classroom training, Family event nights, and aligning instruction to the Science of Reading. The council also discussed metrics for the next 3-year plan, including tracking student cohorts and considering a math achievement goal. Staffing vacancies and upcoming PTO/STEAM events were noted. Further agenda items involved updates on the Superintendent Search, reporting to the main Board regarding Rally funds and the FY 2026 Budget Revision, and discussing HBV priorities for the upcoming budget, focusing on finalizing negotiated agreements, addressing unutilized funds, and structuring staff recognition (bonuses vs. salary raises vs. healthcare cost mitigation).