Southeast Island School District board advances 2026 budget, approves policy updates and vehicle purchase

The Southeast Island School District Board of Education moved the district’s FY2026 budget to a third reading and approved multiple policy updates during a regular meeting on April 16, 2025, held at Thorne Bay School and via Zoom. The board also authorized a $100,000 expenditure for replacement vehicles using proceeds from a recent floating building sale.

Board President Tony Lovell called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. and confirmed a quorum. Benjamin Blair, a board member, led the motions throughout the meeting; votes on motions were unanimous among the five voting board members present.

Why it matters: Advancing the budget to a third reading keeps the district on schedule for finalizing FY2026 appropriations and spending plans. The vehicle purchase will be financed from one-time proceeds (the final balloon payment from a floating building sale), a decision that affects capital assets but does not change recurring operational spending.

On routine business, the board approved the consent agenda, which included the March 26, 2025 regular meeting minutes, the April 2025 financial report, and employment actions. The consent agenda specifically recorded approval of a FY2026 teacher contract for Melanie Pitka, pending receipt of required documentation.

Under unfinished business the board voted to move the FY2026 budget to a third reading and approved or advanced multiple board policies. Policies approved or advanced include BP 1330 (Use of School Facilities), BP 1340 (Access to School Records), BP 1400 (Relations Between Other Governmental Agencies and the Schools), BP 1410 (Interagency Cooperation for Student and Staff Safety), BP 1700 (Relations Between Private Industry and the Schools), and BP 6173 (Education of Gifted and Talented Students). Several administrative‑organization and superintendent‑related policies (BP 2000, BP 2100, BP 2110, BP 2120, BP 2121, BP 2122, BP 2123) were moved to a second reading, as was BP 0410 (Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities).

The board adopted Resolution 2025‑05 authorizing the purchase of replacement vehicles using $100,000 of the final balloon payment from the district’s floating building sale. The motion passed unanimously. The minutes record the source of funds as the final balloon payment from that sale; the board did not detail vehicle makes, models, or a procurement timeline in the minutes.

Superintendent Rod Morrison presented the Superintendent’s report, covering district goals, recent engagements, upcoming events, a legislative update, and a Title VI compliance certification update. School and department highlights were noted from staff representing Barry Craig Stewart Kasaan School, Hollis School, Port Alexander School, Whale Pass School, the business office, greenhouse and agriculture program, maintenance, and special services. Student Representative Teagen Taylor presented a student report.

Board members also noted upcoming graduation ceremonies across district schools and made brief community comments, including support for the Alaska Food Bank, remarks about the Alaska Music Festival, and recognition of the Hollis Sunny Days Program.

The board did not receive public comment during either public‑comment period and did not go into executive session. The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Whale Pass School (preceded by a 4:30 p.m. work session).