2003-03-05                     House Journal                      Page 0421
HB 154                                                                                            
HOUSE BILL NO. 154 by the House Rules Committee by request of                                       
the Governor, entitled:                                                                             
                                                                                                    

2003-03-05                     House Journal                      Page 0422
     "An Act relating to admission to and advancement in public                                     
     schools of children under school age; and providing for an                                     
     effective date."                                                                               
                                                                                                    
was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on                              
Education and the Health, Education & Social Services and Finance                                   
Committees.                                                                                         
                                                                                                    
The following fiscal note(s) apply:                                                                 
                                                                                                    
1.  Fiscal, Dept. of Education & Early Development                                                  
                                                                                                    
The Governor's transmittal letter dated March 5, 2003, follows:                                     
                                                                                                    
"Dear Speaker Kott:                                                                                 
                                                                                                    
Under the authority of art. III, sec. 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am                          
transmitting a bill which clarifies local school district programs for                              
under school age children.                                                                          
                                                                                                    
Pursuant to existing statutes, a district may enroll a four year old child,                         
referred to as an "under school age student."  The intent of this bill is                           
to prohibit districts from constructing curriculums that offer two years                            
of kindergarten as a standard program.  Early entry of four year olds                               
into the school system should be a rare event and reserved for the truly                            
exceptional child.                                                                                  
                                                                                                    
This bill would remove a school district's ability to offer early entry as                          
standard practice to access the foundation formula and provide state                                
funded pre-school programs.  Currently, districts can enroll four year                              
olds and then enroll them again as a kindergarten student in the next                               
school year.  This action effectively provides a child with two years of                            
kindergarten with very little in the way of extra expense to the district.                          
The result to the state is an additional year of per pupil funding                                  
equating to approximately $3.9 million.                                                             
                                                                                                    
Enrolling four year olds as the current statute provides should be                                  
retained.  However, early enrolled children should be expected to                                   
advance through to the next grade level or grade level equivalent.                                  
                                                                                                    

2003-03-05                     House Journal                      Page 0423
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                            
                                                                                                    
                                 Sincerely,                                                        
                                 /s/                                                                
                                 Frank H. Murkowski                                                 
                                  Governor"