Legislature(2003 - 2004)
2003-03-05 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2003-03-05 House Journal Page 0449 HB 174 HOUSE BILL NO. 174 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to the state centralized correspondence study program, to funding for educational programs that occur primarily outside school facilities, and to the duties of school boards of borough and city school districts and regional educational attendance areas; 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 eliminating the Alyeska Central School program (ACS), the state's correspondence program. Alyeska was once the state's only correspondence program offering education services to students statewide. The school began operations in 1939 offering programs to students living in remote areas with no local schools. However, there are 12 school districts currently offering statewide correspondence services to Alaska's school age residents. 2003-03-05 House Journal Page 0450 The district-operated statewide correspondence programs offer a variety of education delivery methods. Educational delivery models include US postal, Internet and family developed programs supported by district staff. Eliminating the ACS program will eliminate the duplicative services currently being provided by school districts enrolling and serving correspondence students statewide. The Department of Education and Early Development will help ACS students and families identify the appropriate educational services and assist them in moving to other programs to ensure no child is left behind. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Frank H. Murkowski Governor"