Legislature(2007 - 2008)SENATE FINANCE 532
03/25/2008 09:00 AM Senate FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB28 | |
| SB152 | |
| HB125 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 152 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 125 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| = | SB 28 | ||
SENATE BILL NO. 152
"An Act relating to charter school funding."
Co-Chair Hoffman MOVED to ADOPT a new CS for SB 152, labeled
25-LS0754\K, Mischel, 3/17/08.
Co-Chair Stedman OBJECTED for discussion purposes.
DARWIN PETERSON, STAFF, CO-CHAIR STEDMAN explained the
changes in the new CS. If the average daily membership
(ADM) in a charter school is less than 150, the adjusted
student count will be calculated by multiplying the ADM by
1.08 instead of by 1.27 as in the original bill.
9:11:07 AM
Co-Chair Stedman WITHDREW his OBJECTION.
Senator Dyson OBJECTED. He questioned why the funding level
was changed. Mr. Peterson explained that it was at the
request of Senator Stevens and the Senate Special Committee
on Education. Mr. Peterson said it was considered to be a
more reasonable funding level for charter schools. Senator
Dyson requested an explanation from the bill sponsor.
Senator Dyson MAINTAINED his OBJECTION.
9:13:28 AM
Senator Thomas, sponsor, explained that the 1.08 level was
more palatable and better than nothing.
9:13:59 AM
TIM LAMKIN, STAFF, SENATOR GARY STEVENS, explained the
increase in funding was a compromise and would represent a
modest increase, but not one as substantial as in the
original bill.
Co-Chair Hoffman asked how the new number would affect
Bethel's Yup'ik Immersion Charter School and Fairbanks'
Effie Kokrine School. Senator Thomas explained that Effie
Kokrine School is above 150 now and will have no problem.
He did not have the status of the Yup'ik Immersion School.
9:15:51 AM
EDDY JEANS, DIRECTOR, EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES, DEPARTMENT
OF EDUCATION AND EARLY DEVELOPMENT, reported that the Yup'ik
Immersion program in Bethel has over 150 students and is
funded as a separate site.
Senator Olson asked about Nome's school. Mr. Jeans related
that the Nome school has remained at about 44 students each
year and receives supplemental grants outside of the
foundation formula. The Juneau Charter School and the
Fireweed Charter School in Homer also fall into this
category.
Senator Olson asked about a comparison of the multipliers,
as found in the two fiscal notes, resulting in different
funding levels. Mr. Jeans explained that the fiscal note
for SB 152 for $648.8 reflects 1.27. Another fiscal note to
CSSB 152(FIN) reflects the 1.08 level.
9:17:58 AM
Senator Dyson requested a copy of the new fiscal note
accompanying the new CS. He voiced appreciation for the
intent of the bill and for Senator Davis' work on charter
school legislation. He spoke of the financial burden on
charter schools.
Senator Dyson maintained his objection to the adoption of
the new CS. He stated support for the original version.
Senator Elton asked for the rational behind the 1.08 number.
Mr. Lamkin explained that the numbers for school size come
from statute. The number 1.27 is reflective of a school
that is between 75-150 students. The number 1.08 represents
a modest increase from what the schools are currently
getting. Senator Elton said he is trying to figure out the
1.08 figure as it relates to school size.
9:22:41 AM
Mr. Jeans said the 1.08 is in statute and is part of the
school size adjustment table for schools. It is the
adjustment factor for schools from 150-250 students. If a
school is under 150, it is funded with the largest school in
the district. For example, the charter school in Juneau is
funded with the high school at a .84. In Kenai the charter
school is funded with the high school at .92, and in Nome
the charter school is funded with the elementary school at
.97. The three schools below 150 all have a different
adjustment factor. This proposal will set one adjustment
factor for all charter schools below 150. It is a policy
call on the Committee's part if it is 1.27 or 1.08. This
applies in the formula to the school size adjustment for
ADM. Then there are cost factor adjustments. It will
establish a uniform application. At 1.08, it provides an
additional $338,922. He explained that the highest
supplemental in the past was $250,000 for charter schools
below 150. He related that during the hearing, Senator
Stevens asked each charter school if they would support the
1.08 and all replied in the affirmative.
Senator Elton noted the pending two-high-school situation in
Juneau and wondered how that would affect charter school
funding. Mr. Jeans related that the charter school would
not receive close to the 1.08 funding level because each
high school would be over 750 students, which is at the top
of the school size adjustment level, and charter school
funding would remain at .84.
9:25:28 AM
Senator Dyson said 1.27 does have a rational base for
schools under 275. He noted that the Winterberry School had
143 students in 2006 and received $400,000. That created a
significant financial crisis.
Senator Dyson opined that charter schools have historically
been very successful. He stated support for such schools
and wished to provide an extra boost in the form of higher
funding.
9:27:09 AM
Senator Thomas referred to a chart in the members' packets
regarding school size and eligibility. He reiterated that
the 1.08 level was acceptable to the charter schools.
Co-Chair Hoffman inquired if the Anvil City Science Academy
would get funded at 1.97 under the new CS. Mr. Jeans
responded that they would be funded at 1.08. They are
currently funded at .97.
Senator Olson clarified that Anvil City Science Academy
would be funded at 1.08 under the new CS instead of 1.27
under the original bill. Mr. Jeans said that was correct.
Senator Dyson thought the real issue was an attempt to keep
spending down. He agreed that 1.08 was better than nothing.
He thought the original bill was better.
A roll call vote was taken on the motion.
IN FAVOR: Stedman, Hoffman
OPPOSED: Elton, Olson, Thomas, Dyson
The motion FAILED (2-4).
SB 152 was heard and HELD in Committee for further
consideration.
9:30:41 AM
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