Legislature(2023 - 2024)DAVIS 106
04/17/2023 08:00 AM House EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB148 | |
| HB139 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 148 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 139 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
April 17, 2023
8:07 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Jamie Allard, Co-Chair
Representative Justin Ruffridge, Co-Chair
Representative Mike Prax
Representative CJ McCormick
Representative Tom McKay
Representative Rebecca Himschoot
Representative Andi Story
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Alyse Galvin
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 148
"An Act relating to the Alaska performance scholarship program."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 139
"An Act relating to funding for correspondence study programs."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 148
SHORT TITLE: AK PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP; ELIGIBILITY
SPONSOR(s): EDUCATION
03/29/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/29/23 (H) EDC, FIN
04/03/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
04/03/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/03/23 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
04/05/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
04/05/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/05/23 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
04/07/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
04/07/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/07/23 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
04/17/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
BILL: HB 139
SHORT TITLE: CORRESPONDENCE STUDY PROGRAM FUNDING
SPONSOR(s): RUFFRIDGE
03/27/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/27/23 (H) EDC, FIN
04/05/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
04/05/23 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard
04/07/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
04/07/23 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard
04/12/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
04/12/23 (H) Heard & Held
04/12/23 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
04/17/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
WITNESS REGISTER
BUD SEXTON, Staff
Representative Justin Ruffridge
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 148 on behalf of the House
Education Standing Committee, sponsor by request, chaired by
Representative Ruffridge.
SANA EFIRD, Executive Director
Postsecondary Education Commission
Department of Education & Early Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on HB
148.
RANDY WOOTEN, Site Administrator
IDEA Homeschool
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
LAURIE ZULLIGER
IDEA Homeschool
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
JENNIE BRYANT, School Board President
Galena School District
Galena, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
JEN SCHUTTE
IDEA Homeschool
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
DAWN COGAN
IDEA Homeschool
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
NOLA KURBER
IDEA Homeschool
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
CRYSTAL WARNER
IDEA Homeschool
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
BELINDA EBEL
IDEA Homeschool
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
MICHELLE MUSTERED
IDEA Homeschool
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
TAMRA DORN
IDEA Homeschool
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
DAN KULLENDAR
IDEA Homeschool
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
DEB MACKIE
IDEA Homeschool
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
ADELE PRIBBENOW
IDEA Homeschool
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
LEANNE CRAIGG
IDEA Homeschool
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
MARIAN WERTH
IDEA Homeschool
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
WALTER MARTINEZ
IDEA Homeschool
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
DEBBIE MICHAEL
IDEA Homeschool
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
WANDA REAMS
IDEA Homeschool
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
CHRIS REITAN, Superintendent
Craig City School District
Craig, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
EMMA DEETS
IDEA Homeschool
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
MELISSA FRITSCH-SITE
IDEA Homeschool
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
CINDY MORRIS
IDEA Homeschool
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
JAN CUMMINS
IDEA Homeschool
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
GALE THIBODAUX
IDEA Homeschool
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
LINDA TROUSIL
IDEA Homeschool
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
JANICE SALMAN
IDEA Homeschool
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
SHERRY TUNILLA, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
DEAN O'DELL, Director
IDEA Homeschool
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
KACINEHA MIZZETTI
IDEA Homeschool
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
VALERIE DELAP, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
MARCILLA JAVIER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
TRACY FICK, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
SARA LINDAMOOD, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
SCOTT GINGRICH, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
ELLEN ANDERSON, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
STEPHANY FORESTER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
ED MARTIN, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
LAURA LOWDERMILK, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
AMBER CARNES, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
MARK JOHN
IDEA Homeschool
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
JIEUN MCDONALD, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 139.
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:07:18 AM
CO-CHAIR JUSTIN RUFFRIDGE called the House Education Standing
Committee meeting to order at 8:07 a.m. Representatives
McCormick, McKay, Himschoot, Story, Allard, and Ruffridge were
present at the call to order. Representative Prax arrived as
the meeting was in progress. Also present was Representative
Alyse Galvin.
HB 148-AK PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP; ELIGIBILITY
8:08:02 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced that the first order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 148, "An Act relating to the Alaska
performance scholarship program."
8:08:47 AM
BUD SEXTON, Staff, Representative Justin Ruffridge, Alaska State
Legislature, presented HB 148 on behalf of the House Education
Standing Committee, sponsor by request, chaired by
Representative Ruffridge. He paraphrased the sponsor statement
[included in committee packet], which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
The Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) is a highly
valuable program in Alaska which provides Alaska's
brightest students with an incentive to attend
postsecondary education in Alaska. Studies show that
upon completion from college, students most often will
choose to live and work near the college where they
graduate. In order to meet current and future
workforce needs, we need more Alaskan students to
learn at Alaskan colleges.
HB 148 makes meaningful changes that will encourage a
greater number of Alaskans to attend postsecondary
schooling by providing them with financial resources
to help students reach their educational goals. Since
the APS program began, award levels have remained
constant while the cost of education has risen. HB 148
increases the award levels and provide students with
greater financial resources they can apply towards the
cost of higher education.
HB 148 makes changes to recognize the increasing role
of career and technical education (CTE) for many
students in high school by adding CTE curriculum as a
qualifying path to earn an APS.
Parents, students, and educators have expressed desire
for the earlier notification of awards for the Alaska
Performance Scholarship Program. HB 148 legislation
provides for earlier notification of financial
scholarships available to assist families when
determining which postsecondary school to attend and
the net cost for in-state versus out-of-state
institutions.
HB 148 removes the APS requirement for college
entrance exams such as SAT/ACT testing prior to
attending college. A large number of colleges across
the United States are taking similar measures since
the pandemic. In Alaska, the current requirements for
testing often create a hardship for students who are
required to travel to Anchorage or other locations
where testing services are offered. The cost of travel
from many communities off the road system are very
high. When combined with testing fees, hotel, food,
and other travel related expenses, many families may
choose to forgo the potential of earning an APS based
solely on whether they can afford for their student to
travel to a testing center.
Some students in high school may not fully achieve
their educational goals in high school for one reason
or another, and their grade point average (GPA) may
not reflect their true abilities. HB 148 includes a
"step-up" provision which allows the college to review
the student's GPA on an annual basis after completing
two semesters. If the student works diligently in
college, and their GPA increases as a result of their
hard work, the amount of funding they receive for
their APS will increase to the level commiserate with
their new GPA. The "step-up" provision encourages
diligent effort by students during their postsecondary
education.
The Education Committee believes these enhancements to
the Alaska Performance Scholarship Program will help
foster a greater level of benefit to attend University
of Alaska schools, and will prepare Alaskans to meet
the current and anticipated workforce development
needs for many years to come.
8:10:23 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE noted that the committee had received four
amendments and a conceptual amendment to Amendment 4.
8:10:44 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 8:10 a.m. to 8:11 a.m.
8:11:02 AM
CO-CHAIR ALLARD moved to adopt Amendment 1 to HB 148, labeled
33-LS0624\B.1, Marx, 3/31/23, which read:
Page 2, following line 28:
Insert a new subsection to read:
"(h) Not later than January 15 of each year, a
district shall provide to each student in the district
who is enrolled in grade nine or grade 10 information
about the Alaska performance scholarship."
Reletter the following subsections accordingly.
Page 3, line 9:
Delete "(l)"
Insert "(m)"
Page 3, line 11:
Delete "(k)"
Insert "(l)"
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE objected for the purpose of discussion.
CO-CHAIR ALLARD spoke to Amendment 1. She stated that the
amendment would move the notification timeframe of when students
are notified of the scholarships to grades nine and ten. She
added that for the purpose of student retention in Alaska, the
sooner they know they have the funds to do so, the better, and
outside universities would not have the advantage of enticing
students to leave Alaska.
8:12:09 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY offered her understanding that districts do
this already. She requested that Sana Efird be asked to confirm
that.
8:13:05 AM
SANA EFIRD, Executive Director, Postsecondary Education,
Department of Education & Early Development (DEED), responded
that she cannot speak to the school district; however, she
stated that she works closely with the counselors in the
districts, and they provide information about the Alaska
Performance Scholarship (APS) with hopes of every student being
informed as early as possible.
8:14:00 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT asked whether the mandate proposed
under Amendment 1 would place a burden on schools.
8:14:22 AM
MS. EFIRD replied that she cannot speak to the impact on
districts. She reiterated that she provides information and
training about the scholarship that is accessible for the school
district, anything else would have to be directed to the
district, she added.
8:15:04 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE withdrew his objection to the Amendment 1.
There being no further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
8:15:15 AM
CO-CHAIR ALLARD moved to adopt Amendment 2 to HB 148, labeled
33-LS0624\B.2, Marx, 4/4/23, which read:
Page 2, line 30:
Delete "academic"
Page 3, line 6:
Delete "and"
Page 3, lines 7 - 11:
Delete all material and insert:
"(2) inform the applicant that the
commission may disburse the award only if the
applicant meets the requirements described in (l) of
this section;
(3) for an applicant awarded an Alaska
performance scholarship under AS 14.43.825(a)(1),
inform the applicant that the commission will adjust
the applicant's award under the circumstances
described in (k) of this section; and
(4) inform the applicant that the
commission will adjust the applicant's award under the
circumstances described in (m) of this section."
Page 3, line 16, following "scholarship":
Insert "under AS 14.43.825(a)(1)"
Page 3, line 26:
Delete "and"
Page 3, following line 28:
Insert a new subparagraph to read:
"(C) met the minimum score on a college entrance
examination if required under AS 14.43.825(a); and"
Page 3, following line 31:
Insert new subsections to read:
"(m) If a student is awarded an Alaska
performance scholarship under
(1) AS 14.43.825(a)(1) and enrolls in a
qualified career and technical school program during
the scholarship eligibility period described in
AS 14.43.825(b), the commission shall adjust the
student's award to the award level described in
AS 14.43.825(a)(2);
(2) AS 14.43.825(a)(2) and enrolls in a
qualified university or college during the scholarship
eligibility period described in AS 14.43.825(b), the
commission shall adjust the student's award to the
applicable award level described in
AS 14.43.825(a)(1); the commission shall make the
adjustment based on the student's high school grade-
point average and college entrance examination scores.
(n) The commission may adjust a student's
scholarship under (m) of this section only once."
Page 4, lines 1 - 15:
Delete all material and insert:
"* Sec. 4. AS 14.43.825(a) is amended to read:
(a) The maximum annual awards for the Alaska
performance scholarships are as follows:
(1) for a student enrolled at a qualified
university or college
(A) the first award level is $7,000
[$4,755] and requires a
(i) [(A)] 3.5 grade-point average or above;
and
(ii) [(B)] very high minimum score on a
college entrance examination;
(B) [(2)] the second award level is $5,250
[$3,566] and requires a
(i) [(A)] 3.0 grade-point average or above;
and
(ii) [(B)] high minimum score on a college
entrance examination;
(C) [(3)] the third award level is $3,500
[$2,378] and requires a
(i) [(A)] 2.5 grade-point average or above;
and
(ii) [(B)] moderately high minimum score on
a college entrance examination;
(2) for a student enrolled at a qualified
career and technical school program, the award level
is $5,500 and requires a 2.5 grade-point average or
above."
Page 5, line 4, following "scholarship":
Insert "under AS 14.43.825(a)(1)"
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE objected.
CO-CHAIR ALLARD spoke to Amendment 2. She related a story about
her husband as a former student to illustrate that not everyone
does well as a student, but can score high on the SAT.
CO-CHAIR ALLARD proposed a conceptual amendment to Amendment 2
by making an "and/or" option for a score of 1100 or higher..
8:18:24 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 8:18 a.m. to 8:26 a.m.
8:26:38 AM
CO-CHAIR ALLARD, in response to Co-Chair Ruffridge, withdrew
Amendment 2.
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced that Amendment 2 had been
withdrawn. He noted that he would not be offering Amendment 3
[in the committee packet, but not moved for adoption].
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE stated that before the committee moved on to
Amendment 4, Co-Chair Allard had a conceptual amendment to
offer. [The conceptual amendment had been intended as an
amendment to Amendment 2, which had been withdrawn.]
CO-CHAIR ALLARD moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1, beginning
on page 2, line 13, following ";" to insert "or" and reinstate
the language on page 2, lines 14-22 that would be deleted under
HB 148; on page 4, line 5, following ";" to [replace] "and" with
"or" and reinstate the language on lines 6-7 that would be
deleted under HB 148; on page 4, line 9, following ";" to
replace "and" with "or" and reinstate the language on lines 10-
11 that would be deleted under HB 148; page 4, line 13,
following ";" to replace "and" with "or" and reinstate the
language on lines 14-15;
CO-CHAIR ALLARD explained that "Conceptual Amendment 1" would
give the opportunity for students to qualify based on their GPA
or SAT scores.
8:29:23 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE objected for the purpose of discussion.
8:29:29 AM
CO-CHAIR ALLARD, in response to Representative Story, repeated
the changes that would be made under "Conceptual Amendment 1."
8:30:48 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY surmised that the committee would probably
need the amendment written by Legislative Legal Services, but
she welcomed discussion presently. In response to Co-Chair
Ruffridge, she said she would like to hear from Ms. Efrid
regarding "Conceptual Amendment 1."
8:31:14 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 8:31 a.m. to 8:43 a.m.
8:43:15 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE indicated that the committee would get some
amendments redrafted. He announced that HB 148 was held over.
HB 139-CORRESPONDENCE STUDY PROGRAM FUNDING
8:43:49 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced that the final order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 139, "An Act relating to funding for
correspondence study programs."
8:44:05 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE opened public testimony on HB 139.
8:44:56 AM
RANDY WOOTEN, Site Administrator, IDEA Homeschool, testified in
support of HB 139. He explained that both his children and
grandchildren were homeschooled. He proclaimed that many
students have thrived through Interior Distance Education of
Alaska (IDEA), after not succeeding in the traditional school
system.
8:47:15 AM
LAURIE ZULLIGER, teacher, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support
of HB 139, as equal funding would provide needed services and
resources for the educational needs of Alaska's students.
8:48:51 AM
JENNIE BRYANT, School Board President, Galena School District,
testified in support of HB 139. She stated how important and
valuable the bill would be in supporting the correspondence
program, particularly for support of special education (SPED)
homeschool students.
8:50:20 AM
JEN SCHUTTE, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
She stated that she is a homeschool mother of three, and what
her children have in common is a tailored education that fits
their needs.
8:52:26 AM
DAWN COGAN, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
She stated that families seeking SPED support are funded out of
[IDEA Homeschool's] general fund. She believed that if HB 139
could offer proper funding, the students would be better served.
8:54:21 AM
NOLA KURBER, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
She stated that 13 of her grandchildren are being homeschooled,
and as a taxpayer, she would like to see an equally balanced
financial consideration between homeschool and building based
schooling.
8:55:45 AM
CRYSTAL WARNER, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
She stated that she has been with IDEA for seven years and has
two children with special needs enrolled. Without additional
SPED funding, important supports are lacking, she said, adding
that additional funding would come with HB 139.
8:57:20 AM
BELINDA EBEL, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139
and the additional support the bill would provide.
8:58:21 AM
MICHELLE MUSTERED, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB
139. She said the funding would ensure all the vital services
so that students could reach their full potential.
8:59:37 AM
TAMRA DORN, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
She stressed the challenge of meeting special needs while
staying in the allotted parameters of funds received from the
state. She said SPED funding would help meet those needs with
HB 139.
9:00:46 AM
DAN KULLENDAR, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
He stated that he is grateful for the options the homeschool
program brings, adding that HB 139 would help provide resources
on an equitable level, especially for students that may have
unique needs.
9:03:04 AM
DEB MACKIE, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139, as
the full base student allocation (BSA) is vital for students to
receive the education they deserve in the correspondence
program.
9:05:06 AM
ADELE PRIBBENOW, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB
139. She pointed out that the statewide correspondence program
has expenses, and funding SPED correspondence students in remote
or outlying areas would help them reach their full potential.
9:07:11 AM
LEANNE CRAIGG, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139,
which would bring fair and equal funding for each student
enrolled in the correspondence program. She read excerpts from
a letter written by her daughter who is an IDEA homeschool
graduate.
9:09:46 AM
MARIAN WERTH, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
She stated that the funding for each student enrolled in the
correspondence program is important to the continuation of this
educational option for families in Alaska.
9:11:43 AM
WALTER MARTINEZ, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB
139. He expressed gratitude for being able to homeschool his
kids and appreciated that the bill would help provide the
necessary materials and tools for success in his children's
education.
9:12:46 AM
DEBBIE MICHAEL, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139,
and urged the committee to support the bill.
9:14:43 AM
WANDA REAMS, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139,
and asked for full, fair, and equal funding for all students,
including SPED students, for the success of all.
9:15:38 AM
CHRIS REITAN, Superintendent, Craig City School District,
testified in support of HB 139. He stated that correspondence
students deserve the same level of support as their peers in
brick-and-mortar schools. He requested that the committee pass
HB 139 and move it forward to the House Finance Committee.
9:18:00 AM
EMMA DEETS, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
She said she raised four boys through the homeschool program,
noting that she was also homeschooled. She expressed her belief
that whether a student is educated through a building-based
school, or homeschooled, equal funding should be received. Each
child's education is equally valuable and should be equally
funded, she said.
9:20:12 AM
MELISSA FRITSCH-SITE, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of
HB 139. She expressed her strong belief that the BSA for each
student in the correspondence program should be fair and as
equitable as any building-based student. Student needs, she
said, are the same regardless of where they receive services and
therefore funding should be equal.
9:22:03 AM
CINDY MORRIS, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
She stated that she is a SPED teacher, and provided her belief
that homeschooled students deserve to receive 100 percent of the
BSA, adding that special needs should have equitable funding.
More equitable funding, she explained, would allow teachers to
individualize their services even more than they do already and
provide more support groups for more students and their parents
and teachers.
9:25:02 AM
JAN CUMMINS, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
She provided her background in education, stating that she has
now served as a special education teacher in IDEA for the past
three years. She expressed her appreciation for all the support
received, and said she strongly believed that students deserve
to be funded at 100 percent. She shared her belief that it is
essential that SPED also receive funding.
9:27:07 AM
GALE THIBODAUX, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
She shared her belief that one thing the COVID-19 pandemic
revealed was the need for educational options for all children.
As an educator, she said, she has advocated for the best
education that meets the needs of each child and their families.
She explained that in her time in IDEA, she coordinated
standardized testing for 14 years and saw firsthand the
increased expenses that homeschool programs bear in providing
mandated testing to all their students. She urged the committee
to support HB 139.
9:29:29 AM
LINDA TROUSIL, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
She said that 100 percent funding for each student enrolled in a
correspondence program is the equitable and necessary way to
serve families throughout the state. She added that some
families live outside the geographical boundaries of building
based schools. She stated that support becomes more costly when
SPED is added, noting that fair and equal funding would reduce
the financial limitation on home school children's education.
9:31:21 AM
JANICE SALMAN, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB 139.
She stated that 100 percent of funding for each student enrolled
in a correspondence program is vital to make sure students
receive a quality education and become an asset to their
communities. Fair and equal funding for curriculum, supplies,
support teachers, librarians, mandated standardized testing,
clubs and groups, and SPED is necessary to safeguard the quality
of each child's education. The support for HB 139 is necessary
for every student whether they are educated in a brick-and-
mortar school, or in-house, she said.
9:33:50 AM
SHERRY TUNILLA, parent, testified in support of HB 139. She
offered her belief that each student enrolled in a home school
correspondence program should receive 100 percent of the
funding, and even more so for SPED students. She gave a
personal example of her son's experience in a building-based
school that she said limited his academic study and created
challenges for him. She reiterated her support for HB 139 and
stressed the importance of funding for students with special
needs.
9:35:58 AM
DEAN O'DELL, Director, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of
HB 139. He stated that his support for the bill is about
fairness in funding Alaska's correspondence programs and their
obligation to the law. He said correspondence programs not only
have certain responsibilities, but some expenditures are unique
to correspondence programs that are not shared by brick-and-
mortar programs. He urged the committee to support HB 139.
9:37:50 AM
KACINEHA MIZZETTI, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB
139. She stated that she supports the opportunities and choices
that IDEA offers to students in Alaska, and believes in fair and
equal funding of correspondence programs. It is crucial to give
each student in Alaska equal educational opportunities, she
said, in addition to ensuring that the necessary funds are
available for SPED.
9:39:29 AM
VALERIE DELAP, representing self, testified in support of HB
139. She offered her belief that the bill would ensure that all
children are equally educated and funded. She shared her
surprise upon learning that there was no "special money" given
for SPED students, which, she said, require so much more. She
commended prior testifiers and thanked the committee.
9:40:25 AM
MARCILLA JAVIER, representing self, testified in support of HB
139. She stated that she currently has five grandchildren in
the homeschool program, and that the access to resources is why
she saw the benefit in correspondence programs. With many more
people homeschooling, parents and students would like to have
more clubs and groups, which means more building space. She
urged the committee to pass HB 139 out of committee because
students deserve 100 percent of the BSA, she said.
9:42:57 AM
TRACY FICK, representing self, testified in support of HB 139.
She said she supported full funding for all students in
correspondence programs. She believed that fair and equal
funding would ensure that children have access to SPED services,
which they need to flourish, adding that children would receive
support from exceptional educators.
9:43:49 AM
SARA LINDAMOOD, representing self, testified in support of HB
139. She stated that because of programs such as IDEA, her
children had access to a wide variety of opportunities they
otherwise would not have been able to enjoy, including SPED
services such as speech, and tailored support for executive
dysfunction. Her children, now in their adult lives, are
independent and successful. A fair and just BSA for each child
would allow for broader support, she said.
9:45:54 AM
SCOTT GINGRICH, representing self, testified in support of HB
139. He stated he hoped the passing of HB 139 would help
provide better services for families, provide funds for special
needs, and provide more resources for parents, students, and
teachers. He added that it could also provide better technology
to connect with world knowledge.
9:46:57 AM
ELLEN ANDERSON, representing self, testified in support of HB
139. She stated that she homeschooled her granddaughter, who
started reading at the age of four, adding that she could not
imagine putting her into a public school at that time. She
expressed her gratitude to IDEA for all the opportunities made
available for her granddaughter and supported 100 percent
funding for the correspondence program. She offered her
understanding that legally, public schools have funding, but the
home school program does not. She reiterated her support for
fairness to all students in Alaska.
9:48:52 AM
STEPHANY FORESTER, representing self, testified in support of HB
139. She stated that she and her family have been using IDEA
Homeschool for the past 12 years, adding that she supports
correspondence programs getting 100 percent of the BSA as they
deserve fair and equal funding. She noted that she supported
SPED students being funded with IDEA, emphasizing it is vital to
provide all Alaska's students equal funding.
9:50:13 AM
ED MARTIN, representing self, testified in support of HB 139.
He said that his wife homeschooled their children in the 1980s,
and believed prior testifiers had valid points about raising the
allocation amount. He offered his belief that the whole program
is under attack in the state's superior court, and he suggested
that the legislature "look into this." He said he hoped HB 139
will pass out of committee and that SPED kids get the funding.
9:52:22 AM
LAURA LOWDERMILK, representing self, testified in support of HB
139. She said her son has five separate SPED needs, adding that
when SPED is not funded, she must supply the costs out of her
family's household income. She expressed her thankfulness for
having the opportunity to homeschool through IDEA and said HB
139 would be an effective use of money for education.
9:55:21 AM
AMBER CARNES, representing self, testified in support of HB 139.
She said she is speaking today because of her son, who receives
speech therapy, occupational therapy, and needs additional help
with reading. The additional support requires more materials,
tutors, and can "eat through" the allotment money, leading her
family to pay out of pocket. With equal funding, she added,
students could thrive with more help and support.
9:56:59 AM
MARK JOHN, teacher, IDEA Homeschool, testified in support of HB
139. He stated that he is an educator and most of his
experience has been in brick-and-mortar schools, but he wanted
to speak on home schooling. He said full and equal funding
through HB 139 would ensure educational equity and would support
families with important educational opportunities and choices.
9:58:09 AM
JIEUN MCDONALD, representing self, testified in support of HB
139. She stated that she supports fair 100 percent funding for
the correspondence program to ensure that her children can reach
their full potential.
10:00:08 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE closed public testimony of HB 139.
10:00:18 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced that HB 139 was held over.
10:00:42 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY thanked the testifiers who called in.
10:00:52 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX commented on the "stack of amendments"
regarding HB 148, and asked the sponsors of the amendments to
get together to make sure the bill still works.
10:01:15 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCKAY brought up a comment a testifier had made
about a legal challenge in superior court, which he thought
sounded significant. He requested that it be discussed further.
10:01:39 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Education Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 10:02 a.m.