Legislature(2023 - 2024)DAVIS 106
03/06/2023 08:00 AM House EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s)|| University of Alaska Board of Regents | |
| HB71 | |
| HB65 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | HB 71 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 65 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
March 6, 2023
8:08 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Jamie Allard, Co-Chair
Representative Justin Ruffridge, Co-Chair
Representative Mike Prax
Representative CJ McCormick
Representative Rebecca Himschoot
Representative Andi Story
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Tom McKay
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Ashley Carrick
Representative Alyse Galvin
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Scott Jepsen - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
HOUSE BILL NO. 71
"An Act relating to education; and relating to a school district
online checkbook."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 65
"An Act relating to education; increasing the base student
allocation; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 71
SHORT TITLE: SCHOOL DISTRICT ONLINE CHECKBOOK
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) RAUSCHER
02/13/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/13/23 (H) EDC
03/06/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
BILL: HB 65
SHORT TITLE: INCREASE BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) ORTIZ
02/08/23 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/08/23 (H) EDC, FIN
02/20/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
02/20/23 (H) Heard & Held
02/20/23 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
03/06/23 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
WITNESS REGISTER
SCOTT JEPSEN, Appointee
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the University of
Alaska Board of Regents.
REPRESENTITIVE GEORGE RAUSCHER
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HB 71.
RYAN MCKEE, Staff
Representative George Rauscher
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave the sectional analysis for HB 71 on
behalf of Representative George Rauscher, prime sponsor.
REPRESENTATIVE DAN ORTIZ
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, presented HB 65.
CAROLINE HAMP, Staff
Representative Dan Ortiz
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided answers on HB 65 on behalf of
Representative Ortiz, prime sponsor.
ELWIN BLACKWELL, School Finance Manager
Department of Education and Early Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony in support of HB 65.
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:08:40 AM
CO-CHAIR JUSTIN RUFFRIDGE called the House Education Standing
Committee meeting to order at 8:08 a.m. Representatives Prax,
McCormick, Himschoot, Story, Allard, and Ruffridge were present
at the call to order.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
^University of Alaska Board of Regents
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
University of Alaska Board of Regents
8:09:51 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced that the first order of business
would be the confirmation hearing for the governor's appointee
to the University of Alaska Board of Regents.
8:10:04 AM
SCOTT JEPSEN, Appointee, University of Alaska Board of Regents,
joined via teleconference and gave a summary of his professional
experience followed by his interest in continuing to serve on
the Board of Regents.
8:14:34 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked Mr. Jepsen to share something
strategic he had worked on that shaped the university in a
positive way.
MR. JEPSEN replied that one of the issues critical to the
university are the enrollment numbers and what caused the drop
in enrollment from 2014 to 2022. He explained his focus on
moving forward is having the conversation at every meeting to
elevate the importance of it. Another prime issue of focus is
how to raise additional funds and to consistently raise this
issue at the Board of Regents' level.
8:19:08 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY inquired about Mr. Jepsen's relationships
with faculty and staff as a regent.
MR. JEPSEN responded he has met with governance groups on
promoting open communication with faculty and staff. He feels
the open-door relationship has worked out and it continues to be
an important element for the university and Board of Regents.
8:20:06 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked what kind of opportunities Mr. Jepsen
sees going forward with the drone program at the university.
MR. JEPSEN replied that the goal of the drone program at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is to pioneer technology,
and one task is that it would allow the transport of goods to
remote villages, but right now it is fairly expensive. His hope
is to make drone technology more reliable and less expensive,
and that it holds a lot of promise for aviation in general.
8:22:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT asked Mr. Jepsen when he thinks of the
university, what "keeps him up at night."
MR. JEPSEN replied that tackling deferred maintenance is a
concern. There is approximately $1.5 billion backlogged and
even though not all is critical, the university must come up
with a way to try to address this.
8:23:40 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX asked about any plans for the university to
increase interface with the K-12 education system and other
vocational programs.
MR. JEPSEN replied the university has two regents that are on
the post-secondary education council, and that is where the
primary interaction with K-12 lies. There is not, he explained,
a specific mission or focus on K-12 other than through the
university's relationship with other commissions for the state.
8:24:45 AM
CO-CHAIR ALLARD asked Mr. Jepsen what his stance is on school
choice.
MR. JEPSEN replied that his perspective on it is a personal one,
not to be confused with Board of Regents' policies. It is not
something that regents have addressed.
CO-CHAIR ALLARD asked about the possibility of students not
coming to the UAA system, or any other college system in Alaska,
based on the fact they did not go to a traditional brick and
mortar public school.
MR. JEPSEN replied that he did not follow the connection between
school choice and the university system.
8:26:55 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE inquired about students attending or
graduating from the UAA system - in relation to Alaska's
workforce - and how many students attend the system and then
stay in Alaska to work.
MR. JEPSEN responded he does not have the percentage currently
but can go back and get the data if it exists. He observed that
students hired from the UAA system tend to stay, as opposed to
those hired from out of state.
8:28:33 AM
CO-CHAIR ALLARD encouraged Mr. Jepsen to look at the question of
school choice and understand its importance as a regent member.
MR. JEPSEN replied he will look into it.
8:29:22 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE stated the House Education Standing Committee
has reviewed the qualifications of the governor's appointee and
recommends that the following name be forwarded to a joint
session for consideration: Scott Jepsen, University of Alaska
Board of Regents. He said that signing the report regarding
appointments to boards and commissions in no way reflects an
individual member's approval or disapproval of the appointee,
and the nomination is merely forwarded to the full legislature
for confirmation or rejection.
8:29:41 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 8:29 a.m. to 8:32 a.m.
HB 71-SCHOOL DISTRICT ONLINE CHECKBOOK
8:32:02 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced that the next order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 71, "An Act relating to education; and
relating to a school district online checkbook."
8:32:29 AM
REPRESENTITIVE GEORGE RAUSCHER, Alaska State Legislature, as
prime sponsor, presented HB 71. He explained the school
districts around Alaska spend millions of dollars each year
without a clear understanding of where the money goes. It is
believed it goes to everything from office supplies to teachers'
salaries, administration, and hopefully the students and the
classrooms themselves. A tool like an online checkbook would
help the governor and the legislature understand where the
deficits are and where funding is needed. Public accountability
helps ensure funds are spent wisely, and the public is entitled
to understand where the funds actually go. The intent of the
online checkbook is to create a searchable website that provides
Alaskans with easy access to details and comprehensive
information on school district spending.
8:34:17 AM
RYAN MCKEE, Staff, Representative George Rauscher, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Rauscher, prime
sponsor, provided a sectional analysis of HB 71 [included in the
committee packet], which reads as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Section 1 AS 14.17.910(a)
This section adds that each school district shall make
the financial records available on an internet website
that is accessible and free to the public.
8:34:50 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT observed a zero fiscal note and
questioned whether the expense would fall to the districts.
8:35:13 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 8:35 a.m.
8:35:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT reiterated her question and asked if
there is software involved that needs to be purchased by the
districts.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER replied that when he said "free" he
meant to the public. It would also not cost the state anything,
and it may cost the school system whatever it may be to get
their information transferred into the checkbook.
8:37:27 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX explained he had looked at the state online
checkbook, and it did not provide information he found helpful.
He asked who is expected to use this information.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER suggested that legislators and the
governor would, and school board members may have some use for
it as well.
8:39:34 AM
CO-CHAIR ALLARD asked if there is a timeframe for
implementation.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER replied there is no direct timeline, or
90 days from passage of HB 71.
8:40:47 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY stated she thought the bill had merit but
was concerned about the amount of personnel time, ease, and cost
involved in transferring the information.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER replied he will get back to the
committee on a future date with information addressing the
concerns.
8:42:19 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE asked if each district would have its own
dedicated website, instead of being found on the department's
website.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER offered his understanding that each
district would have its own website. He referred to an excerpt
of line 4: "each district shall maintain complete financial
records".
8:45:04 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced HB 71 was held over.
8:45:15 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 8:45 a.m. to 8:47 a.m.
HB 65-INCREASE BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION
8:47:22 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced that the final order of business
would be HOUSE BILL NO. 65, "An Act relating to education;
increasing the base student allocation; and providing for an
effective date."
8:47:43 AM
REPRESENTATIVE DAN ORTIZ, Alaska State Legislature, as prime
sponsor, presented HB 65. He reminded the committee that HB 65
would increase the base student allocation (BSA) by $1,250 per
eligible student. He acknowledged the widespread concern across
the districts on which programs may need to be cut if the
legislature is unable to reach a consensus on the need to
provide a significant increase to the BSA. He moved to a
PowerPoint slide, titled "Base Student Allocation History (FY22
dollars),", which is part of a four-page slideshow, showing a
graphic depicting the BSA's history from fiscal year 2005 (FY
05) to FY 24. He pointed out that currently, the BSA is the
lowest it has been in 20 years.
8:50:03 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ moved to a slide, titled "Foundation
Funding plus Additional Formula Funding and Pupil
Transportation, FY05-24 (FY22 dollars)," and he pointed out that
the impacts are the same even when you add the extra outside
funding. He reminded the committee that it is not only
important to reach consensus to raise the BSA, but to do so in
an expeditious manner.
8:53:47 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY questioned if Representative Ortiz and his
staff had done analysis on the BSA and how much would be going
to the fuel and property increases, the fixed costs for
supplies, and what would be available for teacher salaries, and
if there is any initiative for the Alaska Reads Act.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ directed the question to Ms. Hamp, but
first stated that the issues may be different from district to
district, and everyone is impacted by inflation, but in terms of
specifics he does not have the answer to that question at this
time.
8:56:08 AM
CAROLINE HAMP, Staff, Representative Dan Ortiz, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative Ortiz, prime sponsor of
HB 65, confirmed it differs by district and the fixed costs are
unavoidable.
8:57:05 AM
ELWIN BLACKWELL, School Finance Manager, Department of Education
and Early Development, provided invited testimony in support of
HB 65. He acknowledged that the fixed type costs have been
going up across the state, but as for specific numbers and
percentages, he cannot provide the committee with details at
this time.
8:57:35 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY mentioned a separate fund for pupil
transportation and stated that this might be something to be
increased outside the BSA. She also inquired as to when the
last increase was.
MR. BLACKWELL replied that the last time the adjustments were
made was 2012, there were some CPI adjustments that were applied
in 2015, and there have been no additional increases since.
8:59:07 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY asked Representative Ortiz if he had
considered adding a two-year provision in the bill that would
"inflation proof the following year." She explained her concern
is sending districts into a "rollercoaster" again after this
year.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ replied that the bill only addresses FY 24,
but he is open to amendments to the bill and there are a lot of
different options. The main thing is to address the issue.
9:01:05 AM
CO-CHAIR ALLARD brought up Representative Ortiz' reference to
cutting teachers, and asked what guarantee there is that funds
are going to stay in the classroom.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ explained that he used the reference about
cutting teachers and staff, because this is what is heard from
the districts. In order for those districts to move forward
without an increase to the BSA, it is unavoidable to not look at
this.
9:06:33 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX questioned if there should there be more
control and accountability at the state level if funding is
going to be provided by the legislature.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ replied that the legislature needs to
"tread lightly and go slowly" if it thinks that it is in the
state's best interest for students and to have a more managerial
role in how money is being spent at the local level.
9:09:58 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX commented it seems like a flawed concept -
there is a disconnect between the price and demand.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ stated that [figuring out] the foundation
formula and BSA, and how different factors impact the final
number, is a "tall order" and may not get accomplished in the
current or next session. He stressed that time is of the
essence; the needs of students statewide are not being
maintained.
9:13:19 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX brought up the expense of upgrading Internet
connectivity across the state that could provide a completely
different delivery model of the education service.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ replied that more broadband across the
state is not a bad thing, but there is very little research and
analysis the past 20 years comparing the impact of online format
learning to direct human connections.
9:17:23 AM
REPRESENTATIVE PRAX commented on the necessity of adapting to
change because there is no guarantee things will continue as is.
He expressed appreciation for Representative Ortiz having
initiated the discussion.
9:19:21 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT said she had read about Alaska funding
schools higher than other states in terms of total contribution.
She asked if counties in the Lower 48 are a funding body or
funding in the Lower 48 is strictly state and local like in
Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ replied that he had not done analysis on
that question.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT asked for confirmation that Alaska may
spend more per student at the state level, but that it is
possible that in the Lower 48 where there are counties, state
spending is not as great percentage-wise because there is other
funding.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ mentioned a study, pertaining to the real
level being funded, which showed that when things like cost
differential are factored in, the state comes out "very low."
9:23:09 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE asked if at the current rate of the BSA and
if it were to be increased, it seems there is not a mechanism
currently by which teachers' salaries would be increased.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ replied he believed strongly that there is,
and most dollars that go to districts go to personnel costs.
However, he cannot guarantee that money is going to go to help
teachers, but he cannot think of a better way to maintain
retention.
9:27:03 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE stated he had been made aware that past
legislatures had "worked themselves" into mandating school
districts to do a lot of different things, and those things have
a cost associated with them. He asked if anything has been done
to help reduce some of the cost burden on school districts.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ replied no, but he found during his nine
years that there is always "a good task to be put upon our
schools," and "those things do come up." For example, an
unfunded mandate such as the Alaska Reads Act is well-
intentioned and a good overall piece of legislation but puts an
increased financial burden on teachers when they have "enough on
their plates" already. He brought up other examples of unfunded
mandates that exhibited good intentions.
9:30:39 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE questioned what the funding requirement is to
make the Alaska Reads Act functional, and what the likely cost
scenario is to make sure the bill succeeds.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ responded he cannot provide any specific
analysis from his district but gave a personal example of
learning about the requirements of the Alaska Reads Act from a
teacher, and the number of assessments that must take place.
The student is then provided with an individual reading plan,
but there is no compensation for the teacher even with the added
workload, which poses great concern for the teachers.
9:35:45 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY gave examples of her time as a 15-year
school board member.
9:40:38 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT asked for examples of where the
legislature sets statute for requirements in reference to how
people will spend their time doing their job within that
department.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ explained his work on other committees, and
before the committee are listed projects. He gave examples of
the communication required between the legislature and the
departments so the projects can happen, or money needs to be
moved. He noted that [the House and Senate Education Standing
Committees] draw more attention from constituents than other
committees.
9:45:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ noted he had received word that there is a
survey through the Alaska Superintendents Association (ASA)
showing projected costs in adjusting to the Alaska Reads Act,
and he hopes to see the results of this survey soon, which he
will then pass along to the committee.
9:47:53 AM
CO-CHAIR RUFFRIDGE announced HB 65 was held over.
9:48:34 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Education Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 9:49 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB65 Public Testimony rec as 3.3.23.pdf |
HEDC 3/6/2023 8:00:00 AM |
HB 65 |
| HB65 Presentation for House Education 3.6.23 (1).pdf |
HEDC 3/6/2023 8:00:00 AM |
HB 65 |
| HEDC_UA Regent Confirmation _Scott Jepsen Resume.pdf |
HEDC 3/6/2023 8:00:00 AM |
|
| HB 71 Fiscal Note.pdf |
HEDC 3/6/2023 8:00:00 AM |
HB 71 |
| HB 71 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
HEDC 3/6/2023 8:00:00 AM |
HB 71 |
| HB 71 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HEDC 3/6/2023 8:00:00 AM |
HB 71 |
| HB 65 Support as of 3.6.23 redacted.pdf |
HEDC 3/6/2023 8:00:00 AM |
HB 65 |