Legislature(2013 - 2014)HOUSE FINANCE 519
03/18/2014 05:30 PM House FINANCE
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB278 | |
| Public Testimony | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | HB 278 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE
March 18, 2014
5:31 p.m.
5:31:22 PM
CALL TO ORDER
Co-Chair Stoltze called the House Finance Committee meeting
to order at 5:31 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Alan Austerman, Co-Chair
Representative Bill Stoltze, Co-Chair
Representative Mark Neuman, Vice-Chair
Representative Mia Costello
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Representative Les Gara
Representative David Guttenberg
Representative Lindsey Holmes
Representative Cathy Munoz
Representative Steve Thompson
Representative Tammie Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
ALSO PRESENT
Representative Lynn Gattis; Phyllis Carlson, Juneau School
District, Juneau; Pat Olsen, Teacher, Kodiak; Robert
Whipple, Lower Yukon Education Association; Tiffany
Jackson, Aleutians East Borough School District; Robert
Claus, Craig City School District, Craig; Lauren Smoker,
Self, Juneau.
PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE
Pearl Brower, Ilisagvik College, Barrow; Kathy Leary,
Ilisagvik College, Barrow; Kathleen Rock, Ilisagvik
College, Barrow; Ben Glover, Ilisagvik College, Barrow;
Danny Frazier, Superintendent, Dillingham City School
District, Dillingham; Maria Calhoun, Self, Homer; Karen
Shemet, Self, Homer; Donna Girard, Self, Anchor Point; Todd
Hindman, Anvil City Science Academy, Nome; Stewart
McDonald, Kodiak Island Borough School District (KIBSD),
Kodiak; Tim Parker, National Education Association (NEA)
Alaska, Fairbanks; Tracey Martinson, NEA Alaska, Fairbanks;
Fred Villa, University of Alaska, Fairbanks; Pete Lewis,
Superintendent, Fairbanks School District, Fairbanks; Sean
Genson, Teacher, Fairbanks; Heather Damario, Teacher,
Fairbanks; Richard Benneville, Self, Nome; Siobhan O'Hara,
Teacher, Anchorage; Sunny Hilts, Kenai Peninsula Borough
School District, Soldovia; Dr. Lisa Parady, Superintendent,
North Slope Borough School District, Barrow; Heather
Handyside, Self, Anchorage; James Parkin, Teacher, Angoon;
Lisa Rieger, Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Anchorage; Ed
Hayes, Self, Haines; Geoffrey Humphries, Self, Anchorage;
Joey Eski, Aquarian Charter School, Anchorage; Meghan
Steenburgh, Self, Anchorage; Robin Wittrock, Self,
Anchorage; Donna VanFlein, Charter School Parent,
Anchorage; Pamela Samash, Self, Nenana; Regan Brooks, Self,
Anchorage; Greg Reynolds, Southeast Career Consortium,
Sitka; Lon Garrison, Sitka School Board President, Sitka;
Kari Sagel, Self, Sitka; Wendy Ranney, Parent, Cordova;
Joan Diamond, Self, Anchorage; Michael Rehberg, Winterberry
Charter School, Anchorage; Vivienne Murray, Public
Education, Anchorage; Alison Arians, Self, Anchorage; Becca
Bernard, Self, Anchorage; Tam Agosti-Gisler, Anchorage
School District, Anchorage; Tina Bernoski, Self, Anchorage;
Jessie Menkins, Self, Anchorage; Deena Mitchell, Self,
Anchorage; Daniel Sullivan, Teacher, Petersburg; Jon
Dufendach, Partners for Progress, Delta; Tim Walters,
Teacher, Mat-Su; Ernie Kirby, Self, Mat-Su; Joe Boyle,
Matanuska Susitna Education Association (MSEA), Mat-Su;
Karen Barnard, Self, Anchorage; Celia Rozen, Self,
Anchorage; David Nees, Self, Anchorage; Lisa Paesani, Self,
Anchorage; Rita Dexter, Self, Anchorage; Lilian Worl, Self,
Juneau; Janel Walton, Self, Anchorage; Lorraine Trask,
Self, Fairbanks; Christopher Benshoof, Self, Fairbanks;
Steve Atwater, Kenai Peninsula School District; Charlene
Arneson, Chugach School District, Whittier; Sarah Monkton,
Self, Anchorage.
SUMMARY
HB 278 EDUCATION: FUNDING/TAX CREDITS/PROGRAMS
HB 278 was HEARD and HELD in committee for
further consideration.
HOUSE BILL NO. 278
"An Act increasing the base student allocation used in
the formula for state funding of public education;
repealing the secondary student competency examination
and related requirements; relating to high school
course credit earned through assessment; relating to a
college and career readiness assessment for secondary
students; relating to charter school application
appeals and program budgets; relating to residential
school applications; increasing the stipend for
boarding school students; extending unemployment
contributions for the Alaska technical and vocational
education program; relating to earning high school
credit for completion of vocational education courses
offered by institutions receiving technical and
vocational education program funding; relating to
education tax credits; making conforming amendments;
and providing for an effective date."
5:31:30 PM
^PUBLIC TESTIMONY
5:33:57 PM
PEARL BROWER, ILISAGVIK COLLEGE, BARROW (via
teleconference), testified in support of the extension of
the Alaska Technical Vocational Education Program (TVEP)
through 2024 as a regional training center under the North
Slope education and training cooperative. She stated that
Ilisagvik College requested inclusion in the list of
regional training centers funded under TVEP for 10 percent
of the funds or approximately 4.5 percent of the college's
entire budget. She requested the inclusion of the college
and noted the offering of 247 classes in the 2012/2013
academic year, which served 1,877 students.
5:36:46 PM
KATHY LEARY, ILISAGVIK COLLEGE, BARROW (via teleconference)
commented on the funding request provided by Ms. Brower.
She informed the committee that the college partnered with
companies in the oil, gas, construction, maritime and
utilities fields. She noted that the North Slope Borough
funded two-thirds of the college's budget. She discussed
the partnership with Highland Mountain Correctional Center
for credits and education for inmates to facilitate
successful reentry to society. She encouraged support for
the TVEP aspect of the bill.
5:39:17 PM
KATHLEEN ROCK, ILISAGVIK COLLEGE, BARROW (via
teleconference) testified as a student at Ilisagvik
College. She listed many of the classes that she was
interested in for career advancement. She stated that she
worked with the oil and gas industry, and hoped to further
her training for career advancement. She urged the
inclusion of the TVEP portion in the legislation.
5:41:27 PM
BEN GLOVER, ILISAGVIK COLLEGE, BARROW (via teleconference)
pointed out that the college served the work force
development needs in the area. He noted that operations
existed to serve Highland Mountain Correctional Center for
the reduction of recidivism rates. He worked to expand
classes in Fairbanks and Anchorage. He stated that he
wished to cater to the needs of the community. The college
required $1.7 million in state funding.
5:43:44 PM
DANNY FRAZIER, SUPERINTENDENT, DILLINGHAM CITY SCHOOL
DISTRICT, DILLINGHAM (via teleconference), discussed his
school district's successes. He stated that the district
required funding to continue the school system in
Dillingham. He explained that school districts would cut
positions without requested funding. He highlighted the
need for increases for the district's preschool program.
5:45:56 PM
MARIA CALHOUN, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference) testified
in favor of early education tax credits through HB 278. She
shared that the program evaluation outcomes indicated
substantial benefits including increases in family
strength. She stated that families and agencies struggled
to meet demands. The tax credits would allow for future
sustainability of the programs. She added that Parents as
Teachers increased college graduation rates. Many other
early childhood education programs would benefit from the
funding.
5:48:26 PM
KAREN SHEMET, SELF, HOMER (via teleconference) testified in
support of the legislation. She stated that the investment
allowed access to the vital services. She shared that she
understood the value of the support personally and stressed
that funding the legislation would allow Parents as
Teachers to thrive.
5:50:09 PM
DONNA GIRARD, SELF, ANCHOR POINT (via teleconference)
testified in support of funding for Parents as Teachers.
She mentioned the business SPROUT that helped her
grandchildren thrive. She stated that her grandchildren
suffered from fetal alcohol syndrome and she could not
raise the children without the service.
5:52:17 PM
TODD HINDMAN, ANVIL CITY SCIENCE ACADEMY, NOME (via
teleconference), testified in favor of the implementation
of new charter schools and continued operation of well-
established charter schools. He stated that the facility
operated solely on state-generated funding. He explained
that one-time appropriations did not benefit the Anvil City
Science Academy. He stressed that state-generated funding
was essential. He wished for a compromise in the
legislation.
5:53:39 PM
STEWART MCDONALD, KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
(KIBSD), KODIAK (via teleconference), testified in support
of the bill, specifically the Base Student Allocation (BSA)
increase. He stated that inevitable reductions would occur
without an increase in funding. He stated that opportunity
grants allowed choices in the community. He mentioned the
project including the language of the opportunity grant to
be included in the bill.
5:56:11 PM
TIM PARKER, NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (NEA) ALASKA,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference) testified as an educator in
support of the bill. He stated that the delegate assembly
affirmed the support. He supported student learning in
public schools. The current budget situation placed public
schools in a difficult financial situation. He stressed
that increased class size did not improve student learning.
He pointed out that the challenging directives allowed for
the measurement of student growth.
5:59:20 PM
TRACEY MARTINSON, NEA ALASKA, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference), testified in support of increasing the
BSA. She stated that she wished to improve her community's
opportunity for education. She informed the committee that
the class sizes in Fairbanks were held at a minimum, which
benefitted her son. She spoke about the decreases in
teaching staff. She noted that the increase in class size
was detrimental to children's education.
6:01:37 PM
FRED VILLA, UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA, FAIRBANKS (via
teleconference) spoke in support of the TVEP portion of HB
278. He explained that technical education and vocation was
his focus. He hoped for an increase in existing funding
rather than cutting the entire funding. He stated that TVEP
offered more than 100 industry-recognized work force
certificates.
6:03:51 PM
PETE LEWIS, SUPERINTENDENT, FAIRBANKS SCHOOL DISTRICT,
FAIRBANKS (via teleconference) supported an increase to the
BSA. He stressed the importance of maintaining quality
programs and appropriate class sizes. He discussed the
facility needs of charter schools.
6:06:09 PM
SEAN GENSON, TEACHER, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of the legislation. He stated that
both parents and teachers worked hard to support children.
He asked the state to do its part for the team. He stated
that the BSA maintained schools. Reasonable class sizes
allowed students to receive individual attention
emotionally and academically. He noted that funding factors
were critical to quality education. He noted that the BSA
fell behind inflation, which discouraged the maintenance of
schools.
6:08:05 PM
HEATHER DAMARIO, TEACHER, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference),
testified in support of education funding. She testified as
a mother who wished to keep class sizes small. She wished
for an increase in the BSA. She urged the committee to
value education.
6:09:35 PM
RICHARD BENNEVILLE, SELF, NOME (via teleconference)
testified as an employee of the public school in Nome in
support of the legislation. He mentioned that the children
were a large part of the equation and he urged the
committee to give them the highest priority. He noted that
the state and country's constitution mandates the provision
of public education.
6:11:24 PM
PHYLLIS CARLSON, JUNEAU SCHOOL DISTRICT, JUNEAU, testified
in support of the legislation and an increase to the BSA.
The resolution passed by the Juneau School Board was sent
to the committee last week. She explained that 100 jobs
were cut along with considerable administration support.
Students would be better served if the energy spent on
budgets was spent in the classroom. She advocated for a
multi-year funding plan that addressed expanding costs.
6:14:09 PM
PAT OLSEN, TEACHER, KODIAK, testified in support of the
legislation. She stated that the borough was forced to cut
10 teaching positions, which resulted in program cuts and
increased class sizes. She stated that large class sizes
allowed fewer opportunities between students and teachers.
Students that felt valued had better attendance. She
requested an increase in the BSA.
6:15:48 PM
SIOBHAN O'HARA, TEACHER, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
testified in support of the legislation. She stated that
children must be educated. She shared difficult stories
about her students.
6:18:15 PM
ROBERT WHIPPLE, LOWER YUKON EDUCATION ASSOCIATION,
testified in support of the legislation. He supported a
significant increase to the BSA.
6:19:05 PM
TIFFANY JACKSON, ALEUTIANS EAST BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT,
testified in support of an increase to the BSA. She was
involved in the budgeting process in her district, which
was increasingly difficult with flat funding. She stated
that she wished to provide Common Core Standards and
Teacher Evaluation Requirements, which would increase
funding needs. The estimated cost of implementing the
programs was $300 thousand for her district. She spoke
about her district's efforts to decrease costs.
6:21:15 PM
ROBERT CLAUS, CRAIG CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, CRAIG, testified
in support of the legislation and a reasonable increase to
the BSA. He stated that the Craig City school district
achieved good results by cutting energy costs in all of the
buildings. He stated that utilizing non-qualified teachers
resulted from the decreased funding. Increased class sizes
and limited advisory positions were also results of the
decreased funding.
6:23:06 PM
LAUREN SMOKER, SELF, JUNEAU, testified in support of the
legislation. She pointed out her many accomplishments as a
parent. She noted that many teachers helped her son with
less and less funding. She advocated for an increase in the
BSA.
6:24:10 PM
SUNNY HILTS, KENAI PENINSULA, BOROUGH SCHOOL DISTRICT,
SOLDOVIA (via teleconference), testified in support of the
legislation. She stated that progress was slowed by the
flat-funded BSA. She stressed that the vocational education
program was detrimental to the success of some students.
She encouraged the public school support. Charter schools
provided a wonderful service.
6:26:28 PM
DR. LISA PARADY, SUPERINTENDENT, NORTH SLOPE BOROUGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT, BARROW (via teleconference), testified in support
of an increase in the BSA to assist with the increasing
costs experienced by her district. She commented on the
added costs associated with the implemented cause of the No
Child Left Behind mandate. The request to adjust the BSA
allowed quality education for children. The proposed
increases in HB 278 contained less than optimal annual
increase.
6:29:47 PM
HEATHER HANDYSIDE, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
supported a BSA increase beyond the level in the
legislation. She discussed that the issue impacted all
Alaskans; everyone recognized the importance of a good
education system. The current school funding was not
sufficient. She reminded the committee that prioritizing
education worked; she spoke to successes of funding
increases and impacts on the state's schools. She urged the
committee to increase the BSA by $400 to provide stable and
predictable funding.
6:32:14 PM
JAMES PARKIN, TEACHER, ANGOON (via teleconference), spoke
in support of the Southeast Career Consortium. He discussed
the successes of the program over the years.
6:34:27 PM
LISA RIEGER, COOK INLET TRIBAL COUNCIL, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of the continuation of
educational tax credits to allow programs to leverage
funds. She was supportive of changes to the charter school
legislation. She testified in favor of funds for pupil
transportation. She was grateful for the funding of the
residential stipend portion of the bill. She thanked the
committee for its focus on education.
6:35:55 PM
ED HAYES, SELF, HAINES (via teleconference) testified in
support of an increase in the BSA beyond the level proposed
in HB 278. He supported TVEP and the Southeast Career
Consortium. He believed that a partnership approach would
allow fresh ideas and resources for the students and
community.
6:36:45 PM
GEOFFREY HUMPHRIES, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference)
spoke in support of assessments for evaluation and tracking
of school performance. He cautioned the committee that that
an application of programs vetted in other parts of the
country may not have the same result in Alaska. Additional
time was required for evaluating the impact of programs
developed outside of the state.
6:37:52 PM
JOEY ESKI, AQUARIAN CHARTER SCHOOL, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified that the state's charter schools
remained at a disadvantage over other public schools. The
bill failed to address funding equity and only entitled
charter schools to funds through the BSA formula. She spoke
to facilities expenses; the bill contained no provision to
help charter schools to pay for facilities. She spoke about
expensive lease agreements for charter schools. She stated
that no other public school was burdened by the expense.
She asked the committee to include mandating language to
increase BSA formula.
6:41:26 PM
MEGHAN STEENBURGH, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
spoke about her daughter in a charter school. She discussed
that charter schools had been operating with half the
funding of neighborhood schools and were required to pay
rent, maintenance, utilities and insurance. She spoke about
recent cuts to the charter school's programs. She stressed
the frugality of her school. She discussed high rent and
maintenance costs. She proposed a state-funded per-pupil
facilities allowance, which existed as a successful model
in other states. Many charter schools were currently at a
breaking point. She stressed that charter schools were
supported by both Democrats and Republicans.
6:43:55 PM
ROBIN WITTROCK, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of increasing the BSA by a minimum of $400. She
spoke about her children in the Anchorage School District.
She was happy with the education her children were
currently receiving, but she was troubled over funding to
education in recent years. She pointed to busy teachers and
limited resources in schools. She spoke about the
dedication teachers had to their students in the state. She
stated that teachers would lose their class periods and
would no longer be able to run after school or attend
extracurricular activities.
6:46:58 PM
DONNA VANFLEIN, CHARTER SCHOOL PARENT, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of charter school
funding. She pointed to a statute related to charter
schools with annual program budgets. She stated that the
amount generated by students enrolled in the charter school
ought to be determined in the same manner as in a public
school. She stated that charter schools in Anchorage were
receiving roughly half the money neighborhood schools
received. She discussed funds used for operating expenses.
She spoke to high facility costs and costs for janitorial
services. The costs should be covered by the school
district. She stated that charter schools were thriving in
Alaska. She encouraged dedicated facility funding. Funds
should be spent on education and not building costs.
6:50:30 PM
PAMELA SAMASH, SELF, NENANA (via teleconference), was
heartbroken by testimony begging for state money. She
mentioned the dedication teachers had to the state's
schools and students. She did not want Common Core,
Obamacare, or No Child Left Behind. She was saddened by the
state of the education system. She asked the legislature to
make a stand against the federal government. She asked the
legislature to have a heart.
6:53:14 PM
REGAN BROOKS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of funding for charter schools. She asked for an
increase in the BSA of $400 or more. She shared that her
decision to remain in the state was due to the state's
education system. She was concerned that cuts to education
jeopardized the system. She implored the committee to
consider an increase.
6:54:59 PM
GREG REYNOLDS, SOUTHEAST CAREER CONSORTIUM, SITKA (via
teleconference) stated that TVEP had been created to
support education; however the consortium was still
underfunded. He stressed that students in Southeast Alaska
deserved the same resources and quality education as the
rest of the state. He shared that the consortium was the
only group in the region with a plan and had extensive
training experience with high schools and communities.
6:57:12 PM
LON GARRISON, SITKA SCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT, SITKA (via
teleconference), asked the committee to include funding for
the Digital Learning Initiative. He communicated that a
digital learning program would make a large difference to
students in the district's schools. He hoped for additional
funding in the BSA; it would take a $500 increase to make
the district whole. He spoke to the ability to plan and
budget in the future. He talked about costs that would come
from the operating budget of the district. He stated that
the bill did not include sufficient funding increases.
6:59:18 PM
KARI SAGEL, SELF, SITKA (via teleconference) supported a
substantial increase to the BSA.
6:59:57 PM
WENDY RANNEY, PARENT, CORDOVA (via teleconference), voiced
support for library funding in the schools. She asked the
committee to increase the BSA to a realistic number. The
investment would be directed to children and the state's
future. She spoke to the necessary multitasking of teachers
given the current lack of funds. She stated that the
children were suffering because of budget cuts. She did not
want to see increased classroom sizes or a loss of
services.
7:02:20 PM
JOAN DIAMOND, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference) asked
for an increase in the BSA by a minimum of $400. If a child
could not learn to read by the third grade it was difficult
for them to catch up. She shared a story about bringing
students to the appropriate grade level; some students did
not have support at home.
7:05:25 PM
MICHAEL REHBERG, WINTERBERRY CHARTER SCHOOL, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), testified in support of funding for
charter schools. He asked for an increase in the BSA.
Charter school budgets were typically small. He requested
an annual increase that would allow charter schools to
plan. He spoke to the small size of the school; it had
relatively small staff levels. He hoped the committee would
consider a BSA increase.
7:07:23 PM
VIVIENNE MURRAY, PUBLIC EDUCATION, ANCHORAGE (via
teleconference), spoke in support of public education. She
stated that public schools provided her children with a
good education. She was nervous about the cutting of
operating funds or stagnant funding that was causing
schools to make cuts. She spoke to a scholarship cut from
the prior year. She did not believe it was right for
children to miss life-changing opportunities. The
communities had an obligation to help the children. She
encouraged the committee to fund education through HB 278.
7:09:56 PM
ALISON ARIANS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of an increase of the BSA at a minimum of $400
and for forward-funding by at least three years. She spoke
to estimates for high classroom sizes. She was not alone in
her concerns. She was unhappy with cuts to teachers and
counselors. She testified that all types of individuals
were upset by the cuts. She spoke to parents' involvement
in the issue. She spoke to different ways parents were
working to be involved. Education was the primary issue for
many voters in the current year.
7:12:30 PM
BECCA BERNARD, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of an increase of the BSA at a minimum of $400
and for forward-funding by at least three years. She stated
that there had not been an increase in education funding
since 2011. The trend was dangerous. She stated that
graduation rates had risen from 66 percent to 79 percent.
She stressed the importance of maintaining the successes.
She spoke about her son who attended a charter school. She
discussed the low staff levels at the school. She
emphasized that it was hard to imagine what would be cut
without an increase to the BSA. She spoke about a new
coalition supporting education.
7:15:01 PM
TAM AGOSTI-GISLER, ANCHORAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT, ANCHORAGE
(via teleconference), testified in support of increased
funds to the school district. The district was struggling
to keep teachers in the current year; 140 teaching
positions had been cut. She spoke to a lack of funds and
cuts across the board at the district. Some of the cuts had
increased efficiency; however, some areas were cut too
much. She questioned the impacts on teachers. The cuts
would have an impact on increased graduation and reduced
dropout rates. She supported a BSA increase of $400 in the
current year. The district had been innovative with tax
funding. She asked for a three-year increase in the BSA.
7:18:30 PM
TINA BERNOSKI, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
appreciated the governor's bill; however, the proposed BSA
increase was not sufficient. She believed it made economic
sense to invest in the state's children. She appreciated
the opportunity to speak. She urged the committee to make a
significant increase to the BSA by at least $400.
7:21:07 PM
JESSIE MENKINS, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference)
testified in support of public education. She spoke about
her personal experience in education. She understood the
state's unique challenges related to various interests and
the vast landscape. She testified in support of public
schools including charter, vocational, neighborhood
schools. She believed legislators all cared about the state
and its future. She stressed that the state was on the
precipice of many exciting plans. The state needed a
vibrant workforce to put the plans in action. She believed
the governor's proposal fell short. She spoke in support of
a BSA increase of $400 or more. She urged the committee to
prioritize and forward-fund education.
7:24:48 PM
DEENA MITCHELL, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
stressed funding for public education. She relayed that if
children were not educated, the state's future would not be
successful. She spoke from the perspective of an involved
parent. She stressed that schools were not failing. She
provided statistics showing significant improvement. Some
of the progress had stagnated due to a lack of funds. She
stated that paid teachers and support staff needed to be
maintained for schools to succeed. She pointed to
significant cuts in recent years.
7:27:56 PM
DANIEL SULLIVAN, TEACHER, PETERSBURG (via teleconference),
spoke to sections 18 through 20 of the legislation. He
spoke in support of a BSA increase of $400 or more. The
increased level of funding would allow for teacher
retention. The current bill failed to meet the goal. He
believed in every child and that they deserved every
opportunity to succeed.
7:29:57 PM
JON DUFENDACH, PARTNERS FOR PROGRESS, DELTA (via
teleconference), testified in support of the legislation.
He spoke in support of a BSA increase of $400 or more. He
appreciated the help.
7:32:03 PM
TIM WALTERS, TEACHER, MAT-SU (via teleconference), spoke in
support of a BSA increase of $400 or more. He stated that
flat or minimal funding increased class sizes. He stated
that increases in class size compromised the education of
children. He stressed that children were the best
investment made by the society.
7:33:50 PM
ERNIE KIRBY, SELF, MAT-SU (via teleconference), spoke in
support of a BSA increase of $400 or more. He stated that
the small increases to the BSA included in the governor's
budget were inadequate. Ideally the BSA ought to be able to
keep up with inflation.
7:35:15 PM
JOE BOYLE, MATANUSKA SUSITNA EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (MSEA),
MAT-SU (via teleconference), spoke in support of a BSA
increase of $400 or more. He stated that flat-funding the
BSA made it difficult for people to do their jobs. He
stated that elementary teachers were forced to take on many
alternative duties with the lack of funding. He suggested
that the teaching careers were less appealing.
7:37:27 PM
KAREN BARNARD, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference)
testified as a product of the Anchorage School District.
Her tension was exacerbated by the lack of pre-k education.
She stated that she had taken eight years of higher math.
She spoke in support of a BSA increase of $400 or more. She
spoke in favor of smaller class sizes and the restoration
of music and sewing classes in the schools.
7:41:22 PM
CELIA ROZEN, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
discussed her experience as a PTA mother. She noted the
operating expenses taken by the PTA. She spoke in support
of a BSA increase of $400 or more. She stated that she
experienced a flat budget at work. She stated that a budget
that was unsustainable led to loss of career counselors and
teachers and scholarships.
7:46:01 PM
DAVID NEES, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference) testified
in support of the governor's proposed model of BSA
increase. He suggested targeting funding increases to
teachers. He opted for language specifying direct
education, which would allow a higher percentage of state
money to be used by districts.
7:48:05 PM
LISA PAESANI, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference),
addressed prior testimony regarding the figures and effects
of large class sizes provided by Mr. Nees. She commented on
the increased graduation rates resulting from a past
increase of the BSA. She supported the bill, but
recommended further increases in the BSA to $400 or more.
She urged the committee to amend the bill to allow the BSA
to keep pace with inflation.
7:51:37 PM
RITA DEXTER, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke in
support of a BSA increase of $400 or more. She noted the
importance of test preparation, which was compromised by
the funding cuts. She spoke about her wonderful experience
in high school.
7:53:01 PM
LILIAN WORL, SELF, JUNEAU (via teleconference), spoke in
support of a BSA increase of $400 or more. She supported
the maximum increase to stem the cuts in Alaska school
districts. She mentioned that 10 percent was cut in the
Juneau School District. She pointed out the impacts of the
cuts. She spoke about increases in graduation requirements
and rates.
7:57:00 PM
JANEL WALTON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference), spoke
in support of a BSA increase of $400 or more. She mentioned
the increases of utility costs among the state. She
questioned the testimony of David Nees. She testified in
opposition to the bill introduced by the governor. She
spoke about the benefits of increasing the BSA as seen in
the last few years. She wished to inflation-proof the BSA.
7:59:42 PM
LORRAINE TRASK, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference), spoke
in support of a BSA increase of $400 or more. She spoke in
favor of small class sizes. She informed the committee that
her daughter had 28 other children in her classrooms.
8:01:17 PM
CHRISTOPHER BENSHOOF, SELF, FAIRBANKS (via teleconference)
testified in support of the legislation. He spoke in
support of a BSA increase of $400 or more. He spoke about
the reasons that teachers leave the profession.
8:03:21 PM
STEVE ATWATER, SUPERINTENDENT, KENAI PENINSULA SCHOOL
DISTRICT (via teleconference), commented on section 5,
items (d), (e), (f) and (g) that provided a charter school
a process to appeal a local school board's decision to deny
a charter school application. He encouraged striking the
items from the bill. He commented on section 18 regarding
the BSA. He stated that his district faced a large deficit
and had cut $1.5 million already. He appreciated the
proposed increase to the BSA, but recognized that the
amount was not sufficient to affect the deficit. He
proposed an increase to $5930 for next year, $6055 for FY16
and $6180 for FY 17.
8:05:24 PM
CHARLENE ARNESON, CHUGACH SCHOOL DISTRICT, WHITTIER (via
teleconference), testified in support of sustaining
educational services for students with the limited
resources available. She expressed pride in her staff. She
spoke about the value of prioritizing education.
8:07:58 PM
SARAH MONKTON, SELF, ANCHORAGE (via teleconference)
testified in support of the education bill. She stated that
she volunteered in the neighborhood school and was very
happy with the small class sizes. She spoke about her many
duties as a volunteer and spoke about different children's
learning styles. She spoke in support of a BSA increase of
$400 or more.
8:12:03 PM
Co-Chair Stoltze acknowledged the time spent by committee
members allowing the testifiers the opportunity to speak.
Co-Chair Stoltze CLOSED public testimony. He appreciated
committee members' suggestions that David Teal, Director,
Legislative Finance Division present figures related to the
history of education funding and the rates of funding and
the impact on the increases of the budget growth. He
believed that the information would be accurate and non-
biased if coming from Mr. Teal.
Representative Wilson asked about the historic difference
between state and federal funding.
Co-Chair Stoltze asked members to direct their questions
for Mr. Teal to his office.
ADJOURNMENT
8:17:17 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 p.m.
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