02/28/2014 08:00 AM Senate EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SCR12 | |
| SB139 | |
| SB147 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 139 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 147 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| = | SCR 12 | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
February 28, 2014
8:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Gary Stevens, Chair
Senator Mike Dunleavy, Vice Chair
Senator Bert Stedman
Senator Charlie Huggins
Senator Berta Gardner
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 12
Proclaiming February to be Public Education Month.
- MOVED CSSCR 12(EDC) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 139
"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."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 147
"An Act increasing and providing an inflation adjustment to the
base student allocation used in the formula for state funding of
public education; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SCR 12
SHORT TITLE: FEBRUARY PUBLIC EDUCATION MONTH
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) GARDNER
02/03/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/03/14 (S) EDC
02/26/14 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/26/14 (S) Scheduled But Not Heard
BILL: SB 139
SHORT TITLE: EDUCATION: FUNDING/TAX CREDITS/PROGRAMS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
01/24/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/14 (S) EDC, FIN
02/03/14 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
02/03/14 (S) Heard & Held
02/03/14 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
02/10/14 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/10/14 (S) Heard & Held
02/10/14 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
02/24/14 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/24/14 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
02/26/14 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
02/26/14 (S) Heard & Held
02/26/14 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
02/28/14 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 147
SHORT TITLE: BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION
SPONSOR(s): GARDNER
01/31/14 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/31/14 (S) EDC, FIN
02/28/14 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
THOMAS PRESLEY, Staff
Senator Berta Gardner
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SCR 12 on behalf of the sponsor.
LES MORSE, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Education and Early Development (DEED)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented information on SB 139.
ELIZABETH NUDELMAN, Director
School Finance
Department of Education and Early Development (DEED)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented information related to SB 139.
THOMAS PRESLEY, Staff
Senator Berta Gardner
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SCR 12 and SB 147 on behalf of the
sponsor.
TAM AGOSTI-GISLER, President
Anchorage School Board
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
PAT GALVIN, representing himself
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
KAREN MARTINSEN, Teacher
Southeast Career Consortium
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in favor of SB 147.
ROBERT BOYLE, Superintendent
Ketchikan School District
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on the BSA component in SB 139 and
in SB 147.
LON GARRISON, President
Sitka School Board
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
SUNNI HILTS, President
Association of Alaska School Boards
Seldovia, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of increasing the BSA.
BARB JEWELL, Member
Cordova School Board
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
NORA HERZOG, Member
Students with a Voice
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in favor of SB 147.
BRIDGET GALVIN, Students with a Voice
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
ALISON ARIANS, Member
Great Alaska Schools
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
KATHY TRAN, Student
Floyd Dryden Middle School
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 147.
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:00:15 AM
CHAIR GARY STEVENS called the Senate Education Standing
Committee meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Gardner, Stedman, Huggins, Dunleavy, and
Chair Stevens.
SCR 12-FEBRUARY PUBLIC EDUCATION MONTH
8:00:41 AM
CHAIR STEVENS announced that the first order of business would
be SCR 12. He said the committee would hear from the sponsor and
take public testimony. He noted that SB 147 and SB 139 would be
heard simultaneously and would focus specifically on the Base
Student Allocation (BSA). He said he would keep public testimony
open beyond today's meeting.
8:02:09 AM
THOMAS PRESLEY, Staff, Senator Berta Gardner, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented SCR 12 on behalf of the
sponsor. He said the motivation for introducing SCR 12 was to
proclaim February the Public Education Month. The resolution was
written after Senator Gardner and Representative Drummond
visited all the schools in their district. They wished to give
the schools credit for some of the innovative and creative
things they were doing. After the visits he said they heard
about an Anchorage School District parent survey which found
that 90 percent of parents of students in public schools would
recommend their school to others. The same survey also found
that there are parents with students waiting to get into charter
schools who don't know the name of their neighborhood schools.
He concluded that the resolution would be a good way to raise
the level of public awareness.
MR. PRESLEY noted that the sponsor has drafted an amendment that
would change the date to be effective in February of 2015.
8:04:01 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS asked for clarification about the charter school
comment.
SENATOR GARDNER explained that members of the public who don't
use neighborhood schools don't know anything about them and what
they offer. She offered to make the survey available to the
committee when she receives it. She said she loved the Anchorage
School District's idea to have a "visit your public school month
in February" idea. She opined that many people do not know what
schools offer and she supports any effort to get members of the
public into schools.
SENATOR HUGGINS agreed. He said he would like to expand this
idea to a year of education where every month is dedicated to an
element of education.
8:05:46 AM
SENATOR DUNLEAVY stated that the idea is to make people more
aware of neighborhood schools.
SENATOR GARDNER said yes; the whole community, not just
families.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY agreed. He said engagement it key. He asked for
clarification regarding charter schools and waitlists.
MR. PRESLEY reported that the parent survey showed that charter
school parents on a waitlist did not know the name of their
neighborhood schools.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked if the children were on a waitlist for
public charter schools.
MR. PRESLEY said yes.
8:07:03 AM
CHAIR STEVENS commented that general information about public
education includes charter schools.
SENATOR STEDMAN agreed with the concept of building the morale
of public schools. He wondered about the amendment date.
CHAIR STEVENS apologized for not getting to the bill faster. He
asked what the amendment would do.
MR. PRESLEY reiterated that it would change the date to February
2015.
CHAIR STEVENS requested a motion regarding the amendment for the
purpose of discussion.
MR. PRESLEY said it would be a conceptual amendment.
8:08:34 AM
SENATOR GARDNER moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1, to add
"2015" to the date.
CHAIR STEVENS objected for discussion.
SENATOR HUGGINS wondered if February would be the best choice.
He suggested that the beginning of the year would be better.
SENATOR GARDNER said the Anchorage School District was planning
for "Visit Your Public School Month" for February. She said she
is happy to make it any date or time. The federal government is
planning a week in November to honor education.
MR. PRESLEY said International Education Week begins November
27.
SENATOR HUGGINS said the resolution applies to all school
districts. He thought it was a good idea, but he would prefer it
last a year and highlight a different segment each month.
CHAIR STEVENS asked where the amendment would go.
MR. PRESLEY replied that the date "2015" would be added to page
2, line 11, after "February".
There being no objection, Conceptual Amendment 1 was adopted.
8:12:04 AM
SENATOR DUNLEAVY noted his support of public education, but he
thought the wording was odd.
SENATOR STEDMAN suggested changing the wording.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY said it was interestingly worded.
CHAIR STEVENS noted a zero fiscal note.
8:13:17 AM
SENATOR GARDNER said she is strongly considering Senator
Huggins' suggestion to make September Public Education Month at
the start of the school year. There being no objection, the
motion carried.
CHAIR STEVENS said there is no rush.
SENATOR HUGGINS moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 2, to add
"September" to the date in place of "February."
SENATOR DUNLEAVY moved to report SCR 12, as amended, from
committee with individual recommendations and attached zero
fiscal note. There being no objection, CSSCR 12 (EDC) was
reported from the Senate Education Committee.
8:14:22 AM
At ease
SB 139-EDUCATION: FUNDING/TAX CREDITS/PROGRAMS
8:16:16 AM
CHAIR STEVENS announced that the next order of business would be
SB 139. He said the committee would take up Sections 14, 15, and
16, which relate to the Base Student Allocation.
8:16:43 AM
LES MORSE, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Education and
Early Development (DEED), Juneau, Alaska, presented information
on SB 139.
ELIZABETH NUDELMAN, Director, School Finance, Department of
Education and Early Development (DEED), Juneau, Alaska,
presented information related to SB 139.
8:17:22 AM
At ease
8:17:56 AM
MR. MORSE said Sections 14, 15, and 16 begin on page 9 of the
bill. These sections provide a modest increase in the Base
Student Allocation (BSA) the first year for $85 and the
following two years, $58 each. That works out to 1.5 percent
increase the first year and 1 percent each of the two following
years. The increase was put forward to begin a dialogue around,
not only the funding of education, but greater educational
issues. He said it is an appropriate increase considering the
fiscal climate and it is a piece of a larger package.
SENATOR GARDNER noted in Section 13 an increase in the stipend
for room and board expenses. She requested a comparison of the
1.5 percent increase and the almost 50 percent stipend increase.
MR. MORSE explained that they are looked at differently.
Boarding school students also receive the BSA. The boarding
school stipend reflects true costs that go beyond the BSA.
SENATOR GARDNER concluded that for the boarding school stipend,
true cost numbers are used; for the BSA they are not used.
MR. MORSE clarified that the BSA was brought forward as a modest
increase and the administration is interested in a dialogue
continuing within the legislative process. The stipend is based
on true costs.
8:21:21 AM
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked how much money has been put into
education over the last 10 years. He said the BSA gets lost in
the discussion. He asked if the BSA is the only component for
funding schools.
MR. MORSE offered to provide further information about the
amount spent on education. He said there are other pieces of the
formula besides the BSA, such as the cost differential and
intensive student funding. The funding during the past 10 years
has increased. There are those who would argue that other thing
should be included as education funding, such as retirement
costs.
8:23:05 AM
MS. NUDELMAN concurred.
CHAIR STEVENS suggested including the cost of transportation,
fuel, and energy.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY said there is a narrative being spun that no
money is going to education. He understood that upwards of $100
million additional per year has been going to education, which
includes retirement costs and school construction, while the
student population has declined. He asked if that was correct.
MR. MORSE said that sounds correct. Some feel that retirement
and debt should not be counted as part of education funding.
8:24:42 AM
SENATOR DUNLEAVY pointed out that the legislature has
constructed an education system over the past 50 years, along
with some help from the federal government. When educators are
asking for resources, they are requesting funds for the program
the legislature has developed. They are not greedy or out of
line. He suggested the legislature either fund education with
the funding level it needs to operate under the current
construct, or change the construct. Keeping the current
construct and not funding it is a disservice to Alaska's
children.
8:26:14 AM
SENATOR GARDNER addressed the issue of inflation-proofing the
BSA in statute.
MR. MORSE said the administration is supporting SB 139 in light
of the current fiscal climate.
SENATOR STEDMAN also requested the financial information Senator
Dunleavy requested about the following costs: PERS/TRS, energy,
major maintenance, new construction. That would provide a wide
view of the total cost to the state.
CHAIR STEVENS asked for the information in a reasonable amount
of time.
MR. MORSE agreed to provide the requested data. He said there is
information from previous hearings available.
8:28:20 AM
SENATOR GARDNER asked Mr. Morse if he could do a projection into
the next year or two and include the per pupil monthly stipend
for boarding schools. She thought that information should be
reflected on the fiscal note.
MR. MORSE said the information is found in a separate fiscal
note. The analysis breaks out the number of students that
receive the stipend.
CHAIR STEVENS commented that there are a number of pieces
involved; the committee's focus is on the BSA today.
SENATOR HUGGINS pointed out that stipends are weighted toward
Native populations.
MR. MORSE said that is generally true. For example, Mt.
Edgecombe serves mostly Alaska Native students from rural areas,
as do most boarding schools.
8:30:03 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS said he is very uncomfortable with
distinguishing between funding Native students versus funding
urban students.
CHAIR STEVENS said the committee would get to that issue in more
detail later.
SENATOR STEDMAN noted the difficulty of projecting student
enrollment. He said he has a hard time with the idea of
embedding inflation indexes into budgetary processes.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY stated that education is a constitutionally
mandated program. He said the state funds adult education which
is not mandated. He maintained that public education should be
funded first, before other programs, up front.
8:34:07 AM
SENATOR STEDMAN said he takes a broader view. He pointed out
that there is a gas line pending, and due to the small
population in Alaska, he wished to enhance training programs for
Alaska gas line workers.
CHAIR STEVENS said they are all good points.
SENATOR HUGGINS returned to the topic of inflation proofing and
maintained that the federal government is out of control. He
agreed that education is the number one issue. He suggested that
inflation proofing does bind future legislatures.
CHAIR STEVENS held SB 139 in committee.
SB 147-BASE STUDENT ALLOCATION
8:37:08 AM
CHAIR STEVENS announced that the final order of business would
be SB 147.
THOMAS PRESLEY, Staff, Senator Berta Gardner, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented SB 147 on behalf of the
sponsor. He explained that the bill increases the Base Student
Allocation (BSA) by $404 from the current $56.80. Section 2 of
the bill inflation proofs the BSA formula to track with the
Consumer Price Index (CPI). He said the sponsor got the amount
of $404 from a legislative research study that showed, over a
period of three years, there was a 7 percent loss in the BSA
from inflation. The $404 would replenish the BSA from the last
time it was increased in FY 11.
SENATOR HUGGINS asked if the study took into consideration
monies for safety, maintenance, and transportation.
MR. PRESLEY said the study focused only on the BSA.
SENATOR HUGGINS thought the results of the study were skewed
because it did not measure the total amount of money that went
into education. He said he would like to see the study.
SENATOR GARDNER noted the study is included in members' packets.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY said he would ask the staff to read the sponsor
statement and the fiscal note in order to begin a debate on
inflation and the situation in schools today.
CHAIR STEVENS opened public testimony.
8:41:30 AM
TAM AGOSTI-GISLER, President, Anchorage School Board, Anchorage,
Alaska, testified in support of SB 147. She stressed the
importance of providing opportunity for students in order to
prepare them for success in life. She shared that the board had
to make $23 million in cuts this year, on top of the $25 million
in cuts made last year and a probable $28 million in cuts next
year. She shared details of what was cut and the effects of the
cuts. She noted the Anchorage School District (ASD) had a higher
graduation rate and lower dropout rate than ever before.
She explained why costs in education have risen. Alaska is the
most expensive state for health care benefits. The ASD is
currently negotiating to decrease those costs. The most recent
employee negotiations bend health care costs down to inflation
by increasing eligibility levels and freezing the district's
annual medical contribution in the third year of the contract.
She said that while the board supports the Governor's intent to
increase the BSA, it supports a higher amount. In order to
sustain the ASD in the next three years, a BSA increase of $250
the first year, $200 in the second, and $200 in the third year
would be needed. If a $400 increase were provided in one year,
such as proposed in SB 147, the ASD would need an additional
$125 each of the following two years. Most importantly, the
district would need an annual CPI adjustment to the BSA. She
voiced appreciation for the support the legislature has given to
the district over the years, not only for the BSA, but also
through legislative grants, debt reimbursement on capital
projects, retirement liability repayments, and funding for
needed safety improvements last year.
She concluded that the board would like to work with the
legislature on how to reduce some capital spending that would
make room for more operating funds.
8:46:00 AM
SENATOR STEDMAN noted that there will be budget deficits for the
foreseeable future. He inquired how much deficit Anchorage is
comfortable with.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER said it is her personal opinion that they need
to reprioritize where some of the funding is going. She opined
that the state must first look at what it costs to fund public
education.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked her to repeat her comment regarding SB
147.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER reiterated her comment.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked if ASD's finance manager has projected
out over five years what the expenditure/revenue gap will be if
nothing is done in the BSA.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER said yes, but she does not have those details
in front of her.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked if it was safe to say it would be in the
tens of millions.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER replied "or higher."
SENATOR HUGGINS said the legislature wants to be part of the
solution, not part of the problem. He asked what the upcoming
budget shortfall is.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER reiterated that the district would experience
a $23 million deficit and would be cutting approximately 200
positions.
SENATOR HUGGINS asked if any were new positions paid for by
federal dollars.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER said many of those positions were cut last
year. This year 140 teachers were cut; a few were cut due to
declining student enrollment, but the majority of cuts have to
do with the deficit.
SENATOR HUGGINS requested those numbers. He asked what the
enrollment projection is for next year.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER replied that there are about 48,000 students
this year and there were 49,300 last year.
SENATOR HUGGINS concluded it was a projected loss of about 1,300
students.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER said those numbers are based on this year's
count and on projections for next year.
SENATOR HUGGINS asked which areas create the deficit.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER reiterated that health care is number one.
SENATOR HUGGINS asked if the district supports pooling.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER responded if it is just pooling of school
districts, there is no cost savings. A larger collaborative
cooperative group medical service that includes public and
private partnerships could provide that value. She said the
school board recently adopted a resolution that supports the
goals included in the Alaska HR leadership networks resolution
and support for the Alaska Health Care Commission
recommendation. This endorses the administration's efforts to
continue an exploration of public/private employer partnership
to enable, but not require, a large scale consolidated
procurement of medical services.
8:51:55 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS asked for the number that health care
contributes to the deficit.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER she offered to provide that information.
SENATOR HUGGINS requested a repeat of the other categories.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER reiterated that besides health care, there are
increased needs in technology, especially online assessments and
teacher evaluations, energy costs, and inflation.
SENATOR HUGGINS asked if inflation is part of it.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER said yes.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked for a definition of inflation.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER explained it is CPI.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked if contracts with labor groups have been
settled.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER said they were settled the end of September.
She reiterated that the district was able to bend the cost curve
on health care down to inflation. The district's annual medical
contribution was frozen for the third year of the contract.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked if there was an increase in salary.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER said it was for minimal steps and lane
increases.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked if there was a percentage increase.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER said it was 1 percent.
SENATOR DUNLEAVY asked if it was a part of inflation.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER said yes.
8:53:57 AM
SENATOR GARDNER mentioned that there has been no support in this
body or in the administration for inflation-proofing of the BSA.
She inquired what impact that would have on the ability to plan,
compared to putting into statute three step BSA increases.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER replied that the district is spending an
inordinate amount of time on budgets and cuts. Without knowing
what the future revenues will be, it is difficult to focus on
the more important task of raising the academic achievement
level. She emphasized a need to dedicate time to programs and to
raise academic achievement and graduation rates.
SENATOR GARDNER asked if it makes a huge difference to have a
three-step funding plan, compared to having a set figure now,
knowing that would be inflation proofed in the out years.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER said with inflation proofing there is an
option for more advanced planning. A three-step plan allows
planning in the immediate future, but inflation proofing allows
for further planning.
8:56:24 AM
SENATOR GARDNER reported that many school districts said a BSA
increase for only one year would not allow for rehiring those
who were cut. She asked if Ms. Agosti-Gisler agreed with that
position for ASD.
MS. AGOSTI-GISLER said it is difficult to hire and retain people
if they know it is for a one-year contract.
8:57:58 AM
CHAIR STEVENS noted that public testimony would continue beyond
today's meeting.
PAT GALVIN, representing himself, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 147. He said he is a parent member of Great
Alaska Schools - Anchorage, which was recently formed in
response to the ASD budget situation. He stated that an increase
of at least $400 is appropriate in order to restore the value
available in the schools several years ago. He recognized that
there are a number of other budgetary issues, but he maintained
that education should be a priority.
He reported on the effects of recent cuts in the loss of
counselors and advisors. He recognized the state has prioritized
education-spending in the past which has led to dramatic
results. Anchorage has experienced a turnaround in the
graduation rates and reading levels, and a decrease in dropout
rates. Flat funding has adversely affected classrooms and there
is fear that graduation numbers will reverse.
SENATOR STEDMAN said he would be happy to add progressivity in
education funding. He appreciated Mr. Galvin's broad view.
9:03:18 AM
SENATOR HUGGINS told a story about TransCanada and how many
schools the state could build.
MR. GALVIN opined that the $300 million investment was very good
for the state.
SENATOR HUGGINS said his number one priority is education.
MR. GALVIN said it is a matter of the state's priorities and
education is a very valuable investment in the state's future.
9:06:13 AM
KAREN MARTINSEN, teacher, Southeast Career Consortium, Sitka,
Alaska, testified in favor of an increased BSA.
CHAIR STEVENS noted the subject is the BSA.
MS. MARTINSEN spoke in support of additional increases in the
BSA.
9:08:21 AM
ROBERT BOYLE, Superintendent, Ketchikan School District,
Ketchikan, Alaska, testified on the BSA components in SB 139 and
in SB 147. He said he is in favor of the BSA in order to get
away from one-time funding. One-time funding hampers the ability
of school districts to create a quality budget and to look at
any kind of long-term adjustments.
SENATOR STEDMAN asked about the budget in the Ketchikan School
District.
SUPERINTENDENT BOYLE said the district is looking at program
cuts, such as in technology upgrades, but no staffing cuts.
9:10:44 AM
LON GARRISON, President, Sitka School Board, Sitka, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 147. He said the Sitka School
District has consistently outperformed state averages in all
subject areas. It offers a comprehensive home school program and
an alternative high school, which has successfully graduated
over 145 students in the last 20 years. He said 89 percent of
those students have come from poverty, over 50 percent are
homeless, and 12 percent are pregnant or parenting students.
This is an example of a program that has made the difference for
many students. He related that Sitka has overwhelming supported
bonds to support schools to the total of $6.12 million.
He pointed out that for FY 15 the Sitka School District faces a
budget deficit of $1.6 million or nearly 8 percent of the
projected $20 million budget. This could represent a loss of 18
certified positions. At present the district estimates it would
take more than a $500 increase in the BSA to make up for that
deficit.
He said SB 139 moves in the right direction and the multi-year
aspect provides some certainty, but cannot make up for the past
four years of flat funding. On the other hand, SB 147 does make
a significant impact to education funding and allows for the
continual adjustment of the BSA based on inflation. A $400
increase to the BSA would provide close to an additional $1
million in state foundation funding.
He spoke of unplanned costs for new curricular materials and new
evaluation tools for 2015 related to new state standards. He
concluded that an increase in the BSA is imperative for the
Sitka School District. He concluded that, "SB 139 gets us moving
in the right direction, but does not move us far enough. SB 147
approaches our real need and provides a mechanism for keeping
the BSA at an appropriate level."
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Mr. Garrison.
9:15:11 AM
SUNNI HILTS, President, Association of Alaska School Boards,
Seldovia, Alaska, testified in support of increasing the BSA.
She said she recognizes legislative support of significant
funding to pay down the liability of TRS/PERS and the funding of
energy costs and others. She stressed that without an increase
in BSA, district budgets have to be cut every year. This means
eliminating programs that are making a difference, cutting
teaching positions, and raising the pupil/teacher ratio. It
means delaying technology purchases and denying students the
skills needed to enter the workforce.
She noted that districts have risen to the challenge given by
the legislature by increasing graduation rates and decreasing
dropout rates. She concluded that this is a time schools should
be celebrating instead of taking steps backwards.
9:18:08 AM
BARB JEWELL, Member, Cordova School Board, Cordova, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 147. She appreciated that education
is a major topic of the legislature. She maintained that costs
of providing education have increased while the BSA has remained
flat. Additional funds have been provided by the legislature,
but have not been used in the classroom.
She said in Cordova graduation rates are up and are now over 90
percent. Dropout rates are down. Cordova is listed as the number
six school in the state and is in the top 8 percent in the
country. This is reflective of the investment in education that
Cordova makes. She listed the ways costs have been cut. She said
the community funds to the maximum amount.
She concluded that without an increase in the BSA, programs that
have served students well will be in danger. Inflation proofing
the BSA provides additional stability and sustainability for
classrooms.
9:20:54 AM
NORA HERZOG, Member, Students with a Voice, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in favor of SB 147. She said she is speaking as a
student concerned, not only with her own education, but also
with others' education. She related that public education is one
of the most important components of democracy. According to the
Center for Ethical Leadership, "We need public education to
prepare people to be citizens capable of engaging the world."
She said that public education prepares kids to become caring,
active, and responsible citizens. An informed, intelligent
population is a functional population. She stressed the role of
public education in equal opportunity. She maintained that
public education can only succeed with the support of the
community, students, teachers, and the government.
She urged the committee to invest time and money in the
classroom in order to create a population that will continue to
strive to make Alaska a great government and community. She
stressed the importance of the fundamental right to learn. She
credited educators for inspiring kids to become productive
members of society. She cautioned that class size is increasing
due to inadequate funding.
She concluded that it is vital to understand that education is
not a business, it is an investment in the leaders of tomorrow.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Ms. Herzog.
9:25:24 AM
BRIDGET GALVIN, Students with a Voice, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 147. She said she is representing a
movement of students from all across Alaska. She stated she
supports an increase in the BSA of at least $400 to restore the
money lost by inflation, as do Students with a Voice. She shared
stories of counselors missing, overcrowded classrooms, and the
loss of career advisors. She clarified that she is not speaking
because teachers told her to, but because she has seen the
results of funding cuts to education, which are hurting students
and the future of Alaska.
She asked the committee to work together toward a positive
future for Alaska.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Ms. Galvin.
SENATOR GARDNER said she especially liked Nora's closing
comments. She requested a copy of them.
CHAIR STEVENS said it is good to hear from students.
9:28:21 AM
ALISON ARIANS, Member, Great Alaska Schools, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 147. She said she is a small business
owner who is concerned about the cuts schools are facing. She
shared her personal history. She urged the committee to restore
the funds that have been eroded with an increase of at least
$400 to the BSA, and to inflation proof the BSA.
She noted that funding mechanisms are very complicated, but
maintained that prioritizing education funding really works.
When legislators in 2004 significantly increased the BSA,
Anchorage graduation rates were turned around. Reading, writing,
and math scores also improved. She thanked the legislature for
the increased investment from 2004 to 2011. She requested that
the legislature not cut off the tremendous progress.
She noted that the Anchorage School District lost 200 positions
last year and will lose 200 more next year. There has already
been a flattening in third grade reading scores, probably due to
the reduction in teacher aids.
She listed areas of support in Anchorage for adequately funding
schools. There are more than 700 members of a new organization
called Great Alaska Schools - Anchorage. Parents, community
members, and business people are coming together to promote
strong public schools. Many PTA organizations have also come
together in a coalition to support a significantly increased and
stabilized BSA. Also, Students with a Voice has almost 800
members. She emphasized the number of vocal people supporting
the BSA increase.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Ms. Arians.
9:32:24 AM
KATHY TRAN, Student, Floyd Dryden Middle School, Juneau, Alaska,
testified in support of SB 147. She urged the committee to vote
"yes" on SB 147. She said Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks
schools have had to lay off teachers in order to meet rising
costs and flat funding. Increased class size is a problem
because close interactions between students and teachers is
essential for student success. She shared her experience as a
student with positive relationships with teachers.
She said many people want to see SB 147 pass. The Association of
Alaska School Boards is strongly urging the legislature for an
increase to the BSA. According to the National Education
Association, Alaska's per pupil expenditures have not been
keeping up with the rest of the nation. An increase in the BSA
will save important programs and teachers' jobs, and give
students the best educational environment they need and deserve.
CHAIR STEVENS thanked Ms. Tran. He held SB 147 in committee.
9:35:35 AM
CHAIR STEVENS noted public testimony would continue at a later
date.
9:35:42 AM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Stevens adjourned the Senate Education Standing Committee
at 9:35 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 12_SB147_Resolution_NonProfits_Support_Inflation_Proofing_BSA.pdf |
SEDC 2/28/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 147 |
| 13_SB147_WestHigh_PTSA_Resolution_BSA_Increase.PDF |
SEDC 2/28/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 147 |
| 14_SB139_Resolution_NonProfits_Support_Inflation_Proofing_BSA.pdf |
SEDC 2/28/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |
| 15_SB139_WestHigh_PTSA_Resolution_BSA_Increase.PDF |
SEDC 2/28/2014 8:00:00 AM |
SB 139 |