Legislature(2017 - 2018)BUTROVICH 205
04/04/2017 03:30 PM Senate EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB96 | |
| SB102 | |
| SB103 | |
| SB104 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 102 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 103 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 104 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 96 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
April 4, 2017
3:31 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Shelley Hughes, Chair
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Cathy Giessel
Senator John Coghill
Senator Tom Begich
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 96
"An Act relating to education; relating to school districts;
relating to course credit for students; relating to group
insurance, self-insurance, and other cooperative arrangements
between school districts and businesses, nonprofit
organizations, and government agencies; relating to funding for
school districts; relating to school operating funds; relating
to competency examinations for teacher certificates; relating to
the Professional Teaching Practices Commission; relating to the
duties and powers of the Department of Education and Early
Development and the commissioner of education and early
development; relating to a virtual education consortium;
relating to the minimum wage for bus drivers; relating to the
investment, appropriation, and administration of the public
school trust fund; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSSB 96(EDC) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 102
"An Act relating to funding for Internet services for school
districts; and relating to the Alaska higher education
investment fund."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 103
"An Act establishing the Alaska education innovation grant
program; eliminating the Alaska education grant program and the
Alaska performance scholarship program; redesignating the Alaska
higher education investment fund as the Alaska education
innovation grant fund; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 104
"An Act relating to the duties of the state Board of Education
and Early Development; and relating to school curriculum."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 96
SHORT TITLE: EDUCATION:SCHOOLS/TEACHERS/FUNDING
SPONSOR(s): EDUCATION
03/20/17 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/20/17 (S) EDC, FIN
03/22/17 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
03/22/17 (S) Heard & Held
03/22/17 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
03/23/17 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/23/17 (S) Heard & Held
03/23/17 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
03/24/17 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
03/24/17 (S) <Bill Hearing Canceled>
03/27/17 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
03/27/17 (S) Heard & Held
03/27/17 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
03/28/17 (S) EDC AT 5:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/28/17 (S) Heard & Held
03/28/17 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
03/30/17 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
03/30/17 (S) Heard & Held
03/30/17 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
03/31/17 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
03/31/17 (S) Heard & Held
03/31/17 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
04/03/17 (S) EDC AT 8:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
04/03/17 (S) Heard & Held
04/03/17 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
04/04/17 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 102
SHORT TITLE: INTERNET FOR SCHOOLS; FUNDING
SPONSOR(s): FINANCE
04/03/17 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/03/17 (S) EDC, FIN
04/03/17 (S) HUS WAIVED PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE,RULE
23
04/04/17 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 103
SHORT TITLE: ED GRANTS/SCHOLARSHIP;INNOVATIVE ED FUND
SPONSOR(s): FINANCE
04/03/17 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/03/17 (S) EDC, FIN
04/03/17 (S) HUS WAIVED PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE,RULE
23
04/04/17 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 104
SHORT TITLE: EDUCATION CURRICULUM
SPONSOR(s): FINANCE
04/03/17 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/03/17 (S) EDC, FIN
04/03/17 (S) HUS WAIVED PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE,RULE
23
04/04/17 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
BRITTANY HUTCHINSON, Staff
Senator Anna MacKinnon
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented information about SB 102, SB 103,
and SB 104, on behalf of the Senate Finance Committee.
SENATOR ANNA MACKINNON, Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 102, SB 103, and SB 104 on
behalf of the Senate Finance Committee.
JENNIFER MCNICHOL, Vice President
Sitka School Board
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 102, SB 103, and SB 104.
PETE HOEPFNER, Superintendent
Cordova School District
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 102, SB 103, and SB 104.
PENNY VADLA, Vice President
Kenai Peninsula School Board
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 102, SB 103, and SB 104.
JEANNIE KITAYAMA, Member
Haines School Board
Haines, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 102, SB 103, and SB 104.
CASS POOK, Member
Sitka School Board
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 102, SB 103, and SB 104.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:31:26 PM
CHAIR SHELLEY HUGHES called the Senate Education Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:31 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Begich, Giessel, Stevens, Coghill, and Chair
Hughes. She listed the bills to be heard: SB 96, SB 102, SB 103,
and SB 104. She hoped to pass out SB 96 depending on the will of
the committee. She will provide an opportunity for school
districts to testify on SB 102, 103, and 104 today, and there
will be public testimony tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. She encouraged
people to submit written testimony. She requested that testimony
be limited to the bills before the committee and not on the
proposed budget reductions.
SB 96-EDUCATION: SCHOOLS/TEACHERS/FUNDING
3:34:15 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced the consideration of SB 96.
3:34:32 PM
SENATOR BEGICH thanked Mr. Banks, Chair Hughes, and the
committee for their work on SB 96. He recalled that when his dad
worked in the legislature, they took a decade to get 24
education reform bills passed. This committee took time,
deliberation, and thoughtfulness on SB 96.
He described the excellent education system in the state in the
1960s and hoped Alaska would have a similar system again. He
said he still has issues with items in the bill, but will
support it because the bill is moving in the right direction.
He got a legal opinion on the use of the principal of the Public
Schools Land Trust that causes him some concern, but said it can
be fixed. This bill does great things around innovation and
technology, and provides for districts that want to work
together. For all of those reasons, he said he will support the
bill.
3:37:52 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL voiced appreciation for the bill. She still had
concerns about the repealing of double minimum wages for bus
drivers in Section 24. She proposed to delete Section 24 and
leave the double minimum wages in place. She understood that
only four school districts have unionized members and would be
affected by the provision.
3:38:55 PM
CHAIR HUGHES clarified that the provision is an option for
districts. She said removing Section 24 is not a deal breaker
for her. She said there are some very good tools in the bill and
she did not want to see the process slowed down.
3:39:30 PM
SENATOR COGHILL liked the idea of the curriculum consortium, but
he still had questions about it. He did not know if the
consortium was an enabler or not. If it becomes a constrainer he
said he will have problems with it. He requested the Department
of Education and Early Development (DEED) to keep an eye on it.
He thought innovative ideas districts are already using should
be considered.
He thought the committee would spend time in the summer on the
bill.
CHAIR HUGHES reassured that they have had lengthy conversations
with the department on the consortium; it is an optional
provision for districts. She expected to have Act II of the bill
next year.
3:42:03 PM
SENATOR COGHILL said two areas come to mind Section 24. His
district could not get enough bus drivers for the first three
weeks of school. He also wanted to know how the bill will impact
his district.
3:43:05 PM
SENATOR STEVENS said hearing the bill has been a wide-ranging
experience. He still had concerns about unintended consequences.
3:43:34 PM
CHAIR HUGHES thanked Mr. Banks, Senator Begich and his staff,
Sydney, as well as and Kate Glover in Legislative Legal for
their work on the bill.
She said the committee would look at teacher education and
truancy problems next year. She commented on the change to the
provision in the bill about merging facilities and said the
districts would be contacting the department with ideas. She
provided an example of factors to consider in order to free up
dollars.
3:45:59 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL moved to report the CS for SB 96, version 30-
LS0452\M, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal notes.
CHAIR HUGHES announced that without objection, CSSB 96(EDC)
passed from the Senate Education Standing Committee.
3:46:20 PM
At ease
SB 102-INTERNET FOR SCHOOLS; FUNDING
3:47:54 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced the consideration of SB 102.
3:48:16 PM
BRITTANY HUTCHINSON, Staff, Senator Anna MacKinnon, Alaska State
Legislature, presented information about SB 102, SB 103, and SB
104 on behalf of the Senate Finance Committee. She related that
there are high achieving students, great teachers, and great
schools and districts in Alaska. However, there are also many
schools that are not achieving and there is a large achievement
gap for many Alaskan students. Outcomes are not where they
should be for students to be prepared for life after high
school. The goals of the three bills are to prioritize K-12
education as the state's constitutional responsibility and to
prioritize how the state's limited funds are spent. Other goals
are to improve outcomes for Alaska's students and to provide for
efficiency and streamlined deliveries of education processes and
procedures. Alaska's students deserve a 21st Century education.
3:49:50 PM
MS. HUTCHISON provided the sectional analysis of SB 102:
Section 1 AS 14.03.127(a)
Increases the floor of internet download speed from 10
megabits per second (Mbps) to 25 megabits per second
(Mbps) for every school in Alaska.
Section 2 AS 37.14.750(a)
Puts into statute that the legislature may pay for
internet services through the Higher Education Fund.
Section 3 AS 37.14.750
Conforming language that allows the legislature to pay
for internet services through the Higher Education
Fund.
CHAIR HUGHES asked if there is any background information to
share.
3:50:19 PM
MS. HUTCHISON said the reason 25 Mgbs was chosen for the bill
was because all schools could increase to that amount without
any additional infrastructure. She said that amount is based on
the federal E-rate Program, which covers 70 percent to 90
percent of internet services, depending on how many students are
on the free or reduced lunch program. For every state dollar,
schools receive about $7 federal dollars.
All school districts utilize the E-rate Program. Only 29 school
districts used the Broadband Assistance Grant. She estimated
that the bill will bring 197 schools up to 25 Mgbs.
CHAIR HUGHES asked how much funding will be available.
MS. HUTCHISON said they don't have a fiscal note yet, but they
estimate about $16 million will be needed to bring all schools
up to 25 Mgbs, tapering off each year.
3:52:33 PM
SENATOR BEGICH asked if they calculated the ability for each
school to make use of that 25 Mgbs by various methods. He did
not want to see any schools left behind.
MS. HUTCHISON said all schools can come up to 25 Mgbs.
SENATOR BEGICH pointed out that the download is often absorbed
by other users in the community. He suggested making it a
dedicated 25 Mgbs for schools.
MS. HUTCHISON said it was an excellent idea.
3:54:14 PM
SENATOR BEGICH said it should be easy to add language. He
suggested an addition of "an applicant's share to a dedicated 25
Mgbs" would ensure that it would not be consumed by the
community.
CHAIR HUGHES noted a new satellite launch and the potential for
expansion of internet in Alaska.
She asked how many schools would be upgraded.
MS. HUTCHISON said 197 schools, according to 2016 FCC
information.
3:56:33 PM
SENATOR BEGICH asked if the suggestion of 25 Mgbs came from the
FCC.
MS. HUTCHISON replied that is was from the Alaska Telephone
Association.
3:56:59 PM
CHAIR HUGHES held SB 102 in committee.
SB 103-ED GRANTS/SCHOLARSHIP;INNOVATIVE ED FUND
3:57:29 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced the consideration of SB 103.
3:57:44 PM
MS. HUTCHISON explained SB 103. She provided the sectional
analysis:
Section 1: AS 14.03
Adds a new section, AS 14.03.128, that establishes the
Alaska Education Innovation Grant Fund. School
Districts may request a grant under this section for
the support of innovative education ideas. The
Commissioner of the Department of Education and Early
Development (DEED) shall determine annually the amount
requested for grants and submit them in their budget
for legislative approval.
Section 2: AS 14.42.030(e)
Removes the Alaska Education Grant from state statute.
The Alaska Education Grant is in AS 14.43.400 - AS
14.43.420.
Section 3: AS 14.43.810(a)
Makes the high school graduating class of 2017, the
last high school class to receive the Alaska
Performance Scholarship (APS).
Section 4: AS 14.43.820(a)
Allows the commission to award an APS to a student no
later than July 1, 2017.
Section 5: AS 14.43.915(a)
Makes the APS and the Alaska Education Grant (AEG)
available to students for four years and does not
allow a student's eligibility to go past the 2020-2021
academic year.
Section 6: AS 14.43.915(a)
Conforming Language to change the name of the fund
from "Alaska Higher Education Investment" to the
"Alaska Education Innovation Grant". This section
deals with money going from the fund to the Alaska
Education Grant fund. This section is repealed Feb. 1,
2021.
Section 7: AS 14.43.915(b)
Conforming Language to change the name of the fund
from "Alaska Higher Education Investment" to the
"Alaska Education Innovation Grant". This section
deals with money going from the fund to the Alaska
Performance Scholarship award account. This section is
repealed Feb. 1, 2021.
Section 8: AS 14.43.915(c)
Conforming Language to change the name of the fund
from "Alaska Higher Education Investment" to the
"Alaska Education Innovation Grant". This section
deals with the allocation of monies from the fund.
This section is repealed Feb. 1, 2021.
Section 9: AS 14.45.130(a)
This section deals with eligibility of students from a
private or religious school receiving the APS. It is
repealed Feb. 1, 2021.
3:59:00 PM
Section 10: AS 37.14.750(a)
Conforming Language to change the name of the fund
from "Alaska Higher Education Investment" to the
"Alaska Education Innovation Grant". This section
establishes the purpose of the fund, which is "making
grants to school districts to support the Alaska
Education Innovation Grant Program."
Section 11: AS 37.14.750(a)
Conforming Language to change the name of the fund
from "Alaska Higher Education Investment" to the
"Alaska Education Innovation Grant". This section
establishes the purpose of the fund, which is "making
grants to school districts to support the Alaska
Education Innovation Grant Program." This section also
removes the language that allows payments from the
fund to go to scholarships to postsecondary
institutions. This section is repealed in Feb. 1,
2021.
Section 12: AS 37.14.750(d)
Conforming Language to change the name of the fund
from "Alaska Higher Education Investment" to the
"Alaska Education Innovation Grant".
Section 13: AS 43.20.014(a)
Conforming Language to change the name of the fund
from "Alaska Higher Education Investment" to the
"Alaska Education Innovation Grant".
Section 14: AS 43.55.019(a)
Conforming Language to change the name of the fund
from "Alaska Higher Education Investment" to the
"Alaska Education Innovation Grant".
Section 15: AS 43.56.018(a)
Conforming Language to change the name of the fund
from "Alaska Higher Education Investment" to the
"Alaska Education Innovation Grant".
Section 16: AS 43.65.018(a)
Conforming Language to change the name of the fund
from "Alaska Higher Education Investment" to the
"Alaska Education Innovation Grant".
Section 17: AS 43.75.018(a)
Conforming Language to change the name of the fund
from "Alaska Higher Education Investment" to the
"Alaska Education Innovation Grant".
Section 18: AS 43.77.045(a)
Conforming Language to change the name of the fund
from "Alaska Higher Education Investment" to the
"Alaska Education Innovation Grant".
Section 19: AS 14.03.113
AS 14.03.113, "District's determination of scholarship
eligibility" is repealed July 1, 2017
Section 20
Repeals the following sections on Feb. 1, 2021.
Article 8: Alaska Education Grant Program
- AS 14.43.400 - Purpose; creation
- AS 14.43.405 - Administration
- AS 14.43.406 - Applicability of other laws
- AS 14.43.415 - Eligibility; priority
- AS 14.43.420 - Limitation on grants
Article 12: Alaska Performance Scholarship Program
- AS 14.43.810 - Alaska performance scholarship program
established; regulations
- AS 14.43.820 - Alaska performance scholarship program;
eligibility
- AS 14.43.825 - Maximum annual awards
- AS 14.43.830 - Qualified postsecondary institutions
- AS 14.43.840 - Report to the Legislature
- AS 14.43.849 - Definitions
Article 13 General Provisions
- AS 14.43.915 - Alaska education grant account and
Alaska performance scholarship award account
Article 9: Alaska Higher Education Investment Fund
- AS 37.14.750(c) - As soon as is practicable after July
1 of each year, the commissioner of revenue shall
determine the market value of the fund established in
this section on June 30 for the immediately preceding
fiscal year. The commissioner shall identify seven
percent of that amount as available for appropriation
as follows: (1) one-third for the grant account
established under AS 14.43.915AS 14.43.915(b), from
which the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
may award scholarships. (a), from which the Alaska
Commission on Postsecondary Education may award
grants; and (2) two-thirds for the scholarship account
established under
3:59:33 PM
Section 21: Applicability Section
The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education may
only award an APS to a new applicant if they are
determined eligible by their school district and
reported as eligible to DEED on or before July 1,
2017.
Section 22: Transition
The Departments of: Education and Early Development,
Labor and Workforce Development and the Alaska
Commission on Postsecondary Education may adopt
regulations to implement necessary changes made by
this act. The regulations may only take effect after
the law is implemented.
Section 23: Retroactivity
If Sections 3-5 and 19 of this Act take effect after
July 1, 2017, then sections 3-5 and 19 of this act are
retroactive to July 1, 2017.
Section 24: Effective Dates
Sections 2, 9, and 11 take effect Feb. 1, 2021.
Section 25: Effective Date
Except for Sections 2, 9, and 11, this act takes
effect immediately.
4:00:42 PM
SENATOR BEGICH voiced concern about a policy bill coming from
Senate Finance Committee at this late date. He said Sections 12-
17 are amendments to Education Tax Credit that is set to sunset
next year. He said that he has crafted an amendment to extend it
seven more years, if the sponsor is interested. He asked whether
Senator Coghill will be offering it as a bill.
4:02:53 PM
SENATOR BEGICH related that the Innovation Grant Fund provides
support to offset cuts proposed by the Senate Finance Committee.
He asked how much is in the Grant Fund for this fiscal year.
4:03:36 PM
MS. HUTCHISON said the amount in the Alaska Higher Education
Investment will be transferred into the Alaska Education
Innovation Grant Fund. That amount currently is $349 million.
SENATOR BEGICH asked if the entire amount will be available for
the Grant Fund.
MS. HUTCHISON explained that the whole Grant Fund will not be
available; the Alaska Performance Scholarship and the Alaska
Higher Education Investment must be funded for four more years,
as well as non-designated appropriations.
4:04:36 PM
SENATOR BEGICH asked how much will be available.
MS. HUTCHISON offered get that information.
4:05:08 PM
CHAIR HUGHES thought there might be $100 million left.
MS. HUTCHISON said she has seen the figures of $100 million and
$118 million.
SENATOR BEGICH explained that there is a one-time decrement of
$69 million that lowers the BSA and follows through over time.
4:05:52 PM
CHAIR HUGHES stated that the formula is not being change. She
said the idea is to help districts come up with new ways to
provide classroom instruction and serve as lasting changes. The
Innovation Grants would no longer be needed year after year.
4:06:43 PM
SENATOR BEGICH restated his question for the benefit of Senator
MacKinnon, sponsor, who just joined the meeting.
4:07:01 PM
SENATOR ANNA MACKINNON, Alaska State Legislature, speaking on
behalf of the Senate Finance Committee, explained why Senator
Begich's analysis was not correct. She noted the starting point
of $349,360,778 in the FY18 Governor's budget for the Education
Innovation Grant Fund. There are different draws on the Fund in
both the House and Senate, so she cannot provide a balance after
those are taken. Also, two other bills before the committee will
draw from the Fund, should SB 103 pass. If the APS stays the
same, it will also draw from the Fund. In addition, they propose
to use a one-time expense in the e-rate bill, and the curriculum
bill will probably pay for a DEED advisor. She concluded that
she does not know what the final number will look like because
there are different ways the money could be reduced over time.
She is expecting fiscal notes for SB 102, SB 103, and SB 104
soon.
She spoke of the APS funding ramp down over four years.
4:09:39 PM
SENATOR MACKINNON discussed the huge budget shortfall and the
fact that she has met with districts regarding their needs. She
said the bill is designed with no funds available, except from
drawing from savings to keep afloat the current system. The bill
retools a fund where there are dollars available to provide
students with better outcomes at state and global levels. The
bill is intended to keep afloat the current system and allow
students to have better outcomes. It takes existing resources
and uses them for a constitutionally required benefit for K-12
students.
4:11:26 PM
SENATOR BEGICH agreed there is a constitutional obligation to
provide an adequate education. He noted that the Grant Fund does
not continue into perpetuity.
SENATOR MACKINNON said that is dependent on the legislature. She
countered that "we are required to provide a basic education,
not an adequate education." She said she wants all children to
succeed and pursue their dreams and it is her hope that the
Grant Fund would continue to be a bridge to provide additional
opportunities. She explained that the Senate's budget is using a
portion of the Grant Fund to pay the debt down of the unfunded
PERS and TRS liability. The conference committee, should the
budgets pass, would have the option of leaving the money in the
Grant Fund or using it for a one-time expense. There originally
was much more in the Grant Fund and it has decreased. About $350
million is available now for the legislature and the Governor to
consider its best use.
4:14:06 PM
She added that e-rate and reoccurring costs would also come out
of the Grant Fund.
SENATOR BEGICH stated that the bill phases out the APS by 2021.
He asked if it was also phasing out the needs-based Scholarship.
SENATOR MACKINNON said yes.
SENATOR BEGICH noted there would be future competition for the
grants by 53 school districts resulting in inequities created
due to the skill level of grant writers. He hoped there would be
consideration for a fairer playing field.
4:15:28 PM
SENATOR MACKINNON replied that DEED is involved in the process
of working with districts to provide a level playing field.
CHAIR HUGHES noted that DEED is present in the room and hears
the discussion.
She understood that the Innovation Grants will be able to
continue without ongoing funds.
4:16:40 PM
SENATOR MACKINNON said that is one way to look at it. The bill
provides that DEED would come to the legislature in the form of
a budget request after working with school districts across the
state and after gaining support by the State Board of Education
and the Governor. They could be ongoing, depending on what a
district chooses to do.
SENATOR MACKINNON stated that it is not fun to close down a
program that is benefitting students, however, the state must
prioritize the money it is currently utilizing. This proposal
would benefit all students in Alaska, while the APS benefits
only a few hundred or a thousand. She said her desire is not to
pit one program against the other, but to have the same students
benefit from the program, sooner rather than later, so that they
are prepared to enter college or a vocational program.
4:18:28 PM
SENATOR BEGICH voiced concern, not about the end of the APS, but
about the $69 million removed from the BSA for competitive
grants. He asked if they are directing districts as to where
they can put their resources.
SENATOR MACKINNON said no. She recalled the press conference
yesterday where the bill was mentioned as innovation she hoped
districts could use. She said the $68 million cut to the BSA is
a different discussion and SB 103 is not tied to it. The cut is
in response to a proposed $13 billion to be drawn from savings
with a section of government she believes is taking over 30
percent of designated general funds and applying a small cut,
compared to other cuts that are being made in other departments.
She said her intent is to provide a bridge to the future.
Everyone wants what is best for kids, but there is a need to
change together. She looks to the Board of Education and DEED,
working with school districts, to come up with something
everyone can support.
She spoke of how the e-rate bill could be used to support
smaller districts. She pointed out that none of the bills
mandate anyone to do anything. She hoped to work together on BSA
concerns. She concluded that cuts to the budget are difficult
for everyone and are part of a process. They will try to do
everything possible to put students first.
4:23:05 PM
CHAIR HUGHES said during all exploratory hearings on education,
it has been highlighted that Alaska is not fully meeting
students' education needs and there is a disparity in
achievement. The Senate Education Committee is trying to step
out of the box to be innovative and to change those results. She
said the timing is right, with good leadership and the Alaska
Innovative Challenge. She has had conversations with people in
other states and has concluded that Alaska will be a leader in
this mission. She said they will work together with both bodies,
the administration, and districts to effect change and make a
difference. She appreciated Senator MacKinnon's work.
4:25:24 PM
SENATOR GIESSEL underscored Chair Hughes comments. She said that
there have been discussions about innovation in education the
past four years. She said the state cannot continue to do the
same thing and expect different results. Funding is not getting
to the classrooms and allowing teachers to teach to their
highest capacity. She said she is supportive of SB 103.
4:26:33 PM
CHAIR HUGHES agreed that teachers need the freedom to be
flexible and creative.
4:26:51 PM
SENATOR BEGICH related that he believes in the same things and
supports innovation. He agreed that these bills are innovative,
however, the process is concerning. There is an odd disconnect
between these bills and what is going on overall with education
funding. He requested looking at everything together. The three
bills are laudable. He requested to be sure that due diligence
is used.
CHAIR HUGHES held SB 103 in committee.
SB 104-EDUCATION CURRICULUM
4:29:19 PM
CHAIR HUGHES announced the consideration of SB 104.
SENATOR ANNA MACKINNON, Alaska State Legislature, speaking on
behalf of the Senate Finance Committee, explained that SB 104
proposes to suspend curriculum adoption for schools for three
years and allow time to work with DEED to find best practices
and curriculum from other states and nations that have better
outcomes than Alaska has, specifically for math and Language
Arts
4:30:05 PM
MS. HUTCHISON provided the sectional analysis:
Section 1 AS 14.07
A) Adds a new section titled, "Curriculum Approval and
Review".
B) This section allows the State Board of Education (BOE)
to approve of all curricula from the largest 5 school
districts, based on the 2015-2016 ADM and 2 rural
school districts, chosen by the BOE, and makes it
available for all school districts to use, on a
voluntary basis.
C) The Department of Education and Early Development
(DEED), in consultation with school districts, shall
review curricula used in other states and other
countries to find the best curricula and best
practices in the areas of Math and English language
arts. DEED has one year to complete this review. DEED
shall then implement a way to test this new curricula,
for a period of two years, to make sure that it is
appropriate and then submit it to the State BOE for
approval.
D) DEED may submit the curriculum to the BOE for
approval, after testing, if it meets the requirements
of being: appropriate, incompliance with
nondiscrimination standards, aligned with stat
education standards, and result in improved academic
achievement for students
E) If the State BOE approves of the curriculum, they
shall make it available for all school districts to
use on a voluntary basis.
F) The State BOE shall adopt standards for the approval
of the curriculum and best practices.
G) School districts do not have to have their math and
English language arts curriculum go through the
approval or review process for three years. After the
three years, if a school district adopts the BOE's new
approved curriculum for math and English language
arts, they do not need that curriculum reviewed or
approved.
H) Defines School District as having the meaning given in
AS 14.30.350.
4:31:13 PM
CHAIR HUGHES asked if curriculum review will be an on-going task
for DEED.
MS. HUTCHISON said it would be a one-time provision.
CHAIR HUGHES suggested considering that it may be needed more
often.
SENATOR MACKINNON reported that over a year ago she submitted a
letter to the State Board of Education requesting that they take
on the responsibility of finding curriculum appropriate for
smaller districts. She said that DEED has lost most curriculum
specialists, so a fiscal note might be warranted. If curriculum
were to be adopted by the State Board as a matter of practice on
a regular basis, then smaller school districts could choose to
look to the State Board for curriculum review for possible cost
savings. She concluded that it is not in the bill in perpetuity
because she believes it is a State Board responsibility and they
should work together with DEED and districts to see if there is
interest and cost savings.
4:33:21 PM
SENATOR BEGICH understood that the fiscal note would provide
funding for DEED. He asked if the bill's intent is not to have a
mandate for math and English, but to prepare the curriculum so
that a local district may choose it.
SENATOR MACKINNON said yes; it is an opt-in and has no mandate.
She hoped the State Board would agree that it is of value to
smaller school district. Many of the "big five" school districts
are already using similar curriculum. Small districts may have
more varied curriculum.
SENATOR BEGICH commented on the great innovations happening in
Copper River School District and in Chugach School District. He
suggested curriculum for small districts might already be
available. He wanted to ensure the power of the local school
board.
SENATOR MACKINNON said local control is mandated in the
constitution and the bill tries to honor that. She agreed there
are great performing districts in Alaska.
4:36:13 PM
CHAIR HUGHES asked what it costs a district to review a K-12
curriculum.
MS. HUTCHISON said DEED told her it cost about $323 per student
to update curriculum.
4:37:05 PM
CHAIR HUGHES stated she would hold SB 104 in committee.
4:37:24 PM
SENATOR MACKINNON stated that they are not pre-assuming cost
savings in districts in any amount. All provisions are on a
volunteer basis. She noted it is an open dialogue and is a
process.
CHAIR HUGHES concluded that there could be savings by districts
if they decided to go with some of the provisions in the bill.
4:38:26 PM
JENNIFER MCNICHOL, Vice President, Sitka School Board, testified
on SB 102, SB 103, and SB 104. She said they have no problems
with the internet provisions in SB 102, however, they do have
concerns about micromanagement and diverting funds from general
education.
She spoke to SB 104 and the provision against maintaining the
APS. She pointed to successes due to the APS and students'
choices to attend UAS because of it. There will be ripple
effects from discontinuing the fund, such as students leaving
the state for education and not returning. She recalled that APS
was also on the block last year and students came to lobby for
it.
4:42:06 PM
MS. MCNICHOL spoke of concerns about the Innovative Grants being
subject to legislative appropriation. There is no guarantee they
will be available in future years. The district has been under
budget constraints and has been trimming their budget, which has
led to some wonderful innovations, such as collaboration with
non-profits and using more grants. However, there are costs in
administering grants. The overall feeling by the district is
that they would rather have more general education funding than
pursuing and competing for grants.
4:44:06 PM
MS. MCNICHOL addressed the achievement gap and poor outcomes.
She pointed out that in the past two to three years there has
been no consistent statewide assessment. Things may have changed
that have not been measured.
MS. MCNICHOL voiced a concern in SB 104 regarding curriculum
review. She liked the notion of fiscal support for DEED to
develop math and English curriculum, however, a one-time review
of curricula is a concern. Districts are mandated to review
curricula every six years, which seems reasonable. They support
best practices for curricula, but also highly value local
control. Sitka is in the midst of implementing culturally
responsive programming at every level in every class. She feared
the pressure to adopt a statewide curriculum would jeopardize
that effort. She was happy it was not mandated. She thanked
committee members for their service.
4:47:18 PM
PETE HOEPFNER, Superintendent, Cordova School District,
testified on SB 102, SB 103, and SB 104. He said increasing
bandwidth, as provided in SB 102, is a good idea, but they have
concerns with SB 103 about the elimination of the APS and the
rigorous course work it requires. Students have been focusing on
a rigorous pathway in order to qualify for the APS. He
questioned how long the innovation grants would be available.
Regarding SB 104, he noted that Cordova has a six-year
curriculum review schedule.
4:49:57 PM
PENNY VADLA, Vice President, Kenai Peninsula School Board,
testified on SB 102, SB 103, and SB 104. She said the district
has not had enough time to thoroughly consider the bills. She
commented that the broadband in SB 102 would be nice for schools
who lack enough access. She spoke in favor of keeping the APS,
not eliminating it as proposed in SB 103 because it helps so
many students and keeps them in Alaska.
She noted some issues with the Innovation Grant because KPBSD
has been very good with innovation and has used efficiencies
well. They have used Digital Incentive Grants for innovative
purposes and already have new programs in place. They have a lot
of knowledge and can share their curriculum with other
districts. She did not think DEED needs to look out-of-state for
innovative curricula. She stressed the importance of looking
inward for innovation, making use of professional development to
share it, and saving money.
4:53:21 PM
MS. VADLA stated that curriculum review in KPBSD is happening
currently in the areas of math and English. She stressed the
importance of cultural inclusion in curriculum. She opined that
some of the test results in Alaska are good, such as ACT in math
and reading, which are above national norms. She encouraged the
committee to believe that results aren't necessarily poor. She
noted that districts are already partnering and sharing
information.
4:56:09 PM
CHAIR HUGHES agreed that Kenai was doing great things and said
the committee was able to participate in a virtual classroom
with them.
4:56:35 PM
JEANNIE KITAYAMA, Member, Haines School Board, testified on SB
102, SB 103, and SB 104. She said she is a newly retired
teacher. She agreed with previous testimony by experienced
school board members. She spoke in favor of increased broadband,
and the retention of the APS. She thought innovation was a
popular buzz word. She said charter schools were developed in
order to try different ideas, taking successful ones into public
schools. She commented that Alaska Schools are unique and
diverse. She questioned whether a curriculum could be found that
would fit every school.
4:58:37 PM
CASS POOK, Member, Sitka School Board, testified on SB 102, SB
103, and SB 104. She spoke in opposition to doing away with the
APS. She shared a personal story about her son who would be a
beneficiary of the APS.
She said the state would not need to be looking at the bills if
there had been adequate funding for the past 8-10 years. She
asked how they can work together to ensure that more things are
not taken away. She thanked the committee for their work.
5:01:39 PM
CHAIR HUGHES noted public testimony would continue tomorrow.
CHAIR HUGHES held SB 104 in committee.
5:03:00 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Hughes adjourned the Senate Education Standing Committee
at 5:03 p.m.