Legislature(2023 - 2024)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/03/2024 03:30 PM Senate EDUCATION
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB266 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| += | SB 266 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
May 3, 2024
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Löki Tobin, Chair
Senator Gary Stevens, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 266
"An Act relating to standards-based assessments; relating to
correspondence study programs; relating to student fund accounts
for correspondence study programs; and providing for an
effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 266
SHORT TITLE: CORRESPONDENCE STUDY PROG; STUDENT ACCTS
SPONSOR(s): EDUCATION
04/26/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/26/24 (S) EDC
04/29/24 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
04/29/24 (S) Heard & Held
04/29/24 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
05/01/24 (S) FIN REFERRAL ADDED AFTER EDC
05/01/24 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
05/01/24 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
05/03/24 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
LARRY SLONE, representing self
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 266.
DAVID MORRISON, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
MARIA MICHALOSKI, representing self
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
KATHERINE ARNDT, representing self
Palmer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
MELINDA DEGNAN, representing self
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
KATE GAPPERT, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
DEB MACKIE, Assistant Director
IDEA Homeschool
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
CHRISTY MONTERO, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
CHERIE TAYLOR, representing self
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
AMANDA WRAITH, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
EMILY MOODY, representing self
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns on SB 266.
CLAY ARNOLD, representing self
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
SUSANNE ALDRIDGE, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
ANDY HOLLEMAN, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 266.
KATHY DEGNAN, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
LEEANN SHOWELL, representing self
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
KASIE KRAGE, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
BLAINE BRONSON, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
MARCILLA JAVIER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns.
ARIANA ANDERSON, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
JACINTHA MEZZETTI, representing self
Eagle River, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns on SB 266.
NICOLE AUSTIN, representing self
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
BRIAN ROZELL, Director
CyberLynx Correspondence School,
Nenana City School District
Nenana, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified with concerns on SB 266.
STEPHANIE FORESTER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
AMBER CUNNINGHAM, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 266.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:30:39 PM
CHAIR LÖKI TOBIN called the Senate Education Standing Committee
meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the call to order were
Senators Gray-Jackson, Kiehl, Stevens, and Chair Tobin. Senator
Bjorkman arrived thereafter.
SB 266-CORRESPONDENCE STUDY PROG; STUDENT ACCTS
3:31:34 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 266
"An Act relating to standards-based assessments; relating to
correspondence study programs; relating to student fund accounts
for correspondence study programs; and providing for an
effective date."
3:33:22 PM
CHAIR TOBIN stated this was the second hearing on SB 266. During
the first hearing public testimony was opened. The committee
will continue hearing public testimony today. She stated SB 266
is based off a regulatory package that was propagated by the
Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) in 2008. It
was in effect in 2014.
3:33:52 PM
CHAIR TOBIN stated she drafted SB 266 without assistance. If SB
266 looks like other legislation it is because it was based on
2008 regulations, which was the most recent example of a
constitutionally sound correspondence allotment program. She
said that people have concerns about stipulations that are
outlined in SB 266. The stipulations come from the 2008
regulatory package, that at the time were considered amiable
under the constitution. She referenced SB 266, page 3, line 30
and noted that while there are limitations on reimbursement for
family travel, there is a stipulation that DEED, the school
board, or a district superintendent could approve it. There is
also a stipulation that costs associated with memberships for
sports or access to recreation are deductible when included in
the student's individual learning plan. SB 266 on page 4, line
24, provides flexibility by allowing a chief school
administrator to identify items under a student's plan that may
exceed what is believed to be approved by the individual
learning plan.
3:36:05 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN joined the meeting.
CHAIR TOBIN said parents can use the allotment to purchase
materials, resources, and curricula that are approved by the
school district or DEED, including private tutoring. SB 266
includes accountability reporting necessary for providing
oversight and input. It also contains a requirement for student-
based assessments to acquire accountability data. She clarified
that the state has multiple statewide assessments, including the
AK STAR and MAPS testing, which are not high stakes tests but
rather tools used to determine whether students are learning
content standards. She referenced the Moore consent decree
directing the legislature to assess students to ensure they are
receiving appropriate instruction in content standards. Data
from the assessments allows the legislature to appropriately
allocate funds to underfunded areas thereby supporting the
state's constitutionally mandated public education systems.
3:38:00 PM
SENATOR STEVENS said he appreciated the discussion on the issues
addressed in SB 266. He opined that there has been
misunderstanding regarding the work that has been done, but the
goal is to make sure Alaska's children get educated and the
state's money is spent appropriately.
3:38:21 PM
CHAIR TOBIN opened public testimony on SB 266.
3:38:44 PM
LARRY SLONE, representing self, Homer, Alaska, testified in
support of SB 266 stating it helps clarify a central political
and social issue regarding the interpretation of the First
Amendment's "wall of separation" between church and state. He
said the statute has provided a valuable vehicle for public
funding of private and religious schools for ten years. He
opined that it is now under assault by public school funding
activists who, in the Alexander lawsuit, would cut off their
nose to spite their face regarding Alaska's educational systems.
It is important that their objective of shutting down public
funding be declared official policy so the statute can be
harmonized with the Alaska State Constitution's prohibition
against such public funding. At issue are efforts by activists
to empower governmentnot to establish a government-mandated
Church of Americabut to inappropriately flip the First
Amendment on its head and indiscriminately use government
decrees to condition Alaskans. Henceforth, Christian family
values would no longer play a role in the education of the
Nation's children, eliminating the need for competing private
schools. Alaskans face a stark choice: either shut down public
funding as mandated by the Constitution or amend the State
Constitution to allow freedom of expression, religious or
otherwise, in conformity with Supreme Court and other rulings.
3:41:12 PM
DAVID MORRISON, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 266. He stated that many homeschoolers avoid
public schools because they fail to meet children's needs,
parents disagree with the curriculum, or the schools lack
desired educational opportunities. He argued that SB 266 would
severely limit parents' ability to provide individualized
education tailored to their children's and families' needs,
often at a lower cost to the state than public schooling. He
opposed forcing all families and students to conform to a system
that does not serve everyone effectively. He added that if the
intent was solely to address constitutional issues with
correspondence schooling, SB 266 should limit its focus to that
matter.
3:42:21 PM
MARIA MICHALOSKI, representing self, Palmer, Alaska, testified
in opposition to SB 266. She thanked Senator Tobin for
clarifying that private tutoring is allowed and expressed
appreciation for this flexibility. She noted that SB 266 seemed
to suggest such tutoring required certified teachers employed by
the school district but was relieved to learn this was not the
case, as it would demand additional funding and burden already
busy teachers. She said her primary concern with SB 266 was the
cancellation of the rollover fund. She explained that since her
son enrolled in 2015, she has saved $15,000 from his allotment
for future higher education, such as college or pilot training,
instead of spending it on other classes or tutoring. She
expressed frustration that SB 266 would redirect this money to
the school district, which she finds unfair, and urged
consideration of amendments to align SB 266 more closely with HB
400.
3:44:04 PM
KATHERINE ARNDT, representing self, Palmer, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 266. She said she chose to homeschool her
children because her oldest son struggled with severe ADHD and
autistic tendencies, and attending a brick-and-mortar school
would not serve his needs or benefit others. She explained that
schools are not designed to provide the one-on-one time her son
requires, and the allotment received through IDEA (Interior
Distance Education of Alaska) has been invaluable. Rather than
providing unrestricted funds, the allotment enabled her to
tailor her children's curriculum, fund field trips exploring
Alaska's wildlife and history, and support unique activities
like learning Scottish bagpipes and drums. The allotment also
covered books that helped her older children achieve high
school-level reading skills by ages 9 and 10. She noted her
experience is not unique, citing Alaska charter schools' high
national rankings in mathematics and reading. She expressed
concern that SB 266 jeopardizes educational opportunities for
homeschool students, describing it as a setback for families
striving to provide quality education. She criticized SB 266 for
failing to distinguish between private schools and private
businesses, requiring certified teachers or staff for tutoring
and classes, mandating testing, and eliminating allotment
rollovers. She added that SB 266 might restrict access to
cultural and educational sites like the Anchorage Museum.
3:46:14 PM
MELINDA DEGNAN, representing self, North Pole, Alaska, testified
in opposition to SB 266. She expressed concern about mandatory
state testing, stating it does not benefit students and that
there are better ways to measure growth, success, and
appropriate fund use. She urged a focus on these alternatives to
preserve educational freedom. She opposed eliminating allotment
rollover, arguing it would not save money but instead prompt
parents to spend funds hastily, undermining their ability to
save for long-term goals like dual enrollment in college during
high school. She emphasized the harm this would cause to
students who have been saving for years to invest in their
futures. She also highlighted the potential negative impact of
stricter spending rules on remote students, who rely on
resources such as physical education equipment, and urged
careful consideration of their unique needs.
3:47:45 PM
KATE GAPPERT, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 266. She highlighted the availability of
quality standardized tests through the free market, offering
faster and more flexible results for parents. She questioned
whether Alaska applies retaliatory measures for test scores and
if such policies affect all schools equally. She emphasized that
rollover funds are essential for families saving for advanced
courses like AP and college classes, which motivate students and
parents. She asked whether restricted use would affect the
ability of correspondence schools to have clubs and sports. She
asked for clarification on whether private tutoring could be
used for the arts but not core subjects, arguing this would
contradict the state's efforts to improve education. She also
questioned the financial impact on small businesses and the
fairness of applying restrictions solely to correspondence
schools, urging clarity and reconsideration of limits SB 266
places on educational choices.
3:50:21 PM
DEB MACKIE, Assistant Director, IDEA Homeschool, Soldotna,
Alaska, testified in opposition to SB 266 on behalf of IDEA. She
stated she has been involved in homeschooling for over 30 years
and joined Interior Distance Education of Alaska (IDEA) at its
inception after independently homeschooling her oldest child.
She shared that her children, educated through individualized
homeschooling, pursued secondary education, and earned master's
degrees, becoming a successful businesswoman and a specialized
nurse and educator, respectively, while contributing
meaningfully to their communities. She emphasized that
assessments, like all aspects of education, should remain a
parental choice. She criticized SB 266 for limiting parental
choice, individual learning plans, and spending flexibility
compared to brick-and-mortar schools. She urged the committee to
align SB 266 with CSHB 400, which addresses constitutional
concerns without undermining public school choice for
homeschooling families.
3:53:01 PM
CHRISTY MONTERO, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 266. She stated that she is that parent of two
children that homeschool. She expressed concern about SB 266 and
its impact on educational flexibility and funding. She
emphasized that many students, including those with special
needs, do not thrive in traditional schools, and requiring
certified educators or resources would limit opportunities for
these children. She highlighted the importance of rollover
funds, noting that many families rely on these savings to plan
for their children's future education. She criticized SB 266 for
appearing to address public school funding shortfalls at the
expense of homeschool families, which she argued is unfair.
She noted that homeschool families are self-reliant and
resourceful and pointed out the challenges of finding enough
certified teachers to meet the proposed requirements. She
advocated for meeting in the middle and respecting families'
right to choose the educational approach that best fits their
children's needs, comparing educational choice to medical
decision-making. She urged legislators to consider collaborative
solutions that support all students and families, rather than
further dividing communities, and emphasized the importance of
respecting individual needs while managing resources flexibly.
3:56:01 PM
CHERIE TAYLOR, representing self, Soldotna, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 266. She expressed deep concern about its
impact on homeschooling families across the state. She
identified three key issues with SB 266: the removal of parents'
right to opt out of testing, which she argued should remain a
parental choice; significant allotment restrictions that
prohibit items like PE equipment, educational furniture, and in-
state travel, creating hardships for families and economic
losses for vendors; and the elimination of allotment carryovers,
which families rely on to cover more expensive materials and
classes as children grow older. She said she strongly supports
CSHB 400, version U, stating it offers continuity and minimizes
disruption for homeschool correspondence students, including her
son.
3:57:37 PM
AMANDA WRAITH, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 266. She urged alignment of SB 266 with CSHB
400, describing the latter as a better alternative. She opposed
SB 266 for unnecessary mandates. She specifically called for the
removal of mandatory testing requirements, noting that state-
provided test results arrive too late, often in January or
February, making them ineffective for timely decision-making.
She emphasized that better assessment options exist for
evaluating children and strongly discouraged further pursuit of
SB 266.
3:58:50 PM
EMILY MOODY, representing self, Cordova, Alaska, testified with
concerns on SB 266. She stated does not want any public money
used for religious schools, emphasizing the need to close any
loopholes because it is unconstitutional. She acknowledged
concerns about assessment requirements for homeschool and
correspondence schools and suggested that if those policies are
changed, alternative assessments should also be considered for
public schools facing similar challenges, as they too rely on
public funding.
4:00:14 PM
CLAY ARNOLD, representing self, Wasilla, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 266. He shared that his child is excelling in a
correspondence school, completing kindergarten while advancing
to second-grade math due to the tailored education something
not possible in a neighborhood school. He explained that he and
his family have invested significant time researching curricula
and methodologies that fit his child's needs, options that SB
266 would eliminate. He highlighted concerns about the wording
of SB 266, noting that while Senator Tobin stated textbooks
would still be allowed, the language in the bill does not
clearly reflect that intent. He urged clarity in the legislation
to avoid misinterpretation, citing terms like "private
educational institutions" as ambiguous. He emphasized that
parents, not the Department, know their children best and are
best equipped to evaluate their needs. He criticized mandatory
testing, arguing it has no educational benefit for children
since results are delayed for nearly a year and serve only the
state. He underscored the importance of preserving parental
choice, a hallmark of Alaska, and strongly opposed SB 266 for
undermining those rights.
CHAIR TOBIN referenced SB 266, page 3, lines 3 - 13.
4:02:19 PM
SUSANNE ALDRIDGE, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 266. She said she is a mother of three children
and has been a homeschool correspondence educator for five
years. She works with multiple community organizations serving
children and homeschooling youth and is a member of IDEA's
parental advisory committee. She described widespread concern
and uncertainty among homeschool families regarding proposed
allotment changes in SB 266, which she said threaten the
homeschooling model and children's right to an unencumbered
education. She argued that state assessments are not reliable
indicators of a child's aptitude, as factors like test anxiety
and cognitive maturity greatly influence results, and such
assessments should not determine allotment allowances. She
emphasized that restrictions on allotment spending in SB 266
would negatively affect all 22,000 Alaskan homeschool children
and families. Alaska is a state with limited access to resources
like physical education equipment and facilities, which are
vital for mental and physical health during long, harsh winters.
She expressed confidence in finding an amicable,
constitutionally compliant solution and voiced support for CSHB
400, which she said offers a more balanced and flexible approach
to homeschool correspondence programs while respecting the state
constitution.
4:03:59 PM
ANDY HOLLEMAN, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of SB 266. He said he is a retired educator, founder
of a charter correspondence school, and member of the Anchorage
School District (ASD) board. He thanked the committee for
introducing SB 266, which he described as clear, focused, and
likely to pass constitutional review. He noted that on Monday,
ASD paused reimbursements and expenditures due to concerns about
the legal basis for continuation. Due to the recent court ruling
the most immediate issues were alleviated a little. However, he
stressed the need for solid constitutional rules to guide fall
planning for correspondence programs and to assist families in
making decisions. He opined that SB 266 provides clear
guidelines to ensure compliance with the Constitution and urged
its passage during this legislative session to allow for timely
implementation. He encouraged the committee to expedite SB 266
and expressed appreciation for the work of the committee
members.
4:05:24 PM
KATHY DEGNAN, grandma of homeschool students, Fairbanks, Alaska,
testified in opposition to SB 266. She said she is a grandmother
of homeschooled children and the wife of an educator. She shared
concerns that public schools may not meet the unique needs of
children like her grandchildren, who are excelling in their
current homeschool environment but would be placed in a backroom
corner in public school. She emphasized that parents understand
their children's needs better than the educational system,
which, while valuable, cannot address every child's individual
requirements. She stressed the importance of maintaining the
rollover allotment, allowing families to save for college
credits, purchase PE equipment for harsh winters, and support
unique educational experiences like farm tours and museum
visits, which she described as critical to raising well-rounded,
socially adept children. She praised HB 400 as a viable
alternative and urged its consideration, highlighting its
support for parental rights and flexibility in education. She
concluded by reaffirming her belief that parents are best
equipped to make decisions for their children and asked
legislators to reject SB 266 in favor of more inclusive
solutions.
4:07:38 PM
LEEANN SHOWELL, representing self, North Pole, Alaska, testified
in opposition to SB 266. She expressed that her primary concern
about SB 266 was mandated state testing, stating it does not
adequately represent the broad range of material her children
are learning or their success in mastering it. She warned that
spending restrictions in SB 266 would negatively impact both
homeschooling families and Alaska's local economy, including
many businesses. She urged legislators to educate themselves on
what homeschooling truly entails, emphasizing the diverse
materials and experiences families provide under current
statutes. She highlighted that removing funding for PE equipment
and family passes could prevent her family from safely engaging
in outdoor activities during Alaska's long winters. She asked
lawmakers to consider the harmful effects of the proposed
changes on her family and others homeschooling through
correspondence schools. She strongly advocated for amendments to
SB 266 and suggested HB 400 as a better alternative, offering
continuity and better addressing the needs of homeschooling
families.
4:09:47 PM
KASIE KRAGE, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 266. She expressed her passion for protecting
Alaska's freedoms, particularly the right to homeschool in ways
that best suit families. She emphasized Alaska's uniqueness in
valuing independence and the ability to choose how children
learn. She argued that SB 266 threatens these freedoms by
limiting spending options previously allowed, which she believes
undermines Alaska's character and values. She urged the
committee to oppose SB 266, advocating for the preservation of
educational freedom and the ability for families to homeschool
according to their needs.
4:11:20 PM
BLAINE BRONSON, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified
in opposition to SB 266. He expressed concern over the removal
of rollover funds, noting that he and his wife have saved over
$20,000 for their children's future education, which now seems
at risk. He explained that losing this option limits
opportunities for older children to access higher education. He
also criticized the restrictions on PE and music spending,
highlighting the importance of indoor activities during Alaska's
harsh winters and drawing comparisons to public school programs
that fund activities like skiing, rentals, and passes, which he
believes should be equally available to homeschool families. He
said he opposes the mandatory testing requirements, explaining
that correspondence schooling already involves frequent
assessments through quizzes, tests, and submitted samples, which
provide a clear picture of students' performance and needs. He
praised the support and dedication of the CyberLynx program
staff and teachers, expressing gratitude for their efforts in
ensuring a successful homeschooling experience. He urged
consideration of the unique needs of homeschool families and
voiced strong opposition to SB 266.
4:13:37 PM
MARCILLA JAVIER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
with concerns on SB 266. She said she is a grandmother with
decades of experience in publicly funded correspondence programs
since 1998. She recounted her homeschooling experience,
including nine years of independent homeschooling followed by
three years in a correspondence school, and highlighted her
commitment to building respectful relationships between public
schools and parents customizing education. While appreciating
the effort behind SB 266, she expressed concern that there is
insufficient time to address widespread opposition through the
legislative process. She urged lawmakers to collaborate with the
House and restart discussions using CSHB 400, version U, which
she believes places responsibility in the right hands with the
State Department of Education and Early Development. She
advocated for preserving allotment carryover to prevent wasteful
spending and maintaining parents' rights to opt out of testing.
She suggested revisiting additional changes after state
elections if the public demands it because correspondence
schools need to know that they can move forwarded with
reenrollment.
4:16:23 PM
ARIANA ANDERSON, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified in
opposition to SB 266. She highlighted potential impact of SB 266
on educational opportunities and equity. She shared that as a
veterinarian actively contributing to her community through
emergency services and clinic relief, her ability to homeschool
depends on outsourcing parts of her children's education. She
noted that many working parents similarly rely on correspondence
programs to balance careers and homeschooling. She expressed
alarm over the provision prohibiting the use of allotments for
services or materials provided by private or religious
educational institutions. She called this discriminatory,
pointing out that public schools routinely use private vendors
for materials and services. She emphasized that prohibiting
private resources would eliminate valuable activities like PE,
music, and online Spanish classes taught by native speakers
resources critical to her children's academic and scheduling
needs. She stated that her family rarely uses traditional
textbooks. The private resources she uses would be prohibited
because they come from private institutions, yet public schools
can use private resources, tutors, and curricula. She opined
that it is the children, not the institutions, which receive the
primary benefit from utilizing private institutions. Since the
wording of who receives primary benefit is what the court ruled
on, clarification either in the constitution or in statute is
needed. She stated that the existing process already ensures
religious materials and services are excluded from allotment
reimbursement. She stated there are many other concerns for
educational freedoms in SB 266, including inequities between
public schools and correspondence students. She called for a
better solution to preserve diverse educational opportunities
for homeschoolers.
4:18:45 PM
JACINTHA MEZZETTI, representing self, Eagle River, Alaska,
testified with concerns on SB 266. She expressed gratitude for
the committee's work on SB 266 but urged them to review HB 400
and reconcile language changes to align SB 266 with the
successful practices taking place Alaska's correspondence
programs. She highlighted the historical continuity and quality
of education these programs have provided, which she believes
are now at risk. She emphasized the importance of allotment
carryover, which enables disadvantaged families to make
impactful educational choices and allows students to develop
essential skills for trade school, advanced academic study, or
direct entry into the workforce. She noted that many high school
students have graduated with associate degrees or certifications
because of these opportunities. She questioned the mandatory
state testing requirement, citing its punitive effect on
educational goals and student self-esteem in some families. She
also criticized spending restrictions as unnecessarily punitive,
particularly harming students in rural and remote areas. She
encouraged the committee to reconsider these elements to
preserve the benefits of correspondence programs for all
students.
4:21:27 PM
NICOLE AUSTIN, representing self, North Pole, Alaska, testified
in opposition to SB 266. She stated she holds a Bachelor's in
Family Studies and Early Childhood Education from the University
of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and homeschools her four sons. She
argued that SB 266 limits her ability to cultivate lifelong
learners who can become independent, successful community
members and pursue higher education. She highlighted the need
for PE equipment and gym access to support her children's
physical needs, especially given the extreme winter conditions
in the interior, where her four active boys live. She shared
that her father, a professor at UAF initially opposed
homeschooling but changed his perspective after observing the
confidence and engagement of homeschool students during a UAF
field trip. She emphasized that homeschooling produces
articulate, curious learners who positively contribute to
society. She urged legislators to recognize these benefits,
expressed strong opposition to SB 266, and voiced support for
CSHB 400, version U.
4:23:33 PM
BRIAN ROZELL, Director, CyberLynx Correspondence School, Nenana
City School District, Nenana, Alaska, testified with concerns on
SB 266. He said he is representing his district of the CyberLynx
homeschool program but is also advocating for all other state
correspondence programs, and the more than 22,000 enrolled
students and their families. He emphasized the importance of
rollover allotment funds, noting that many families budget
carefully, save for future expenses, and plan for high school
students to take university classes. Rollover funds prevent the
year-end scramble to spend allotments, reducing unnecessary and
wasteful spending. He criticized the repeal of parental
authority to withdraw children from state testing, arguing it is
hugely unpopular and would drive families to homeschool
independently. He noted that mandating participation in state
assessments, without allowing alternatives, would discourage
families from engaging in the program, undermining the goal of
increasing participation. He also highlighted the inequity in
prohibiting PE equipment purchases, pointing out that brick-and-
mortar schools have access to well-equipped gymnasiums while
homeschool families would be denied comparable resources. He
thanked the committee for their work and urged amendments to SB
266 to address these issues while continuing to support
homeschool families.
4:26:00 PM
CHAIR TOBIN asked how long the CyberLynx program has existed.
MR. ROZELL replied since 1997.
4:26:17 PM
CHAIR TOBIN stated that the exemption to withdraw from
assessment became allowable in 2016. She asked what CyberLynx
did prior to the exemption to ensure compliance with statewide
assessments.
4:26:32 PM
MR. ROZELL replied that, if he remembers correctly, the State of
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED)
regulations required, without exception, all students enrolled
in a correspondence program to participate in the assessment.
Families who did not participate in testing had their allotments
frozen and were barred from reenrollment the following year.
4:27:04 PM
CHAIR TOBIN asked if the CyberLynx program participates in
Alaska middle college, a program that allows public school
students to take courses at universities.
MR. ROZELL replied that to his knowledge, CyberLynx students do
not have access to that program but would welcome the
opportunity.
4:27:44 PM
STEPHANIE FORESTER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified in opposition to SB 266. She expressed strong support
for parents' right to refuse testing for their children, stating
that while she has always chosen to have her daughter tested,
she believes opting out should remain a parental choice. She
emphasized the importance of allotment carryover for her family,
noting that it has been used to support her children's
education, including one who graduated in 2017, another who
attended Middle College and is now at the University of Alaska.
She stated her plans to use carryover funds for her 10th-grade
homeschool student to take classes university classes and a
driver education course. She criticized the spending
restrictions in SB 266 as unnecessarily strict and punitive,
particularly for students in rural areas. She voiced support for
HB 400, which retains allotment carryover and allows the State
Board of Education to align statutes with the Constitution. She
urged amendments to SB 266 to make it more like HB 400.
4:29:35 PM
AMBER CUNNINGHAM, representing self, Juneau, Alaska, testified
in opposition to SB 266. She said she is a parent of two Raven
correspondence graduates and a current high school junior. She
has 15 years of experience in correspondence programs and works
for Home Bridge in Juneau. She advocated for allowing student
funds to be used for private tutors and individually taught
classes, sharing her own experience teaching science classes for
K-8 students over nine years, often with a waiting list. She
explained that her classes adhered to Alaska State Standards and
were approved by certified teachers, despite her not holding a
teaching degree, demonstrating that non-traditional educators
can effectively support students. She also highlighted her role
as a robotics coach for 13 years, noting that such opportunities
would be restricted under SB 266, which would harm students,
particularly those academically deficient, who rely on
correspondence schools to graduate. She acknowledged that
standardized testing is connected to federal funding but argued
that tests like the ACT and SAT are no longer viewed as accurate
measures of student success, citing universities' declining
reliance on them.
4:32:17 PM
At ease
4:33:51 PM
CHAIR TOBIN reconvened the meeting.
4:34:29 PM
CHAIR TOBIN held public testimony open and held SB 266 in
committee.
4:35:17 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Tobin adjourned the Senate Education Standing Committee
meeting at 4:35 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SB 266 Supporting Document - Stay of April 12 Court Ruling 05.02.2024.pdf |
SEDC 5/3/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 266 |
| SB 266 Testimony Part 5 - Received as of 05.02.2024.pdf |
SEDC 5/3/2024 3:30:00 PM |
SB 266 |