04/02/2025 03:30 PM Senate EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s): University of Alaska Board of Regents | |
| SB110 | |
| SB20 | |
| HB69 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | SB 110 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 20 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 69 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
April 2, 2025
3:32 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Löki Tobin, Chair
Senator Gary Stevens, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Mike Cronk
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S): UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA BOARD OF REGENTS
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Karen Perdue - Fairbanks
Christine Kesler - Anchorage
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
SENATE BILL NO. 110
"An Act establishing the museum construction and major expansion
matching grant program; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 20
"An Act relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation education in
public schools; relating to the duties of the Department of
Education and Early Development; and providing for an effective
date."
- MOVED SB 20 OUT OF COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE BILL NO. 69(RLS) AM
"An Act relating to education; relating to open enrollment in
public schools; relating to school and student performance
reports; relating to school and district accountability;
relating to charter schools; relating to an annual report for
correspondence study programs; relating to the base student
allocation; relating to reading proficiency incentive grants;
relating to wireless telecommunications devices in public
schools; relating to the duty of the legislature to pass a
public education appropriation bill; relating to the duty of the
governor to prepare a public education appropriation bill;
establishing the Task Force on Education Funding; relating to a
report on regulation of school districts; and providing for an
effective date."
- MOVED SCS CSHB 69(EDC) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SB 110
SHORT TITLE: MUSEUM CONSTRUCTION GRANTS
SPONSOR(s): STATE AFFAIRS
02/26/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/26/25 (S) EDC, FIN
03/07/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/07/25 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
04/02/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: SB 20
SHORT TITLE: CPR CURRICULUM
SPONSOR(s): GRAY-JACKSON
01/10/25 (S) PREFILE RELEASED 1/10/25
01/22/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/22/25 (S) EDC, FIN
03/26/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/26/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/26/25 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
04/02/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
BILL: HB 69
SHORT TITLE: EDUCATION: FUNDING, SCHOOLS, DEVICES
SPONSOR(s): HIMSCHOOT
01/24/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/24/25 (H) EDC, FIN
01/27/25 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
01/27/25 (H) Heard & Held
01/27/25 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
01/29/25 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
01/29/25 (H) Heard & Held
01/29/25 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
01/29/25 (H) EDC AT 5:00 PM DAVIS 106
01/29/25 (H) -- Public Testimony --
02/03/25 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
02/03/25 (H) Heard & Held
02/03/25 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
02/06/25 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
02/06/25 (H) <Pending Referral>
02/12/25 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM DAVIS 106
02/12/25 (H) Heard & Held
02/12/25 (H) MINUTE(EDC)
02/12/25 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
02/12/25 (H) <Pending Referral>
02/18/25 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
02/18/25 (H) <Pending Referral>
02/19/25 (H) MOTION TO DISCHARGE FROM EDC, RULE
48(D)
02/19/25 (H) DISCHARGE FROM EDC, RULE 48, PASSED Y21
N18 E1
02/19/25 (H) RESCIND ACTION TO DISCHARGE FAILED Y19
N20 E1
02/19/25 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
02/19/25 (H) Scheduled but Not Heard
02/20/25 (H) FIN AT 1:30 PM ADAMS 519
02/20/25 (H) Moved HB 69 Out of Committee
02/20/25 (H) MINUTE(FIN)
02/21/25 (H) FIN RPT 5DP 4DNP 1NR 1AM
02/21/25 (H) DP: HANNAN, GALVIN, FOSTER, JOSEPHSON,
SCHRAGE
02/21/25 (H) DNP: TOMASZEWSKI, STAPP, ALLARD,
JOHNSON
02/21/25 (H) NR: JIMMIE
02/21/25 (H) AM: BYNUM
02/21/25 (H) MOTION TO WITHDRAW FROM RLS TO CAL,
RULE 18
02/21/25 (H) WITHDRAW FROM RLS TO CAL, RULE 18,
FAILED Y18 N20 E2
02/24/25 (H) MOTION TO WITHDRAW FROM RLS TO CAL,
RULE 18
02/24/25 (H) WITHDRAW FROM RLS TO CAL, RULE 18,
FAILED Y19 N19 E2
03/05/25 (H) RLS AT 8:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/05/25 (H) Moved CSHB 69(RLS) Out of Committee
03/05/25 (H) MINUTE(RLS)
03/06/25 (H) RULES TO CALENDAR PENDING RLS RPT/REF
03/06/25 (H) NOT TAKEN UP 3/6 - ON 3/10 CALENDAR
03/10/25 (H) RLS RPT CS(RLS) NEW TITLE 4DP 3AM
03/10/25 (H) DP: EDGMON, KOPP, SCHRAGE, STUTES
03/10/25 (H) AM: VANCE, COSTELLO, TILTON
03/10/25 (H) DEADLINE FOR ALL AMS AT 12 P.M. TODAY
Y21 N19
03/11/25 (H) BEFORE HOUSE IN SECOND READING
03/11/25 (H) TAKE AM 23 FROM TABLE UC
03/12/25 (H) MOTION TO RETURN TO EDC COMMITTEE, RULE
39 B, FAILED Y19 N21
03/12/25 (H) TRANSMITTED TO (S)
03/12/25 (H) VERSION: CSHB 69(RLS) AM
03/12/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/12/25 (S) <Pending Referral>
03/14/25 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/14/25 (S) EDC, FIN
03/17/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/17/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/17/25 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
03/19/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/19/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/19/25 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
03/21/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/21/25 (S) Heard & Held
03/21/25 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
03/24/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/24/25 (S) Scheduled but Not Heard
03/26/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/26/25 (S) Scheduled but Not Heard
04/02/25 (S) EDC AT 3:30 PM BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
WITNESS REGISTER
KAREN PERDUE, Appointee
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
University of Alaska Board of Regents.
CHRISTINE RESLER, Appointee
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the University of
Alaska Board of Regents.
JOHN DAVIES, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Karen Perdue to the University of Alaska Board of Regents.
MARY K. HUGHES, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointments of
Karen Perdue and Christine Kesler to the University of Alaska
Board of Regents.
SALLY RAFSON, Staff
Senator Scott Kawasaki
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced SB 110 on behalf of the sponsor.
DIXIE CLOUGH, Director
Museums Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 110.
EMILY EDENSHAW, President and Chief Executive Officer
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 110.
ANGELA LINN, Senior Collections Manager
University of Alaska Museum of the North
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SB 110.
GREGORY STEWART, Director of Grants
Alaska Native Heritage Institute
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 110.
VIRGINIA HATFIELD, Executive Director
Museum of the Aleutians
Unalaska, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 110.
TANIA CLUCUS, Executive Director
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 110.
MIKE MASON, Staff
Senator Löki Tobin
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Offered an Explanation of Changes for Senate
committee substitute (SCS) for CSHB 69, version S.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:32:39 PM
CHAIR TOBIN called the Senate Education Standing Committee
meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. Present at the call to order were
Senators Kiehl, Bjorkman, Cronk (via teleconference), and Chair
Tobin. Senator Stevens arrived thereafter.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S): UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA BOARD OF REGENTS
CONFIRMATION HEARING(s):
UNIVERSITY OF Alaska BOARD OF REGENTS
3:34:47 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced the consideration of governor appointees
Christine Resler and Karen Perdue to the University of Alaska
Board of Regents.
3:35:08 PM
CHAIR TOBIN stated that she would speak before the appointees
testified so both could address her concerns during their
remarks.
CHAIR TOBIN shared that she is a current PhD student at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks and has earned multiple degrees
from the University of Alaska System. She expressed strong pride
in the university, citing a sense of belonging and support from
programs such as Native Services and the Black Student Union.
Her doctoral research focuses on culturally responsive education
and inclusive pedagogy, and she emphasized the importance of
integrating Indigenous knowledge into Alaska's education system.
CHAIR TOBIN noted her financial and personal commitment to the
university, including tuition contributions and a five percent
bequest in her will, reflecting her belief in its mission. She
said her faith in the institution had been deeply shaken in
recent weeks and that many students and colleagues feel unheard
and unseen.
CHAIR TOBIN urged the appointees to consider the perspectives of
students who care deeply about the university's academic freedom
and research integrity. She emphasized that the appointees
represent studentsnot just federal interests or institutional
leadershipand asked them to protect the university from actions
that undermine its core academic values.
3:37:49 PM
KAREN PERDUE, Appointee, University of Alaska Board of Regents,
Fairbanks, Alaska, testified as the governor's appointee to the
University of Alaska Board of Regents. She stated she was
seeking reappointment to the Board of Regents and expressed
appreciation for speaking before a student legislator. She
shared her background growing up in Fairbanks, her work in
healthcare policy, including Denali KidCare, and her past role
as Associate Vice President at the University of Alaska, where
she helped develop academic programs such as nursing.
MS. PERDUE emphasized the importance of serving place-committed
students through technology and innovation and noted that three
of her four children and two grandchildren have attended the
University of Alaska. She highlighted her 19 years of experience
with the university, including eight on the board, and stated
the institution is currently stable, with rising enrollment and
research investments.
3:42:02 PM
SENATOR STEVENS arrived at the meeting.
3:42:14 PM
MS. PERDUE said 36,682 degrees have been awarded during her
tenure and reaffirmed the board's responsibility to uphold
accreditation standards across more than 150 specialized
programs. She described challenges the board faced, including
major budget cuts, COVID-19 adaptations, and accreditation
reviews, and noted her leadership in creating an annual
accreditation report.
3:42:24 PM
MS. PERDUE stressed the importance of maintaining stability for
students and faculty and shared her role in a board-led effort
to reverse enrollment declines. She warned that without action,
enrollment could fall to 13,000 students and cited contributing
factors such as brain drain, fewer high school graduates, and
national trends in higher education.
3:42:27 PM
MS. PERDUE concluded by underscoring her commitment as a
volunteer regent, noting nearly 100 percent attendance over her
term, including during a year with 44 meetings.
3:42:59 PM
MS. PERDUE concluded by thanking the legislature and governor
for revising the Alaska Performance Scholarship, calling it a
major improvement that increases funding and gives students
earlier notice. She emphasized the eight-year time limit and the
need to inform students so they can use the funds for both
undergraduate and graduate education. She described the
scholarship as a key part of the university's recruitment and
retention strategy. She pledged full commitment to the
university's success, promising to listen, ask difficult
questions, rely on data, and help build a stronger institution
for the next 100 years.
3:49:50 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked the appointee to share her vision for the
University of Alaska Southeast (UAS).
3:50:46 PM
MS. PERDUE stated that enrollment declines have affected the
entire university system, including UAS, and emphasized the need
to maximize how UAS delivers education. She highlighted UAS's
innovation in teacher education, especially the largely online
Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program, which has graduated
thousands of people. She pointed to UAS's dual statewide and
local mission and praised its marine sciences partnership with
UAF as a model for system-wide collaboration. She expressed
strong support for UAS, confidence in its current chancellor,
and commitment to fostering enrollment growth and inter-
university partnerships.
3:52:45 PM
SENATOR STEVENS emphasized that accreditation is essential to a
university's survival and described it as a long, multi-step
process with opportunities for correction. He referenced the
loss of teacher education accreditation at UAA and recalled
being surprised by it, despite his long relationship with
President Johnson. He asked what the Board of Regents is doing
to ensure similar surprises do not happen again. He acknowledged
the complexity of overseeing many accreditations but stressed
that maintaining them is critical to the university's future.
3:54:08 PM
MS. PERDUE stated she supported the board's decision to end
seven initial licensure programs at UAA due to concerns about
degree portability. She emphasized that accreditation ensures
students can use their degrees nationwide, especially in
licensed professions. UAS and UAF, both fully accredited,
stepped in to continue teacher education, and UAS recently
passed its Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
(CAEP) review with high marks.
MS. PERDUE said UAA is rebuilding its CAEP accreditation on a
seven-year cycle and is doing well in early childhood education.
She noted the creation of a college of education consortium, a
consolidated academic plan, and an early warning system
requiring chancellors to alert the president of any concerns.
She emphasized the board's commitment to never failing students
on program promises again.
SENATOR STEVENS thanked her for her explanation of the
university having an early warning system
3:56:33 PM
SENATOR KIEHL referenced current federal uncertainty and asked
Ms. Perdue to clarify her view on the appropriate role of the
federal government in relation to the Board of Regents. He noted
that this issue extends beyond higher education and is of broad
concern to Alaskans. He asked what Alaskans can expect from Ms.
Perdue regarding how the board navigates its responsibilities
alongside federal influence.
3:57:39 PM
MS. PERDUE acknowledged the complexity of the current federal
environment, noting it is more challenging than past reforms she
worked on, such as welfare and Medicaid. She cited the rapid
pace of executive orders, appropriation pauses, and guidance
letters as unusual. She said the board will soon meet with
federal relations staff to review the federal landscape. She
emphasized the need for better internal analysis and early
warning systems. She proposed using university experts to help
the board stay informed and better prepared in this
unpredictable environment.
3:59:37 PM
SENATOR KIEHL expressed agreement.
3:59:52 PM
CHAIR TOBIN invited Ms. Christine Resler to testify
4:00:13 PM
CHRISTINE RESLER, Appointee, University of Alaska Board of
Regents, Anchorage, Alaska, testified as appointee to the
University of Alaska Board of Regents. She stated she has served
as President and CEO of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation's
Energy Services Division since 2018 and chose to make Alaska her
permanent home in 2017. She emphasized her commitment to the
state, her extensive board experience in both U.S. and Canadian
energy sectors, and her active roles with the American Petroleum
Institute and Alaska's Resource Development Council.
4:03:00 PM
MS. RESLER described her work leading innovative energy projects
in Alaska, including carbon capture, geothermal, and methane
hydrate wells, and stressed how such initiatives could tie into
university research. She highlighted her passion for education,
holding degrees from Boston University and the University of
Chicago, and teaching since 2002 at institutions including
University of Houston, Alaska Pacific University, and University
of Alaska Fairbanks.
MS. RESLER shared that teaching has been her way of giving back
and noted her previous affiliation with the Alaska Center for
Energy and Power. Although she stepped back from teaching after
her regent appointment, she expressed hope her board role will
help students find job opportunities and better connect industry
and academia.
4:06:12 PM
MS. RESLER concluded by reaffirming her commitment to
strengthening partnerships, supporting workforce development,
and helping the university serve as a catalyst for economic
growth. She noted her role on the regents' ad hoc committee for
retention and graduation and said she was honored to be
considered for the position.
4:07:26 PM
MS. RESLER responded to Chair Tobin's remarks by stating that
the board meeting in question was her first and involved a
difficult, time-sensitive decision. She said the board acted
quickly to provide funding while preserving program integrity.
As president of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation and a long-
time professor, she emphasized her deep commitment to Alaska
Native education and to supporting students' careers beyond the
classroom.
MS. RESLER shared her experience mentoring students over
decades, including staying in touch long after graduation to
offer guidance. She stressed the importance of listening,
recognizing recent events have highlighted the need for broader
input in board decisions. While standing by the intent behind
the board's actions, she acknowledged the community's concerns
and the difficult climate for students from underrepresented
backgrounds.
4:10:37 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked Ms. Resler to share her vision for the
University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), specifically its purpose
and value, and whether she believes it matters.
4:11:12 PM
MS. RESLER expressed strong support for UAS and praised its
chancellor as dynamic and impactful. She highlighted the
university's unique geographic position and potential in areas
like maritime programs, coastal erosion, and research
partnerships. She emphasized the importance of teamwork and sees
UAS as key to expanding educational and economic opportunities,
especially in Southeast and rural Alaska. She supports growing
both degree and non-degree programs and believes UAS plays a
critical role in the state's future.
4:12:50 PM
SENATOR KIEHL stated Ms. Resler's husband works for the Governor
and noted the expectation that the Board of Regents operate
without political influence.
MS. RESLER interjected that her husband does not work for the
Governor.
SENATOR KIEHL apologized for his misinformation and asked her to
comment on the independence of the board in general
MS. RESLER replied that the Board of Regents must operate
independently. She stated it is her desire to expand economic
opportunities for the state by its resources innovatively. It
will take support from the university to accomplish this vision.
She described sacrificing her love of teaching to serve on the
board to make a difference for the state and its educational
institutions. She stated she never considered the Board of
Regents as political.
4:15:22 PM
SENATOR STEVENS stated his belief that it is valuable to have a
faculty member on the Board of Regents. He asked her to share
her vision of the university's involvement with research.
4:15:55 PM
MS. RESLER said she loves being on the UAF campus because it is
a research university and she is excited to see it receive a R1
designation. She briefly discussed polymer research and how it
benefits the state.
4:17:23 PM
SENATOR TOBIN asked whether Ms. Resler had read the Executive
Branch Ethics Act.
MS. RESLER replied that she has not read the act.
CHAIR TOBIN noted that board members are held to accountability
standards under the act. She encouraged her to read the act. She
stressed the importance of open meetings so that the public can
participate.
4:18:32 PM
MS. RESLER stated participation is important and she takes the
involvement of others seriously.
CHAIR TOBIN expressed her desire for Ms. Resler to stop any
meeting not properly noticed so the public can participate.
4:19:02 PM
SENATOR KIEHL referenced a motion that occurred within the board
regarding diversity and toadying to the federal government. He
questioned whether the board maintains any red line when it
comes to taking orders from the federal government.
4:20:16 PM
MS. RESLER stated she would act to make sure the Board of
Regents supports students, faculty, and alumni of the state and
the university system.
4:20:42 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked for clarity on whether her response is to
stand up for students, faculty, and the institution or is it to
protect the dollar.
4:21:02 PM
MS. RESLER replied there is a balance that the regents must
find. Moving forward the board will focus on what is right for
the students and faculty. What students and faculty find
important is important to regents.
4:21:38 PM
CHAIR TOBIN found no further questions from committee members.
4:21:54 PM
CHAIR TOBIN opened public testimony on the confirmation of the
governor's appointees Karen Perdue and Christine Resler to the
University of Alaska Board of Regents.
4:22:15 PM
JOHN DAVIES, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in
support of the appointment of Karen Perdue to the University of
Alaska Board of Regents. He said he served in the legislature
and on the Board of Regents. He is an alumnus of the University
of Alaska. He said Ms. Perdue is a deeply caring person as
demonstrated by her work history. Regarding her previous term on
the board, he stated she did her homework, asked hard questions
and then supported the decisions of the board. He said during
their time on the board together they faced challenging issues,
including Title IX compliance, deep funding cuts, and
accreditation issues. He said Ms. Perdue set the university on a
path to recovery and growth and highly recommends her
confirmation.
4:24:29 PM
MARY K. HUGHES, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified
in support of the appointments of Karen Perdue and Christine
Kesler to the University of Alaska Board of Regents. She said
she agrees with the comments made by Mr. Davies regarding Ms.
Perdue. She said Ms. Kesler was nominated to take her place on
the board of regents and she is a fabulous person. She shared
her father's love of education and stated Ms. Kesler has a
similar love of teaching. She stated that she appreciates the
governor nominating a person of high caliber to the board.
4:27:47 PM
CHAIR TOBIN closed public testimony on the confirmation of
governor's appointees Karen Perdue and Christine Kesler to the
University of Alaska Board of Regents.
4:27:49 PM
CHAIR TOBIN solicited a motion.
4:27:54 PM
SENATOR STEVENS stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
Senate Education Standing Committee reviewed the following and
recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session for
consideration:
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Karen Perdue - Fairbanks
Christine Kesler - Anchorage
He reminded members that signing the report(s) regarding
appointments to boards and commissions in no way reflects
individual members' approval or disapproval of the appointees;
the nominations are merely forwarded to the full legislature for
confirmation or rejection.
4:28:19 PM
CHAIR TOBIN stated the names of the appointees would be
forwarded.
SB 110-MUSEUM CONSTRUCTION GRANTS
4:28:31 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 110
"An Act establishing the museum construction and major expansion
matching grant program; and providing for an effective date."
4:28:59 PM
SALLY RAFSON, Staff, Senator Scott Kawasaki, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, introduced SB 110 on behalf of the
sponsor. She read the following sponsor statement:
[Original punctuation provided.]
SB 110
Sponsor Statement
"An Act establishing the museum construction and major
expansion matching grant program; and providing for
an effective date."
Alaska has a rich culture and history that is worth
being shared with both residents and visitors to our
state. Museums are instrumental in sharing our history
and preserving our culture. A fund already exists in
statute under AS 14.56.355 that provides grant
funding to libraries; if enacted, SB 110 would
create a similar fund to aid museums around the
state in their growth and revitalization.
Not only do museums play a vital role in educating the
public about our history, they also act as a gathering
places for the community and contribute to our
economy. According to a 2023 survey conducted by the
American Alliance of Museums, surveyed museums of
Alaska had a financial impact of $114 million on the
economy and served over 22,000 K-12 students.
According to the American Alliance of Museums, museums
and other nonprofit cultural organizations return more
an $5 in tax revenues for every $1 they receive in
funding from all levels of government.
Many precious cultural artifacts are waiting to be
displayed in buildings that need repairs and
infrastructure updates. To adequately store and
display current and future artifacts, museums need
funding opportunities to do so. Alaska has over 100
museums and cultural centers located throughout the
state. Recent surveys have shown that more than half
of Alaska's museums and cultural centers anticipate
undertaking major capital improvement projects in the
next five years. I urge your support of SB 110 in
order to help make such projects possible.
4:31:10 PM
SENATOR STEVENS stated that Alaska has done a remarkable job
with libraries. He attributed that to the legislature having the
library association maintain a list of project priorities in
need of funding. He asked whether a similar organization exists
for museums.
4:31:55 PM
MS. RAFSON suggested the Director of Museums Alaska answer the
question.
4:32:16 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked if a museum must do all of the items listed
in the major expansion plan outlined in SB 110 in order to
qualify for a grant.
MS. RAFSON stated her belief that in order to qualify for a
grant a museum would only need to do one item. She suggested
other testifiers could elaborate.
4:33:02 PM
SENATOR KIEHL said he would like clarification.
MS. RAFSON said testifiers would discuss the projects for their
museums.
4:33:37 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced invited testimony on SB 110.
4:34:01 PM
DIXIE CLOUGH, Director, Museums Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska,
testified by invitation on SB 110. She said many of Alaska's
museums are located in "hand-me-down" buildings that present
various problems. She said about 66 percent of museums have
plans for infrastructure projects or rebuilds. Alaska Native
tribes have plans for about 10 new museums or cultural centers.
There are also plans to create children's museums. There is no
unbiased mechanism to fund museums. Funding currently occurs
through the Capital Project Submission and Information System
(CAPSIS) which requires support from the legislature and can be
vetoed by the governor. Having a matching grant program makes
the process efficient, transparent and equitable because a panel
would decide project funding based on a score mechanism.
4:36:01 PM
MS. CLOUGH discussed amendments attached to her support letter
which included:
• Adding "Major Renovation" to the title and anywhere in the
bill that says, "construction and expansion."
• Removing the list that specifies projects as it may create
unnecessary limitations of grant use.
• Change the eligibility criteria from 20 percent to 50 percent
matching funds.
4:37:05 PM
MS. CLOUGH said the library matching grant fund exists in statue
only. She said as far as she is aware a program for the fund has
not been created.
4:37:56 PM
EMILY EDENSHAW, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alaska
Native Heritage Center, Anchorage, Alaska, testified by
invitation on SB 110. The Native Heritage Center has operated
for 20 years. Alaska does not spend any money on cultural
tourism which matters because museums are places of learning and
allow people to connect with who they are. She mentioned that
marketing dollars primarily help businesses. The Native Heritage
Center has a responsibility to work with every Native cultural
group in Alaska, but it is difficult to keep up. Native
organizations have reached out to her stating they want to offer
cultural centers in their communities. She said this is the
third time a bill requesting support for museums has come before
the legislature. Museums throughout Alaska are underfunded and
SB 110 is a chance to right that wrong.
4:42:21 PM
ANGELA LINN, Senior Collections Manager, University of Alaska
Museum of the North, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified by invitation
on SB 110. She stated that she represents her own opinions and
not the University of Alaska. The Museum of the North was
renovated and expanded 20 years ago through a combination of
private, state, and federal funds. The building, however, was
built in the 1980's and has maintenance and expansion needs. She
expounded on the number and types of artifacts in the museum's
collection to illustrate the need for funding and preservation.
4:46:00 PM
CHAIR TOBIN opened public testimony on SB 110.
4:46:55 PM
GREGORY STEWART, Director of Grants, Alaska Native Heritage
Institute, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 110. He
said the bill is valuable for museums in Alaska which are
important to Native and non-Native residents. At the core of
museums is education for both locals and visitors. Museums teach
what it means to be Alaskan. The ability for museums to access
state money would be impactful. He said there are grant
opportunities that require matching funds but all too often he
has been unable to obtain assistance from the state.
4:49:21 PM
VIRGINIA HATFIELD, Executive Director, Museum of the Aleutians,
Unalaska, Alaska, testified in support of SB 110. She said the
Museum of the Aleutians was build 25 years ago to meet the
mission of collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich cultural
legacy of the region. To meet the needs of the community the
museum needs to expand, as it collects hundreds of items every
year. The museum's strategic plan includes expansion. The museum
is also offering more services and needs room for staff. Alaska
museums face clear and urgent facility issues. SB 110 would help
address issues such as installing heating, ventilation, and air
condition (HVAC) systems, repairing leaking roofs, and
installing security systems to preserve and protect artifacts.
4:51:50 PM
TANIA CLUCUS, Executive Director, Morris Thompson Cultural and
Visitor Center, Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in support of SB
110. Although not technically a museum, since 2008 approximately
two million people have visited the center. The center offers
activities and cultural education presentations similar to
museums. She said she has encountered the same problem as
museums and is unable to obtain matching funds to qualify for
grants. SB 110 would make receiving state matching funds a
possibility. She said the center does not have enough reserve
funds to fix items such as the parking lot. The center was built
from federal, state, and private donations which the center
continues to seek support from. Passing SB 110 will provide a
mechanism to maintain museums in the state.
4:54:12 PM
CHAIR TOBIN closed public testimony on SB 110.
4:54:19 PM
MS. RAFSON said she intends to request a committee substitute
containing the amendments Ms. Clough discussed.
4:54:37 PM
CHAIR TOBIN held SB 110 in committee.
SB 20-CPR CURRICULUM
4:54:41 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 20
"An Act relating to cardiopulmonary resuscitation education in
public schools; relating to the duties of the Department of
Education and Early Development; and providing for an effective
date."
4:54:55 PM
CHAIR TOBIN solicited the will of the committee.
4:54:59 PM
SENATOR STEVENS moved to report SB 20, work order 34-LS0253\N,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
4:55:17 PM
CHAIR TOBIN found no objection and SB 20 was reported from the
Senate Education Standing Committee.
HB 69-EDUCATION FUNDING: INCREASE BSA
4:55:35 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced the consideration of CS FOR HOUSE BILL NO.
69(RLS) am "An Act relating to education; relating to open
enrollment in public schools; relating to school and student
performance reports; relating to school and district
accountability; relating to charter schools; relating to an
annual report for correspondence study programs; relating to the
base student allocation; relating to reading proficiency
incentive grants; relating to wireless telecommunications
devices in public schools; relating to the duty of the
legislature to pass a public education appropriation bill;
relating to the duty of the governor to prepare a public
education appropriation bill; establishing the Task Force on
Education Funding; relating to a report on regulation of school
districts; and providing for an effective date."
4:56:10 PM
MIKE MASON, Staff, Senator Löki Tobin, Alaska State Legislature,
Juneau, Alaska, offered an explanation of changes for Senate
committee substitute (SCS) for CSHB 69, version S. He said
funding for Alaska's education system has not kept up with
inflation and simultaneously there is a teacher and professional
staff shortage nationwide. By not funding Alaska's education
system students are shortchanged academically and economically.
HB 69 would provide Alaska's education system with a significant
investment of resources. He noted that data is very clear that
there is a strong correlation between increased funding and
improved student test scores. Every $1,000 per pupil increase in
instructional expenditures results in a two-percentage point
increase in reading proficiency and a one-percentage point
increase in math proficiency.
4:58:04 PM
MR. MASON said HB 69, version S, maintains the $1000 Base
Student Allocation (BSA) increase. The BSA supports all forms of
public education. The BSA helps maintain school buildings,
reduce class sizes, and provides better programs. He highlighted
that HB 69, version S, amends the statute governing the Alaska
Workforce Investment Board requiring the board to partner with
Alaska Post Secondary Education, school districts, and the
Alaska Department of Education and Early Child Development.
4:59:18 PM
MR. MASON said HB 69, version S, retains a cell phone ban and a
provision to make starting a charter school easier. A class size
reduction policy was added to the bill and Senator Kiehl is
working on language to address the local contribution issue. The
bill also contains provisions to clarify, modify, and expand
Alaska's open enrollment system and reading proficiency grants.
There is also language to track student's post-secondary
education. A final highlight was the task force on education
funding that HB 69, version S, authorizes. The task force will
analyze the state of education funding and the current
accountability provisions for schools and other factors such as
chronic absenteeism and school major maintenance:
[Original punctuation provided.]
House Bill 69 Education: Funding, Schools, Devices
Version S Explanation of Changes
Section 1 Amends AS 14.03 to add a new section
directing school districts to adopt a target average
class size policy for each grade level. Maximum class
sizes are set for grades pre-K through sixth grade and
seventh through twelfth grade. Districts may exclude
non-essential courses and mixed-grade classes from the
class size restrictions. Districts unable to meet the
target class size limits, would be required to report
why they were unable to meet the limits and how they
plan to meet the limits in the future.
Section 2 Amends AS 14.03.080 to direct districts to
adopt an inter-district open enrollment policy.
Districts must address the military status of parents
or guardians, the placement of siblings, and the
employment of parents or guardians. Districts must
establish a procedure for appealing the denial of an
enrollment application.
Section 3 Directs district to public enrollment
practices and policies.
Section 4 Amends AS 14.03.080 by requiring the
Department of Education and Early Development to
report on student academic progress over time.
Section 5 Amends AS 14.03.120 and directs DEED to
publish class sizes for grades K through 12th grade.
Section 6 Directs DEED to collaborate with the
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
to collect data on each high school graduating class
every 5 years until 20 years after graduation.
Section 7 Establishes a student academic improvement
recognition program.
Section 8 Reduces the time the Alaska State Board of
Education and Early Development is required to review
a charter school application appeal.
Section 9 Conforming language for section 11.
Section 10 Adds a new subsection under AS 14.03.255
to allow a school board to establish a simplified
renewal process for a charter school in good standing.
Section 11 Adds a new section under AS 14.03
regarding appeal procedures for a charter school
contract. The language mirrors administrative law
governing contracts.
Section 12 Amends AS 14.03.260 to allow a school
district to apply an indirect administrative cost rate
for a charter school for actual accrued administrative
costs or up to eight percent, whichever is less.
Section 13 Extends the report on correspondence
study programs that was set to expire on July 1, 2025.
Section 14 Conforming language for section 15.
Section 15 Amends AS 14.03.310 to provide an
allotment to a student enrolled in a correspondence
program who participates in a state standards-based
assessment, alternative assessment, or provides a
student portfolio based on criteria established by
DEED.
Section 16 Conforming language to section 13.
Section 17 - Conforming language to section 13, based
on the Alaska Reads Act repeal in 2034.
Section 18 Conforming language to section 19.
Section 19 Amends AS 14.17.410 by adding a new
subjection to allow a city or borough school district
to support non-classroom related activities permitted
by federal guidance.
Section 20 Increases the base student allocation by
$1,000.
Section 21 Conforming language related to inter-
district open enrollment policies by permitting a
child over age 16 to attend a school chosen by the
student's parent or guardian.
Section 22 Conforming language relate to inter-
district open enrollment policies by permitting a
child who receives services under a 504 special
education plan to attend a school of their parent or
guardian's choice.
Section 23 Conforming language related to section
22.
Section 24 Provides reading proficiency grants for
non-Kindergarten ready students, Kindergarten through
third grade students who are not reading at grade
level, and kindergarten through third grade students
who are reading at grade level. Grants are subject to
appropriation.
Section 25 Amends AS 14.33 by adding a new section
that directs districts to adopt a wireless
telecommunications device policy.
Section 26 Directs the Alaska Workforce Investment
Board to work with the Alaska Commission on
Postsecondary Education and DEED to develop a
statewide policy for coordinated and effective
technical and vocational education training including
offering each high school student an opportunity to
take a career or college entrance exam or assessment.
The section also requires the creation of a
recognition program for high schools that achieve a 90
percent assessment rate.
Section 27 Conforming language to section 6.
Section 28 Allows DEED to adopt correspondence
programs in regulation.
Section 29 Removes the exemption from complying with
AS 14.17.505 for unobligated allotment funds.
Section 30 Establishes a Task Force on Education
Funding to review and recommend education reforms. The
task force's report will be due January 31, 2027.
Section 31 Amends uncodified law to add a new
section with applicability language noting that
sections 8-12 apply to a contract that becomes legally
binding on or after the effective date of sections 8-
12 of this act.
Section 32 Conforming language for section 13
regarding the repeal of the Alaska Reads Act in 2034.
Section 33 Sets a July 1, 2025, effective date for
the act.
5:03:16 PM
CHAIR TOBIN noted that the committee also retained and amended a
particular section of the bill that was added on the House
floor. Also, there was a change made offered by Senator Bjorkman
concerning tracking academic performance. Some components that
were added on the House floor were retained and expanded to
allow districts to create a recognition program for schools that
show case academic growth at 75 percent or above of all
students.
5:03:43 PM
MR. MASON stated those changes occur in Section 4, which amends
AS 14.03.080 requiring the Department of Education and Early
Development (DEED) to report student academic progress over
time.
5:03:58 PM
CHAIR TOBIN solicited a motion.
SENATOR STEVENS moved to adopt the Senate committee substitute
(SCS) for CSHB 69, work order 34-LS0309\S, as the working
document.
5:04:16 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN objected to offer Conceptual Amendment 1.
5:04:18 PM
CHAIR TOBIN solicited a motion.
5:04:22 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN moved to adopt Conceptual Amendment 1.
CONCEPTUAL AMENDMENT 1
Insert New Section:
Section 32. Section 15 of this Act takes effect
on July 1, 2026.
Renumber following sections accordingly.
5:04:24 PM
CHAIR TOBIN objected for purposes of discussion.
5:04:27 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN offered Conceptual Amendment 1, to insert a new
Section 32 that delays the effective date of Section 15, making
it effective on July 1, 2026. Legislative Legal Services was
authorized to make technical and conforming changes.
SENATOR BJORKMAN stated the reason for the delayed effective
date is to provide time for people to adjust and understand the
provision so no homeschool student goes without an allotment
that is expected for the next school year. He commented he has
general concerns about the provision.
5:05:42 PM
CHAIR TOBIN removed her objection; she found no further
objection and Conceptual Amendment 1 to the SCS CSHB 69 was
adopted.
5:05:55 PM
CHAIR TOBIN asked if Senator Bjorkman maintained his objection
to the adoption of SCS CSHB 69 as the working document.
5:05:59 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN removed his objection.
5:06:03 PM
CHAIR TOBIN found no further objection and SCS CSHB 69, as
amended, was adopted.
5:06:20 PM
CHAIR TOBIN solicited a motion.
5:06:22 PM
SENATOR STEVENS moved to report SCS CSHB 69, work order 34-
LS0309\S, as amended, from committee with individual
recommendations and attached fiscal note(s) and the needed title
change resolution.
5:06:40 PM
CHAIR TOBIN found no objection and SCS CSHB 69(EDC) was reported
from the Senate Education Standing Committee.
5:07:17 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Tobin adjourned the Senate Education Standing Committee
meeting at 5:07 p.m.