CS FOR SPONSOR SUBSTITUTE FOR SENATE BILL NO. 47(FIN) "An Act relating to boarding schools operated by school districts; and providing for an effective date." 3:54:25 PM DANIEL GEORGE, STAFF, REPRESENTATIVE BILL STOLTZE, discussed the change appearing in a CS to CSSSSB 47(FIN) on page 2, lines 11-15: (A) for the Southeast Region (Region I), $820 [$410]; (B) for the Southcentral Region (Region II), $800 [$400]; (C) for the Interior Region (Region III), $968 [$484]; (D) for the Southwest Region (Region IV), $1,006 [$503]; (E) for the Northern Remote Region (Region V), $1,184 [$592]. Mr. George relayed that the totals represented a doubling of the prior amount [for a per-pupil monthly stipend (page 2, line 8)]. He noted that a prior version of the bill had included a tripling of the existing amount. He deferred to the bill sponsor for additional information. RYNNEIVA MOSS, STAFF, SENATOR JOHN COGHILL, communicated that the change in the CS reflected a compromise between the sponsor and Co-Chair Stoltze. The sponsor understood that it was a financially tight year and that it may not be the year to expand boarding schools. She expressed enthusiasm and faith in the boarding school system and relayed the sponsor's belief that it would be an important part of Alaska's educational system. She stated that the sponsor would work over the summer on an educational plan that would include the expansion of the boarding school program, expanding financing options for boarding school facilities, and helping with school maintenance in rural areas. She elaborated that the original bill had multiplied the existing stipend by three; the existing stipend had been placed in statute in 2005. She expounded that the stipend had been increased by two times in 2011. She pointed to a fiscal note that reflected an increase; however, the note was based on the stipend sunsetting on July 1, 2013. She explained that the fiscal note showed an increase that did not really exist if compared to FY 12 and FY 13. Representative Costello MOVED to ADOPT the proposed committee substitute for CSSSSB 47(FIN), Work Draft, 28- LS0408\E (Mischel, 4/12/13}. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. Ms. Moss reiterated that the sponsor had great faith in the boarding school system and was encouraged by inquiries about rural Alaska magnet schools and other opportunities. She pointed to the success rate of children who attended boarding schools. She relayed that the sponsor would like to see an increased opportunity for the children. Representative Edgmon appreciated the sponsor's work on the bill. He referred to an amendment he had not offered and expressed disappointment that elementary students had not been included in the stipend program; he surmised that the issue would be worked on. Ms. Moss replied in the affirmative. Representative Edgmon looked forward to seeing the bill on the House floor. Vice-Chair Neuman agreed. Representative Costello discussed the fiscal note from the Department of Education and Early Development in the annual amount of $1,660,700 in FY 14 through FY 19. Representative Edgmon MOVED to REPORT HCS CSSSSB 47(FIN) out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal note. There being NO OBJECTION, it was so ordered. HCS CSSSSB 47(FIN) was REPORTED out of committee with a "do pass" recommendation and with one new fiscal impact note from the Department of Education and Early Development. 4:01:47 PM RECESSED 4:02:16 PM RECONVENED