ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE  HOUSE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE  February 17, 2010 8:02 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Representative Paul Seaton, Chair Representative Cathy Engstrom Munoz, Vice Chair Representative Bryce Edgmon Representative Wes Keller Representative Peggy Wilson Representative Robert L. "Bob" Buch Representative Berta Gardner MEMBERS ABSENT  All members present COMMITTEE CALENDAR  OVERVIEW: ALASKA MILITARY YOUTH ACADEMY~ OPERATIONS AND FUNDING MECHANISM - HEARD HOUSE BILL NO. 297 "An Act establishing the governor's performance scholarship program and relating to the program; establishing the governor's performance scholarship fund and relating to the fund; relating to student records; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." - HEARD & HELD HOUSE BILL NO. 311 "An Act providing the Alaska State Council on the Arts the authority to adopt regulations relating to its statutory powers and duties; and providing for an effective date." - HEARD & HELD HOUSE BILL NO. 310 "An Act extending the deadline for authorizing school construction debt reimbursed by the state." - MOVED OUT OF COMMITTEE PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION  BILL: HB 297 SHORT TITLE: POSTSECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR 01/19/10 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 01/19/10 (H) EDC, FIN 02/03/10 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM BARNES 124 02/03/10 (H) Heard & Held 02/03/10 (H) MINUTE(EDC) 02/12/10 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106 02/12/10 (H) Heard & Held 02/12/10 (H) MINUTE(EDC) 02/15/10 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106 02/15/10 (H) Heard & Held 02/15/10 (H) MINUTE(EDC) 02/17/10 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106 BILL: HB 311 SHORT TITLE: STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS; REGULATIONS SPONSOR(s): JOHANSEN 01/21/10 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 01/21/10 (H) EDC 02/17/10 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106 BILL: HB 310 SHORT TITLE: SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION DEBT REIMBURSEMENT SPONSOR(s): EDUCATION 01/19/10 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS 01/19/10 (H) EDC, FIN 01/29/10 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106 01/29/10 (H) Heard & Held 01/29/10 (H) MINUTE(EDC) 02/17/10 (H) EDC AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106 WITNESS REGISTER MCHUGH PIERRE, Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Staff Office of the Commissioner/Adjutant General Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) Fort Richardson, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the overview of the Alaska Military Youth Academy. JAMES JONES, Deputy Director Alaska Military Youth Academy (AMYA) Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs Fort Richardson, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an overview of the Alaska Military Youth Academy. REPRESENTATIVE KYLE JOHANSEN Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HB 311 as the prime sponsor of the bill. SONYA CHRISTIANSEN, Staff Representative Kyle Johansen Alaska State Legislature Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified and answered questions on HB 311, on behalf of the prime sponsor of the bill, Representative Johansen. BEN BROWN, Chairman Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA) Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 311. REBECCA HATTAN, Assistant Attorney General Department of Law (DOL) Juneau, Alaska POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during discussion of HB 311. ACTION NARRATIVE 8:02:28 AM CHAIR PAUL SEATON called the House Education Standing Committee meeting to order at 8:02 a.m. Representatives Seaton, P. Wilson, Gardner, Buch, and Edgmon were present at the call to order. Representatives Keller and Munoz arrived as the meeting was in progress. ^OVERVIEW: Alaska Military Youth Academy, Operations and Funding Mechanism OVERVIEW: Alaska Military Youth Academy, Operations and Funding  Mechanism    8:02:39 AM CHAIR SEATON announced that the first order of business would be an Overview of the Alaska Military Youth Academy, Operations and Funding Mechanism. 8:04:15 AM MCHUGH PIERRE, Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Staff, Office of the Commissioner/Adjutant General, Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs (DMVA), introduced the presentation. 8:04:45 AM JAMES JONES, Deputy Director, Alaska Military Youth Academy (AMYA), Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs, provided his background and stated his 13 years history with the academy. He introduced a new video that the Alaska Military Youth Academy had made in conjunction with the Air National Guard. 8:05:39 AM CHAIR SEATON asked if the video was on the AMYA web site. DR. JONES replied that it would be. 8:05:57 AM [A video clip was viewed.] 8:10:35 AM DR. JONES established that the Alaska Military Youth Academy (AYMA) had been in operation for sixteen years, the result of a study by The Rockefeller Foundation which had determined a need to address the high school dropout problem. He stated that, every year, more than 2 million young people leave high school without finishing. [Included in the committee packet was the Alaska Military Youth Academy Overview.] 8:11:52 AM DR. JONES, in response to Representative P. Wilson, said that this drop out figure was nationwide. He reported that the academy offered two classes each year comprised of: a 2 week pre-challenge phase for candidate assessment; after selection of candidates, a 20 week structured, residential educational course; and a 12 month non-residential tracking period. He explained that the pre-challenge assessment determined the selection of students who were deemed "able to and willing to meet the rigors of the most challenging high school course in the state of Alaska." He described the 20 week residential phase as a structured educational environment designed for eliminating dependencies. He stated that there was no access to text messaging, iPods, or iPhones, and that television was only accessible at certain times. The program consisted of classes and job skill training. He described the weekend outings to teach survival skills. He noted that each student also performed a 40 hour community service project. He identified the next phase, the 12 month non-residential tracking period, as a time when the staff maintained weekly contact with the students, and each student submitted a monthly report. These weekly and monthly reports were compared to ensure that every student was showing "marked improvement in making quality decisions and life choices." He pointed out that every cadet had the opportunity to complete a high school equivalency diploma (GED) or, if qualified, to receive a high school diploma through AYMA. He explained the work place and career readiness certification program, which utilized the nationally certified Worldwide Interactive Network (WIN) program and the WorkKeys program, to teach and evaluate the application of work market skills. He proudly stated that the academy was one of the few institutes in the state to provide this service. He spoke about the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certificate, which was another AMYA certification made available for industrial trades including customer service certified training, culinary arts, carpentry, Emergency Trauma Technician (ETT) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), as well as other fields. He pointed out that the academy was ranked number one in the nation for per capita contact with drop-outs. 8:18:53 AM MR. PIERRE pointed to the list of other accomplishments on page 18 of the Annual Report, 2009, which was included in the committee packet. 8:19:17 AM DR. JONES summarized that success was determined by a national model which tracked the student in the 12 months following the program. He shared that the academy has an 88 - 92 percent success rate, defined by the student's contribution to society. He gave examples of student successes, and he observed that the students were given "the opportunity to get on focus, to get on track with what they want to do in life." 8:21:42 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER, expressing intrigue with the success portion of the handout, asked what percentage of graduates was in each category. DR. JONES replied that about 18 percent would enter the military service, about 65 percent were employed part time and attending school part time, and another 25-30 percent were in apprenticeships or vocational training. MR. PIERRE added that 93 percent of the cadets had achieved success 12 months following graduation. He explained that the success was measured by the ChalleNGe youth program, which was a part of the National Guard. 8:23:42 AM DR. JONES, in response to Representative Munoz, declared that the student population was recruited by word of mouth, and he elaborated on this communication success in rural Alaska. He discussed the partnerships with statewide school districts, noting that school counselors often directed students to the academy. He reported that the AMYA recruiting, placement, and mentoring team travelled throughout the state and met with community leaders. 8:25:45 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON asked how many cadets were in each class. DR. JONES replied that the class goal was to screen 250 applicants. He listed medical and legal conditions that could preclude acceptance. 8:27:29 AM MR. PIERRE clarified that the two week pre-challenge phase usually began with 200 cadets from the original 250 applicants. After the two week phase, there could be a 10 percent dropout rate. He confirmed that this process occurred twice each year. 8:28:33 AM MR. PIERRE, in response to Representative P. Wilson, pointed to the Alaska Military and Youth Academy chart in the overview packet, which reflected the numbers of cadets registered, enrolled after two weeks, and graduated for each class. He explained some of the marketing techniques. He offered his belief that the AMYA was in step with the governor's focus on healthy families and a strong economy and that the academy could help meet that goal. He declared the necessity for increasing the number of candidates for successful completion of the program. 8:31:11 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON asked what would occur when students received their certifications. DR. JONES explained that the National Guard guidelines outlined the standards to determine placement after week 18. He said that students were only released early, after week 18, if they were entering the military, college, or a full time job. 8:32:42 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON asked how many cadets would leave the program early. DR. JONES replied that there was no documentation for any members of the current class to be released early. He clarified that even if they left the residential program early, they were still enrolled in the post residential 12 month program. 8:33:21 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON asked about the follow up for succeeding years after the 12 month post residential program. DR. JONES reported that the academy celebrated its 15 year anniversary during the past year and invited more than 2,000 graduates to return and share their stories. He emphasized that AMYA did stay in contact with its students. REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON clarified that there had been one follow up after the 12 month post residential program. DR. JONES agreed. 8:34:43 AM CHAIR SEATON clarified that there were monthly reports for the year following graduation. DR. JONES agreed, and reported that should a report not be forthcoming from the student, that the staff sought it out. 8:35:15 AM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER expressed his appreciation for the program, and asked how many of the cadets were in foster care and how many had dependency issues. He also asked for suggestions to any broader policy changes. 8:36:54 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER, reflecting that 2,926 graduates over 15 years was about 195 graduates per year, asked if the numbers had changed as the program had changed. DR. JONES provided that the first class had 43 graduates, and there had been incremental increases every year. 8:37:42 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH reported on his visit to the academy, in the last year. He asked for a report on the current status for some of the graduates, as that would provide "fortification for your program" and would show a record of the successes. 8:39:17 AM DR. JONES replied that he would follow up on the committee requests. 8:39:49 AM MR. PIERRE presented an AMYA plan to expand its recruiting efforts by providing familiarization tours to bring village elders and high school counselors for a firsthand experience. 8:40:47 AM CHAIR SEATON offered his appreciation for the program. He clarified that 100 percent of the recruits were high school drop-outs, and he lauded the program success for providing an alternative to non-successful high school students. He confirmed the importance for a variety of opportunities. 8:42:43 AM MR. PIERRE briefed that the academy was working with local high schools districts to contact student drop-outs and offer them an alternative. 8:43:44 AM CHAIR SEATON reported that the current academy funding mechanism was broken and an alternative was necessary. 8:44:35 AM MR. PIERRE directed attention to both the statute for the AMYA funding and the FY 2010 and FY 2011 budgets contained in the overview handout. He read AS 14.30.740, Funding for Alaska Challenge Youth Academy Program. He declared the necessity of maintaining at least $6 million to provide the 24 hour oversight of the cadets. He explained the history for the funding formula, and stated that the current formula did not support the needs of the program. He reported that the cost for each cadet was about $37,000, and he suggested that either a direct appropriation or a smaller multiplier would work. He relayed that Alaska was first among 33 programs nationwide because of the state funding provided. He said that the ChalleNGe program had multiple steps, and that the AMYA step allowed for a federal match of 60 percent. He reported that the AMYA program was far more extensive than the baseline ChalleNGe program. 8:48:45 AM DR. JONES clarified that the funding for the ChalleNGe program was at incremental levels, determined by the number of graduates. 8:49:15 AM CHAIR SEATON asked to clarify that the number of students was a federal requirement. DR. JONES agreed that the student count was for the program to receive its current funding. 8:49:40 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER asked for an explanation to the non- residential student funding. MR. PIERRE replied that the funding was for the contacts made during the 12 month non-residential period, but it was used to forward fund the academy, as each year's numbers fluctuated. He asked for a more current funding formula or a direct appropriation. 8:52:04 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON asked if the dates were the same every year for each course. DR. JONES replied that the pre challenge was held in both April and October. 8:52:37 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON asked when the funding count was conducted. MR. PIERRE stated that the current count occurred on October 1, the same as every school in the state. He explained that this funding impacted the April ChalleNGe, as well. He proposed a different method, a four count system, to better account for the average numbers. He suggested that a direct funding mechanism would be the most accurate, and would lend itself to a better cash flow stream. 8:56:48 AM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER expressed support for a direct appropriation per student. 8:57:48 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER asked about the aftercare and post residential stipends indicated in the handout. DR. JONES explained that the $300 aftercare stipend was a fixed amount for the graduates to purchase clothing and materials for entering the work market; the post residential stipend, which was no longer provided, was a monthly amount, $100, credited to the student for each month they complied with the national post- residential requirements. This had been distributed upon completion of the 12 month non-residential period. MR. PIERRE explained that the post-residential stipend had been cancelled, but that the budget subcommittee for the House Special Committee for Military and Veterans' Affairs had suggested that it be introduced back into the budget. He offered his belief that this worked as an incentive for the student to maintain contact with the counselor. He shared that the student also received a $15 weekly allowance, which was used to replace necessities, and to teach financial accountability. 9:01:54 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER asked if the stipend was not available until the end of the twelve month period. DR. JONES replied that this was correct. REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER called this postponed gratification. 9:02:27 AM CHAIR SEATON asked if there had been better and more consistent student reporting during the time the stipend was provided. DR. JONES replied that it was more difficult to maintain contact without the stipend, as the stipend was an incentive to report. 9:03:56 AM CHAIR SEATON reflected on the unfunded liability of the state retirement accounts, and noted that affect on the base student allocation. He pointed out that the funding formula for the AMYA was seven times the base student allocation. He stated that a statutory change was necessary for a change to the academy's budget. 9:06:07 AM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON applauded the academy on its efforts for the children of the state. CHAIR SEATON thanked the academy. HB 297-POSTSECONDARY SCHOLARSHIPS  9:07:16 AM CHAIR SEATON announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 297, "An Act establishing the governor's performance scholarship program and relating to the program; establishing the governor's performance scholarship fund and relating to the fund; relating to student records; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date." 9:08:39 AM CHAIR SEATON stated his intent to have the amendments to HB 297 moved before the committee and tabled, in order to facilitate having them posted on the committee website for public access. Comments could also be posted, however, for purposes of clarity he would like to keep the postings to actual amendments that are before the committee. He acknowledged that other committee members have amendments which are still in the process of being drafted, and stated that there will be an opportunity to have them brought in a timely manner for similar action and purpose. 9:10:55 AM CHAIR SEATON offered Amendment 3, labeled 26-GH2771\A.9, Mishel, 2/16/10, which read [original punctuation provided]: Page 6, lines 3 - 4: Delete "university or college in this state" Insert "postsecondary institution as described in AS 14.43.835" Page 6, line 8: Delete "university or college" Insert "postsecondary institution" Page 7, line 5, following "maximum awards": Insert "and allowable uses" Page 7, line 12, following "achievement;": Insert "for purposes of this paragraph, a student's academic achievement must be determined by the student's high school grade-point average and score on an examination described in AS 14.43.820(b)(3);" Page 7, lines 16 - 18: Delete all material and insert: "(3) subject to (e) of this section, a student who qualifies for a merit-based academic scholarship may apply the award to the costs of attending a qualified career and technical school program as described in AS 14.43.835(a)(2);" Page 7, lines 27, following "courses": Insert ", or for up to two calendar years of attendance at a qualified career and technical school" 9:11:17 AM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ objected for discussion. CHAIR SEATON stated that the amendment allows a student who has an academic scholarship to apply it to the school of their choice, including vocational training institutions. CHAIR SEATON, without further objection, announced Amendment 3 was tabled. 9:12:12 AM CHAIR SEATON offered conceptual Amendment 4, labeled 26GH2771\A.1, which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: Amendment to Page 5, line 22 & 23  Sec. 14.43.820. Eligibility for an academic  scholarship.   (a) Subject to appropriation, the commission shall award a merit-based academic scholarship to an applicant who meets the eligibility criteria for the award under the program. b) The programmatic standards for eligibility for an award of a merit-based academic scholarship under the program include the following: (1) the four-year core academic curriculum which may include a virtual curriculum that the student must have completed in high school; the core [23] 24 academic curriculum must include 9:12:44 AM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ objected for discussion. CHAIR SEATON said the amendment provides language to include virtual curriculum. CHAIR SEATON, without further objection, announced Amendment 4 was tabled. 9:13:15 AM CHAIR SEATON offered Amendment 5, labeled 26-GH2771\A.3, which read [original punctuation provided]: Amendment to Page 23, line 16 *Sec. 7. AS 37.14 is amended by adding new sections to read: Article 8A. Governor's Performance Scholarship  Fund.  Sec. 37.14.750. Governor's performance  scholarship fund established. (a) The governor's performance scholarship fund is established as a fund of the state. The fund consists of (1) appropriations to the fund; (2) donations to the fund; and (3) income earned on investments of fund assests. (b) The commissioner of revenue shall manage the fund with the goal that the purchasing power of the fund will not diminish over time without regard to additional contributions that may be made to the fund. The commissioner shall invest the assets of the fund in a manner likely to yield at least a five percent real rate of return over time. (c) donations to the fund from private sources  shall be considered for the education tax credit as  per AS 43.20.014  [(c)](d) Nothing in this section crates a dedicated fund. 9:13:31 AM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ objected for discussion. CHAIR SEATON explained that the amendment inserts language to allow private donations to be considered for the education tax credit. CHAIR SEATON, without objection, announced Amendment 5 was tabled. 9:14:09 AM CHAIR SEATON offered Amendment 6, labeled 26-GH2771\A.4, which read [original punctuation provided]: Amendment to Page 10, line 23 Sec. 14.43.850. Report to the legislature. (a) To the extent permitted under law, the department, commission, University of Alaska, Department of Revenue, and Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall share data necessary to prepare public reports regarding the governor's performance scholarship program. (b) No more than 10 days after the start of each year's legislative session, the department, commission, University of Alaska, Department of Revenue, and Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall present an annual report to the public, the governor, and the legislature containing information of public interest regarding the governor's performance scholarship program, including (1) the number of applicants and number and types of scholarships awarded; (2) dollar amount of scholarships awarded in past years and expected dollar amounts for the next year; and (3) data and trends in the data regarding the goals identified in AS 14.43.810. (4) data shall be included and available via a  specific web page linkable on the State of Alaska's  home page  REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ objected for discussion. CHAIR SEATON indicated that the amendment inserts language to have scholarship data available on a web page linked to the State of Alaska's home page. CHAIR SEATON, without further objection, announced Amendment 6 was tabled. 9:14:56 AM REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON moved conceptual Amendment 7, labeled as a memo From: Adam Berg, Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 7:19 AM, To: Louie Flora, which read [original punctuation provided]: Page 4, following line 16, Add: "(9) increasing participation from Alaska high school students in Alaska post-secondary institutions. CHAIR SEATON objected for discussion. REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON said the intent of the amendment is to state in statute that part of the objectives of the GPS program is to direct Alaskan students to Alaskan post secondary institutions. CHAIR SEATON, without further objection, announced Conceptual Amendment 3 was tabled. 9:15:46 AM CHAIR SEATON stated that an additional amendment is being drafted to provide language ensuring that a rigorous curriculum will be available in every school in Alaska. 9:16:37 AM CHAIR SEATON announced that HB 297 would be held for further consideration. HB 311-STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS; REGULATIONS  9:17:00 AM CHAIR SEATON announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 311, "An Act providing the Alaska State Council on the Arts the authority to adopt regulations relating to its statutory powers and duties; and providing for an effective date." 9:17:22 AM REPRESENTATIVE KYLE JOHANSEN, Alaska State Legislature, testified that HB 311 provided the Alaska State Council on the Arts the authority to adopt regulations relating to its statutory powers and duties. He reported that, as the Council was working to streamline its policies, the Department of Law (DOL) had informed the Council that there was not a statutory authority for its actions. He noted that the Council on the Arts had been an ongoing program since 1966. The DOL had suggested that the legislature codify the process, hence HB 311. He pointed out that the Council had distributed more than $42 million in grants to more than 4000 recipients. REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN shared a list of the statewide beneficiaries for advancement of the arts from the last few years to include: Anchor Point, Anchorage, Chugiak, Cordova, Douglas, Elam, Fairbanks, Girdwood, and Gustavus. He directed attention to the economic benefit this provided to the communities. 9:22:10 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER asked if the intervening regulations that were enacted over the prior 40 years would need to be voided. REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN replied that the Council would process the regulations through the Administrative Procedure Act. 9:23:08 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked if there would be testimony from the DOL. 9:24:10 AM SONYA CHRISTIANSEN, Staff to Representative Kyle Johansen, Alaska State Legislature, replied that the DOL was available to testify, and that she was not aware of any resistance to the bill. 9:24:52 AM BEN BROWN, Chairman, Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA), explained that the ASCA had a modest re-grant program. He reviewed the history of the Council and explained the grants program, including the federal matching funds. He declared it to be a vital cornerstone for the arts in many communities. He reflected that the council had decided that the grant program was in need of an update, as it was not efficient to ask recipients for annual updates versus biannual or triennial reports. Upon investigation, it was determined that the council had no regulatory authority, so the DOL had suggested the legislature amend the enabling statute to now provide explicit regulatory authority. 9:31:27 AM REBECCA HATTAN, Assistant Attorney General, Department of Law (DOL), in response to Chair Seaton, said that the bill language appeared to be in order and that DOL saw no problem with it, as long as the Council went back through the Administrative Procedure Act to readopt all the existing regulations. 9:32:50 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked if it was a major undertaking to reconcile the past 40 years. MS. HATTAN replied that it did not appear to be an excessive time commitment. She explained that there would be waiting periods involved, for public input, but that it would not be a demanding process which should move fairly quickly. 9:34:22 AM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ asked if the current ASCA regulations all pertained to the re-grants program. MR. BROWN confirmed that not all of the regulations would need to be re adopted. He clarified that HB 311 would primarily affect the re-grant program regulations and that any future regulations would be under this new regulatory authority. 9:35:43 AM CHAIR SEATON pointed out that the House Education Standing Committee was the only committee of referral, so the bill would be held in order to allow for public comment. 9:36:40 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked if this would allow the DOL enough time. MS. HATTAN replied that the time line was adequate for the DOL to approve the legislation. [HB 311 was held over.] HB 310-SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION DEBT REIMBURSEMENT  9:38:14 AM CHAIR SEATON announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 310, "An Act extending the deadline for authorizing school construction debt reimbursed by the state." 9:39:00 AM CHAIR SEATON closed public testimony on HB 310. 9:39:40 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER moved to report HB 310 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB 310 was reported from the House Education Standing Committee. 9:41:09 AM REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER referred to the comments on the Governor's Performance Scholarship from the kindergarten class of one of her constituents, which is included in the committee packet. 9:41:44 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH stated that he would have amendments to HB 297. 9:44:58 AM ADJOURNMENT  There being no further business before the committee, the House Education Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m.