Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2001-02-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2001-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0473 SB 114 SENATE BILL NO. 114 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to increasing the base student allocation and the maximum amount of quality school funding grants for public schools; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Community and Regional Affairs, Health, Education and Social Services and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Education and Early Development Governor's transmittal letter dated February 20: Dear President Halford: A new investment in education is necessary as the next step toward school excellence in Alaska. This bill I transmit today takes that step by increasing the per student allocation in school funding as well as the quality schools grants. This legislation is built on the recommendations of the Education Funding Task Force that identified specific initiatives and programs over a five-year period to improve student achievement in Alaska. The legislation increases the base student allocation in the funding formula in the first year by $115 per student, from the current $3,940 to $4,055. The base student allocation will increase approximately $63 2001-02-22 Senate Journal Page 0474 per year in each of the remaining four years of the plan. These increases will help provide the resources to ensure that all of Alaska's children have opportunities to meet the high academic standards we all know are necessary to succeed in today's world. The base student allocation increase is just one piece of a funding commitment we need to achieve academic excellence in our schools. Another piece is raising the quality schools grant, which this bill proposes, from $16 to $65 per average daily membership. The Legislature last year provided one-time funding for learning opportunity grants. Improvement in student performance requires a continuous commitment of resources so that all students meet high academic standards. By providing the additional support through the quality schools grant, Alaskans can be assured the money will go to support student success in a standards-based instructional program. This legislation is an investment in our children and Alaska's future. If we are serious about preparing all of our children for the workforce and the challenges of this new century, we must provide the resources for students to meet high academic standards and to hold schools accountable for their students' performance. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this bill. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor