Legislature(2009 - 2010)CAPITOL 106
02/01/2010 08:00 AM House EDUCATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB317 | |
| HB235 | |
| HB206 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 317 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 235 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 206 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 317-EDUC. FUNDING: BASIC/SPEC NEEDS/TRANSPORT
8:06:03 AM
CHAIR SEATON announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 317 "An Act increasing the special needs funding
and base student allocation for public schools, and extending
the adjustment for student transportation funding; and providing
for an effective date."
8:06:23 AM
KATIE KOESTER, Staff, to Representative Paul Seaton, Alaska
State Legislature, introduced HB 317 and a sectional analysis,
paraphrasing from a prepared statement, which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
HB 317 - forward funding education, increasing block
grant funding & extending inflation adjustment to
pupil transportation funding.
Sec. 1
Extends the inflation adjustment for pupil
transportation established in the Joint Legislative
Education Funding Task Force legislation passed in
2008 for three more years until 2014.
Takes the adjustments from reflecting any changes in
the Anchorage Consumer Price Index to any increases in
the Anchorage CPI. This ensures that in a year with
negative inflation year we do not reduce funding.
Sec. 2
a.(1)Increases the block funding for special education
gifted and talented, vocational, and bilingual
education by 1.5% (this takes it from 1.2% BSA to
1.215% BSA). The intent is that this increase be
directed to Vocational Education.
(2) Second half of Sec. 2 jus tracks current law which
is phases in the final year of the increases in
special needs funding as established by the Joint
Legislative Education Funding Task Force in 2008.
Sec. 3, 4 & 5
Increases the Base Student Allocation by $125 for the
next three fiscal years (FY11, FY12, and FY13).
Sec. 6 the corresponding extension of pupil
transportation inflation adjustment established in
Sec. 1
Sec. 7,8 & 9 the corresponding effective dates to the
increases in the BSA.
* the reason the language of the bill references
numbers in brackets is because we are amending
legislation that has not taken effect yet in each
section, so the number in brackets refers to that
previous number.
8:09:25 AM
MS. KOESTER pointed out the fiscal note and indicated that the
Department of Education and Early Development (EED) is available
for financial questions. In response to a committee question,
she stated that the funding factor of 1.215, page 2, line 3, is
the actual amount; an increase from current funding.
8:10:21 AM
CHAIR SEATON clarified that the only change to Section 1 is the
insertion of the term increases, and the deletion of "changes"
in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). He reviewed the fiscal note,
pointing out that the Alaska Military Youth Academy (AMYA)
receives seven times the base student allocation, and requested
that the department explain how this funding takes place and the
budgetary effect.
8:12:45 AM
EDDY JEANS, Director, School Finance and Facilities Section,
Department of Education and Early Development (EED), established
that the AMYA has, in statute, a unique funding formula that is
tied to the base student allocation (BSA). Whenever the BSA is
increased, the AMYA allocation is automatically adjusted upward.
They do have a residential program, which is why they receive a
seven times allocation, however, he opined, it would be safe to
say that their residential costs are not going up every time the
BSA is increased.
8:13:33 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER pointed out that other schools have
residential programs, and asked whether they receive a similar
level of funding; such as Mt. Edgecombe.
MR. JEANS responded that Mt. Edgecombe's residential program is
funded by the department and comes directly from the general
fund. When increases are requested for that program, it is
included as part of EEC's budget process. He said that the
dollar amount for the residential programs in Galena, Nenana,
and Bethel are set in statute. The funding for these programs
can only be adjusted through the legislative process to alter
the stipend amount, and are not effected by adjustments to the
BSA.
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER queried how the total funding per student
compares.
MR. JEANS recalled that when the funding mechanism was created
for the AMYA, a dollar amount was established, and they backed
it into the funding formula to achieve the amount. Since that
time the BSA has been increased several times, providing AMYA
and automatic increase, which may have been an unforeseeable
consequence when the statute was originally drafted.
CHAIR SEATON requested comparison information on the other
programs, and what the effect is on the budget.
MR. JEANS stated that all of the residential facilities are
required to come before the legislature and justify the costs of
their programs. The educational component is funded via the
foundation formula, and they are seeing the increase benefits
for that aspect of their program. He said that it may be
difficult to split the two out, as the funding for AMYA is a
blended number that covers the residential and education
programs. The department will provide the committee with the
total costs of each of the programs.
8:16:26 AM
REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON recalled that the AYMA has an
abbreviated residency period, that is shorter than the other
resident institutions.
MR. JEANS said he would provide information to the committee.
8:17:23 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked whether the resident program at the
Alaska Vocational Technical Center (AVTEC), is considered on the
same basis.
MR. JEANS answered that AVETC is funded 100 percent through the
Department of Labor & Workforce Development (DLWD).
REPRESENTATIVE BUCH reported that AMYA has a two session
curriculum that runs for 7 months then begins again. This is a
program for the highest risk students, that have fallen through
all the cracks, and yet they produce an 80 percent success rate.
He stressed the importance for supporting this type of facility,
and how it differs from other residential facilities. He stated
that he was not aware of the high level of state funding, but
suggested that it is money well spent.
8:19:58 AM
CHAIR SEATON stated that the question is not whether to cut the
program, but to evaluate the appropriateness of having a seven
times increase built into the formula. An alternative may be
for the academy's administrators to come before the legislature
to request funding.
8:20:49 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ directed attention to the fiscal note and
asked why it is greatest in fiscal year (FY) 2012.
MR. JEANS responded that the 2012 year represents the block
funding increase from 20 to 21 1/2 percent, and raising the BSA
by $125.00. In year two, the BSA is increased, again by
$125.00, but not the block funding. The block funding remains
at the higher rate.
8:22:34 AM
CHAIR SEATON pointed out that an amendment has been prepared
that will raise the block funding another 1 1/2 increments,
bringing it to 23 percent, in the second year. Additionally, he
mentioned the EED chart, in the committee packet that reflects
the final ISER (Institute of Social and Economic Research)
increase, and illustrates the block funding increases. To avoid
any confusion regarding the application of the recommended
increases, he said he would draft a letter of intent to
accompany the bill.
8:28:44 AM
CHAIR SEATON opened public testimony
8:29:02 AM
AMY LUJAN, Executive Director, Alaska Association of School
Business Officials (ALASBO) stated support for HB 317, as a
means to forward fund education. She praised the base student
allocation adjustment, previously established, and reported how
the new three year plan will provide continuity to districts.
The block grant will allow schools to carry out the committee's
intent to provide career and technical/vocational education.
Finally, she said that pupil transportation contracts are an
important facet that will also be served better with forward
funding. In response to a question from Chair Seaton, she
agreed to provide information to the committee regarding how the
pupil transportation contracts relate to the CPI.
8:33:43 AM
MARY FRANCIS, Director, Alaska Council of School Administrators
(ACSA), stated support for HB 317, citing forward funding as a
tremendous advantage to the school districts, and praising the
increase to the BSA. Further, she indicated that ASCA supports
reestablishing categorical funding for career and technical
education. She offered Position Statements 09-1 and 09-15, for
inclusion in the committee packet.
8:36:33 AM
CHAIR SEATON asked whether ASCA has any concern for appropriate
use of the categorical funding, at the school board level.
8:37:40 AM
MS. FRANCIS recalled the categorical funding that had been
provided, at one time, for vocational education. One of the
reasons vocational education foundered is because other
categories took priority. If money is not directly tied to the
development and enhancement of career and technical education,
it may not be spent in that area, she cautioned. School boards
and districts make decisions based on local needs. From her
experience as a superintendent, she reported that categorical
funding can work well.
CHAIR SEATON solicited further input from the ASCA regarding
structuring the block grant, which she agreed to provide.
8:41:39 AM
DR. ANNMARIE O'BRIEN, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Northwest
Arctic Borough School District, stated support for HB 317,
commending the committee for recognizing the importance of, and
providing for, forward funding. She underscored the importance
of the increase in the block grant funding and legislative
support of vocational education.
8:44:35 AM
DAVE JONES, Assistant Superintendent, Kenai Peninsula Borough
School District, stated support for HB 317, stressing the
importance of forward funding and the instrumental role it plays
in teacher retention, planning, and continuity of educational
programs. Morale has increased because of this type of
approach, as teachers have been able to focus on educational
programs, rather than focusing concern on budget shortfalls.
8:47:18 AM
JIM NYGAARD, Superintendent, Cordova School District,
stated support for HB 317, paraphrasing from a prepared
statement, which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Cordova Schools supports HB317 for the following
reasons:
Funding increases will help us compete with the
increased costs of fuel/utilities, food, staff costs,
and travel/shipping costs. We liked the 3 year
package, but still appreciate the reduced 2 year
proposal.
Cordova has been very respectful of the increased block
grant funding discussion. With the "Intensive" level
funding currently offered to the state, we have been
impressed. However, in Cordova we have a considerable
population of special needs children that we do not get
adequate funding for [and] that do not qualify for the
additional funding. Thus, the appreciation for the
increased block grant monies.
Multiple year funding package has been a blessing for
budgetary purposes.
MR. NYGAARD added that the increased expectations for the
final year of NCLB have not been discussed, but this
consistent funding support will help attain the mark set
for that program.
8:49:50 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GARDNER requested further information on the
itinerant students.
MR. NYGAARD replied that specialists must be brought in on
contract to provide special services, such as a speech
pathologist. The service must be provided but the cost
presents a burden.
8:50:55 AM
PETER HOPPER (ph), stated support for HB 317, and said he
had nothing further to add.
8:51:17 AM
STEVEN BRADSHAW, Superintendent, Sitka School District,
stated support for HB 317, and thanked the committee for
furthering local control of the block funding, as well as
for the proposed increases. The vast majority of the 20
percent block, for the past 10 years, has gone towards
special education, and vocational programs have been cut.
Additionally, he reported how needs, and funding, for
English as a Second Language program have surged.
8:54:32 AM
CHAIR SEATON said that the bill would be held, and public
testimony will remain open. [HB 317 was held over.]
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 206 material.pdf |
HEDC 3/27/2009 8:00:00 AM HEDC 4/3/2009 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| CS HB 206 (EDC) April 22 workdraft.pdf |
HEDC 8/25/2009 9:00:00 AM HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| HB 206 Sponsor statement.doc |
HEDC 8/25/2009 9:00:00 AM HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 206 Post Secondary courses for High School Students - HB 206 |
| HB 206 Student Count Briefing.doc |
HEDC 8/25/2009 9:00:00 AM HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
Dual student count/count averaging - HB 206 HB 206 |
| Briefing paper for high schoolers taking postsecondary courses HB206.doc |
HEDC 8/25/2009 9:00:00 AM HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/5/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 206 Post Secondary courses for High School Students - HB 206 |
| HB206_CountChart.xlsx |
HEDC 1/20/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 206 |
| HB235 version R.pdf |
HEDC 1/22/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 235 |
| HB235 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HEDC 1/22/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 235 |
| Ltr House Ed Comm RE HB235 WICHE.pdf |
HEDC 1/22/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 235 |
| WICHE Tuition -pharmacy school.xls |
HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 235 |
| WICHE- Pharmacy Workforce.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 235 |
| HB235- statistics.doc |
HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 235 |
| HB 317 materials.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/5/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 317 |
| HB235CS-EED-ACPE-01-29-10.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 235 |
| HB317_EED_ACYA_1-27-10.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/5/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| HB317_EED_ESS_1-27-10.pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM HEDC 2/5/2010 8:00:00 AM |
|
| Scan001 (5).pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 235 |
| Scan001 (6).pdf |
HEDC 2/1/2010 8:00:00 AM |
HB 235 |