Legislature(2023 - 2024)BUTROVICH 205
01/20/2024 10:00 AM House RULES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SB140 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SB 140 | TELECONFERENCED | |
SB 140-INTERNET FOR SCHOOLS
10:05:11 AM
CHAIR C. JOHNSON announced that the only order of business would
be CS FOR SENATE BILL NO. 140(FIN), "An Act relating to funding
for Internet services for school districts; and providing for an
effective date." [Before the committee was the proposed House
Committee Substitute (HCS) for CSSB 140(FIN), Version 33-
LS0687\D, Bergerud, 1/15/24, adopted by the committee on 1/17/24
as the working document.]
CHAIR C. JOHNSON noted that the committee would first finish
invited testimony, [begun during the hearing on CSSB 140(FIN) on
1/17/24].
10:06:29 AM
DEENA BISHOP, PhD, Commissioner, Department of Education & Early
Development (DEED), began her invited testimony stating her
appreciation for the opportunity to speak on SB 140, regarding
education policy. She noted that she was speaking in her
capacity as commissioner with three decades of experience,
having served in numerous education positions from classroom
teacher and coach to school principal and district
administrator, and most recently as superintendent in the two
largest school districts in Alaska. She continued from her
written testimony, which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
My thoughts today begin with our foundation, in
achieving our Constitutional promise to "Establish and
maintain a system of public schools open to all
children of the State,"
Alaska's system of education has been grounded in
schools that meet students' and families' needs. Our
constitution did not speak to "common uniform schools"
as many states' do, rather, our state from the start
acknowledged and supported multiple and varied school
types as vast and varied as Alaska's geography and
people.
The legislation before you will strengthen the
commitment to students and families as they seek the
best public school for their children to become
intelligent problem solvers, responsible citizens, and
diligent individuals.
As I listened Wednesday when this bill was introduced
and as you will most likely hear in testimony today,
some of Alaska's public schools will come under fire
as harming to "the system." I ask the 33rd Legislature
to know and understand whom our system of public
education serves---its young people not itself.
Alaska's foundation in choice will have an opportunity
to grow by expanding the process for review and
authorization of charter schools. Harvard University
found in 2023, in analyzing the National Assessment of
Educational Progress (Naep) student achievement data,
that Alaska's charter school students outperform their
peers in all 50 states. Again, we are number one for
student achievement outcomes in the country.
In speaking with the researcher, he shared that the
most successful charter schools in the nation had
state authorizing agencies as Alaska's charters are
designed. This bill simply expands the processes for
approval at the state board level.
Many public charter schools in Alaska often operate on
a lottery system for enrollment as there is limited
space. Expanding the state authorization process is an
investment in our students and families to grow
learning opportunities.
Representative Fields shared a concern for out-
migration of families as he spoke to the present
legislation. I too have this concern as young families
leave Alaska. As an educator, I know that school
choice is a favorable construct for Alaska's parents.
I believe all school choice puts our parents in the
best position to engage in their child's education and
builds the stability in our state that we desire. The
bill before you has the potential to bring families
back to Alaska, not push them away.
Additionally, this bill provides for the needed
adjustment to Alaska's correspondence school funding.
Our school funding algorithm builds investment in both
geographical location and school size as well as
provides for multipliers to support student learning.
Presently, the multipliers for student learning
exclude the special needs of homeschool students. This
bill corrects an outdated funding provision by
assigning the student needs multiplier to all
students.
Specifically, the student needs multiplier invests in
Special Education, Career and Technical Education,
Gifted Education, as well as gives additional funds
for English Language Learners. The special needs
factor should support all public-school students who
exhibit the needs.
Additionally, I would like to speak to Governor
Dunleavy's steps in this bill to prioritize
recruitment and retention of Alaska's teachers. This
legislation is designed to be a study on how
additional payments to teachers who finish their
contract year impacts recruitment and retention.
The amounts range from $5,000 to $15,000 annually
based on geographic areas and needs. It is essential
to note that this initiative concentrates on the vital
individuals closest to our students classroom
teachers, and it is grounded in a comprehensive study
by Dr. Adams on Teacher Retention and Recruitment
completed in August of 2023.
Moreover, as we discuss investment in public schools,
many advocate for a simple increase in the Base
Student Allocation (BSA), I endorse a strategic
investment approach.
My current viewpoint has evolved through years of
being an educator and extensive research. I am
convinced from my experience in the classroom and as
an education leader that we must strategically target
funds to achieve the academic goals that you the
Legislature, the Department, and the state and local
school boards have established for our students,
rather than simply increasing the BSA.
As stated earlier, the existing BSA formula is
designed through multipliers to allocate funds to
educational priorities. Geographic location and school
sizes are two investment multipliers. However, funding
through the BSA does not ensure that money gets
directly into the classroom to support better
educational outcomes.
This approach finds backing in a 2019 report titled,
"How much Does Alaska spend on k-12 Education" by the
Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER),
presented at the Ed Funding 101 for Legislators on
January 9th of this year. In it, Dr. De Feo shared the
research recommendation that in funding schools, "a
shift in our focus from how much we spend to what we
buy with our dollars" should be considered.
Another example is found in the Anchorage School
District's contracted report by Picus Odden, titled
"An Evidence-Based Approach to the Basic Student
Allocation in Alaska." It identified specific
improvement strategies implemented by schools and
districts that have positive effects on student
learning.
Through an extensive review spanning over two decades,
this evidence-based approach considers impactful
practices that matter most. While it shares a BSA
number, I believe looking at and specifically funding
the practices we desire in our schools gives you, the
Legislative body, an avenue to invest in the best
rather than do a blanket investment which may not
address your priorities.
As Commissioner, my stance is clear investments in
education should be directed to areas that generate
the best outcomes and prepare students for a
successful future.
As example, the Reads Act law speaks to a highly
valued school function for which financial investment
would benefit our most underserved and below
proficient readers.
Another example is providing funding that connects
students to their career interests and our state's
workforce needs. Investing in opportunities for
students to earn trade certifications before leaving
high school helps to accomplish this because it
prepares them for living wage jobs immediately after
graduation. Addressing broader challenges that impact
school districts, such as energy and healthcare costs,
may also be crucial to your conversations.
In short, a prudent approach to funding is imperative
to focus our time and money on preparing students for
success after high school.
SB140 invests in public school education. This bill
builds upon Alaska's foundation of choice by expanding
public charter school authorizing as well as provides
for the true learning needs of correspondence school
students.
This bill invests directly in teachers and supports
school districts in their work to attract and hire the
best teachers.
Thank you for prioritizing k-12 education, by hearing
this bill early in the session.
Education funding that results in the improved
outcomes desired by the people of our state is
paramount. SB140 gets us one step closer to that goal.
10:16:22 AM
COMMISSIONER BISHOP, in response to a question from
Representative Schrage, talked about what she has done to get
funds into classrooms successfully. She stressed the importance
of strategic planning and having support in programs and areas
conducive to student learning.
10:18:28 AM
COMMISSIONER BISHOP, in response to a question from
Representative Sumner, confirmed that all charter schools in
Alaska are public schools.
10:19:03 AM
COMMISSIONER BISHOP, in response to a question from
Representative Tilton, said the Alaska Constitution assures that
public schools are open to all Alaska students. She added that
anyone can attend a public charter school. In response to a
follow-up question regarding income effecting the ability of
some students to attend charters schools, she mentioned title
charter schools that are available for students that receive
(indisc.) reduced lunch. She said there are many schools that
make it possible for students in families with limited financial
means to attend charter school.
10:21:08 AM
COMMISSIONER BISHOP, in response to Representative Allard
mentioning Chugach Charter School and inquiring about a
statement by charterschools.org that charter schools have served
more students of color and from low income communities than have
district schools, said she would have to look into the statement
to give an answer. Notwithstanding that, she commented that
nationwide there is "varied support of all students." Regarding
Chugach, she said the school is a special mission school, called
Chugach Optional. She offered her understanding that the school
is near a school in Representative Fields' [district]. She
stated that expanding school choice allows for more access to
charters. Presently, the 25 special mission or choice schools
in Anchorage have waiting lists; therefore, there is a desire to
enter such schools, which could be neighborhood schools,
comprehensive high schools, or charters.
10:23:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS clarified that SB 140 would not increase
school choice; it would eliminate local school district
accountability for school charters by getting approval directly
from the state instead of going through a local school board.
There would be less local control. He then pointed out that
recently a charter in Anchorage illegally purchased religious
curriculum was identified and corrected by the local school
board. Referring to Commissioner Bishop's remark that schools
can be supported by different degrees, said that reminded him of
the phrase "separate but equal," which he said he thinks, at
this point, "has been widely discredited."
COMMISSIONER BISHOP, in response to a question from
Representative Allard, stated that it would be against the state
constitution for a charter school to promote religious
academics.
10:24:37 AM
COMMISSIONER BISHOP responded to a request from Representative
Schrage to address data he mentioned indicating that charter
schools do not adequately provide means to those of lower
income, especially transportation, and to discuss whether
economic classes are being served equally. She said it is the
choice of school districts whether to address the issue [of
transportation]; some provide it and some do not. To a follow-
up remark suggesting that increasing access would require
collaboration that would be supported under the current model of
local school districts having connection to the approval and
management of charter schools, she noted that Alaska has
precedent through legal means that transportation "is actually
the benefit of the child's" and has been provided for students
outside the school district. That is to underline that state
levels can collaborate just as local levels can in terms of
transportation issues.
10:27:29 AM
COMMISSIONER BISHOP, in response to a question from
Representative Tilton regarding the connection between
outmigration from Alaska and school choice, emphasized this
means choice of any school. She said the goal for education is
for parents and children to love Alaska's schools. Many areas
of the state have "wonderful school choice." She added that
another goal of the department is to give students/parents the
personal choice regarding attendance and the ability "to do so."
10:28:51 AM
COMMISSIONER BISHOP, in response to a request from
Representative Allard to address Commissioner Bishop's changed
stance on the topic of increasing the base student allocation
(BSA) funding, shared her mantra is "when you know better, you
do better." She said that as an educator of 34 years and
superintendent of more than 12 and assistant superintendent of
more than 5, she has learned and worked through issues regarding
the BSA. She stated that [the BSA funding] does not always
"land in the classroom where the value is added in public
education." She emphasized that classrooms and school is where
value is added in public education, and targeting funds to those
areas supports students and families and create better student
outcomes.
10:30:45 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 10:30 a.m. to 10:34 a.m. to
address technical difficulties.
10:34:53 AM
CHAIR C. JOHNSON noted that during the hearing of CSSB 140(FIN)
on 1/17/24, Representative Fields had said the proposed
legislation would promote a voucher system, and he asked
Commissioner Bishop to speak to that.
10:35:31 AM
COMMISSIONER BISHOP responded that voucher school programs are
unconstitutional in Alaska. She emphasized that charter school
programs are not voucher programs. In response to a follows-up
question regarding Representative Fields' past statement that
there would be no oversight under CSSB 140(FIN), she emphasized
that all charter schools are authorized by the Alaska State
Board of Education & Early Development (State Board of
Education), and there are high standards for developing charter
schools, which have "high oversight." She noted that Mt.
Edgecumbe High School has oversight by the State Board of
Education, so "this opportunity" is not outside of what the
board already does.
10:37:21 AM
COMMISSIONER BISHOP, in response to a question from
Representative Schrage as to whether there would be any local
oversight remaining under CSSB 140(FIN), said that at his point
in time, without regulations developed, the state would have the
oversight. In response to a follow-up request to discuss how
the bill could support mental health issues in schools, such as
hiring counselors and support staff, said a charter can be
designed with desired features; it is the decision of the
charter. The primary function is education, and she emphasized
allowing teachers to teach. Issues must be identified, then
resources prioritized to those issues. She spoke about
competing interests making it difficult to address needs but
overcoming that with strong leadership.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE questioned why not one school district
has been able to improve outcomes and suggested that the problem
is a lack of resources. He observed that the only element of
the proposed legislation that provides an element of support for
paraprofessionals and classroom instruction in public schools is
the increase to the BSA. He asked if there was something else
that would provide that support.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP explained her reason for changing her mind
about the BSA and "blanket" investment line up with the reasons
shared by Representative Schrage, that one looks for desired
investments and then funds them. She said there is no guarantee
that the funds from the BSA will go to the paraprofessionals or
counselors. Conversely, she said there has been investment in
paraprofessionals through "Growing Your Own." She talked about
the aunties and uncles and other relatives in rural communities
that care for and teach the young people and said she is highly
supportive of paraprofessionals and supporting them to become
teachers.
10:45:00 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE stated that charter schools do not have
to worry about transportation and "all the high, intensive
needs" that local public neighborhood schools are addressing.
He said it concerns him that [the state] seems to be adding more
resources "to those that are able" while those that are not able
are "left with the pickings."
10:46:59 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD emphasized that both charter schools and
local schools are publicly funded and they both deserve the
funds. She added correspondence schools to those that deserve
funds. She said accountability is required under CSSB 140(FIN).
She talked about money being moved from publicly funded charter
schools and correspondence schools to a system in "a
neighborhood local school that continues to spend money and
continues to fail." She asked Commissioner Bishop for her
perspective regarding charter schools "falling directly under
the ... state board."
COMMISSIONER BISHOP talked about the focus being on students and
their needs. She invited Representative Allard to visit charter
schools in rural Alaska. She said the question is why it is not
currently part of charter schools to serve lower-income
children. She asked, "Are they not being approved? Are people
not coming forward to do that?" She said when she visits a
charter school, she sees that the focus on their mission is
paramount, and that mission is loved by the public school
educators that choose to teach there, as well as by the parents.
She talked about additional opportunities in regard to charter
schools. She noted that charter schools, in general, are
designed by teachers. She talked about increasing opportunities
being provided and said she thinks the State of Alaska should
support any school that is good for learning. She said the
constitution supports "public schools for all children, for
their success."
10:51:29 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS commented that it would be a big departure
from current practice if the state were to step away from the
BSA and focus on funding things like paraprofessionals and
counselors, nurses, and maintenance staff. He said he would not
be able to make those decisions and surmised that neither would
some school districts. It would be a change from local control.
He then noted that there are zero charter schools in House
district 37, only one in House district 38, and one in House
district 39. While charters are important to those who are
currently served by them, he cautioned not to divert funds from
neighborhood schools that are attended by 80 percent of students
to schools that serve a small number of kids. He concluded by
stating that every kid is important.
10:52:54 AM
CHAIR C. JOHNSON opened public testimony on SB 140.
10:55:02 AM
LISA PARADY, PhD, Executive Director, Alaska Council of School
Administrators, stated that initially, SB 140 was a
straightforward approach to addressing critical broadband needs
in Alaska's rural areas. Now, it is a "mishmash" with some
misguided policy ideas that "strike at the heart of public
education." She stated, "You have a constitutional duty to fund
public education. It's a duty that has not been met for a
better part of a decade."
DR. PARADY drew attention to a handout in the committee packet,
ACSA's joint position statement, to pages 2 and 3. She pointed
to Chart 1, on page 2, which shows inflation adjustment to the
fiscal year 2012 (FY 12) value; the base student allocation
(BSA) of $560 in FY 24 has an FY 12 value of $468 when adjusted
for inflation. She noted that the red line reflects the
governor's veto, which she said the legislature failed to
override resulting in the loss of what would have been immediate
support to Alaska's students. She said the chart clearly shows
the magnitude of the loss of purchasing power, particularly
against fixed costs such as energy and transportation. She
moved to Chart 2, on page 3, which shows what the BSA would have
been if inflation adjusted since 2017. FY 25 would have been a
difference of over fourteen hundred. She said all of the
information she pointed to demonstrates that the BSA is
"woefully, arguably, unconstitutionally underfunded."
DR. PARADY stated that [ACSA] fully supports charter schools;
moving them to the state is "the wrong direction." She said it
would betray the conservative principal that "government governs
best when closest to the people." Further, it would disrupt the
policy framework that has allowed Alaska charter schools to earn
their high ranking. She opined that the system is working as-
is. She emphasized that ACSA adamantly opposes any "backdoor
introduced vouchers." She said, "We share your attorney's
concerns regarding equal protection and negotiated agreement."
She clarified that the governor's task force, which she served
on, said that Alaska needs "competitive salaries and a public
pension system that fairly compensates all district staff who
devote many years to Alaska's children." She reminded the
committee that the vast majority of students attend "brick and
mortar" schools; therefore, the focus on those who do not is "a
little disproportionate." She emphasized that ACSA supports all
public schools, and she reminded the committee that the duty of
the legislature is to support all students. She advised that
the timing of this legislation is important, and ACSA stands
ready to assist the legislature on this issue.
11:00:16 AM
CAROLE BOOKLESS, representing self, talked about working in
schools and the difficulty of contacting administrators, and she
indicated that the number of administrators is increasing while
the number of students is decreasing. She urged dollars be
spent in the classroom. She spoke of charter schools as taking
students from mainstream schools who are already doing well and
putting them under [care of] the state. She concluded, "So, I
don't like this charter school idea at all."
11:03:47 AM
DAVID FRANCIS, representing self, asked the legislature to give
today's students the opportunities that he had. He shared his
perspective as student teacher and first-year teacher working
under initial certification, including the insecurity of
students experiencing loss of staffing. He encouraged a robust
BSA, not teacher bonuses. He emphasized the importance of the
BSA to maintain the hiring of paraeducators and administrators.
He opined that the top priority of society should be to fund
education.
11:06:07 AM
LON GARRISON, Executive Director, Association of Alaska School
Boards (AASB), listed the priorities of AASB as: sufficient and
predictable education funding; retention and recruitment of
teachers, staff, and administrators, and students' wellness and
safety. He said U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics state that the
necessary BSA increase to account for inflation since 2016 would
be $1,413; the proposed $300 BSA increase falls significantly
short, at just 21 percent of that difference. He said school
districts across the state are facing an unprecedented budget
shortfall. He said AASB has consistently worked with Alaska's
public charter schools and "fervently opposes enabling the state
Board of Education to be a charter school authorizer" because
this would blatantly disregard local control and set the stage
for an adversarial relationship between a charter school and the
district. He added that AASB feels state charter schools may
eventually circumvent local control and funding altogether. He
related that in a recent interview, previous testifier
Commissioner Bishop had noted that the success of Alaska's
charter schools are, in great part, due to the strong
relationship between school districts and charters. He quoted
her as saying, "The teachers and principals are our colleagues,
and the students are all our students within the district."
Regarding the application of "the special needs factor" to
correspondence students, he said the current funding of these
students may not fully cover the expense that are often required
from special education services for access to CPE courses.
11:08:31 AM
DENNIS ROBINSON, Unalaska City School District, recommended the
original language of SB 140 be amended to provide "either 25,
50, or 100" megabytes (mb) of "dedicated" service. He said
Unalaska finally has broadband delivered by fiberoptics; the
school opted to have only 50 mb per second because at 100 mb, it
would lose its broadband assistance grant (BAG). He said he
supports an increase in the BSA, as there has been no
significant increase since 2012. Specifically, he supports the
increase passed by the Senate for over $1,400. He noted that in
the past five years, Unalaska School District has lost over 60
student but the cost of maintaining the school has remained the
same. The indicated that the City of Unalaska has provided "the
maximum amount of money" correlates with the amount of the BSA.
He stated opposition to the portion of SB 140 pertaining to the
charter school issue, saying it would put undue burden on local
control. Further, he said he does not support a lump sum
payment to teachers without an increase in the BSA.
11:11:28 AM
BRIDGET SMITH, representing self, testified in support of a
$1,423 increase of the BSA, as recommended by the Association of
Alaska School Boards. She offered her understanding that
Governor Mike Dunleavy wants Alaska to be family-friendly, and
she said she wants the same. She underlined the attraction good
schools have in bringing people to the state and, conversely,
that poor schools can be a reason people leave Alaska. She
recalled that a year ago the director of the Division of
Legislative Finance testified to the House Finance Committee
that "today the base student allocation is the lowest it's been
in 20 years, adjusted for inflation." She emphasized the need
for a well-educated workforce to benefit everyone, and only a
well-funded school system can guarantee such a workforce; it is
an integral part of a "family-friendly state."
11:13:40 AM
EMILY FERRY, representing self, asked the committee not to fix
what is not broken. She said what is not working is the funding
[of schools]. She mentioned a graph from the Alaska Commission
on Post-Secondary Education showing that only about 34 percent
of high school graduates are pursuing two- to four-year degrees.
She said one out of nine high school seniors will have a
bachelor's degree in six years, and she related that to the
needs of the workforce. She talked about investing in the state
and hearing parents discuss leaving Alaska because of
dissatisfaction with the state of Alaska's schools.
11:16:10 AM
KATHY TODD, representing self, first noted a good aspect of SB
140 by saying she thinks a school for the deaf as an option is
important. Regarding state operated charter schools, she said
charter schools are purported to offer choice but in districts
the size of the one in Valdez they will do the opposite, she
warned, where the current choice in the school between two
teachers may be minimized if there were two separate systems.
She offered further details.
11:19:25 AM
SHARON HANSEN, representing self, said she serves on an academic
policy committee at her children's charter school. She
questioned why charter school oversight is included in SB 140
rather than in other legislation "that will go through the full
committee process." She said she appreciates the partnership
her charter school has with the Fairbanks School District and
the relationship it has with the [Fairbanks] School Board. She
emphasized the importance of having people in the school
district that can come in to the charter school for "any sort of
situation that needs to be addressed." She said she fears state
oversight of charter schools has the potential to "seriously
affect the diversity, equity, and inclusiveness of our charter
school." She noted that 22 percent of the students at that
charter school are on individualized education programs and
receive special education support. The district helps the
charter school in the process of hiring a new special education
teacher. She said she supports the raise of the BSA.
11:22:03 AM
DON GRAY, representing self, spoke as a former teacher about the
better status of schools in the '70s through '90s and how
funding changed. He said he thinks the governor and the
legislature are hurting the future of the state; education must
be funded to help the students of Alaska.
11:25:13 AM
CINDI LAGOUDAKIS, representing self, testified regarding
provisions under SB 140, particularly the BSA of $6,260. She
opined that "better allocation is desperately needed." She
spoke to the shortfall in education funding of millions of
dollars and the resulting risk to children and communities, as
well as the difficulty in filling teacher positions. She
mentioned the aging population of the state and said the lack of
funding would not encourage young families to remain in Alaska.
She stated, "I encourage you to support an increased BSA over
that in this bill as an investment in our young people ...."
She mentioned provisions in SB 140 which were encouraging, which
address: tribal coordination, Internet services,
transportation, accommodation of deaf and hard of hearing
students; education for students in juvenile detention,
vocational education, and early childhood education.
11:27:32 AM
LUKE HERMAN, Teacher, Kenai Peninsula Borough School District),
said he teaches high school, and he offered testimony from the
perspective of his students, who are tasked with listing that
which is a barrier to their success. That list includes: a
decreasing number of opportunities; high classroom sizes; no
infrastructure for mental and physical health; and decreasing
numbers of paraprofessionals. Resources are needed to address
the rapid deterioration of school systems in the state. He
expressed that this is inclusive of all types of schools in
Alaska, and he mentioned the constitutional mandate to provide
education.
11:29:19 AM
REBECCA CALDWELL, representing self, mentioned charter schools
and stated her belief that students and parents deserve the
opportunity to choose a program best suited to the child's
learning style. She observed that school districts have become
too large and "too arrogant" and are unwilling to approve new
charter schools, which vary in style. She emphasized her belief
in a child's right to be safe while being educated, and she
referred to bullying in schools. She indicated that homeschool
provides the opportunity for students who are ostracized in
regular schools to learn. She maintained that homeschooling and
correspondence school programs follow state laws and
regulations.
11:31:25 AM
LYNNETTA MARCELLUS, representing self, said she has been a
teacher and involved with a charter school and supports the
provision under SB 140 wherein charter schools would be approved
directly by the State of Alaska. She indicated that there have
been many times in the last year when charter schools have been
denied by the state or closed down. She said she also agrees
with "correspondence study funding." She expressed appreciation
for Dr. Bishop's statement regarding [charter schools] being
authorized by the state. She spoke to the issue of local
control and having academic policy committees of parents and
school administrators.
11:34:18 AM
BARB CLARK, representing self, noted that she has been a high
school teacher for 24 years and urged passage of "an
unencumbered increase in the BSA" that can reverse the damage of
many years of underfunding. She indicated that a teacher bonus
may result in teachers taking the money and leaving, and she
added that it is an insult to support staff and teachers. She
said teachers bargain in good faith with districts for their
salaries. She urged the legislature to raise the BSA.
11:36:35 AM
CHEYENNE CUELLAR, representing self, noted that she is a middle
school teacher and described SB 140 as eroding the BSA, which
leads to the erosion of support staff. She said she would be in
support of the proposed teacher bonus if it were made available
to all the paraprofessional staff, including office staff,
custodians, nurses, payroll staff, and all staff that help
maintain education in Alaska.
11:38:22 AM
CHRIS HEIDEMANN, representing self, noted that he is a parent,
an educator, and president of the Juneau Education Association.
He made two key points regarding SB 140. First, he said moving
charters from local control would violate a longstanding Alaska
tradition of having public education decisions in the hands of
locals. Second, he called the teacher bonus misguided and said
it would not influence folks to stay in Alaska. He opined that
nothing short of creating an adequate and inflation-proofed
formula would be adequate. He highlighted two issues: the lack
of funding and the shortage of qualified educators. He said
Alaska has the worst public employee retirement system in the
country. He emphasized the resiliency of educators and said
they would deliver if provided adequate funding.
11:41:26 AM
TAYLOR BEARD, representing self, stated concern for her own
children and others and emphasized the need for the best tool in
making sound decisions. She noted that the Dunleavey
Administration prioritizes public safety, yet statistics show
that poor education systems result in an increase in crime. She
indicated that funding education results in fewer people living
on public assistance. She advised the committee that the choice
to enact real change to rectify public education and [thus]
public safety is the legislature's.
11:44:41 AM
KAYCEE PARADY, representing self* Juneau, Alaska * Position
Statement.{ noted she is a freshman at Juneau-Douglas High
School testifying regarding the lack of investment in the BSA.
She said she feels that the legislature has forgotten the most
important thing in the state: students. Improper funding
results in a lack of education and families moving [out of
state]. She spoke about the inability of teachers to buy
supplies without spending their own money and about crowded
classrooms. She asked the committee to "please, think of the
students."
11:46:55 AM
KATIE GREEN, representing self, testified that without an
immediate increase in BSA funds, the Juneau School District
(JSD) is facing consolidation and school closures. She
described highlights of what specific teachers have given to her
children in terms of their learning and growth as individuals.
She spoke about forced retirement, downsizing, and overcrowding.
She urged the committee to "restore and increase the base
student allocation" and be mindful of inflation of the last few
years since the original BSA.
11:48:56 AM
BRENDA TAYLOR, representing self, testified to advocate for
amendments to SB 140, specifically: to increase the BSA and to
not shift control to the State of Alaska. She indicated
membership and chair positions with the Alaska Psychiatric
Council. She mentioned her daughter's involvement a charter
school and the sense of still belonging to the greater
community. She commended the local school board. She concluded
by stating that she thinks schools should have guidance from the
State of Alaska, but that the control should be local.
11:51:52 AM
SCOTT ARNDT, Mayor, Kodiak Island Borough, opined that one
"severe" problem with SB 140 is that it is a "Catchall." The
original bill has been diluted and is being rushed through, he
commented. He said the issue of providing Internet service to
school districts should be separated from the rest of the bill
and passed. He called the proposed $300 increase to the BSA "a
dereliction of duty of the legislature to fund education." He
called the second issue, the lump sum payment to teachers, a
"three-year experiment" and questioned what would be done in
three years. He said the other issues, such as student
transportation, charter schools, boarding and correspondence
school increases need to be debated in separate legislation.
11:53:54 AM
CYNDY MIKA, Superintendent, Kenai Island Bureau School District
(KIBSD), testified that she is in favor of increased Internet
capacity for schools but posited that that issue should be
addressed as a separate bill, as originally written. She said
the proposed raising of the BSA to $680 is not enough, and it is
a travesty that in recent days that amount has been lowered to
$300. Last year, she said, KIBSD faced a $3 million deficit and
cut many positions; this year, with inflation and only a 1
percent raise to employees, the district will face a $5 million
and will need to cut $3 million in teachers, counselors,
classified staff, administrative positions, and activity and
travel funds. This will not be enough. She said in order to
keep up with inflation, there needs to be a $1,400 raise to the
BSA, which she opined is deserved by all the students. She said
she does not approve of the three-year lump sum to teachers;
many ancillary teaching staff would not receive this money. She
stated that the best way to get money to teachers and all staff
is through an increase to the BSA.
11:56:23 AM
KATHY SIMPLER, representing self, expressed concern regarding
the current version of SB 140. She talked about underfunding of
schools. She said districts across the state are having to
decide between heating the building and hiring teachers. She
urged support of education through BSA funding. She said
teacher bonuses are not going to solve the crisis in education;
however, if that provision were to stay in the bill, she said it
should include everyone that works school districts. She said
Alaska was recently recognized as having the best charter school
system in the nation, and she questions why that would be
changed.
11:58:46 AM
SUSAN RITTER, representing self, shared that she is a special
education teacher, who has taught k-12. She urged the committee
to raise the BSA at least back to "the compromise of $680" but
said she would prefer $1,600. Next, she asked for local control
over charter schools. Finally, she opined that the teacher
bonuses are great, if expanded to include "all the hard working
folks who work in our schools." She asked that expensive
programs, such as the Correspondence Study for Funding" be
examined, and she urged the legislature strip the legislation of
the attempt of the state to take control of school districts and
boards. She asked the committee to stand by the Constitution of
the State of Alaska and support all Alaskans, students,
educators, and administrators, and to provide necessary funding.
12:01:12 PM
REBECCA VANO, representing self, as a mother of an Anchorage
District high school student and veteran teacher of 22 years,
urged equitable pay for all staff, not just teachers. She
characterized SB 140 as "a misguided proposal to provide a
wildly inadequate increase to BSA, along with a small bonus"
will not retain dedicated professionals necessary to the
education system.
12:03:27 PM
JANEL WALTON, representing self, spoke about an e-mail she
received along with other teachers telling them to prepare for
36 students per class, and she broke that down into the
inadequate time a teacher would have for each student under that
scenario. She warned that the legislature is hurting the
children who will not get adequate time with their teachers, and
she urged the committee to raise the BSA to address this issue.
12:05:04 PM
MARGARET MCDONAGH, representing self, as a 26-year employee of
the Anchorage School District, testified in opposition to the
current version of SB 140, noting that she had supported the
original version's intent to increase Internet access to school
districts in the state. She opined that the BSA needs to be
"much, much higher," and she said she opposes the teacher bonus.
She indicated that if the legislature wanted to attract and
retain teachers, it would increase the BSA and fix the
retirement system. Further, she said she is against the
provision under SB 140 that would give up local control of
charter schools to the state. She said the Anchorage School
District has "a wonderful collection" of charter schools and
programs available.
12:06:48 PM
TASHIA AMSTISLAVSKI, representing self, as a parent of two
children, emphasized the importance of having the choice for
immersion programs in the schools. She spoke in favor of an
increase to the BSA of at least over $700, maintaining that it
is vital to public school infrastructure, the support of
families, and the needs of children.
12:08:22 PM
BEN ELBOW, representing self, called for a higher BSA than the
proposed $300. He illustrated the illogical rationale behind
underfunding education by saying that other public services,
such as snow removal and public safety, would not go unfunded
because they are a necessity. He talked about lack of education
adversely affecting the workforce. He said, "To say that our
schools are failing because not enough kids are scoring
proficient on tests is to ignore the fact that our schools are
being asked to more and more with less and less."
12:11:14 PM
MARGARET HANSON, Member, Northwest Arctic Bureau School District
Board of Education, testified that the district needs a BSA of
$1,423. The schools in Alaska are facing a budget crisis
resulting from years of flat funding and inflation. She listed
the variety of jobs filled by graduates of the Alaska school
system. She asked the committee to support the increase to the
BSA.
12:12:54 PM
TERRY WALKER, Superintendent, Northwest Arctic Bureau School
District, testified that the proposed legislation is a start in
working toward getting Internet to schools in Alaska by
increasing broadband from 25 to 100 megabits. She said the
proposed $300 increase to the BSA, although a step in the right
direction, is conservative in its impact on school districts,
failing to address the lack of funding increases and inflation
over the last several years. Without a significant increase to
the BSA, the district must make a $14 million cut to its fiscal
year 2025 (FY 25) budget. Therefore, she said she cannot
support SB 140 in its entirety.
12:15:25 PM
CRAIG MCCONNEL, representing self, testified in opposition to SB
140, primarily because it would underfund students. He echoed
the issue of recent underfunding and increase in costs. He
shared his teaching experience in rural Alaska, and that often
the district must hire from Outside; 60 percent of the
neighboring school district's staff come from Outside, including
other countries. He said, "... we're asking for $1,400 for
kids."
12:18:04 PM
The committee took an [at-ease] from 12:18 p.m. to 12:34 p.m.
12:34:03 PM
SUSAN BRANDT-FERGUSON, representing self, noted that she has
taught for 20 years. She encouraged timely funding of school
districts and a $1,400 increase to the BSA. She talked about
the loss of key positions, programs, and services and the
difficulty surrounding teacher recruitment and retention in
Sitka schools. She said she opposes the teacher bonus pay
because it benefits only teachers and not all support staff.
She noted that although not in the proposed bill, she supports
providing a defined benefit option to teachers. She encouraged
local control of schools as being essential. She added,
"Alaska's charter schools are not a problem, so they should be
left in the hands of those they impact."
12:37:10 PM
HARVEY BRANDT, representing self, testified that he is a retired
educator from public schools in Kansas, having previously taught
in Sitka. He called SB 140 an omnibus bill and opined that is
needed to be divided out into separate bills. He voiced his
support for "more dollars" for [the BSA], a better retirement
system for teachers, local control for charter schools rather
than centralized control. He said, "If there was ever a concept
that Republicans opposed for years, it's concentration of power
at state or national level."
12:39:03 PM
KATHLEEN BRANDT, representing self, noted that she is a third-
generation teacher. She said she supports a significant
increase to BSA funding. Further, expressed that she is
particularly interested in there being more consideration given
to students with deafness and hearing difficulty.
12:39:54 PM
BILL BURR, Superintendent, Wrangell City School District, noted
that he has been an educator for 20 years. He observed that the
proposed legislation, once focused on increased broadband for
schools, has had many other issues attached to it. He
emphasized the importance of increasing bandwidth. He pointed
to Section 10 and said schools districts are being asked to fit
goals into an ever-decreasing budget. He pointed to Section 15
and opined that isolating funding to one area is
counterproductive and does not include supplies, curriculum,
Alaska Reads Act [requirements], facility maintenance, student
opportunities and activities, and support staff. He asked that
SB 140 be returned to its original version to address bandwidth
only.
12:41:59 PM
ALEX L. KOPLIN, representing self, as a 35-year teacher,
testified in opposition to SB 140 in its current form. He
stressed that taking charter schools away from local control is
a mistake, and that the teacher lump sum would be contentious
since there is none for support staff.
12:44:13 PM
ROBANNE STADING, representing self, testified in opposition to
SB 140. She talked about inflation and said the BSA is
underfunded. She emphasized the need for state support of
education.
12:46:08 PM
WINTER MARSHALL-ALLEN, representing self, spoke as a 17-year
educator transplanted from Oklahoma. She identified a loss in
student to teacher ratio, a deficit to services offered and in
ability to meet legal obligations in serving students. She
offered an example of attrition. She advised that the issues
regarding the Internet and deaf students should be addressed in
different bills, as SB 140 would not meet those needs.
12:48:06 PM
LADAWN DRUCE, President, Kenai Peninsula Educators' Association,
explained the make-up of the district and her history in
education. She stated that associations, like her own, are
requesting a BSA increase of $1,400. She said she is in favor
of the additional Internet funding to schools. She spoke
against the teacher lump sum bonus.
12:51:03 PM
LILY MICHAEL, representing self, suggested that SB 140 should be
broken up, as the Internet issue is important, and that the BSA
should be addressed separately and increased to $1,400. She
stressed that charter school management needs to be kept local.
She described the current conditions of classrooms.
12:53:00 PM
CHARLENE FISHER, PhD, representing self, expressed support for
the parts of SB 140 that would increase megabytes to 100 and
transportation funding by $7.3 million. She shared that she has
worked as a single-site principal/teacher, and she opined that
the state is failing students and communities by underfunding
the BSA. She talked about inflation and concerns regarding
infrastructure.
12:55:21 PM
PATRICE LEE, representing self, testified as a teacher of 25
years in opposition to increased control of schools by the state
appointed school board and the inadequate proposed increase to
the BSA. She observed that SB 140 would not supply enough money
to make up for shortfalls or any significant boost to charter or
public schools. Furthermore, it would not address that special
needs students are not in charter schools in representative
numbers, "if at all." She emphasized the need for support
staff.
12:58:12 PM
BELA PYARE, representing self, JOCELYN ELFERS, representing
self, NAYELI HOOD, representing self, as students of Dzantik'i
Heeni Middle School, gave joint testimony on SB 140. Their key
points were that the BSA must be raised; schools need more than
just the bare minimum; SB 140 will not help get the necessary
funding; classes are being discontinued; important one-on-one
time between teachers and students is not possible [due to lack
of funding]; and children in rural areas need equitable
opportunities in learning. The group asked the committee to
support all public schools.
12:59:43 PM
TODD SPIECH, President, Juneau Education Support Staff (JESS),
testified to urge members to increase the BSA. He talked about
the high cost of living in Juneau, noting that many educators
hold two to three jobs to afford the cost of living. He noted
some of the ways that JESS supports after school programs for
students.
1:01:24 PM
LENA MERREL, representing self, asked the committee to raise the
BSA, not by $300, but by the recommended $1,413 - on an annual
basis. She talked about the effects of budget cuts and her
correlating increase in involvement with the schools. She
emoted that the Juneau School District is examining closing
schools; the same is happening across the state. She said
gutting school funding does not support families. She begged
the committee to trust the systems in place, including publicly
elected school boards, superintendents, principals, teachers,
paraeducators, and support staff.
1:03:59 PM
BETH WELDON, Mayor, City & Borough of Juneau, speaking in
support of increasing the BSA. She reported that the Juneau
School District is facing a deficit of $7.5 million for fiscal
year 2024 (FY 24), for which she does not blame the legislature
but rather bad accounting. That said, she asked the committee
to support an increase in the BSA because the cost of funding
education has outpaced state investment. She said families will
not want to live in a state with a failing school system.
Beyond the increase in the BSA, she asked that the legislature
work on the topic of education so that schools can thrive.
1:06:05 PM
MARY MARKS, representing self, said that the BSA needs to be
increased. She said she is a former member of the Anchorage
School Board, and SB 140 is important to her. She pointed to
the section regarding tribal school compacting, on page 5, and
described the words "shall discuss support" as a slap. She
explained that she would rather have a conversation and
collaboration with Alaska's tribal sovereignties. She urged the
committee "to bring this back to the table for more
deliberation" and to do so with the tribal sovereignties.
1:08:35 PM
STEVE HUTCHINSON, representing self, spoke on the need for "an
inflation-relevant raise to the BSA of $1,400." He echoed the
previous testimony regarding the major deficit in JSD funding,
the major reason being the shortfall and degradation of state
funding and said this would lead to difficult decisions
regarding the structure of the school district and inevitable
layoffs. He warned there would be fewer class offerings, larger
class sizes, and a drop in resources and support for teachers
and students. He opined that Commissioner Bishop's statement
that the provisions under SB 140 would help to recruit and
retain teachers and families in Alaska is misguided.
Conversely, he predicted that a continuation of inadequate
funding would increase the number of teachers and support
educators to be laid off and result in more hiring freezes. He
expressed his desire to remain in Alaska while noting that as a
first-year teacher, he would be one of the first to be laid off.
He agreed with former testifiers that the Internet portion of SB
140 is good and said he would support that issue in a separate
bill without "all these other poison pills added to it."
1:11:44 PM
CALLIE CONERTON, representing self, noted she is a teacher at
the Montessori School and stated that "raising the BSA by $300
is like giving someone jumping of Mt. Roberts a cocktail
umbrella for safety." She emphasized that the BSA has not kept
up with inflation. She talked about class sizes and having
fewer paraeducators and stated that teachers are leaving because
they have to do more with less. She posited that $1,400 is the
minimum amount necessary for the BSA.
1:14:15 PM
MORGAN MICHELS, representing self, shared her experience being
second-year teacher with diminished support. Shared her
experience in being a new teacher with less support. She stated
that the one-time bonus will not solve the teacher shortage.
She listed changes she'd like to see to SB 140: an increase to
the BSA of at least $1,400 to meet inflation; adjustment of "the
turnover and hardship of all paraeducators and professionals who
work in education"; and follow a public process, allowing review
by the Senate Education Standing Committee and further public
input.
1:16:53 PM
MARILYN ROSENE, representing self, as a retired teacher and
principal, urged members to revert SB 140 to a previous version,
and to increase the BSA. She opined about educator housing and
cost of living in Dillingham. She said she would provide
written testimony.
1:19:18 PM
SUZANNE SAUERTEIG, representing self, shared her experience in
enrolling her children in the JSD. She said she works with the
district as a paraeducator. She urged the committee to pass
elevated funding of the BSA and invest in students and teachers.
She indicated that the lack of funding is an ongoing issue.
1:21:43 PM
JUDY CARSTENS, Vice President, Kodiak Island Bureau School
District Board, stated that she does not support state
controlled charter; $1,400 to the BSA is needed, not $300; and
the increased BSA, not a lump sum payment to teachers, is
needed. She said her reason for serving on the board is to
serve students, staff, and "top education."
1:23:10 PM
KERRY IRONS, Member, Kodiak Island Bureau School District Board,
as board member and retired educator, she stated support for the
successful education of children. She opined that a $300
increase to the BSA is inadequate and a $1,400 increase is
necessary. She stated that "this ask isn't frivolous" but
necessary to support students and recruit and retain teachers.
She shared that the Kodiak district is in the middle of budget
struggles.
1:25:18 PM
KATIE BOAT, representing self, as a school bus driver, asked for
the Internet part of SB 140 be separated out. She spoke about
bus driver pay and what her pay should be to keep up with
inflation. She thanked members for directing money to student
transportation. She asked for an increase to the BSA.
1:28:16 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 1:28 p.m. to 1:36 p.m.
1:36:06 PM
JOSH SMITH, representing self, as a member of the military,
spoke about a motto to "do more with less" and the consequences
of having to do so for extended periods. He related to the
situation in public schools, inflation, and teacher attrition.
He claimed that the school system in Alaska is "on life support"
and the only way to address this situation is by increasing the
BSA - not by $300 but by over $1,400. He said teacher bonuses
is "a feel-good Band-Aid that does nothing to address the
issues." He then questioned why the state would consider
changing charter schools from local to state control when the
state's charter schools are currently rated among the highest in
the nation. He concluded by reiterating his request for the
legislature to raise the BSA.
1:38:27 PM
MIKE COONS, representing self, stated opposition to any increase
in the BSA and said he agreed with Commissioner Bishop regarding
"strategic funding." He stated support for charter school
accountability. He asked the committee to remove the section of
the bill addressing the BSA increase and to hold off on Internet
increase, since the issue appears to be not well thought out.
1:40:47 PM
PAUL KELLY, representing self, highlighted that although he is a
member of the City & Bureau of Juneau Assembly, he was
testifying on his own behalf. He urged the committee to raise
the BSA to a minimum of $1,400 and stated that he is against
state controlled charter schools. He explained that the
proposed $300 increase to the BSA "still amounts to a cut" when
considering inflation. He talked about the stiff cuts the
school board must make and the choice of families to live in
communities where there are strong education systems. He added
that local leaders know the needs of their communities better
than the state can.
1:42:59 PM
MICHAELA KOLEROK, representing self, said she is a special
education teacher. She posited that the $300 proposed BSA
increase is not enough. She spoke about current class sizes in
Anchorage. She stressed that the BSA needs to be increased and
that the proposed one-time bonus will not help.
1:45:29 PM
GENE STONE, Superintendent, Lower Yukon School District, spoke
of positions cut as a result of budget shortfalls and said rural
Alaska is not receiving what was promised. He stated that he
supports the $1,400 BSA increase and asked members to see the
urgency in school funding, and he opined that charter schools
should remain in local control.
1:48:50 PM
ED PEKAR, Lower Kuskokwim School District (LKSD), testified in
opposition to the proposed House committee substitute to CSSB
140(FIN). He stated that LKSD supports an increase in broadband
speed from 25 Megabit to 100 Megabit and the proposed increase
to transportation but stated that the proposed $300 BSA increase
is not enough and needs to be $1,400 in order to keep up with
inflation. Further, LKSD supports local control of charter
schools, and the proposed lump payment is not a replacement for
retirement.
1:51:17 PM
VICKI CAMPBELL, representing self, as a retired Anchorage School
District teacher, urged the committee to support an increase of
$1,400 to the BSA. She mentioned the average class size in
Alaska schools, highlighting that smaller class size is optimal.
1:53:43 PM
SUSANNA LITWINIAK, representing self, shared information about
the starting wage of para-educators and the extra work placed
upon them when others leave. She explained that, with teachers
leaving, students are not getting the best education. She
pointed out that the lump sum bonus to teachers would not
include special education para-educator funding, and she said
the minimal increase to the BSA would not be sufficient.
1:55:55 PM
ALEXANDRA MCGWAND (ph), representing self, as a teacher and
parent, said she thinks the proposed $300 increase to the BSA
would result in less funding than what was available last year;
an increase of at least $1,400 is necessary. She talked about
inflation, cuts to district funding, and the resulting cuts to
programs. She stated that the one-time teacher bonus would do
nothing to support teacher retention. She highlighted the
importance of paraeducators.
1:58:34 PM
JESSICA VAUDREUIL, representing self, as a homeschool parent and
teacher living in a remote location, mentioned an allotment of
$2,700 that students already have "from correspondence school."
She opined about current education funding and stressed that
communities need school choice.
2:02:20 PM
MARILYN PILLIFANT, representing self, as a retired teacher of 28
years, testified in support of the original SB 140 and in
opposition to the House committee substitute version. She spoke
to the constitutional requirement to fund schools and indicated
that the issues in the proposed HCS should be dealt with
separately and with public testimony.
2:05:12 PM
KAITLYN WOLFE, representing self, testified that the BSA needs
to be increased by $1,400 and without the increase she would
lose her position. She added that she does not need a bonus.
2:07:26 PM
RACHEL LORD, representing self, testified in opposition to SB
140, in its current form. She called for a $1,400 BSA increase
and highlighted inflation in school costs. She shared that the
local district is examining cutting programs. She advised that,
without creating a welcoming working environment, teachers will
leave the state.
2:09:41 PM
MOLLY HAYES, representing self, stated that she supports a BSA
increase and improvement to Internet access to rural schools,
but she opined that SB 140 is "missing the mark." She explained
that class sizes need to be smaller and teachers need to be
retained to advance reading education. She said that a one-time
bonus will not fix the crisis.
2:12:06 PM
ANNA ELLIOT, representing self, as a mother of a child with a
disability, advised that class size matters in order to meet the
Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
2:13:34 PM
ALLEN STRAH, representing self, stressed that removing local
control from charter schools is not the answer. He said flat-
funding education has placed Alaska near the bottom of state
education ratings. He opined about commissioner bishop's
position on education and disagreed with the idea of doing more
with less. He opined that a $5,000 bonus is not defined
compensation package. He stressed that the BSA must be raised
by $1,400.
2:15:36 PM
BETH SHORT-RHOADS, representing self, called for a $1,400 BSA
increase. She spoke on the importance of public schools and
fully funding them. She highlighted the population decline in
Alaska, and how school funding is connected.
2:17:37 PM
MICA VANBUSKIRK, representing self, stated that use of one-time
funds instead of an increase in the BSA has critically damaged
schools. She spoke about the lack of upper-level teachers,
counselors, and support staff in Seward. She emphasized that an
increase much higher than the proposed $300 increase to the BSA
is needed to meet the need of the schools.
2:20:14 PM
ANGELA HEAD, representing self, shared that her kids go to the
only intensive needs elementary school in the Kenai Peninsula.
Regarding comments made previously that money should go directly
to support classrooms and to paraprofessionals and counselors,
said she is unsure how that could happen without increasing the
BSA much higher than the proposed $300 per student. She spoke
about the value of charter schools and asked members to fund
schools.
2:22:36 PM
SUSAN DUNHAM, representing self, as a 37-year educator, spoke
about class sizes. She urged members to raise the BSA to the
$1,400 level. She issues that are not being addressed,
including an increase in class size, work load, mental health
needs, and deferred maintenance, all of which she opined should
be prioritized and addressed through an increase in the BSA.
2:24:56 PM
RICHARD SAVILLE, Staff, Governor's Council on Disability and
Special Education, testified in favor of Sections 11 and 12 of
the proposed House committee substitute for CSSB 140(FIN) am.
He talked about the Deaf Children's Bill of Rights and how the
sections would help hard of hearing students.
2:27:25 PM
COLLEEN THORNTON, representing self, spoke about teacher
turnover. She said it is a hard case to make to families to
come to Alaska if the schools are not supporting families. She
said the BSA needs to be $1,400.
2:29:23 PM
MONICA WHITMAN, representing self, stated that schools are
failing, and that members should increase the BSA. She spoke
against private school vouchers. She asked the committee to
fund the Internet expansion.
2:30:42 PM
LINDSEY BANNING, Ph.D., representing self, said she is a
psychologist and parent, and she urged members to listen to
those who have their "boots on the ground," who are asking
members to raise the BSA by the recommended $1,400.
2:32:31 PM
MARY GEDDES, representing self, said that schools in Alaska once
provided a good education, but due to lower funding, that has
decreased. She said that increased Internet speeds for rural
schools should be legislated separately; the BSA should be
raised by the $1,400 not the $300; the proposal to end local
control of charter schools should be rejected; the lump sum does
not address the issue of providing competitive salaries to
attract and retain teachers and staff; and lengthier hearings
should be scheduled on the several issues that have been rolled
into SB 140.
2:34:52 PM
DUNCAN FISHER, representing self, called the current version of
SB 140 a "cynical approach to education funding and public
education in general." He said if this were a business, it
would be one run into the ground, and "you get what you pay for,
and we're not paying much."
2:36:01 PM
DANETTE PETERSON, President, Fairbanks Education Association, as
an educator and mother, said she supports the section of SB 140
that supports hard of hearing students. She said that local
charter school control is already working, and that such schools
have capped class sizes. She said she is opposed to teacher
bonuses, as education is a team effort between administrators,
teachers, and support staff. She stressed school facility
struggles and program cuts. She asked for a retirement and
increased BSA.
2:38:39 PM
ERICA KLUDT-PAINTER, Superintendent, Petersburg School District,
stated that SB 140 has become a "word salad." She said that the
proposed $300 BSA increase is inadequate to counteract
inflation. She voiced opposition to state controlled charter
schools, as well as to the teacher lump sum bonus.
2:42:12 PM
DOUG VEIT, representing self, he expressed dismay that some
legislators do not want to support education "in any
significant, meaningful way." He talked about full funding.
2:44:01 PM
ERICA ARNOLD, representing self, as a teacher in and graduate of
the public school system, called for a $1,400 BSA increase and
against the proposed state charter school control section of SB
140, positing that the latter would result in opening the door
to more unaccountable charters and local correspondence schools
outside of our local school districts."
2:45:36 PM
CHARLENE BROWN, representing self, noted she is parent and
educator within the Delta Greely Educational Support
Professional Association. She shared that the district is being
affected by current lack of education funding. She said she
supports "the significant increase" in the BSA and comment on
inflation being at an all-time high. She spoke against state
charter school control.
2:47:46 PM
DAVID BOYLE, representing self, stated that there needs to be
focus on results, not budgets. He explained the Anchorage
School District budget, and the changing student population
changes. He voiced support for state control of charter
schools. He stated that districts are blaming inflation but
used COVID-19 relief money for payments. He asked members to
consider Starlink Internet for schools.
2:50:14 PM
EARL KRYGIER, representing self, urged members to increase the
BSA. He spoke against state controlled charter schools. He
advocated for a defined benefits retirement system for teachers.
2:51:49 PM
TERRIE GOTTSTEIN, representing self, opined on the veto of last
year's proposed $680 BSA increase. She urged members to provide
a meaningful increase to the BSA. She spoke against state
controlled charter schools.
2:53:56 PM
CAROLINE STORM, Executive Director, Coalition for Education
Equity, asked members to acknowledge today's testimony. She
spoke for a BSA increase and explained what the local district
is facing with its budget. She advocated against state
controlled charter schools. She asked members to consider an
earlier version of SB 140.
2:56:28 PM
LISA VILLANO, representing self, as an educator shared about
staffing challenges in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School
District. She urged members to consider raising the BSA by at
least $680.
2:58:41 PM
LUANN MCVEY, representing self, as a retired teacher, testified
in opposition to the proposed HCS CSSB 140. She said that
without adequate education funding and increase in the BSA of at
least $1,400, teachers and families will have to leave the
state. She said she does not support one-time teacher bonuses
and they will not solve the matter.
3:00:20 PM
ROY GETCHELL, Superintendent, Haines Borough School District,
noted that he also serves as the president of the Alaska
Superintendent's Association and the Alaska Council of
Administrators. He said there are components of SB 140 that he
agrees with while others require further conversation and
research. The heart of SB 140 is about providing rural
Internet. He said rural students learn in classrooms with
Internet speeds comparable to third-world countries. He said he
looked forward to working with the legislature on "other
important components of this bill in the future."
3:02:21 PM
SANDRA BARRON, representing self, as a teacher, spoke about the
need for an increase in the BSA, which is the lowest it has been
in two decades. She highlighted job vacancies across the state.
She said a one-time teacher bonus would not solve the problem,
and she called for an increase of about $1,400 to the BSA by
about $1,400.
3:04:46 PM
MICHAEL PATTERSON, representing self, as a father of three
children in various forms of school systems, he said SB 140
would undermine education in Alaska. He said he is for fully
funding the BSA. He asked members to increase the BSA and
provide retirement. He called for matters in the bill to be
separated, indicating that the issues of hard of hearing
students and lack of Internet are being bludgeoned within SB
140.
3:07:21 PM
ROD MORRISON, Superintendent, Southeast Island School District,
said he is in support of the transportation-related increase and
an increase of $1,413 to the BSA. He said the lump sum payments
needs to be paid out not just to teachers but also to all
support staff and paraeducators. He talked about the lack of
support staff in his district and the reduction of positions to
part-time due to lack of funds. He shared that his daughter
left the state to be an educator because of the lack of
retirement support in Alaska.
3:09:28 PM
PHYLLIS CLOUGH, representing self, as an Alaska Native dedicated
employee of the Kodiak Island Borough School District,
emphasized the critical need to raise the BSA. She explained
that the under-funding of education has affected rural education
and the future of Alaska children.
3:11:02 PM
SARAH BREWER, representing self, , as a mother and certified
substitute teacher, testified in opposition to the current
version of SB 140 and in favor of a large BSA increase. She
said the teacher lump sum payment will not recruit and retain
teachers and leaves out paraeducators and many other support
staff. She asked the legislature to look for a long-term
solution to support students and teachers, noting that districts
on the road system are losing 20 percent of their teachers and
10 percent of their administrators annually. She shared figures
related to the loss of teachers.
3:13:26 PM
KYLE SCHNEIDER, representing self, , as a 16-year veteran
teacher said that while he is in favor of the transportation and
Internet portions of the bill, he is appalled at the proposed
changes in the House committee substitute. He asked the
committee to respect local control of charter schools, restore
the BSA increase at or above the $1,413 increase recommended by
the Alaska Association of School Boards. He encouraged the
legislature to fund primary, secondary, and post-secondary
education in Alaska in perpetuity.
3:15:10 PM
CHAIR C. JOHNSON, after ascertaining there was no one else who
wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 140.
3:15:21 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 3:15 p.m. to 3:48 p.m.
3:48:13 PM
CHAIR C. JOHNSON thanked those who provided public testimony and
invited amendments.
3:48:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER moved to adopt Amendment 1, labeled 33-
LS0687\D.4, Marx/Bergerud, 1/17/24, which read:
Insert Amendment 1, labeled 33-LS0687\D.4, Marx/Bergerud,
1/17/24.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER noted that under the current CS, funding
for correspondence students would be limited under state law to
90 percent of what it would be for non-correspondence students.
He explained that Amendment 1 would provide the same amount of
funding for correspondence students, thereby providing parity in
education funding.
3:49:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD said Amendment 1 would fund correspondence
students at the same level as students attending brick-and-
mortar schools. This is fair and timely, she added, because
correspondence students are no different if increases in
education funding are being supported.
3:50:42 PM
CHAIR C. JOHNSON removed his objection to Amendment 1. There
being no further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
3:50:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER moved to adopt Amendment 2, labeled 33-
LS0687\D.6, Bergerud, 1/18/24, which read:
Insert Amendment 2, labeled 33-LS0687\D.6, Bergerud, 1/18/24
CHAIR C. JOHNSON objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER explained that Amendment 2 would insert
the language of the other body's president, thereby providing
civics curriculum. He shared his own experience in civics
education and said civics education is important for young folks
about to exercise their franchise in voting.
3:52:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE shared his experience in civics education
and stated he will not oppose Amendment 2 because he appreciates
the value of civics education. He expressed his worry, however,
that this adds another state requirement to local schools
without providing the funding necessary to carry it out since
the increase in Base Student Allocation (BSA) outlined in the
bill is actually a cut in this year's total education funding as
compared to last year's.
3:54:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS voiced his support of Amendment 2 and
civics education. He noted that he would hesitate to support
the amendment if education funding was not being increased.
3:55:35 PM
CHAIR C. JOHNSON said he supports Amendment 2 because it is good
policy and because he believes in what it does. He removed his
objection to the amendment. There being no further objection,
Amendment 2 was adopted.
3:56:16 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE moved to adopt Amendment 3, labeled 33-
LS0687\D.14, Marx/Bergerud, 1/19/24, which read:
Insert Amendment 3, labeled 33-LS0687\D.14, Marx/Bergerud,
1/19/24
CHAIR C. JOHNSON objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE explained that Amendment 3 deals with the
state control of charter schools and removes the following: the
charter school language in the bill title; Section 3 which
includes language giving the State Board of Education authority
to approve charter schools and establish regulations to do so;
language requiring local school boards to operate charter
schools approved by the board; Section 6 which includes language
requiring the State Board of Education to establish regulations
regarding implementation and approval of charter schools,
Section 16 which establishes transition language for the State
Board of Education to establish and adopt regulations necessary
to implement the changes in Section 3 and Section 6, and the
effective date of Section 16.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE continued his explanation of Amendment 3.
He said the bill would have the state take over the
authorization of charter schools, thereby taking away local
control and putting control into the hands of a board that is
not elected and that serves at the sole discretion of the
governor. Government functions best when the government is most
closely aligned with the people, he opined, especially given the
diversity of needs in Alaska's diverse geographic regions. He
offered his understanding that charter schools are not required
to provide transportation to their students, nor required to
take special education students. He stated he worries that
removing local input will make the entire system less responsive
to the needs of the people in local communities.
3:59:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS voiced his support of Amendment 3. He
said Alaska has public school choice right now, which a study
cited by the governor has lauded as highly effective. The only
question in this bill, he continued, was whether accountability
is had only at the state level or at both the local and state
level. Alaska's status quo of accountability at the local level
and state level, he opined, is the better model. As an example
of accountability at the local level, he related the actions
taken by the school board in Anchorage regarding Family
Partnership, a local charter school.
4:01:09 PM
COMMISSIONER BISHOP spoke to Amendment 3. She noted that Family
Partnership is no longer a charter school because [the local
school board] removed the charter. She referred to the public
testimony of a witness earlier in the hearing and said the state
board presently doesn't have insight into how many parents and
educators at the local level have come forward with ideas that
were not heard. The evidence is through statewide charters, she
stated, and this supports a state authorization. Presently
there is a state authorization, she continued, and this would
expand it.
4:03:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said public testimony brought up that it
is unknown how many charter applications are being denied by
local school boards. He offered his understanding that this is
part of the rationale for removing all local control and putting
it into the hands of the governor. He asked why, rather than
taking such a heavy-handed approach, it could not instead be
mandated that local school boards notify DEED when a charter
application is denied and appeal that decision.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP responded that the bill does not take away
local control, rather it adds another avenue to what the state
already has by providing for appeal at a higher level. There
aren't many charter schools, she said, because Alaska's high
standards make doing the paperwork for creating a charter school
difficult. Those high standards were set by the State Board of
Education and are in legislation, she added.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE stated he is unsure how school boards
still have local control if the bill passes as currently
written. He asked about assurances that DEED will be able to
adequately approve and manage charter schools.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP replied that the districts will continue to
approve charter schools because that provision isn't removed.
She said it would be another streamlined avenue to have a
charter school with the same rules. She related that the State
Board of Education operates Mt. Edgecumbe, which has its own
operations board, which is overseen by the State Board of
Education. That same provision is written into the law for
charter schools, she continued, and she sees the State Board of
Education doing that because there are already people in the
department doing that for charter schools now.
4:08:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD requested clarification regarding local
government control of charter schools.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP clarified that a local school district can
add information when a charter is being written, but the
application must meet State of Alaska law. She explained that
while charters turn in their budgets to the local school
districts, the Academic Policy Committee runs them. Bringing
forward charter schools at the local level would still exist,
she continued, and the bill would just add another streamlined
approach.
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD offered her understanding that Dr. Bishop
is saying that local taxpayer funded charter schools will be
able to request help in doing charters from their local school
boards, and therefore the public's concerns that local school
districts will be undermined by the state board are inaccurate.
Currently there is not an appeal process in Alaska for charter
schools, she continued, as is illustrated by a letter she
received from DEED last year which said that Family Partnership
in Anchorage could not appeal the process and the charter school
was shut down. The reason for interfering with charter schools,
Representative Allard said, is because the largest charter
school in Alaska was shut down. She related that Article VII of
the Alaska State Constitution assigns the legislature the
responsibility of maintaining a system of public education.
Therefore, she maintained, opposing the state board's potential
new role in addition to the local school districts is misguided.
[The bill] will allow charter schools to come straight up to
DEED, she said, giving incentive to local school districts to
work with the charter schools and the parents of the public
charter schools.
4:13:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS read aloud from a news article to support
the accuracy of his statement about Family Partnership, its
shutdown, and the following of state law.
4:14:22 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE requested clarification on whether there
is or is not currently an appeal process in law.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP offered her belief that two different appeal
processes have been discussed. She pointed out that there is an
appeal process for the local level if one is turned down, but
there is not an appeal process when the local school district
takes away a charter. She said the question was whether Family
Partnership was a charter school in Alaska. It is no longer a
charter school in Alaska, she continued, it is a correspondence
school in the Anchorage School District. A charter, she
explained, is a separate contract with a state or local board
that allows for the flexibility of up to 50 percent of the
curriculum, hiring, or leadership. Alaska statutes call for
certified teachers, she noted.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE maintained that this is a very big policy
change. He asked whether Family Partnership Charter School was
in violation of either state or local laws with respect to the
administration of education and the expenditure of funds.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP replied that during her tenure at the
Anchorage School District, she did not find the school to be so.
There is now a court case, she noted, that will determine this
question.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE agreed a court case is underway and said
there is concern over Family Partnership's expenditures.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP concurred that this is true. Other charter
schools and other district schools, she shared, have had almost
identical policies as this, so this is a larger issue than a
charter school issue.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE asked whether the local municipality or
school district would be obligated or mandated to fund a charter
school should SB 140 pass as proposed and DEED were to approve
charter schools without local input.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP responded that she doesn't have an answer
right now because that would probably be demonstrated through
some type of regulation. She said that presently when a student
resides in one district but goes to a public school in another
district, that student's residential district doesnt contribute
to that child's education in the other school district.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE posed a scenario in which a student
attends a charter school in the same district as that student's
neighborhood public school. He asked whether the local school
district would be obligated to fund the student's attendance at
the charter school.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP replied that she doesn't know right now
because the bill hasn't passed.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE asserted that knowing the answer is
important because financial ramifications on school districts
could be severe.
4:19:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS related that in Arizona, 75 percent of the
students in programs [like this proposal of state approved
charter schools] were previously enrolled in private school.
It's a private school suddenly getting public money, he argued,
which it appears this is designed to do, and which results in a
state agency forcing a local government to spend more money.
This unresolved question, he said, could have huge ramifications
for local taxpayers and could affect the resources for actual
public-school students.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP responded that local taxpayers support their
own children, so that decision would be made at the local level.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON cautioned that the legislature's job is to pass
legislation if something is wrong and not to adjudicate
legislation. To do something because it might be adjudicated,
he said, is beyond the purview of what the legislature should be
doing.
4:22:10 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE maintained that legislators have an
obligation to research the work that is before them and think
through the financial consequences of legislation. He offered
his understanding that charter schools have exceptionally high
rates of students opting out of state testing and proficiency
testing. He expressed his concern that there isn't enough data
in this regard and that the data is incomplete.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP answered that DEED collects data on test
participation, which she will send to the committee, but in her
experience charter schools havent been "opter outers." Other
schools may have a percentage of students opting out, especially
at the upper grade levels, she related, but opting out of taking
an assessment is allowable by law.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE said he would appreciate receiving the
data. He stated he wouldn't want to see the legislature
substantially increase funding and opportunities for charter
schools without seeing the same level of accountability that is
expected from Alaska's traditional public schools.
4:26:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD asked why the leadership within the school
districts or government officials hate public charter schools.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON ruled the question out of order.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON removed his objection to Amendment 3.
[REPRESENTATIVE TILTON objected to Amendment 3.]
4:27:07 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Fields and Schrage
voted in favor of Amendment 3. Representatives Allard, Sumner,
Shaw, Tilton, and C. Johnson voted against it. Therefore,
Amendment 3 failed by a vote of 2-5.
4:28:06 PM
The committee took a brief at-ease.
4:28:34 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE moved to adopt Amendment 4, labeled 33-
LS0687\D.18, Bergerud, 1/19/24, which read:
Insert Amendment 4, labeled 33-LS0687\D.18, Bergerud, 1/19/24
CHAIR C. JOHNSON objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE explained that Amendment 4 would change
the BSA increase included in the proposed HCS to the amount
requested by the Anchorage School District and the Association
of School Boards, which is an increase of $1,413 per student.
He expressed his concern about the decline in state support
[over the years] and pointed out that the Alaska State
Constitution mandates maintaining a system of education that
provides opportunities to every student. He said the $300
increase currently in the bill is an increase to the BSA, but in
aggregate it is a 5 percent cut in public education funds,
coming after years of inflation.
4:32:56 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS stated that everyone is now living in a
global market for labor, goods, and services, and public schools
are the number one influence on whether families come to Alaska.
He opined that Alaska cannot grow if it isn't retaining working
age families or developing its workforce which starts with
schools. He outlined some of the proposed cuts in the Anchorage
School District and said they will further increase class size
in the district and further reduce materials for students, such
as laptops. Under the funding offered in the [proposed HCS], he
charged, class size will grow and Alaska will fall even further
from meeting its constitutional mandate. He voiced his support
for Amendment 3 and his hope for a higher BSA on the floor.
4:39:54 PM
CHAIR C. JOHNSON specified that the previous $680 increase was
one-time funding, while the proposed increase of $300 in the HCS
is permanent. It has been one-time money for the last six
years, he said, so this is the first substantive increase in
permanent money that the schools know they will have each year,
which has value. He withdrew his objection to Amendment 4.
[AN UNIDENTIFIED COMMITTEE MEMBER] objected to Amendment 4.
4:42:04 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Fields and Schrage
voted in favor of Amendment 4. Representatives Tilton, Allard,
Sumner, Shaw, and C. Johnson voted against it. Therefore,
Amendment 4 failed by a vote of 2-5.
4:42:56 PM
CHAIR C. JOHNSON moved to adopt Amendment 5, labeled 33-
LS0687\D.19, Bergerud, 1/19/14, which read:
Insert Amendment 5, labeled 33-LS0687\D.19
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD objected to Amendment 5.
4:43:16 PM
TOM WRIGHT, Staff, Representative Craig Johnson, Alaska State
Legislature, on behalf of Representative C. Johnson, explained
that Amendment 5 would require DEED to conduct a financial audit
of at least four randomly selected school districts each year.
He stated that Amendment 5 would help resolve the accounting
problems that some schools have had recently if those problems
are caught early enough. The second part of [Amendment 5], he
continued, would require that the [Senate] and House Standing
Education Committees jointly prepare and deliver a report to the
respective presiding officers and chief clerk. The report, he
specified, shall contain recommendations for any changes to
public school funding that DEED may support, a survey of each
school district's curriculum, programs, and services, and an
explanation of whether there is duplication of the curriculum,
programs, and services within the district. He further
specified that the report would contain a definition of
accountability as the term applies to measuring school and
student performance and would contain recommended metrics for
determining school and student performance other than the
currently used standardized testing.
4:44:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE asked why Amendment 5 is necessary on top
of the annual financial statements and mandated audit procedures
that municipalities and school boards must already prepare.
MR. WRIGHT answered that incidents of inaccurate accounting have
occurred, so Amendment 5 would help ensure that it is known what
school districts are spending and receiving. He deferred to
Commissioner Bishop to explain further.
4:45:50 PM
COMMISSIONER BISHOP recounted that last year it was a surprise
when a school district with over $300 million in fund balance
was broke, so legislation was passed for a fund balance request.
She pointed out that a fund balance is one moment in time, yet
the numbers are dynamic because school districts vary in when
they provide funds to their schools. This [proposed] audit
procedure, she stated, would allow [the legislatures] questions
to be better answered because there is already the legislation
for fund balance as of December 1. [Under this proposal], she
continued, [legislators] would get the schools prior submitted
budgets on July 1, and then legislators would also have the
actual budgets of districts that are their audited numbers as
well as their corrected budgets. The random selection of school
districts, she added, would identify which school districts are
struggling with funds and which are more fluid, and would give
the insight that was intended with [the passage of] last year's
fund balance request.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE asked whether Commissioner Bishop is
saying that duplicative audits are needed so the legislature can
get updated fund balances at a different timing.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP responded no. She re-explained that the
information being sought at an individual point in time might
not provide [legislators] with the needed information. For
example, she said, it was brought up that a school district had
all those things yet there was an issue with accounting. She
offered her belief that the proposed process would not be a
duplicative process, but rather a comprehensive process of a
complex issue of school funding.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE offered his understanding that the above-
referenced school district found the financial issues through
its own audit, which was then reported to the public and the
State of Alaska.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP replied yes, the Juneau School District.
She clarified, however, that she is speaking to the broader
sense of an additional reason. She recounted that last year
when the funding was passed, a report was due to provide
additional information to legislators about school districts and
their funding, and this would assist with that.
4:49:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD asked whether Commissioner Bishop believes
that had these [proposed] audit checks and balances previously
been in place they could have prevented some of the issues that
have arisen, such as those with the Juneau School District.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP responded that she isn't definite that
something could have been prevented, rather she would say that
collectively a broader sense of insight could be given to answer
the questions that the legislature asks school districts and how
the districts are run. Transparency is a good thing to
demonstrate need, she stated.
4:50:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE noted that audits are costly and work
intensive for those administering the audit as well as those
under audit. He further noted that those conducting such audits
use a risk driven approach and that audits don't always catch
financial misstatements. He requested the commissioner's
thoughts on whether more than four school districts should be
randomly selected. He further asked whether it is correct that
this same situation could occur even with audits.
COMMISSIONER BISHOP agreed that that is correct but specified
that it could happen with a single point in time and hence a
secondary or broader look over time would be beneficial and
would help everyone in understanding where input should be.
4:53:14 PM
MR. WRIGHT pointed out that the amendment's language states, "at
least four randomly selected school districts" and that it would
be subject to appropriation by the legislature as to the number
of schools that will be audited.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE asked why a costly audit as a solution
for fund balance and financial information from school districts
versus requiring in statute more regular reporting. He further
asked why only four school districts versus every district to
assure that everything is on the up-and-up.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON offered his belief that the threat of possibly
being audited by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) keeps many
people in line. He said he doesn't want to go through costly
annual audits of every school because [with random selection] a
school is going to get audited at some point and that will cause
the schools to look closely at their work and do the right
thing. An audit, he continued, can show whether there are
deficiencies, thereby providing a clearer path towards funding
and ensuring that the schools are performing properly and doing
what they say they are doing.
4:57:57 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS stated that the intent is good to help
legislators and citizens understand flow balances throughout the
year. He said that when [a school district] has uncertain
funding it must hold more money in reserves and therefore agrees
with the chair's earlier comment about the importance of a
permanent increase so that districts can hold less in reserves.
He related that people in Anchorage tell him they want more
money in the classroom relative to administration. He said he
therefore opposes Amendment 5 because he is concerned it would
create more staff work. He expressed his hope that a different
way of information sharing can be found without increasing the
"administrative head count at the districts."
4:59:21 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE argued that the school districts are
already required to do audits yearly, so the threat of someone
coming "to count the beads" already exists, making this proposal
a duplicative expense that could burden school districts. He
moved to Section 16 of Amendment 5 and asked about the mechanism
and enforceability involved with the requirement for future
Senate and House education committees to jointly prepare annual
reports.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON answered that no legislature can encumber
another one, so anything done by [this legislature] could be
removed in statute. The purpose of Amendment 5, he explained,
is to establish financial accountability to the districts. It
sets up a framework, he continued, that could also look at
student accountability. He said enforceability would be up to
those who want to have the information.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE suggested that it would be appropriate
for DEED to take this on rather than having the House and Senate
education committees prepare a joint report and recommendations.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON replied that when the legislature is trying to
find out things, it is best if the legislature does that itself.
The legislature is the policymaker, he continued, and policy
should be based on information gathered by the legislature using
other sources and then putting the legislature's stamp on it.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE commented that the public has a lot of
doubt on whether the legislature is best to handle that.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON responded that his goal is to be transparent in
the hope that trust can be renewed.
MR. WRIGHT noted that originally DEED did do these duties but
after consulting with the co-chairs of the House Education
Standing Committee, [the co-chairs] felt it would be better if
[the committee] undertook that test itself.
5:04:53 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ALLARD commented that her district is excited
about her being co-chair of the House Education Standing
Committee and excited about Amendment 5. If future legislators
decide to change that statute, she continued, then that would be
on them.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON removed his objection. [Representative Allard
originally objected to Amendment 5.]
[REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE objected to Amendment 5.]
5:05:23 PM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives Tilton, Allard,
Sumner, Shaw, and C. Johnson voted in favor of Amendment 5.
Representatives Fields and Schrage voted against it. Therefore
Amendment 5 was adopted by a vote of 5-2.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON announced that Amendment 6 would not be
offered.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON requested DEED to explain the bill's fiscal
notes.
5:07:41 PM
LAUREL SHOOP, Legislative Liaison & Special Assistant to the
Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner, Department of
Education and Early Development (DEED), reviewed DEED's fiscal
note for the Broadband Assistance Grants (BAG) Program
Allocation [OMB Component Number 3004], one of DEED's seven
fiscal notes for SB 140. She noted that SB 140 would amend AS
14.03.127, which provides authority to DEED to provide state
funded grants to schools for the purpose of increasing their
internet download speeds to 25 megabits per second. She
explained that the BAG Program was created by the Alaska State
Legislature in 2014 to provide additional state assistance to
the federal funding that helped schools to increase their
internet download speed to a maximum of 10 megabits per second.
In 2020, she continued, the legislature amended the statute to a
maximum of 25 megabits per second under the BAG Program. She
specified that SB 140 would amend the maximum download speed
allowable under the BAG Program to 100 megabits per second.
MS. SHOOP related that the legislature appropriated $6.6 million
to the BAG Program for fiscal year 2023 (FY 23) to provide state
funded grants to 151 eligible schools to apply to the program to
reach that maximum download speed of 25 megabits per second, and
for FY 24 the legislature appropriated $6.7 million to provide
state funded grants to 136 eligible schools to reach internet
download speeds of 25 megabits per second. She said DEED sought
input regarding total projected funding needs for schools to
increase their internet download speeds from 25 megabits to 100
megabits per second, but the information received by DEED was
limited. She further said that it is unknown how many newly
eligible schools will apply for the BAG Program if the funding
cap is increased to allow download speeds of up to 100 megabits
per second. The $39.4 million fiscal note, she continued,
reflects DEED's understanding of the potential impact to the
department should the maximum download speed be raised to 100
megabits per second when more newly eligible schools apply for
the BAG Program. Additionally, she said, DEED would require 1.5
percent for indirect rate adjustment for administration of the
program which would continue to be used to process grant
applications and award funding to schools.
5:11:30 PM
HEIDI TESHNER, Policy Advisor, Office of Management and Budget
(OMB), Office of the Governor, reviewed six of DEED's seven
fiscal notes for SB 140. She stated that the fiscal note for
the Foundation Program Allocation, OMB Component Number 141,
addresses both the correspondence program funding and the Base
Student Allocation (BSA) increase. Changes to the
Correspondence Program funding are in Section 9 of the bill, she
stated, and applying the special needs factor of 1.20 to the 90
percent multiplier for the program's average daily membership
increases projected state aid by $23.5 million in FY 25.
Section 10 of the bill, she said, increases the BSA by $300 from
$5,960 to $6,260. She specified that, combined with the special
needs increase, state aid is projected to increase in FY 25 by
$78.2 million. The total combined for the Foundation Program
for these two changes, Ms. Teshner continued, is $101.7 million.
She explained that the fiscal note is $0 because the funding
mechanism is a general fund transfer to the Public Education
Fund (PEF), so a separate fiscal note shows the capitalization
of the PEF.
MS. TESHNER drew attention to the fiscal note for the Pupil
Transportation Allocation, OMB Component Number 144, and related
that Section 7 of the bill increases the per student amounts
under AS 14.09.010. She explained that DEED used the FY 25
projected brick and mortar average daily membership multiplied
by the per student increases proposed in the bill, resulting in
a projected increase of $77.8 million for FY 25. She conveyed
that this fiscal note is also zero because it is a general fund
transfer to the PEF.
MS. TESHNER discussed the fiscal note for capitalizing the
Public Education Fund Allocation, OMB Component Number 2804.
She brought attention to page 3 of the fiscal note showing the
increases for both the pupil transportation and the foundation
programs by district.
MS. TESHNER reviewed the fiscal note for the Mt. Edgecumbe High
School Allocation, OMB Component Number 1060. She pointed out
that Mt. Edgecumbe is a division of DEED and therefore the high
school's funding for the Foundation Program is considered
interagency receipt authority. The increase to the BSA requires
a budgeted increase of $218,000 to Mt. Edgecumbe's interagency
receipts, she explained, so the fiscal note reflects that
increase in budgeted interagency receipts.
MS. TESHNER specified that the fiscal note for Residential
Schools Program Allocation, OMB Component Number 148, addresses
the increases to the regional per student monthly stipend
amounts as outlined in Section 8 of the bill. She said the
current projected FY 25 residential school funding would
increase from $8.4 million to about $12.4 million for the five
regions in Alaska. She noted that there are nine residential
school programs within Alaska's eight school districts.
MS. TESHNER spoke to the fiscal note for the Student and School
Achievement Allocation, OMB Component Number 2796, which
addresses the School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the
Teacher/Educator Lump Sum Grants, the State Board of Education
(SBOE) Charter School Establishment Authority, and the Post-High
School Data Dashboard and Collaboration with the Department of
Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD). She outlined the cost
details for each of these programs as written on pages 2-3 of
the fiscal note.
MS. TESHNER concluded her review of DEED's fiscal notes by
stating that the total for all seven fiscal notes for FY 25 is
projected to be a cost of $211 million.
5:19:39 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE asked which fiscal notes have been
scrutinized by either the House or Senate finance committees.
MS. TESHNER offered her belief that most have gone through some
kind of committee process.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE noted that several proposals and
amendments have been entered into [CSSB 140(FIN)] through the
committee substitute process. He inquired about the extent to
which the new fiscal notes have been scrutinized by either
body's finance committees.
5:20:55 PM
The committee took an at-ease 5:20 p.m. to 5:26 p.m.
5:26:54 PM
CHAIR C. JOHNSON reiterated Representative Schrage's question.
He stated that it is more standard process to pass the bill
without scrutiny of the finance committee.
MS. TESHNER responded that a bill regarding the charter school
application and state board establishment is before the House
Special Committee on Ways & Means, and therefore that [fiscal
note] has not yet gone through [the House Finance Committee].
Responding further to Representative Schrage, she said the
fiscal notes that have not gone through the finance committee
are the charter school provision under the Student and School
Achievement [Allocation], OMB Component Number 2796; the BSA
increase of $300 under the Public Education Fund Allocation, OMB
Component Number 2804, which capitalizes the PEF; and the
teacher educator lump sum under the Student and School
Achievement Allocation, OMB Component Number 2796. The fiscal
notes for all other pieces of the bill, she continued, have gone
through a finance committee.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE opined that he has a duty to his
constituents to ensure that legislation moved forward by the
legislature is properly vetted and the financial consequences
understood. He allowed that bills are commonly passed on the
floor that have had amendments for which no fiscal notes were
produced but said those amendments are typically smaller in
scope. The reason for the prohibition on amending entire bills
into another bill on the floor, he stated, is because oftentimes
those can have huge fiscal impacts. He pointed out that since
SB 140 is a Senate bill, there is no further opportunity for the
Senate Finance Committee to scrutinize any changes made in the
House, and since the House Rules Standing Committee is the final
stop before the floor, there will be no opportunity for the
House Finance Committee to scrutinize these numbers either.
Therefore, he continued, this is probably the only opportunity
to ensure an understanding of these financial consequences.
5:30:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE inquired as to how the fiscal note for
the Broadband Assistance Grants (BAG) Program Allocation, [OMB
Component Number 3004], was calculated.
MS. SHOOP answered that about $6.7 million was appropriated by
the legislature in 2024. [This] fiscal note, she said, reflects
the original fiscal note submitted by DEED to the Senate Finance
Committee, but it was not accepted. The department cannot
prognosticate precisely how many schools will apply and be
eligible for the grant program should the current cap of 25
megabits be increased to 100 megabits per second, she stated,
but DEED's calculation was based on potentially bringing on a
lot more schools. The feedback DEED received from internet
service providers, she further stated, was that there was not
sufficient information to make a precise fiscal determination.
She advised that OMB director Lacey Sanders helped develop this
fiscal note during the last legislative session and DEED
continues to be confident in those approximate numbers.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE asked whether there is a fiscal note in
the current bill version for administration of the charter
school component.
MS. TESHNER replied that that is within the fiscal note for
Student and School Achievement Allocation, OMB Component Number
2796, which includes four aspects of the bill. She pointed out
that DEED is projecting a one-time legal service cost of $6,000
to develop the regulations.
5:33:56 PM
CHAIR C. JOHNSON urged Representative Schrage to ask his own
questions rather than using his electronic device to ask
questions from other places.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE responded that these fiscal notes have
not been vetted and the typical process is that these would come
before the finance committee and stakeholders from the community
would be invited. Responding further to the chair, he expressed
his hope that there be uniform rules across all committees
moving forward such that outside input is not allowed into the
committee process.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON stated he can only speak about his committee.
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE inquired about the financial impacts of
requiring at least four audits per year of randomly selected
school districts, given that audits are expensive for both those
administering the audits and those under audit.
5:35:46 PM
MS. TESHNER responded that since the amendments were just
discussed today, neither DEED nor OMB have had a chance to
determine what that would be.
CHAIR C. JOHNSON stated he will do his best to have that fiscal
note to Representative Schrage before the bill gets to the House
Floor. He further stated that it is unreasonable to suggest
that anyone would have a fiscal note on any of the amendments
adopted today.
5:36:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE, in closing, stated that he strongly
supports education and would like the bill to be moved
expeditiously but is concerned about the bill's substance as
currently written and that the standard legislative process was
not followed, such as scrutiny by the finance committee. He
submitted that the bill creates redundancy, grows government,
reduces local control, and neglects the obligation of
legislators to their constituents for understanding the costs
and any unintended consequences before moving a bill forward.
He stated he will support moving the bill forward, but that his
vote does not necessitate his support for the bill. He said he
will indicate that he would like to see the bill amended for the
reasons he has previously stated.
5:39:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS, in closing, stated he supports getting
the bill to the floor, especially early enough to provide school
districts predictability by the time they are in their budget
cycle. He said he disagrees with some of the bills elements
but appreciates the pace of bringing it to the floor.
5:40:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER stated in closing that while he didn't
support the amendment to remove all the charter language, some
important points were raised on the obligations, or lack
thereof, or where it would stand on the local districts'
requirements for funding of charters, and that could be in an
amendment in full consideration of the House. He said he will
support moving the bill out of committee.
5:41:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE TILTON moved to report HCS CSSB 140, Version 33-
LS0687\D, Bergerud, 1/15/24, as amended, from committee with
individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes.
There being no objection, HCS CSSB 140(RLS) was reported from
the House Rules Standing Committee.