Legislature(1997 - 1998)
02/06/1998 09:00 AM Senate HES
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
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+ teleconferenced
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SCR 19 - PROTOTYPE SCHOOL DESIGN
SENATOR GREEN moved to adopt CSSCR 19(HES), version F, with the
handwritten phrase on page 2, line 16, as the working document of
the committee. There being no objection, the motion carried.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN explained the changes made in version F as follows:
- on page 2, line 16, "K-6" was changed to "elementary" to be
consistent with other definitions in statute;
-on page 2, line 16, "bond reimbursement and grant review
committee" was added with the intent that DOE and the
committee work together (that intent also applies to the
resolve clause beginning on line 20);
-on page 2, line 22, the words "designs and" were added for
the purpose of clarification.
SENATOR LEMAN said that although he does not disagree with
incorporating the bond reimbursement and grant review committee
into the process, the reference to that committee on line 16
detracts from the concept of DOE consulting with the design
professionals and then with the committee. Senator Leman indicated
that the phrase is redundant because line 22 says the same thing.
He suggested removing the reference to the bond reimbursement and
grant review committee on page 2, line 16.
Number 166
MR. MORGAN stated that regardless of whether it is included in both
places, DOE will consult with the bond reimbursement and grant
review committee.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN suggested combining the first part of the line 14
resolve clause with the last part of the resolve clause beginning
on line 20 to accomplish their goal. SENATOR LEMAN suggested
removing the phrase "the bond reimbursement and grant review
committee" on line 16 because it is already on line 22.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN stated the statutes ask the bond reimbursement and
grant review committee to work on prototype schools. The DOE has
authority to issue money. The intent is to blend those two
activities. MR. MORGAN thought the resolve clause beginning on
line 20 fully captures that intent, particularly when combined with
the statutory language that lays out the committee's duties.
SENATOR LEMAN moved to delete, from line 16, the handwritten words
"the bond reimbursement and grant review committee," along with any
other handwritten punctuation. There being no objection, the
motion carried.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN asked what words were deleted on line 15 after the
word "Education." SHEILA PETERSON, committee aide, answered the
phrase "the bond reimbursement and grant review committee" was
deleted.
MR. MORGAN expressed concern about the March 1 deadline in the
resolution. CHAIRMAN WILKEN asked Mr. Morgan to suggest an
acceptable date. MR. MORGAN suggested April 2 so that a second
meeting of the bond reimbursement and grant review committee could
be scheduled in March, if necessary. MR. MORGAN said if the
deadline pertains to the incentives only, and not the prototype
designs, DOE could have recommendations prepared by mid-March.
SENATOR GREEN moved to change the March 1, 1998 date on line 30,
page 2, to March 15, 1998. There being no objection, the motion
carried.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN commented on a discussion that occurred in a House
committee yesterday about the definition of "elementary." MR.
MORGAN explained there is a definition in DOE regulations that
pertains to facilities. Because of the space guidelines,
elementary is defined as K-6, secondary is defined as 7-12, and
there is no definition of middle school. Middle schools, for space
and construction purposes, are considered the partial amount of
whatever grades are in elementary and secondary combined. He noted
he did not comment on the fact that the original version of SCR 19
contained K-6 because it made no difference. During the House
committee discussion yesterday, the range of possibilities was
raised. He has not had a chance to determine how many elementary
schools are on the list but plans to do so in the next few days.
Mr. Morgan commented that as this topic is explored, he intends to
look into what other schools will fit, in addition to elementary
schools because DOE receives many requests from small communities
for K-12 schools.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN asked Mr. Morgan to provide the committee with a
copy of the regulation containing the definitions.
SENATOR GREEN stated the Anchorage School District was interested
in revising the definitions because the definitions impact funding
for the various units.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN thought what drives the definition is not a statute
or regulation, but the program that a particular place needs, and
it could be called almost anything. MR. MORGAN agreed and said
that the current definition gives districts maximum flexibility.
Number 324
SENATOR LEMAN repeated his apprehension about directing DOE to
develop prototype designs, and said he would prefer that DOE be the
repository of designs, outline specifications and standard details
that could be used by designers. He expressed concern that DOE
will be unable to develop sufficient numbers of designs for the
different conditions in Alaska.
CHAIRMAN WILKEN pointed out this is a major undertaking and is not
something that can be thrown together by March 15, 1998, but if it
is done correctly, it can benefit all. Yesterday, during the
discussion in the House, there was discussion about the State
imposing school designs upon communities. He emphasized that is
not the intent of the resolution. The goal is to provide a school
that districts will want and embrace, knowing the school will be
good for the program the district is trying to put forth in its
individual communities.
SENATOR WARD moved CSSCR 19(HES), as amended on line 31, from
committee with individual recommendations. There being no
objection, the motion carried.
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