Legislature(2023 - 2024)BELTZ 105 (TSBldg)
03/24/2023 03:30 PM Senate EDUCATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s) | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | SB 97 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE
March 24, 2023
3:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Löki Tobin, Chair
Senator Gary Stevens, Vice Chair
Senator Jesse Bjorkman
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Mary Carlson - Fairbanks
- CONFIRMATION ADVANCED
University Of Alaska Board of Regents
Bethany Marcum - Anchorage
Dennis Michel - Fairbanks
Paula Harrison - Fairbanks
- CONFIRMATIONS ADVANCED
SENATE BILL NO. 97
"An Act authorizing lump sum payments for certain teachers as
retention and recruitment incentives; and providing for an
effective date."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
DENNIS MICHEL, Appointee
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
University of Alaska Board of Regents.
MARY CARLSON, Appointee
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Department of Education and Early Development
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission.
BETHANY MARCUM, Appointee
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
University of Alaska Board of Regents.
YARROW SILVERS, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Ms. Marcum
MAE PITKA, Teacher
Russian Mission School
Russian Mission, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 97. The hearing for SB 97
was scheduled but not heard.
JOAN FRANZ, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Ms. Marcum.
JOELLE HALL, President
American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial
Organizations (AFL-CIO) Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Ms. Marcum.
KIM HAYS, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Ms. Marcum.
MIKE GRUNST, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Ms. Marcum.
ALEX JORGENSEN, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Ms. Marcum.
HERMAN MORGAN, representing self
Aniak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Ms. Marcum.
ALEX BAKER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Ms. Marcum.
LAURA BONNER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Ms. Marcum.
PAULA HARRISON, Appointee
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as the governor's appointee to the
University of Alaska Board of Regents.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:30:49 PM
CHAIR LÖKI TOBIN called the Senate Education Standing Committee
meeting to order at 3:30 p.m. Present at the call to order were
Senators Kiehl, Gray-Jackson, Dunbar, Stevens, and Chair Tobin.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S)
PROFESSIONAL TEACHING PRACTICES COMMISSION
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA BOARD OF REGENTS
3:33:06 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced the consideration of the governor's
appointee Mary Carlson to the Professional Teaching Practices
Commission.
3:33:45 PM
At ease.
3:34:33 PM
CHAIR TOBIN reconvened the meeting. She stated that the
connection with Ms. Carlson was lost, and the committee would
consider the next item on the agenda.
3:34:49 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced the consideration of the governor's
appointee Mr. Michel to the University of Alaska Board of
Regents.
3:34:59 PM
DENNIS MICHEL, Appointee, University of Alaska Board of Regents,
Fairbanks, Alaska, provided a brief educational and work
history. He is interested in being a regent because Alaska has
been very good to his family. He would like to afford younger
Alaskans the opportunities he had. He said he would like to
influence Alaska's youth to receive training to work in the
trades through the university to work in the trades.
3:39:22 PM
SENATOR STEVENS stated he was concerned about university
maintenance and asked if Mr. Michel could elaborate.
MR. MICHEL replied that he has only been in the position six
weeks and would like to know more before commenting. His
understanding is that maintenance issues at the university need
addressing. He opined that addressing maintenance issues is
cheaper than new buildings.
SENATOR STEVENS said having someone on the Board of Regents who
understands maintenance issues would be good. He clarified that
the Board of Regents has asked for money to perform maintenance,
but the legislature did not fund it.
MR. MICHEL assured the committee that the university would spend
maintenance appropriations wisely.
3:41:40 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON thanked the appointees for their
willingness to serve. She said the Board of Regents' mission
statement emphasizes the North and honors Alaska's indigenous
and diverse people. She asked Mr. Michel whether he supports the
mission and to give his thoughts about the role of diversity at
the university. She also asked Mr. Michel to explain how he
would uphold the mission.
3:42:44 PM
MR. MICHEL replied that he is part Native. He said hard work and
effort paid off in overcoming struggles and achieving success.
He is extremely open to helping indigenous people. He opined
that his visits with indigenous students and staff at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) were top-notch because
students felt comfortable speaking with him. He stated his
belief that everyone should have an equal opportunity to
succeed. Sometimes certain individuals need an edge to succeed.
and he supports giving that assistance when needed.
3:44:06 PM
SENATOR KIEHL said the University of Alaska has three separately
accredited universities and 13 community campuses. He asked Mr.
Michel what his vision is for the University of Alaska (UA) in
Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Southeast.
MR. MICHEL said he realizes that universities are educationally,
economically, and socially important to communities. The
University of Alaska must continue to be a quality institution
globally. However, it cannot move forward without money. There
must be prudence when looking at the facilities and determining
what works best. He stated he was too new to know how much might
be needed.
3:45:50 PM
CHAIR TOBIN asked whether he thought the university was
adequately funded.
MR. MICHEL replied that he has only been in the position six
weeks and attended one meeting, so he cannot answer the
question. He guaranteed he would be able to answer it in a year.
3:46:22 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN said students who have visited the Capitol have
expressed concerns about the quality of the university due to
four years of funding cuts. Students starting college this year
are identifying UA as undesirable. He asked if this type of
student evidence is informative regarding whether funding is
appropriate.
3:47:21 PM
MR. MICHEL replied absolutely. He said it is the type of base
information the university should gather. He opined that
considering current world events, the UA system is uniquely
positioned to attract contracts from various agencies, which
will help fix problems UA is experiencing.
3:48:33 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN asked whether he recognizes the tension between
funding and the ability of the university to move forward.
MR. MICHEL said that as a businessman of 47 years, he
understands business. Investing in the business of education is
necessary to move it forward. The university can accomplish
little without identified sources of funding. The university
will need funding to push forward. He stated he would love for
the university to move in a positive direction. He expressed his
belief that President Pitney and the Board of Regents are
heading in the right direction. He opined that the concerns
students mentioned will disappear as the university moves
forward.
3:50:18 PM
CHAIR TOBIN said the Board of Regents is a governance board. She
asked Mr. Michel about service and protecting the public trust
as a regent.
3:50:39 PM
MR. MICHEL said he believes strongly in public service and
offers service outside of the Board of Regents. Universities are
an integral part of communities which is something that deserves
consideration when planning activities or instituting policies.
He opined that setting the university up to do good works now
will carry into the future.
3:51:21 PM
CHAIR TOBIN opened public testimony on the appointment of Mr.
Michel; finding none, she closed public testimony.
3:52:01 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced the consideration of the governor's
appointee Mary Carlson to the Professional Teaching Practices
Commission.
3:52:16 PM
MARY CARLSON, Appointee, Professional Teaching Practices
Commission, Department of Education and Early Development,
Fairbanks, Alaska, provided a brief personal and work history.
She stated she was the first to graduate college in her family,
which influenced other family members to obtain college degrees
and broke a generational cycle of not attending college. She has
been a teacher, principal, and university school of education
instructor.
CHAIR TOBIN asked which position on the commission she would
fill.
MS. CARLSON replied higher education.
3:55:09 PM
SENATOR STEVENS said he could see from Ms. Carlson's resume that
she was an administrator and professor. He asked if she had ever
taught for a school district.
3:55:29 PM
MS. CARLSON replied that she taught for four years in Virginia.
She also taught in Alaska at the Fairbanks North Star Borough
School District in an alternative program for expelled students.
3:55:58 PM
SENATOR STEVENS said one of the unfortunate goals of the
Professional Teaching Practices Commission is to address
teachers' misdeeds. He asked if she was prepared to take away a
teacher's certification.
MS. CARLSON replied that the process of removing a teacher's
certification is rigorous. She would follow the process, and if
a teacher were in violation, she would revoke the certification.
3:57:22 PM
CHAIR TOBIN opened public testimony on the appointment of Ms.
Carlson; finding none, she closed public testimony.
3:57:53 PM
SENATOR STEVENS stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
Senate Education Standing Committee reviewed the following and
recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session for
consideration:
Professional Teaching Practices Commission
Mary Carlson - Fairbanks
Signing the reports regarding appointments to boards and
commissions in no way reflects individual members' approval or
disapproval of the appointees; the nominations are merely
forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or rejection.
3:58:21 PM
At ease.
3:59:46 PM
CHAIR TOBIN reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of the governor's appointee Ms. Marcum to the
University of Alaska Board of Regents.
4:00:42 PM
BETHANY MARCUM, Appointee, University of Alaska Board of
Regents, Anchorage, Alaska, gave a brief personal and work
history. She said she has worked in the private sector and
government. She received scholarships and has a bachelor's and a
master's degree. She stated that education has afforded her many
opportunities, so she wants to serve the university.
4:01:49 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON said the Board of Regents' mission
statement emphasizes the North and honors Alaska's indigenous
and diverse people. She asked Ms. Marcum whether she supports
the mission and to give her thoughts about the role of diversity
at the university. She also asked Ms. Marcum to explain how she
would uphold the mission.
4:02:29 PM
MS. MARCUM replied that she supports the mission statement. She
learned about the Alaska Native Success Initiative at a board
meeting and fully supports outreach to ensure the university has
indigenous students, staff, and tenure-track faculty. She stated
her desire to make the University of Alaska the premier northern
latitude university. She said the university's mission tracks
very closely with her vision.
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON said Ms. Marcum mentioned in an education
committee hearing that the Alaska Reads Act was an example that
the Alaska Policy Forum is bipartisan. She asked Ms. Marcum to
provide two more examples of the forum's bipartisan work.
MS. MARCUM replied that occupational licensing is a policy that
the Democratic Party in other states leads in supporting. The
Democratic Party knows that some of the communities most
affected by onerous occupational licensing requirements are
lower-income immigrants who have trouble entering the workforce
because of fees and training requirements. Occupational
licensing is a bipartisan reform that the Alaska Policy Forum
has always supported. She said the forum also supported last
year's state checkbook bill by Senator Wielechowski. The forum
also supports a bill by Representative Story to extend the
Alaska Performance Scholarship to career and technical education
students.
4:05:26 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON opined that Ms. Marcum's fiscal policy
stance generally leans towards reduced government spending and
increased private investment. She asked whether the university
needed more funding or less funding to succeed.
MS. MARCUM replied that she had only been in the position for
six weeks. She has seen the proposed budget and was pleased that
the governor put forward a good portion of the funding. She said
she is concerned about deferred maintenance not being funded.
The capital budget is a lot different than what the university
proposed. She said she did not know enough to say whether
funding could be found or whether the university had enough.
However, she stated her belief that there are initiatives that
would require more funding. President Pitney prioritized
spending well, but the university cannot pay for everything
without funds. Funding needs to be looked at to determine how to
fill gaps.
4:07:02 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked Ms. Marcum how she perceives her role as a
regent, and her vision for the University of Alaska Southeast
(UAS). He opined that regents generally offer no attention or
malign attention to UAS. Being happy to be neglected is a bad
place to be.
MS. MARCUM replied that she does not know enough about the
entirety of the UA system to say that her vision is different
from the missions of the regional universities. She said
Fairbanks focuses on academic research, Anchorage on open
enrollment, and Southeast is a regional campus. Some fields of
study are unique to an area and are most appropriately handled
by that region's campus, such as UAS handling mariculture. She
said if there is an opportunity to expand UAS beyond a regional
campus she is open to the discussion.
SENATOR STEVENS said he was a history professor at the
university for 25 years. Two studies concluded that the
university has too many administrators and should focus on
hiring more faculty. He requested that she investigate the issue
if the legislature confirms her appointment. He asked if she had
any comments.
MS. MARCUM said Senator Steven's staff provided her with links
to the studies. She plans to review the studies and ask the
board if there are new studies. It is incumbent upon the regents
to look at all the information available and determine whether
change is needed.
4:10:34 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON said that as a senator, she represents all
people, but as a woman of color, she wants to ensure that the
Board of Regents fairly represents people of color. She asked
what Ms. Marcum would do as a regent to ensure the voices of
people of color are heard and represented by the board.
MS. MARCUM agreed that it is important for regents to hear the
voices of everyone. She worked with people from diverse
backgrounds while in the military. One of her jobs in the
military was unit engagement. It required her to visit with
troops and airmen regarding their well-being. Part of a regent's
job should be outreach to all students and faculty because it is
important to hear directly from individuals.
4:12:35 PM
CHAIR TOBIN asked a question specific to public comments Ms.
Marcum made at a redistricting meeting. The comments were
regarding the over-representation of Eagle River at the expense
of North Muldoon. She opined that Ms. Marcum does not prioritize
geographic representation and fair voice when serving the
public. She asked Ms. Marcum for her thoughts.
MS. MARCUM replied that her comments at that meeting were out of
context and incomplete. She wanted Muldoon to have the
opportunity to have three senators because there were distinct
groups with distinct voices. She wanted them to have as much
voice as possible. She opined that the Eagle River issue was
about the military. She said she stated her belief to the
redistricting board several times; the military should be
districted in the communities they live. She said court rulings
are continuing. In general terms, she was trying to ensure that
people were heard and represented. She was not trying to
represent any particular body or people unfairly.
CHAIR TOBIN stated that she is concerned about the lack of
diversity among the regent appointees. Western and rural Alaska
are not represented. She stated that having a board concentrated
in one view and voice concerns her. She asked Ms. Marcum how she
would address the issue.
MS. MARCUM replied that she wants to reach out and talk with
people because there is no reason not to communicate directly.
She also favors meeting with groups of people. Meeting with
students, faculty, and staff takes effort. Being a regent is a
time-consuming job. Meeting with people is part of a regent's
job. She is committed to doing the job of a regent. She is
willing to go wherever is needed and answer difficult questions.
4:15:49 PM
SENATOR BJORKMAN said Ms. Marcum told him in conversation that
she was comfortable with the level of funding the governor
provided to the university. However, during the hearing, Ms.
Marcum stated she had concerns about the level of funding. He
asked what changed her opinion.
4:16:14 PM
MS. MARCUM replied that when she spoke to Senator Bjorkman, she
primarily had been looking at the operating budget. She was
aware there were deferred maintenance issues, but looking at the
budget closely, she recognized that a fair amount of the capital
budget was unfunded.
SENATOR KIEHL said he is passionate about and proud of the
University of Alaska Southeast (UAS). UAS has a college of
education. He said K-12 teachers and students supply the
university with most of its students. He asked Ms. Marcum for
her view on public education and if she considers the university
part of the K-12 school system.
MS. MARCUM replied there is no doubt that the university is part
of Alaska's education system. It is part of the Department of
Education and Early Child Development (DEED).
SENATOR KIEHL recalled Ms. Marcum saying she was "distraught for
Alaska children who are trapped in public schools." He asked for
an explanation of the statement because the board oversees one
of Alaska's public education institutions.
MS. MARCUM replied that some children are trapped, not because
it is a public school, but because the school assigned by zip
code does not necessarily meet the child's needs. Meanwhile,
another nearby school might be a better fit. She stated that her
concern is for students to be in learning environments that suit
their learning styles and needs. Families have different
capacities to place children in schools. She provided an
anecdotal story to illustrate her point. Parents must have
options when their children are trapped in schools that
adversely affect them.
4:21:08 PM
SENATOR KIEHL responded that he appreciates her comments and is
proud to represent schools with open enrollment. However, Senate
Joint Resolution 9 was about vouchers for private and religious
schools, not charter or neighborhood schools. Current and future
teachers in Alaska are concerned about the university's
governing approach to public schools because it is where most of
them work or will work in the future.
MS. MARCUM answered that teachers should not be concerned
because public schools will always exist. Eighty percent of
students attend public schools in Alaska. She stated her belief
that less than two percent of students in Alaska attend private
schools. She opined that public schools will always be Alaska's
primary education mode. Data shows that private schools create
competition, which creates better public schools. There is a
nationwide movement to establish school choice, also known as
education choice. She said states that utilize school choice are
producing better public schools. She wants better public schools
for Alaska. She said she does not see a conflict in letting
parents have an option between private and good public schools.
CHAIR TOBIN mentioned a supreme court decision that included the
words "secretive procedures and misinformation" that Ms. Marcum
used. She said the Board of Regents is a governance board, and
Ms. Marcum's track record shows she does not value it. She asked
Ms. Marcum for her philosophy about public service, support of
public schools, and protecting public trust.
MS. MARCUM replied that her philosophy has been the same
throughout her life. She has a life of public service and
chooses to put herself forward for the position because families
and students should have opportunities through the public
university system. Laws for open meetings are extremely
important. She abided by them in the previous board and will
continue to abide by them, regardless of what others may think.
4:24:32 PM
CHAIR TOBIN opened public testimony on the appointment of Ms.
Marcum to the University of Alaska Board of Regents.
4:24:52 PM
YARROW SILVERS, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, stated
that as the CEO of the Alaska Policy Forum, Ms. Marcum
continually advocated for slashing university funding, which has
created problems for the state. She provided an example of the
type of policies the forum advocates and said the forum pushes
policy agendas without presenting all the facts. Since the
budget cuts, tuition has increased, programs have been cut or
reduced, and enrollment has declined from 26,000 students in
2019 to about 20,000 in 2023. That is 6,000 fewer people
contributing to the state's economy and potentially making
Alaska their home. She said the University of Alaska is
nonpartisan, and Ms. Marcum was on the redistricting board,
which is also nonpartisan. While serving on the redistricting
board, Ms. Marcum pushed through a highly partisan, community-
damaging, and ultimately illegal political gerrymander. It cost
the state over $1 million in legal fees and would have muffled
the voices of diverse and economically disadvantaged people in
East Anchorage. Appointees should be willing to act in the best
interest of the university in an honest manner. She opined that
Ms. Marcum is not fit for the board.
4:27:31 PM
MAE PITKA, representing self, Russian Mission, Alaska, said she
was raised and teaches in Russian Mission. She has witnessed
high teacher turnover for 29 years. She hopes some students will
become teachers and work in Russian Mission. She supports SB 97
because longevity incentives with lump sum payments can attract
teachers. Teacher retention requires financial incentives. She
thanked the committee for supporting teachers in Alaska.
CHAIR TOBIN apologized for the error. She encouraged Ms. Pitka
to call back when SB 97 opens for public testimony. SB 97 was
scheduled but removed from the agenda.
4:29:39 PM
JOAN FRANZ, representing self, Fairbanks, Alaska, stated that
quality education and healthcare are essential needs for
communities. She said Ms. Marcum's position as the CEO of the
Alaska Policy Forum indicates that she does not support Alaska's
court or understand the importance of quality education at all
levels. Cutting public education funding does not improve
education, yet she cheered the Arduin-Dunleavy education budget
cuts. She consistently has not shown support for the financial
funding of education. Budget cuts to education have also had an
impact on the Fairbanks economy. Alaska needs teachers,
healthcare professionals, and engineers. She encouraged the
committee not to support Ms. Marcum.
4:32:35 PM
JOELLE HALL, President, American Federation of Labor and
Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) Alaska,
Anchorage, Alaska, stated that Ms. Marcum has employment that
makes it inappropriate for her to serve as a regent. Ms.
Marcum's job as the CEO of the Alaska Policy Forum is to
influence public policy, even if it is contrary to the Board of
Regent's position. In 2019, the Alaska Policy Forum supported
cuts that would have devastated Alaska's university system. The
forum routinely supports cuts to government and is currently
opposing a bill that would give public employees and university
faculty and staff the option to have a defined benefit pension.
She stated that it is unreasonable to think Ms. Marcum can act
autonomously because she answers to the board of directors and
the state policy network that provides the bulk of her funding.
MS. HALL said her job as the president of the American
Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
(AFL-CIO) is to advocate for faculty and staff and encourage the
legislature to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions.
She opined that if the committee was comfortable with Ms. Marcum
serving on the Board of Regents, then they would need to be
comfortable with her serving on the board. As a leader of an
organization, Ms. Marcum cannot represent the needs of the
university above the needs of the organization without the risk
of being fired. It is an irreconcilable conflict of interest.
She said she would like to be a volunteer board member if the
legislature confirms Ms. Marcum.
4:35:12 PM
KIM HAYS, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, said she
received two degrees from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
She is proud of the university and stated her belief that the
Board of Regents should advocate for robust funding for all
campuses. Workforce development is essential for the university
and all of Alaska's employers and programs. Now is the time to
have a board that understands it is paramount to retain faculty
and staff and encourage recruitment. Governor Dunleavy's $130
million budget cut shocked the university system in 2019. She
said most Alaskans were against the cuts and asked
representatives to oppose them. Ms. Marcum and the Alaska Policy
Forum supported the draconian cuts as a way for Alaska to "get
back on track." This is as logical as the saying "the beatings
will continue until morale improves." She questioned the ability
of Ms. Marcum to advocate for the university when she supported
the cuts. It is a fox in the hen house situation. As an alumnus
she is not interested in gutting the university.
4:37:40 PM
MIKE GRUNST, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska said the
Alaska Policy Forum is an organization funded by outside
interests and affiliated with the Freedom Network. As CEO of the
Alaska Policy Forum, Ms. Marcum advocated for university budget
cuts in 2019. He quoted her as saying, "It's just not
sustainable to continue to subsidize government with savings."
He questioned how the state would fund the university without
government subsidy. He opined that her goal is to siphon money
from public schools and support school vouchers. The Alaska
Policy Forum advocates for tuition freezes and innovative
spending reductions. It opposed two-person crew railroads, which
would be like advocating for dismantling the Puget Sound whale
response teams. Schools need administrative positions to be
productive and safe. He opined that Alaska should have taken a
long view of education like Texas did 40 years ago. Today, the
Texas school system ranks high nationally. Texas has created a
system that is an education and economic benefit that attracts
people to the state. He described how Alaska's education system
should be structured to succeed. Alaska is the least taxed state
in the nation; residents do not pay anything for state services.
Alaska has the money to solve its problems but not with Ms.
Marcum on the Board of Regents.
4:42:32 PM
ALEX JORGENSEN, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, said he is
a graduate student at UAA. He was at the student union when
Governor Dunleavy proposed the $130 million budget cut. He
opined that the cut was reckless and would dismantle Alaska's
only public university system. Ms. Marcum supported the cut. He
said he could not square the fiduciary responsibility of a
regent with Ms. Marcum's past actions.
4:44:09 PM
HERMAN MORGAN, representing self, Aniak, Alaska, said he is
disappointed that the committee members do not represent
education. Alaska has the lowest test scores in the nation but
is the most expensive. He opined that Ms. Marcum was right to
support the cut because the cost to the state could be $8
billion without controlled spending.
4:47:59 PM
ALEX BAKER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, said Ms.
Marcum served on the redistricting board and violated Alaska law
twice. She has not earned public trust. There are hundreds of
pages of court documents outlining her actions. She has not
learned from her past actions. She is not fit to serve as a
regent.
4:49:50 PM
LAURA BONNER, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, said Ms.
Marcum publicly exploited the $130 million budget cut to the
university. The cuts resulted in the reduction of programs and
resources. The cuts led to the outmigration of students and
workers and crippled education, research grants, and deferred
maintenance. Ms. Marcum's position with the Alaska Policy Forum
cherry-picks studies and facts supporting its principles,
resulting in biased findings. She opined that Ms. Marcum cannot
serve in a nonpartisan manner, as demonstrated when serving on
the redistricting board. The university provides economic
opportunity to the state. She said Ms. Marcum is a poor choice
for the Board of Regents.
4:52:13 PM
CHAIR TOBIN closed public testimony on the appointment of Ms.
Marcum.
4:52:23 PM
MS. MARCUM stated that legal counsel assured her there was no
conflict of interest serving on the Board of Regents and working
as the CEO of the Alaska Policy Forum. She said that during the
House Education Committee hearing, she addressed false claims
that she championed the university budget cut. She noted that
only Alaskans are on the Alaska Policy Forum's board. She asked
the committee to read the letters of support that individuals
submitted on her behalf.
4:53:45 PM
CHAIR TOBIN announced the consideration of the governor's
appointee Ms. Harrison to the University of Alaska Board of
Regents.
4:53:49 PM
PAULA HARRISON, Appointee, University of Alaska Board of
Regents, Fairbanks, Alaska, stated that her daughters graduated
from the University of Alaska and are successful. She would like
to serve on the Board of Regents to give back to the university.
4:54:48 PM
SENATOR GRAY-JACKSON said the Board of Regents' mission
statement emphasizes the North and honors Alaska's indigenous
and diverse people. She asked if Ms. Harrison supports the
mission and to share her thoughts about the role of diversity at
the university. She also asked Ms. Harrison to explain how she
would uphold the university's mission.
4:55:22 PM
MS. HARRISON replied that she supports the mission statement.
She worked in human resources, where diversity, equity, and
inclusion are a priority. She would broaden the mission
statement to include more people because Alaska is diverse, and
many people consider it their home.
4:56:19 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked Ms. Harrison what she would do for UAS if
she had a magic wand.
4:56:34 PM
MS. HARRISON said she worked for the University of Alaska for
seven years. She served the Anchorage and Southeast campuses.
The UAS campus is beautiful, and she is supportive of it. Each
campus serves the needs of the local community.
4:57:38 PM
SENATOR KIEHL recognized that Ms. Harrison has extensive
experience in labor relations, which is different from
university leadership. He asked what her concept of shared
governance is and if the university handles governance
correctly.
MS. HARRISON replied that the university is doing it right. Each
campus has a faculty governance and senate. The university also
has a statewide faculty and staff alliance. She said the
organizations she has worked with have administrative input.
4:59:06 PM
CHAIR TOBIN asked if the UA system is adequately funded.
MS. HARRISON replied that the word adequate would need to be
defined. The Board of Regents makes various determinations,
including adequate funding. She opined that deferred maintenance
is not adequately funded. She rhetorically asked how the state
could provide communities with a university without
infrastructure. She said that deferred maintenance is her
passion, and the legislature must fund according to a schedule,
so the university does not fall further behind.
5:00:28 PM
CHAIR TOBIN said the Board of Regents is a governance board. She
asked Ms. Harrison to explain her philosophy regarding service
and upholding public trust.
MS. HARRISON said she has served on many boards. She was chair
of the Alaska Labor Relations Agency for four years. Public
trust is paramount. When others perceive a person as
untrustworthy, their decisions go nowhere.
5:01:25 PM
CHAIR TOBIN opened public testimony on the appointment of Ms.
Harrison; finding none, she closed public testimony.
MS. HARRISON thanked the committee for the opportunity to meet.
5:01:52 PM
CHAIR TOBIN stated the confirmation hearing for Mr. Crum would
take place April 5.
5:02:13 PM
SENATOR STEVENS stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
Senate Education Standing Committee reviewed the following and
recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session for
consideration:
University of Alaska Board of Regents
Dennis Michel - Fairbanks
Bethany Marcum - Anchorage
Paula Harrison - Fairbanks
Signing the reports regarding appointments to boards and
commissions in no way reflects individual members' approval or
disapproval of the appointees; the nominations are merely
forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or rejection.
5:03:10 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Tobin adjourned the Senate Education Standing Committee
meeting at 5:03 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Bethany Marcum - Application_Redacted.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
University of Alaska |
| Bethany Marcum - Resume_Redacted.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
University of Alaska |
| Dennis Michel - Board Application_Redacted.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
University of Alaska |
| Dennis Michel - resume_Redacted.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
University of Alaska |
| Joey Crum - Board Application_Redacted.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
University of Alaska |
| Joey Crum - Resume_Redacted.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
University of Alaska |
| Paula Harrison - Board Application_Redacted.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
University of Alaska |
| Paula Harrison - Resume_Redacted.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
University of Alaska |
| Mary Carlson - Application_Redacted 03.21.2023.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
Professional Teaching Practices Commission |
| Mary Carlson - Resume_Redacted 03.21.2023.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
Professional Teaching Practices Commission |
| SB 97 Version A 03.17.2023.PDF |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
SB 97 |
| SB 97 Sectional Analysis 3.10.2023.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
SB 97 |
| SB 97 Transmission Letter 03.17.2023.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
SB 97 |
| SB 97 Hearing Request Memo 3.13.2023.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
SB 97 |
| SB 97 Fiscal Note EED-SSA 03.06.2023.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
SB 97 |
| Bethany Marcum Testimony - Updated Received as of 03.24.2023.pdf |
SEDC 3/24/2023 3:30:00 PM |
University of Alaska |