Legislature(1999 - 2000)
04/19/1999 01:38 PM Senate HES
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SENATE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
April 19, 1999
1:38 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Mike Miller, Chairman
Senator Pete Kelly, Vice-Chairman
Senator Gary Wilken
Senator Drue Pearce
Senator Kim Elton
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members were present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 97
"An Act relating to confidential mental health records; relating to
mental health services and programs; relating to liability for
payment for mental health evaluation and treatment services; and
providing for an effective date."
-MOVED CS SB 97(HES)OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8
Creating the Long-Term Care Task Force of 1999.
-MOVED SCR 8 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 117
"An Act relating to property insurance required for school
districts."
-HEARD AND HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 105
"An Act determining the facilities constituting a school for
purposes of public school funding; and providing for an effective
date."
-MOVED CS SB 105(HES)OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 125
"An Act relating to school crisis response planning."
-MOVED SB 125 OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 112
"An Act relating to a program of postsecondary education for high
school students."
-HEARD AND HELD
PREVIOUS SENATE COMMITTEE ACTION
SB 97 - See HESS Committee minutes dated 4/7/99
SCR 8 - No previous action to report
SB 117 - No previous action to report
SB 105 - See HESS Committee minutes dated 3/22/99, 3/31/99 and
4/7/99
SB 125 - No previous action to report
SB 112 - No previous action to report
WITNESS REGISTER
Ms. Gina Macdonald, Special Projects
Coordinator
Division of Mental Health & Developmental
Disabilities
Department of Health & Social Services
PO Box 110620
Juneau, AK 99811-0620
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on SB 97
Ms. Shallon O'Fallon, Assistant Attorney General
Human Services Section
Department of Law
PO Box 110300
Juneau, AK 99811
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on SB 97
Ms. Mel Krogseng, Staff Aide
Senator Robin Taylor
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SB 117
Mr. Paul Fuhs
City and Borough of Yakutat
POSITION STATEMENT: Supported SB 117
Mr. Michael Morgan, Manager
Facility Section
Department of Education
801 W. 10th St., Ste. 200
Juneau, AK 99801-1984
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on SB 117
Ms. Christy Miller
National Flood Insurance Program
Department of Community & Regional Affairs
333 W. 4th Avenue, Ste. 220
Anchorage, AK 99501-2341
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on SB 117
Senator Robin Taylor
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SB 105
Mr. Tim Grussendorf, Staff Aide
Senator Lyman Hoffman
Alaska State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SB 125
Mr. Bruce Johnson, Director
Teaching and Learning Support
Department of Education
801 W. 10th St. Ste. 200
Juneau, AK 99801-1894
POSITION STATEMENT: Supported SB 125 and SB 112
Mr. Robert Buttcane
Administrative Juvenile Probation Officer
Youth Corrections
Department of Health & Social Services
PO Box 110630
Juneau, AK 99811
POSITION STATEMENT: Supported SB 125
Mr. Stewart Wineberg
Fairbanks, AK 99701
POSITION STATEMENT: Commented on SB 112
Ms. Margo Waring
1215 5th St.
Douglas, AK 99824
POSITION STATEMENT: Supported SB 112
Mr. Darryl Hargraves, Executive Director
Alaska Council of School Administrators
326 4th St. Ste. 404
Juneau, AK 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Supported SB 112
Mr. Mike Bradner
POSITION STATEMENT: Supported SB 112
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 99-19, SIDE A
Number 001
SB 97-MENTAL HEALTH; RECORDS; TREATMENT
CHAIRMAN MILLER called the Senate Health, Education and Social
Services (HESS) Committee to order at 1:38 p.m. and brought up SB
97.
MS. GINA MACDONALD, Division of Mental Health & Developmental
Disability, Department of Health & Social Services, discussed the
differences between SB 97 and the proposed CS (Draft G Lauterbach).
The CS removes the confidentiality portion and makes a couple
procedural changes relating to Designated Evaluation and Treatment
(DET) facilities, or hospitals providing in-patient services for
people in mental health crisis. These changes clarify and separate
procedures for billing and payment for someone receiving hospital
services at API or at a private hospital facility. The department
can bill and order payment for API services, but the DET facility
or private hospital itself would bill the patient. The other
addition to the bill allows hospitals to apply for these benefits
on behalf of a patient so disabled by mental illness he or she is
unable to submit an application.
Number 050
MS. SHANNON 'FALLON, Assistant Attorney General with the Human
Services Section at the Department of Law, added that the legal
drafter, Terri Lauterbach, had questions relating to language that
needed clarification, and this CS clears those up.
SENATOR ELTON asked the sponsor, Senator Kelly, if concerns were
worked out with Bob Briggs of the Disability Law Center.
SENATOR KELLY replied they accommodated Mr. Briggs on one or two
points but were unable to give him all of the points he wanted.
This is the optimum level of agreement that can be reached on the
bill. He moved to adopt CSSB 97(HES) Draft G as the working
version. Without objection, it was adopted.
SENATOR KELLY moved CSSB 97(HES) Draft G from committee with
individual recommendations and its accompanying fiscal note.
Without objection, it was so ordered.
SCR 8-LONG-TERM CARE TASK FORCE OF 1999
CHAIRMAN MILLER brought up SCR 8.
Number 089
SENATOR WILKEN explained that SCR 8 would continue the Long-Term
Care Task Force (LTCTF) of 1998. In discussions last December and
January the committee's will was to continue work on the 31
recommendations with a group catalyst to focus on these impending
social and financial challenges. SCR 8 asks the Legislature to
reconstitute a new LTCTF comprised of a membership like the last
task force. The fiscal note shows $15,700 but there is money
remaining from the last task force. SENATOR WILKEN explained he
has an amendment to the capital budget that will fund this, and he
expected the fiscal note will be zero. He commended SCR 8 to the
committee and asked for its approval.
SENATOR WILKEN moved SCR 8 from committee with individual
recommendations and its attached fiscal note. Without objection,
SCR 8 moved out of committee.
SB 117-INSURANCE FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS
CHAIRMAN MILLER brought SB 117 before the committee.
Number 124
MS. MEL KROGSENG, Staff Aide to Senator Taylor, explained that an
inefficiency was discovered in the administrative regulations
adopted by the Department of Education regarding property insurance
for school facilities and equipment. The Yakutat school brought
this to Senator Taylor's attention. The school is the emergency
shelter in the area in the event of a tsunami, and it had to pay
flood insurance under the current regulations even though it is
situated on the highest point of land in the area. The department
was given a directive in statute to require property insurance for
all schools, and when DOE adopted regulations it didn't consider
that there were schools in no particular flood hazard zone required
to carry flood insurance. Yakutat has paid up to $47,000 a year
for its insurance policy. During the current budget shortfall when
looking for ways to reduce costs, Senator Taylor felt that school
districts could evaluate their potential risk for flood and
earthquake damage and determine whether they need to carry
insurance.
MS. KROGSENG pointed out a discrepancy in the regulations, quoting
from 4 AAC 31.200 Loss Protection Required, "The district shall
carry flood coverage for school facilities and equipment in a flood
plain or flood-prone area." In a subsequent section, it states,
"In addition to the requirements of A and B of this section, an
insurance policy purchased by REAA for any school facility or
equipment owned by the State shall include the State as an
additional insured for earthquake, and (3) flood coverage
regardless of whether the school facilities or equipment are in a
flood plain or flood-prone area." MS. KROGSENG said it doesn't
seem that much thought was given to the reasonableness of the
regulation when it was adopted.
Number 174
MS. CHRISTY MILLER, National Flood Insurance Program Coordinator,
Department of Community & Regional Affairs, Anchorage, stated on-
line that she would answer questions.
MR. PAUL FUHS, representing the Yakutat School District, spoke in
support of SB 117. He stated they had hoped to have a school
official on-line today but were unable to arrange a telecon-
ference. He explained Yakutat is on a glacial moraine, not a flood
plain, and there is no danger of flood. There is danger of
earthquake, and if this bill were to pass, the district would still
buy earthquake insurance. Last year during the school funding
formula discussions, Yakutat heard a lot about districts looking at
ways to cut costs. The flip side of the funding formula is the
cost of providing education. This mandate was very clear for
Yakutat. He asked the committee's support for SB 117.
SENATOR ELTON asked if the bill makes earthquake insurance optional
so that if the district decided to shave costs in the future, it
could discontinue earthquake coverage even though it's in a
sensitive zone.
MR. FUHS replied yes, it could, even though it would not be wise.
MR. MICHAEL MORGAN, Manager of Facility Section in the Department
of Education, stated that when the department made the regulation
change two years ago, it was advised by Christy Miller as well as
the Division of Risk Management. The regulations it passed stated
that people in a flood plain or flood-prone area, not counting
REAAs which have state-owned facilities, would have to buy
insurance. The intent was if a city or borough such as Yakutat was
not in a flood plain or flood-prone area, it would not be required
to buy flood insurance. The requirement for those two designations
was on advice that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
requires flood insurance to participate in any federal disaster aid
when a flood occurs.
Number 216
SENATOR PEARCE asked if the Yakutat school district asked the
department to clarify that under the regulations they don't need
the insurance.
MR. MORGAN answered if they're not in a flood plain or flood-prone
area, they're not required to buy the insurance under current
regulations.
CHAIRMAN MILLER said he was confused and he asked if Yakutat is in
a designated flood plain area.
MR. MORGAN said he didn't know. The department designated "flood
plain" or "flood- prone" area because flood plains are mapped
areas; flood-prone areas are based on the history of the areas that
may not have been mapped yet.
SENATOR ELTON also admitted confusion, and asked what happens if
they're not required to have flood insurance and there is a flood
in the region. Would it affect FEMA's ability to participate in
disaster relief outside of the school if the school doesn't have
coverage?
MR. MORGAN replied, no, it's on a facility by facility basis. The
Federal Emergency Management Act states the Flood and Disaster
Protection Act of 1973 requires the purchase of flood insurance as
a condition for a particular facility.
CHAIRMAN MILLER repeated he is confused about whether Yakutat is in
a flood plain and he requested the sponsor's staff to clarify that.
Number 245
MS. MEL KROGSENG stated she understood from the superintendent at
Yakutat that the school was told they had to carry flood insurance.
The regulation does differentiate between REAAs. Mr. Fuhs also told
her he understood the school district was told by the department
that they had to carry flood insurance. She suggested the
interpretation and implementation of the regulation was different
than it actually reads.
SENATOR WILKEN asked if the bill says the school district does not
have to carry insurance for earthquakes.
MS. KROGSENG replied it does say that. SENATOR WILKEN asked who
rebuilds the school if there's an earthquake in his district and
the school district chose not to carry the insurance. MS. KROGSENG
said the intent was that a major earthquake doing serious damage
would enlist federal assistance to rebuild schools and other
infrastructure. She asked Ms. Christy Miller to discuss the federal
assistance California received during its major quake a few years
ago.
MS. CHRISTY MILLER replied she checked with Walt Robinson at FEMA
Region 10 who told her there were no automatic deductions in
federal assistance if earthquake insurance was not in place at the
time of a disaster. However, districts may be required to obtain
insurance in the future. Mr. Robinson also indicated federal law
may be changing in the future, but right now there is no mandatory
earthquake coverage requirement.
CHAIRMAN MILLER asked Ms. Miller if Yakutat is in a flood plain or
flood zone on the maps at DCRA.
MS. MILLER said that Yakutat is not in a mapped area.
CHAIRMAN MILLER remarked, the city is saying they were told by DOE
they had to buy the insurance and DOE says they didn't tell the
city that, "So we have a problem here."
SENATOR WILKEN suggested that the committee hold the bill and come
back with a CS that takes earthquakes out and clarifies language
that if a school district is not in a flood plain it does not have
to buy flood insurance.
MS. KROGSENG repeated that not all areas of the state are mapped.
Language would have to be included for "flood-prone" areas.
Regarding earthquakes, there is an available map showing the areas
that are part of the "rim of fire," and areas prone to earthquakes.
She suggested language targeting areas more prone to earthquakes
because insurance is very expensive. To require areas with no known
problems to carry it would add an extra, possibly unnecessary,
financial burden.
CHAIRMAN MILLER asked Senator Taylor, who had joined the committee,
to address the problem of reconciling the Yakutat city fathers
saying they are mandated to buy flood insurance and DOE stating
they are not.
Number 315
SENATOR TAYLOR said perhaps he, his staff, the legal drafters and
the city fathers misread the regulation that seemed to mandate it.
CHAIRMAN MILLER responded that DOE said that was not the case, that
it was not mandated coverage if you were not in these areas.
SENATOR TAYLOR countered, that's more reason to pass legislation to
avoid confusion in the future.
CHAIRMAN MILLER said because of confusion and concern by committee
members about earthquakes, he would like to bring SB 117 back next
week with clear language about who needs to be covered and who does
not. He offered to work with Senator Taylor's office and DOE to
ensure the proper language is included.
SB 105-PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING
SENATOR ROBIN TAYLOR, sponsor of SB 105, discussed the Ford 3/23/99
Work Draft K which amends the previous legislation by deleting
Section 2. Section 2 of the legislation would have addressed an
additional problem that came out of SB 36 last year that involved
correspondence, alternative and charter schools. The fiscal note
was over $17 million, and Senator Taylor said he had no idea it
would run that high, or that correspondence schools would be
inserted in that section. By putting correspondence schools in it,
the Galena School District would have picked up another $2.9
million over what they currently receive. Through its
correspondence program, Galena has "basically pirated students all
over the state," including students from the Senator's own school
district.
The purpose of the work draft before the committee is to limit the
impact of this cleanup on SB 36 to just 2 school districts,
Wrangell and Petersburg, with an overall impact of around $600,000.
CHAIRMAN MILLER explained a new fiscal note is being prepared
because the one with the new CS still has the old numbers. SENATOR
TAYLOR agreed that it does and it's incorrect. CHAIRMAN MILLER
asked if this fiscal note is about $700,000 and SENATOR TAYLOR said
it is. CHAIRMAN MILLER asked for a motion to adopt the Ford
Version K Committee Substitute.
SENATOR WILKEN moved to adopt CSSB 105(HES). Without objection, it
was adopted.
SENATOR ELTON asked the rationale for the figure change from 750 to
450. SENATOR TAYLOR replied it reduces it so that the same problem
won't be faced again soon when two or three students happen to
leave a school district. In Petersburg this year, the loss of 4
students cost them $360,000 because of the way the formula was
drafted.
CHAIRMAN MILLER asked for discussion, and hearing none, asked the
will of the committee.
SENATOR WILKEN moved CSSB 105(HES) Version K be reported out of
committee with individual recommendations and the attached fiscal
note to be revised before the Finance referral. Hearing no
objection, the bill moved out.
SB 125-SCHOOL SAFETY PLAN
CHAIRMAN MILLER brought up SB 125 and invited Senator Hoffman's
staff to present it.
Number 389
MR.TIM GRUSSENDORF, Staff Aide, explained that Senator Hoffman was
requested by the Lower Kuskokwim School District to introduce SB
125 to address their concerns about school crisis response
planning. In February 1997, gunfire exploded in the hallways of
the Bethel Regional High School and ended the lives of Principal
Ron Edwards and student Josh Palacios. The actions that took place
immediately following this tragedy still haunt the residents of
Bethel with questions about who was in charge and what should have
been done in a case like this. In Bethel the crisis was magnified
because one of the people in charge whom people looked to for
direction and support, the principal, was one of the victims. MR.
GRUSSENDORF said Senator Hoffman sincerely hopes that no other
school or community will experience this type of trauma. However,
if a similar incident should occur in any school in Alaska, SB 125
would assure communities that a crisis response plan is in place,
with preparedness to respond to the situation.
MR. GRUSSENDORF said this is a work in progress and Senator Hoffman
wants the bill to be user friendly and inclusive, without placing
a financial burden on the schools. SB 125 has had valuable input
from individuals and organizations involved in school safety
issues, and the sponsor will continue to work with any group to
address their concerns.
Early on, it became clear the scope of the bill is very broad and
can involve a variety of school safety issues. The sponsor intends
to keep it a crisis response bill to ensure that all schools have
a site-specific crisis response plan in place, and to work on
school safety issues in future legislation.
MR. BRUCE JOHNSON, Director of Division of Teaching and Learning in
the Department of Education, spoke in support of SB 125. The
department believes it's important that all students are provided
protection that may come from proactive planning in each school
community. A requirement directing each school to develop a school
crisis plan in conjunction with key community members is a good
idea. Given Alaska's diversity, latitude is necessary to allow
each school to identify the appropriate members of the planning
team consistent with services available in a particular community.
The department also urges that the content sections of the bill
remain sufficiently broad to allow community and school flexibility
while ensuring the safety of students. MR. JOHNSON said the
department looks forward to working with Senator Hoffman on this
incremental approach to advance planning for potential crises in
our schools.
MR. ROBERT BUTTCANE, Juvenile Probation Officer with the Depart-
ment of Health & Social Services, spoke on behalf of the depart-
ment in support of SB 125. He encouraged the committee to act
favorably on the bill as a best-practices approach to school crisis
response planning. He said he would welcome being a part of the
group that would assist schools in developing appropriate response
plans.
CHAIRMAN MILLER asked the wish of the committee.
Number 433
SENATOR ELTON moved SB 125 from committee with individual
recommendations. Hearing no objection, it was so ordered.
SB 112-POSTSECONDARY CLASS FOR HIGH SCHOOL
CHAIRMAN MILLER brought up SB 112 and invited Senator Elton to
present it.
Number 439
SENATOR ELTON explained the bill would allow high school students
and their families new choices and new academic opportunities at no
cost to the family or the student. Eleventh and twelfth grade
students would receive dual credit for courses that are taken at
publicly-funded colleges and vocational schools, with tuition fees
paid by the school district in which the student is enrolled.
Major elements of the bill were lifted straight out of the
Washington State program. Many Alaska school districts already
have contractual agreements with the University of Alaska to
provide dual credit for courses. The difference between those
individual agreements with the districts and the University is that
the student, or student's family, is responsible for the cost of
the tuition and fees while this bill provides that the school
district would cover those costs.
Benefits of SB 112 include extended course offerings for students,
especially gifted students and those who are more comfortable in
the vocational courses. The University provides programs that many
districts don't have, and an alternative for students who feel they
don't fit in at the high school level. The Washington experience
has shown that teens who are alienated from high school may do
better in a college atmosphere, and sometimes they do dramatically
better. It provides advanced college or vocational training for
students who want to go to work right after high school graduation,
and gives them better preparation for a job. In many states with
this program, the students continue with the vocational or
university system that they experienced as high school students.
Under this bill, only students with a GPA of at least 2.25 are
eligible for the program. This is a policy issue that SENATOR
ELTON said he would discuss later. A student is responsible for
applying to the college or vocational school, and deciding the
courses to take. If the student is taking a full load at the high
school, the school district isn't required to pay for the
additional college-level courses. Students taking college courses
are eligible for all the high school extra-curricular activities.
If the student successfully completes a college course, he or she
receives college credit and high school credit, with the high
school determining how those college credits apply to the mandated
curriculum and electives at the high school level. The high school
pays the cost of tuition and lab fees, and the student pays for
books and supplies.
The most important principle of the bill is that it expands choices
for students and their parents, and makes choices available to a
fairly broad group, not just those heading off to Stanford or
Harvard or M.I.T. SENATOR ELTON said he picked the 2.25 GPA because
he did not want to limit the program only to those very successful
high school students; he wanted to extend it to others who may not
maintain a 3.0 or 3.5 GPA, but who want to take vocational courses
such as diesel mechanics or computer classes.
Number 487
CHAIRMAN MILLER commented that both his daughters were in honors
English in high school, and he could see them going into a college
English class, and how this proposal would work at all different
student levels.
SENATOR ELTON responded that it does. If this program had been
available for the Chairman's daughters, the advantages would be
that he would not have paid for the college courses and those
credits would be fully applied toward a college degree, and also
transferable. With up to two years of college completed, the cost
of college for the family would be considerably lower.
MR. STEWART WINEBERG, on-line, stated this legislation goes back to
the late 1970s when discussions were held relating to high school
seniors with "senioritis." He was involved in programs such as
this in New York and New Jersey.
He recommended changing the GPA to at least a 3.0, because even
though some students would be excluded, students need to
demonstrate they're ready for college-level courses. He advised
adding approval of the high school principal or a designee, such as
a counselor, to ensure it's an appropriate program for the student.
A student who has not completed a school district's requirements
should not be allowed to participate, and the student should
already have passed the high school qualifying exam. He suggested
a compromise on tuition fees. University officials have indicated
interest in reducing the tuition fee for high school students. The
impact on a school district's entire funding should be examined.
MR. WINEBERG suggested a different tuition structure if the
student's reason for taking the college level course may be for
lifelong learning or because the course is not offered in his
regular school.
He encouraged the legislature to consider this bill with
modifications. Fairbanks already has this program and students
receive dual credit.
MS. MARGO WARING, Douglas resident and parent, spoke in support of
SB 112. Senator Elton's bill would provide an opportunity available
in about 21 states to Alaskan students. It is cost-effective and
makes a lot of sense in terms of what students need for their own
education.
SB 112 would meet the educational needs of students that can't be
met at local high schools because student needs are individual and
unique. She said that it isn't reasonable, for example, to have a
class in advanced studio art or music, mechanics or advanced
mathematics. In some communities there is an option for students
because those classes are being taught nearby. For students on an
academic track who intend to go to college, it provides an
opportunity to acquire skills they may not have acquired in high
school and to meet the challenges of college on a firmer footing.
It's equally important for students who don't plan on college to
acquire more job-related skills and expand in the area of their own
gifts.
Juneau has been working on a similar effort for the past nine
months that is supported by the district, the teachers, parents,
and the union. She encouraged the committee's support of the bill.
Number 573
DR. ROBERT SEWELL, Academic Advisor at University of Alaska
Southeast, stated the University is wildly enthusiastic about the
concept of Senator Elton's bill. More states every year are doing
something like this, and many offer full tuition coverage,
including fees and books, and dual enrollment with academic
advising. Juneau high school students have taken university
classes at their own election, yet the proposed legislation would
offer more of a programmatic approach to these youngsters' needs.
TAPE 99-19, SIDE B
Number 589
MR. SEWELL continued. He is the parent of a highly able middle
school student who at age 12 took a college class in writing last
summer. She got an A- and has benefitted from college instruction
while not yet in high school.
He recommended striking 11th and 12th grades to include "secondary
school" in its place because a number of freshmen and sophomores
could benefit from this. The University is concerned about the
2.25 GPA and suggests that it be 3.0, to ensure that students are
prepared to benefit from college-level instruction. Vocationally-
oriented and academically-able students could both benefit. UA is
not enthused about the idea of a reimbursement cost-shift with the
University sharing the expense. It suggests that the payer of high
school students taking college courses be charged the same charge
as the sponsor of other students, such as the Division of
Vocational Rehab and Job Training Partnership Act. The University
views these students as no different in a number of respects than
other students who take advantage of its services.
The University has been working locally for six months with the
district on the "College Connection." The chancellor and the
superintendent are both enthusiastic about the joint arrangement
whereby full payment from the district for tuition fees and books
for dual credit.
Number 560
MR. DARRYL HARGRAVES, representing the Alaska Council of School
Administrators, expressed their hearty support for SB 112. School
districts have had programs like this one for a long time. The
Community College Act of 1962 set it up in this state so that
school districts and the University worked cooperatively to provide
programs at the local level through the community colleges.
Students participated and accrued credit that the University put
into "escrow accounts" and held until the student enrolled at the
University and the credit was activated. It counted toward
secondary school graduation in the meantime.
MR. HARGRAVES questioned the language on page 3, line 3 "a district
may not make payments for a course from which a student withdraws
during the first fourteen days of the quarter or semester or a
course taken by a student who is a full-time secondary school
student." He asked if that is contradictory.
SENATOR ELTON replied no, it says the district doesn't pay if the
student withdraws during the first two weeks, and the district
doesn't pay if the student is also a full-time high school student,
under the assumption that foundation formula dollars attached to
that student shouldn't be diminished at the secondary school.
MR. HARGRAVES stated that full-time secondary students sometimes
take an additional course at the University, which is paid for by
the school district because the school doesn't provide it. He
asked if a student had one class at the University, wouldn't it
make them a full-time secondary student in order to participate in
the foundation program?
SENATOR ELTON responded if the student was taking the full high
school load and also taking one University course, the student -
not the district - would pay for those credits.
MR. HARGRAVES still felt the language doesn't quite say that to
him. He also recommended a reduced tuition arrangement with the
University, because formulas become one more hassle in a school
district business office with few personnel. He preferred the
system used in the past whereby the university branch would send
over an invoice for the amount owed for that semester.
Remnants of the 1962 Act remain with districts and community
colleges sharing some type of a cooperative agreement; for example,
a school district will be paying the cost of a professor. MR.
HARGRAVES stated he hoped this bill would not preclude those types
of agreements that are in place, and would allow them to flourish
and continue on.
SENATOR ELTON replied this bill would not preclude any other
agreement, and it doesn't preclude reduced tuition negotiated with
a school district and the University. He tried very hard not to do
that because innovative arrangements are already taking place.
MR. HARGRAVES concluded, "With those clarifications and if there is
no grounds or possibility that the University gets too greedy with
this concept, we would heartily endorse the bill."
Number 498
MR. MIKE BRADNER spoke as a parent of a high school sophomore who
attended a university to continue in a language program. He told
the committee it worked very well for his daughter, and he felt
this legislation offers opportunities in local school districts
where courses are offered at the wrong time, especially language
courses such as Russian or Japanese.
He expressed hesitancy about inserting a GPA because the University
would review and reject students, while some may find they do well
in a different environment. Some of the University programs that
are technical or vocational/technical don't attract many students
because they don't think of the University in terms of those
particular programs. In Anchorage, to attend the Martin Luther
King Career Center, you have to allocate a 3-hour time block, and
usually students can't find the time to do that. A lot of the
courses students would take are given at off-hour times, taught by
adjunct professors with high school experience. He recommended
University technical and vocational courses be offered in the
evenings as a means of drawing secondary students into those
programs. High school students feel that it looks good on their
resume when they apply to a university to show they earned college
credit as a high school student.
MR. BRUCE JOHNSON said the State Board of Education fully supports
the expansion of educational opportunities for students which this
bill would provide. University and district partnerships have
already taken place, and he appreciated Senator Elton's comment
that those long-standing agreements would be honored. Rural
students also would benefit from creative uses of this type of
partnership.
CHAIRMAN MILLER expressed support for the concept of Senator
Elton's bill but he said it needs more work. HESS would not meet
on Wednesday because the budget will be on the Floor. The
following Monday, he tentatively scheduled confirmation hearings
for the Board of Regents and Board of Education. His intent would
be to take up SB 112 and SB 117 again after those confirmations.
He would like to move SB 112 after some changes are drafted.
Number 442
SENATOR ELTON offered to work with Chairman Miller's staff on a CS
to find a way to waive the GPA, and provide a waiver for 9th and
10th grade students. He made clear that it would not preclude any
existing agreements between school districts and postsecondary
facilities. It could mean that some existing agreements that don't
provide for the school districts to pay would need to be changed.
With nothing further to come before the committee, CHAIRMAN MILLER
adjourned at 2:50 p.m.
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