HB 142-STIPEND FOR STATEWIDE BOARDING SCHOOL  8:03:28 AM CHAIR GATTIS announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 142, "An Act increasing the monthly stipend available for students attending a statewide boarding school operated by a school district; and providing for an effective date." [The committee substitute (CS) for HB 142, Version 28-LS0570\C, was previously adopted as the working document on 3/13/13.] 8:05:02 AM NORMAN ECK, PhD, Superintendent, Northwest Arctic Borough School District (NWABSD), assured the committee that HB 142 will not allow any school district to make a profit by boarding students. Currently, the two schools authorized to receive stipends for boarding students, Nenana and Galena, operate boarding facilities at a deficit. This is one reason the proposed legislation is necessary. Northwest Arctic Borough School District is submitting a proposal to the Department of Education and Early Development (EED) for approval to board 40 students from outside of Kotzebue so they may attend the Star of the Northwest Magnet School. This proposal includes a projected budget that anticipates a loss of over $200,000 per year in student boarding costs. However, NWABSD believes this school is needed to improve education for students in rural Alaska. The school will provide innovative educational programs that enable students to become self-sufficient, career-ready, and college- ready upon graduation. Dr. Eck advised the graduation rate for Alaska Native students can be raised to 83 percent by providing classes with innovative, instructional programs of practical application to students. He closed, saying HB 142 provides an additional pathway for Alaskan students who need an opportunity to learn and become excellent wage-earners, voters, and exemplary citizens. CHAIR GATTIS expressed her support of boarding schools that allow students to attend close to their homes. 8:09:46 AM CHAIR GATTIS closed public testimony. 8:09:58 AM REPRESENTATIVE REINBOLD moved to report the proposed CS for HB 142, Version 28-LS0570\C, Mischel, 3/11/13, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. REPRESENTATIVE SEATON objected for the purpose of discussion, and asked whether there was another witness to be heard. CHAIR GATTIS explained the additional witness was not available. REPRESENTATIVE SEATON removed his objection. There being no further objection, CSHB 142(EDC) was reported from the House Standing Committee on Education. 8:11:29 AM The committee took an at-ease from 8:11 a.m. to 8:13 a.m.