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.