What will the outcome be for public education? More cuts or a modest increase for our children’s schools?  Now is the time to speak up on education to ALL  legislators so they know parents and community members are looking to them to meet their one constitutionally mandated responsibility to maintain our public schools.  Tell your child’s school story. 

See Legislators email addresses at end of this post or copy under Legislative Contacts heading. 

Other Legislative education hearings this week (see previous posts for list of Senate Education and Senate Finance members contacts):

April 1st 8 a.m. SB 6 Funding for school meals.  Senate Education Room 105, 2nd item on the agenda.  Alaska is one of two states that does not fund school meals. This is one way for dollars to be given to schools – outside the formula – that would benefit the general fund in most districts. 

April 1st 1:30 p.m. till 8 p.m.  SB 18 Statewide Testimony on Capitol Budget, scheduled times for various communities.  Senate Finance Rm 532 Capitol.    See bill at

http://www.legis.stat.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?bill+SB%20%2018&session28

April 3rd 8 a.m. Senate Education Committee Rm 105 Stewart Bldg. on SB 15 – Pre K School Programs/Plans.   

Children come to school with a wide difference in kindergarten readiness.   The achievement gap is already in place.  Countries with voluntary preschool programs readily available say it is key to successful graduation rates.  

April 5th 8 a.m. Senate Education Rm 105 Stewart Bldg.

Discussion: Vouchers – continuation of discussion on voucher system, testimony by invitation only.  

and on the same topic:  9 a.m. Senate Finance  Rm 532 Capitol bldg.   - Hearing on

SJR 9 – Constitutional Amendment Education Funding

Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 4:15 PM join friends and colleagues on the Capitol Steps to rally in support of public education.

What’s up?

Vouchers –  a proposal is on the table in the State Legislature to amend the State’s constitution to allow school vouchers. Alaska’s constitution expressly prohibits public funding of private and religious schools – so for those who support vouchers, the only means of accessing state funds for private and religious schools is to amend the state’s constitution.  It may be worth noting that when it comes to private schools the State has no jurisdiction with respect to their educational standards, admission and expulsion standards.

General bashing of public education — yes, we all know it is an imperfect system, but public education is the sandbox in which we learn to work, learn, play, and live alongside those who are different from ourselves.  It is the great melting pot where everyone has the opportunity to attain an education and get ahead, irrespective of race, soci0-economic standing, gender or religious faith.

Let’s work on solutions to public education’s imperfections — DON’T fundamentally undermine the foundation on which this great experiment of democracy is based through vouchers and teacher bashing.

Let’s advocate for better schools, constructively.

Show up.  Bring 2 friends. Ask each of your friends to bring 2 friends.                                                                                                                                      Support your son’s/daughter’s school, your neighbor’s, your grandchild’s.

It’s TIME  to rally.

(If you’re not in Juneau – call or email your legislators!  Go to http://www.legis.state.ak.us to find legislators’ email and phone #s. )

House Bill 65, the state operating budget which contains K – 12 education funding, is before Senate Finance Committee this week.  Spread the word.   In Juneau, it is Saturday March 23^rd at 10 a.m.  Statewide testimony begins Mar. 22nd.   Times below and  email addresses if you wish to write.     Room 532 Capitol building 

2 min. testimony is allowed.   It will take many voices to get the attention of our Legislators regarding our children’s education. 

Friday March 22^nd – Senate Finance

9 a.m.   – Bethel,  Nome, Kotzebue, Unalaska

10 a.m. – Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg

10:30 -  Sitka, Cordova, Valdez

Friday afternoon -

1:30  -   Fairbanks, Mat-Su

2 – Anchorage

2:30  Glennallen, Seward, Homer

Sat. March 23 – Senate Finance Room 532

10 a.m. – Juneau

11:30 a.m. – Kenai, Kodiak, Dillingham

12:30 p.m. – Offnet Sites for those unable to get to an Legislative Information Office (L.I.O)

Emails can be sent to Senate Finance Members –

Sen.Pete.Kelly@akleg.gov

Sen.Kevin.Meyer@akleg.gov

Sen.Anna.Fairclough@akleg.gov

Sen.Mike.Dunleavy@akleg.gov

Sen.Click.Bishop@akleg.gov

Sen.Donny.Olson@akleg.gov

Sen.Lyman.Hoffman@akleg.gov

 Copy the Governor so he is aware of your concerns and your elected officials. 

Sean.Parnell@alaska.gov

The Juneau Delegation addresses are:

Sen.Dennis.Egan@akleg.gov

Rep.Beth.Kerttula@akleg.gov

Rep.Cathy.Munoz@akleg.gov

To see the complete bill HB 65 – Operating Budget

 
http://www.leg.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=28&bill

HB65

The Alaska Constitution places responsibility for a system of public education on the State Legislature.  It is the one area they are constitutionally obligated to maintain.  

Other hearings this week in Senate Judiciary Committee on SJR 9 ( voucher initiative) takes place:

Mon. 18,  Weds. The 20^th and Friday the 22^nd

1:30 Room 105

House Finance Committee continues to work on the Operating Budget (HB 65 & 66).  K - 12 public education funding is in HB 65.   Takes Place on:

Mon. Tues. & Weds. (11th/12th/13th Mar.)  1:30 p.m. Rm 519   – House Finance Committee 

No public testimony taken yet important to watch.   If you have not written to House Finance, now is the time.  The committee is working on the Operating Budget.  Your voice matters.

(See Time to Advocate! posting for House Finance Committee contacts).

Tuesday Mar. 12 - Voucher discussions

1:30 Rm 105 Stewart Building – Senate Judiciary Committee

SJR 9 – Constitutional Amendment on Education  (2nd item on Agenda)

Friday Mar.  15 -

 8 a.m.  Rm 105 Senate Education Committee

 Continued discussion on Voucher system

 1:30 p.m. Rm 105 Senate Judiciary

SJR – Constitutional  Amendment on Education

Monday March 11th – Senate Finance DEED Subcommittee

3:30 p.m. Rm 532

Discussion:  Digitizing Education in Alaska Initiative – Commissioner Mike Hanley, Alaska Association of School Boards (AASB) Executive Director, Carl Rose & Linda Thibodeau, Libraries, Archives and Museums

 Friday Mar.  15   8 a.m. Rm 105 Senate Education Committee

HB 93 Charter Schools

See basis for a complete listing of the bills

House Finance Committee is taking testimony on House Bill (HB) 65, the Operating Budget for the State of Alaska.   K – 12 public education funding is inside the operating budget.

What we hope for our children’s education rests with the Legislature and the level of funding required to make a great education possible.   It is important that Legislators hear from parents and community members.  Emails are listed below. 

Public testimony is Mar. 5th and 6th, limited to two minutes per person.   

Times to testify by communities are listed below: 

Tuesday March 5th:

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Juneau

2:45 - 3:45 p.m.  Cordova, Offnets (Bethel, Kotzebue, Nome, Valdez, Wrangell)

4:00 – 5:15 p.m.  Anchorage

Weds. March 6:

1:30 - 2:45 p.m. Fairbanks

3 – 4 p.m. Sitka, Petersburg, Barrow, Dillingham, Unalaska, Delta Junction

4:15 – 5:15 p.m. Homer, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kodiak, Mat-Su, Glennallen, Tok, Seward

Capitol, 5th Floor Rm 519 or call into your local Legislative Information Office (LIO)  

Public comment can also be sent to House Finance members via email.  

Rep. Austerman and Rep. Stoltze are Co-Chairs of House Finance.  In addition it is appropriate to copy your elected officials so they know you have expressed an opinion.        

House Finance:

Representative.Alan.Austerman@akleg.gov

Representative.Bill.Stoltze@akleg.gov

Representative.Mark.Neuman@akleg.gov

Representative.Mia.Costello@akleg.gov

Representative.Bryce.Edgmon@akleg.gov

Representative.Lindsey.Holmes@akleg.gov

Representative.Cathy.Munoz@akleg.gov

Representative.Steve.Thompson@akleg.gov

Representative.David.Guttenberg@akleg.gov

Representative.Tammie.Wilson@akleg.gov

Representative.Les.Gara@akleg.gov

Representative.Scott.Kawasaki@akleg.gov

Representative.Mike.Hawker@akleg.gov

 Sean.Parnell@alaska.gov 

 To see the complete bill HB 65 – Operating Budget

http://www.leg.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=28&bill=HB65

The Alaska State Legislature convened January 15, 2013 and has 90 days to complete its work.  Education funding is once again an issue as schools across the state grapple with budget cuts and pressing needs.

Stay tuned…

Great Alaska Schools~

In the waning hours of the Legislative Session, an education package emerged.  It is unfortunate there is no time for thoughtful analysis and scrutiny, let alone public input or review.

From preliminary review, here are a few observations:

The net increase to the base for school operations – over which School Boards have direct control is effectively $5 million. ($25 million package minus $20 million deducted as “one-time” in the Governor’s budget equals net $5 million increase).  Question: does this reflect a shift away from a commitment to local control, and school operating budget  decisions delegated to local school boards?

Funding is added – strategically invested – in two areas: vocational education including  7^th & 8^th grades; and early childhood education.

Greater equity was brought back to the Foundation program through reestablishment of a standard mill rate for all municipal districts.  However, in many respects this is more a form of municipal assistance than a direct investment in public schools.

In mulling over the impact of this change – there are often unintended consequences, or at least, interesting nuances –let’s consider one example. Juneau is very near or at the “cap” on required local effort.  The “cap” is the maximum level of support a local community can invest in public schools. This is designed to ensure relative equity between school districts – ie., the difference in education funding in the wealthiest and poorest communities cannot exceed a certain percentage, per a federal disparity test, or the state risks losing all federal education funds.

There are only a few communities currently at or near the “cap”, or maximum local contribution and Juneau is, and has consistently been one of these.

Given this upper limit of spending, Juneau cannot simply increase its investment in schools by the estimated  $2 million offset in State funding through the new mill rate factor. There are some ways to fund schools outside the “cap”, but they are limited, and won’t have a substantial impact on the $5.8 million in cuts now on the table.

Overall, here are the primary  elements reported to be in the Legislative education package (from 4 different sources) as of 4/15/12, 10:30 AM:

* Increased funding for and extension of Voc Ed/Career Tech Ed funding into 7^th and 8^th grades (previously only grades 9-12 qualified

* Municipal school districts:  equalized required local effort with establishment of a uniform mill rate of 2.65 (see School Funding 101 on “Resources” page at ww.greatalaskaschools.org)

* One time funding to school districts of $25 million (as compared with $20 million in the current year which was cut from the base – ie., this is a net $5 million increase to schools statewide)

* Investment in early childhood education – 3 year pilot for “parents as teachers”

* Increase funding for pupil transportation

Each of these elements will impact school districts differently.  More information and analysis will follow once there’s time to assess what exactly is contained in the final House-Senate-Governor education compromise package.

Note – Under the current proposal schools do NOT get a Base Student Allocation (BSA) increase in the Foundation Formula, setting in motion a repeat of this year’s budget cutting process at the local level next year, unless by some miracle now-rising costs – like fuel oil/heating costs and teacher salaries – decline.

To look to the longer term, the House proposes a working group on education over the interim.  (Editorial comment: This is an interesting approach in an election year when it’s uncertain what the next Legislative organization will look like, particularly with 59 of 60 legislators running for office).

In addition ISER (Institute for Social and Economic Research) is charged with doing education policy work & research over the next two years.

Great Alaska Schools ~

3 days left. Yep, 3 days left in the regular legislative session and the Legislature has not addressed funding for public schools. (April 15 is last day of the regular 90 day session)

It’s TIME !

“Many of us in the voting public heard that education was the highest priority among candidates in the last election. No doubt we will hear the same in this election year. As we would suggest to our children, “it’s not what you say, it’s what you do.” Carl Rose, School Boards Association, 4/10/12 Juneau Empire

Legislators will soon be knocking on our doors, asking for our vote.  They DO pay attention to public sentiment.  59 of 60 are running for office. This is the time to send a wake up call!

There is NO TIME TO LOSE. They have 3 days. Take 3 minutes to send a message — you expect them to act on school funding.

Message:

Members of the Alaska State Legislature,

Your job is not done until you address the needs of Alaska’s public schools and the education my child (student) deserves.  Without action, there will be deep and destructive cuts that will directly impact what schools can offer students.  Good teachers will be “let go”. Effective programs will be curtailed or eliminated.   Why?  Alaska has the resources to meet rising costs.

Our kids, my child, deserve a first class education. This requires money, time, energy, parent, teacher, community and state commitment.

I’m doing my part. Do yours.

Sincerely,

___________________,

Parent and Super Voter

Pass this message along to parents & friend on your email networks. There is still time for the Legislature to act. SB 171 is sitting in House Finance (this is the bill increasing the Base Student Allocation in the Foundation Formula) and there are “vehicles” (ic., other bills) that can be put into play.  The Legislature has the means to address the needs of schools.  What it takes is mustering the political will.

If you don’t’ like the cuts, speak up!

——————————-

Great Alaska Schools ~

The House of Representatives delayed vote on HJR 16 – amending the State constitution to eliminate the express prohibition against public funds going to private and religious schools.  HJR 16 opens the path to vouchers and dissolves the line between church and state in matters related to public education. A  2/3rds vote of both the House and Senate, AND a vote of the public is needed to amend the constitution, so HJR 16 is unlikely to pass this session.  However, it is a warning shot across the bow of mother ship FV Public Education…. clearly intended to be seen as a direct threat from the House Majority.

On school funding the clock is ticking. Come Monday, April 2, there are 14 days left in the regular legislative session. (April 15 is the last day of the regular 90 day session) and school funding remains in limbo.  Deep cuts will hit schools across the State if the Legislature fails to increase funding.

Two funding strategies are still in play:

1) Increase funding through the Foundation Formula, amending the Base Student Allocation (BSA) – this brings a certain level of surety in funding and buffers districts and classrooms from the annual “chicken little” scenario (remember? The sky is falling…. )Amending the BSA is the approach included in SB 171 which passed the Senate and is now in House Finance Committee. (Keep in mind the Senate increased the BSA by $125 although school districts across the state testified that a $350 or greater increase was needed to meet rising costs).

2) One time infusion of funds — one example is to compensate for rising fuel costs.  The problem with this approach is it leads to the annual budget scenario where school boards are compelled to propose cuts (they are required by law to balance the budget before the Legislature acts on funding). In reaction, teachers, parents, and every person and pet on the planet who cares about public education screams and shouts. Schools fall into the grips of despair, with administrators and teachers worrying about what (and who) will be lost, rather than on what and who they should be teaching.  Then, typically, the Legislature step in at the 11th hour and saves the day (well, kind of. It actually is rare they do anything more other than meet a percentage of rising costs).

It is also very possible the Legislature won’t step up. What then?

If there is no increase in funding, cuts will be deep and destructive.  Good programs that are making a difference for kids will be reduced or eliminated  (examples include Glacier Valley music program,  summer remedial programs in Anchorage, reduced art, music, foreign language, school nurses, school counselors, cultural para-educators, classroom materials & supplies). We aren’t talking about just trimming. We’re talking major, decisive cuts for MANY programs that positively impact kids.

What can you do?

1) Email legislators. Ask them to invest in your student by investing in public education.  (see following list of emails).  Offer ideas on how to promote QUALITY in Alaska schools.

2) Call legislative offices. Leave a message:  “I am a parent of a student who believes the Legislature must increase its investment in public education.” Add — what should be funded that is now in jeop1rdy?

For legislative phone #s, go to http://www.legis.state.ak.us, click on “contact our legislators”

The sky is indeed falling unless the Legislature acts. The only way to ensure they act is if parents – like you and me – speak up.

Mary Hakala, Facilitator, Great Alaska Schools

—————

Here is a bulletin from the Anchorage School District on school funding. Read on for their perspective:

Education funding

The Anchorage School District’s budget process timeline requires the district to forward a balanced budget to the Anchorage Assembly in March, long before the state education funding for the year has been considered.  This, tied with inflation, requires budget cuts every year.  Once the budget is approved by the assembly, the district than waits until the legislature and the governor complete their work to determine the level of education funding.  If the state provides for increased costs, the district then revises its budget and reinstates as many effective programs and positions as possible.  The district must than return to the local assembly for authority to spend the funds.  This inefficient and time-consuming process directly affects our students, employees and community.   Knowing even just one year in advance what the funding will be allows districts and others to make thoughtful, planned decisions.   Education needs predictable efficient funding.

Forward funding education

By forward funding education, as was done for three years following the Joint Legislative Education Funding Task Force recommendations, districts can plan effectively for their students and needed programs.   It’s imperative that the state find a way to consistently fund K -12 education at least one year in advance, if not more.   Early funding is vital to enable all districts to make the multi-year changes required to improve student achievement, continue to increase the graduation rate, and meet the changing needs of today’s students.

Crying wolf

This budget cycle undermines the credibility of the school board, superintendent, and district.   It leaves the community with the perception that the district is merely “crying wolf” in order to receive additional funding.  For school employees, it creates a lack of focus because people start worrying about their jobs and well-being rather than their objectives of increasing student achievement.  All of this unnecessarily hurts the community.  Late notice of annual one-time increases is not a suitable way to sustain continued improvement and retain the district’s outstanding and effective workforce.  The district is very appreciative of the continued support to fund the state retirement system liability and past education funding.   Additional efforts must be made for school districts statewide to continue to provide an appropriate education to students.  ASD urges the legislature to take action and develop a long-term solution that includes forward-funding of education. “

If you wish to be removed from this network reply and ask to be removed. Otherwise, forward onto others who care about public education!

——————————————–

HJR 16, proposing a change in the State Constitution and eliminating the separation of church and state (on K-12 education) will be considered by the full House of Representatives tomorrow, March 29, 2012.

HJR 16, Proposes amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska relating to state aid for
education. (NOTE: LANGUAGE IN CAPS = DELETIONS FROM THE STATE CONSTITUTION)

* Section 1. Article VII, sec. 1, Constitution of the State of Alaska, is amended to read: Section 1. Public Education. The legislature shall by general law establish and maintain a system of public schools open to all children of the State, and may provide for other public educational institutions. Schools and institutions so established shall be free from sectarian control. [NO MONEY SHALL BE PAID FROM PUBLIC FUNDS FOR THE DIRECT BENEFIT OF ANY RELIGIOUS OR OTHER PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.]

Do you believe public funding for education should be allowed and directed to religions and private schools, whether they are Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or other faiths?   Should public money support religious schools?  Does a group of five (potentially from the same family, with a particular interpretation of religion) have the same claim to public education dollars as do public schools?

Do you believe in a separation of church and State?

Did you know there is NO OVERSIGHT from the state or federal government on religious or private schools in the State? that’s right — ZERO standards.

Think about all the regulations, rules, and educational standards to which public schools must adhere. THEN, contrast that with absolutely NO oversight or standards, other than paying parents.  Will these schools turn away kids with disabilities or special needs? (A: Hard to say. there’s no requirement private schools serve everyone).  What about kids from troubled backgrounds, or those with learning disorders?  (A: Hmmm… guess they’ll have to go, by default, elsewhere. There may not be any room in the inn (or classroom) for them)

If you believe in the value of public education, it’s time to email legislators. NOW.

Message: vote NO on HJR 16

Specific church congregations in Anchorage have been lobbying heavily for HJR 16. It’s time the rest of us pushed back.

WHAT DO YOU SAY? Let the legislature know!!!!!!!!!

Here’s who needs to hear from each of us: