Alaska Senate Committee Advances Education Bill: Boosts Per-Student Funding and Introduces Policy Changes

ANCHorage, ALASKA (KTuu) -- As school financing remains unresolved with only about four weeks left in the Alaskan legislative session, the Senate Finance Committee moved forward on Thursday with an amended bill aimed at boosting the state’s education funding formula. This new version increases the baseline support for each student by $700. According to reports, this adjustment seeks to address current financial challenges facing schools across the state. Corinne Smith along with James Brooks from the Alaska Beacon .

The committee members additionally incorporated several policy suggestions put forth by Governor Mike Dunleavy earlier last week. The committee members stated this initiative aims to find common ground with the governor following his proposal. rejected a more extensive educational funding proposal last week.

The committee passed House Bill 57 Following revisions made on Thursday, which permit charter school organizers to submit applications throughout the entire year, mandate public schools systems to streamline procedures for renewal of charters, and create a fresh statewide committee focused on educational financing. Additionally, this revision instructs the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to collect information regarding student outcomes after graduation.

Dunleaky has indicated a strict stance on the educational policy alterations he supports as necessary before enhancing the base student allocation, which forms the backbone of the state’s per-student funding equation.

Dunleavy’s office chose not to provide additional comments regarding the new policies and the revised bill that was approved by the committee, stating, "The governor's statement from yesterday remains applicable."

Dunleavy issued a statement on social media On Wednesday, he criticized the bill for not including the policies he desires. "While we concur that additional funding is necessary, it will not lead to improved results without proper policies," he stated. "Policies ensuring literacy improvements, increased enrollment opportunities, and genuine accountability are crucial. I can only endorse this legislation with these reforms included."

However, legislators view the revised legislation as a move towards negotiation and reaching an agreement.

This proposal doesn't represent the last say on the matter, yet it marks a significant move towards tackling the issues within our educational framework. It demonstrates an openness to participate, present concepts, and steer dialogue towards effective resolutions," stated Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, in a release unveiling the revised legislation. "While consensus might elude us on each aspect, everyone acknowledges the necessity for action — and this bill forms part of that continuous endeavor.

The revised bill includes a provision for raising per-pupil transportation funding by 10%, according to Sen. Lyman Hoffman, D-Bethel, who is the co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee, stating that this change is "critical."

“We need to get this funding into classrooms now — our students can’t wait,” he said.

Senator Bill Wielechowski from Anchorage, who chairs the Senate Rules Committee, stated that they intend to present the bill to the entire Senate on Friday. They will then consider amendments followed by a final vote scheduled for Monday.

It would then move on to the House for approval.

The story was reposted with permission from the Alaska Beacon.

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