School funding sought

MAT-SU -- The Alaska State Senate Friday passed Senate Bill 35, appropriating $755 million for K-12 education in the state, after the bill was fast-tracked from the Senate Finance Committee the day before. This bill does not guarantee additional funds are available for the school districts in the state, but allows money to be used from the general fund if a separate bill increasing the per-pupil amount in the school foundation formula is passed.

"I think we can unequivocally say that the state has risen to the occasion, and we are happy to do it," said Sen. Lyda Green, R-Wasilla.

An amendment to the bill was suggested by Sen. Gretchen Guess, D-Anchorage, to directly fund education with the bill's appropriated money for both K-12, and for the university system to wait for another bill to direct the funds, but the amendment failed.

Originally the bill also included language that would allow the state to dip into the Constitutional Budget Reserve if money in the general fund did not cover the increase, but that was voted out Friday. After the vote, an official notice of reconsideration on the CBR portion of the bill was requested, meaning that when the Senate meets again Monday this part of the bill could be reconsidered and voted on. As the bill stands now, if there is not enough money in the general fund to cover the increased appropriation, cuts could still become an issue.

For it to become law, SB 35 must still pass in the House of Representatives and be signed by the governor.

The passing of the bill in the Senate now allows the Senate Finance Committee to consider SB 1, which would increase the foundation formula's per-pupil allotment to $4,576 for fiscal year 2005. Until Thursday the bill suggested an increase to $4,236, but an amendment suggested by Green increased the amount by $407 per student over the 2003 allotment. The increase rolls in growing insurance and inflation costs in education, as well as the needed teachers and public employee retirement system funding into the foundation formula, instead of a one-time payment that has been suggested in past months. The amendment passed unanimously in committee.

"We've asked [school districts] in the past to be responsive and responsible and to absorb, make changes and get more efficient," Green said. "I think that conversation is over."

In the House side, HB 471 would increase the foundation formula per student allocation by $210. Either bill, if passed and became law, would not only increase the amount the state gives the districts, but in many cases would increase the amount state law allows boroughs to contribute to education.

"It sets the stage for the community to participate more fully," Green said. "With our increased contribution there can be more increases in funding to the school districts."

Kris Moore, member of grassroots organization Valley Voices For Children that is seeking more education funding from the state, said she is happy about Friday morning's outcome.

"I'm encouraged at what they have done so far, and I'm optimistic that they will continue to consider what the needs are," Moore said.