Senate passes increase in state school funding formula; Senate Bill 52 now in state House

By a vote of 16 to 3, the state Senate passed Senate Bill 52 Thursday, May 11, increasing the state Base Student Allocation by $680 and adding $175 million per year in ongoing funding for school districts and correspondence programs.

The Senate Education Committee had determined that an increased BSA is the simplest, fairest, and most effective way to increase education funding, instead of a one-time $175 million increase outside the BSA formula approved in the operating budget passed by the state House.

“The Alaska Constitution requires that we, as a state, maintain a public education system so that every child has access to good schools staffed by skilled teachers. We’ve heard from parents, students, teachers, school officials, and concerned citizens who all say that Alaska’s public education system is struggling to meet the needs of our students,” said Sen. Loki Gale Tobin, D-Anch., chair of the Senate Education Committee.

“Without additional resources, we will see more school closures, continued teacher attrition, and increased class sizes,” she said.

Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, said, “Providing adequate funding for public education is the number one priority for the Alaska Senate Majority. This is a fiscally responsible investment in public education and represents a bold policy choice to help Alaska’s public schools address years of increasing costs.”

In addition to increasing the BSA, Senate Bill 52 includes additional support for pupil transportation and residential schools. The legislation also calls on the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development to collaborate with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to gather data on the progress of each high school graduating class in a school district.

“Alaska is a unique state, and our students follow unique paths. To overcome the challenges that public schools face, we need to look at all aspects of our public education system, help it meet high standards, and set students up for success in life, no matter what route they follow – be it college, vocational and educational training, internships, or something else,” said Sen. Click Bishop, R-Fairbanks.

“If we can’t get students to the classroom or help them study at residential schools, the resources waiting for them there will not be fully tapped. Without sufficient funding for pupil transportation, school districts may be forced to cut school-bus routes – placing even more of a burden on parents, especially those who pay for childcare. SB 52 helps students in the classroom and helps get them there.”