The Alaska State Senate last week approved Senate Bill 52, increasing education funding for Alaska’s public schools and correspondence programs by $175 million.
Proponents of the bill argue that the $680 per student addition to the Base Student Allocation calculation is a straightforward and equitable method to boost education funding for students in all public schools and correspondence programs across the state. It’s a reduction from the first version of the bill, which had a $1,000 allocation addition for each student.
While the Alaska Constitution mandates the provision of a public education system, it does not dictate what adequate funding is. Nor has it been proven that pouring more money into the system will automatically lead to improved outcomes. Alaska’s academic outcomes for students in K-12 are at the 49th in the nation, even though spending is new the top. In the 1970s, the state education outcomes were near the top.
In addition to increasing the BSA, Senate Bill 52 includes additional provisions for pupil transportation and residential schools.
Sen. Shelley Hughes tried to amend the bill to give it the strength to direct the money to teaches and classrooms, rather than administration, but was rebuffed time and again by the Democrat-run majority.
“I proposed amendment after amendment today to direct school funds to improving student outcomes by directing the dollars specifically to teachers and classroom instruction, but despite the few brave souls (including both minority and majority members) who stood with me, the amendments failed. Even though proficiency rates in all grades and all subjects hover around only 30% statewide, too many senators turned a blind eye to a golden opportunity. Teachers and families, I want you to know that I fought for you. Although I am heartsick there weren’t the votes to take the bull by the horns for the sake of our most precious resource, our children, the song running through my head since I walked off the floor and out of the chamber has been ‘I get knocked down, but I get up again. You are never gonna keep me down,'” she said.
Senate Bill 52 passed the Alaska State Senate by a vote of 16-3, with Senators Hughes, Robert Myers, and David Wilson voting against it. It will be considered by the Alaska House of Representatives, where it has been referred to the Finance Committee.
Photo: Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson argues for Senate Bill 52.
