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State Senate Voted For a $100 Million Increase for Per Pupil FundingBy a vote of 18 to 2 the senate supported an increase of $390 per pupil over three yearsDefying Governor Sean Parnell, the Alaska State Senate today voted overwhelmingly for a nearly $100 million increase in the per pupil formula for K-12 schools. By a vote of 18 to 2 the senate supported an increase of $390 per pupil over three years. The funding formula, known as the Base Student Allocation (BSA), has not been increased for two years. Senators emphasized that the increase would not even match inflation. “Our school districts, local governments and property-tax payers deserve the fiscal certainty that SB 171 provides,” said Senator Joe Thomas (D-Fairbanks). "Let's send a message that the state supports Alaska's children and wants to give them the tools they need to become successful members of society and support themselves." “But sometimes overloading or helping to overload is kind of the bureaucratic part of it, without asking how do we structure it, so the best education gets to the classroom, is something I've always struggled with,” said Senator John Coghill (R-North Pole). “I haven't heard that debate in this yet." Anchorage School District Superintendent Carol Comeau welcomed the senate's vote, which she said would mean an additional $9 million for the district next year. Parnell opposes an increase in the BSA because of uncertainty about oil production and prices, which account for roughly 90 percent of state general funds. Parnell said he would prefer to appropriate money for specific needs on a one-time basis.
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GTired. said on Sunday, Feb 12 at 12:51 PM
Yes there are bad teachers but there are thousands trying to do the right thing but our society is in such a place we are putting blame on them when we need to look at ourselves and our families. I work at an elem. school where teachers are going home in tears because they can't get the kids to come to school on time or consistently to teach them and the ones that do come are such behavior problems the whole staff has to spend a exorbitant amount of time dealing with them. Of course the parents point to it being our fault and not taking responsibility for their actions at home. Our society is messed up and half the kids don't feel valued at home so why should they put the effort into learning to be anything. People are right throwing money at it wont fix it but taking money away makes it worse!
81274522Opt out said on Saturday, Feb 11 at 8:56 PM
And I bet Alaska is on the list of states trying to opt out of the no chld left behind program. We should be cutting out the failed schools and fire the teachers that can't teach. Not toss dollars at something that is ruining the state.
81246322Danhar said on Saturday, Feb 11 at 5:11 PM
So what now, will the students get 1 1/2 20th of a cent out each dollar we waste on a failed education system now? The unions have turned education into a bad joke.
81239416JanM said on Saturday, Feb 11 at 4:54 PM
How come most people don't understand more money does'nt mean the kids get a better education?
81238691go figure said on Saturday, Feb 11 at 10:12 AM
and yet the majority of graduates can hardly do basic math.
81226417Anonymous said on Saturday, Feb 11 at 8:48 AM
Whens it going to be enough?
81222912BobD said on Saturday, Feb 11 at 12:36 AM
Way to go Senate.. Parnell needs to go.
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