"An Act relating to the base student allocation used in the formula for state funding of public education; and providing for an effective date."

This bill increases the current student allocation from $4,169 to $4,500, an increase of over $300.00 per student.

Increases in the Foundation Formula have not kept current with the eroding effects of inflation. School districts across the State of Alaska are facing drastic budget cutting measures. Cuts are proposed for popular student programs. Teachers are facing layoffs, resulting in an increase in the pupil-to-teacher ratio. An increase to $4,500 would be the minimum amount needed for schools to meet the requirements of the Alaska Performance Standards and federal mandates.

A primary function of the State of Alaska is to provide for education. We simply must step forward and take full responsibility for that function and help our 53 school districts in turn meet their responsibility to educate our children.

# # #

63 Viewer(s)