We have unorganized areas of our state, some on the road system and some not, that contribute little or nothing towards the education of their children. We also have organized areas of our state that pay at a lesser rate than others, even though their tax base wealth is far greater than other organized areas. These inequities are addressed in this proposed legislation. As proposed this week, Senate Bill 36 will base funding on a per student basis rather than an instructional unit value. Adjusts funding based on size of school.
Sets caps on administrative costs to put more money into the classroom.
Senate Bill 36 was created after extensive public hearings held statewide. The hearings were conducted by a joint committee comprised of Senate HESS and Finance committee members. We will listen to all concerns, but must realize that in every formula proposal, there will be winners and losers. Our consolidated approach of these four bills benefits 85 percent of all students enrolled in Alaska's public education system. We spend approximately 40 percent of our state general fund dollars on education.