Category: Legislature

KPBSD School Board is frustrated #AKleg

June 8, 2017KPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALL

The Alaska State Legislature
Conference Committee on Hb57
Representative Paul Seaton
Senator Lyman Hoffman
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Dear Representative Seaton and Senator Hoffman:
On behalf of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Board of Education, I am writing to express our frustration over the Legislature’s inability to produce and pass a budget for the fiscal year 2018. The impact on our schools, staff and students caused by this inadequacy cannot be understated. Our district has less than 55 work days before school doors open again to welcome students for another year. The few summer weeks that schools are closed, the district office administration works diligently to plan and prepare so that our school staff have what they need to succeed the minute they return to their buildings. At this point, KPBSD cannot even make crucial decisions on filling vacant positions, much less move forward with other critical preparation.
This legislative session is a perfect example of why the state must develop a comprehensive, long-term fiscal plan that includes forward funding for education. It is unreasonable and unconscionable to expect school districts to function at their highest level and provide a world class education to students when they are held hostage to the legislature’s timeline and inability to move forward in an efficient manner.
If you would like to discuss this further of if our board can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Joe Arness, President
Board of Education
2017_06_08_Board Letter to Legislature re budget concerns

Key Communicator Hour presentation and documents

Thank you to everyone who attended the Key Communicator Hour on Thursday, April 6, 1017. Following up  on requests from several attendees:
Click here to watch the April 6, 2017 video with Superintendent Dusek’s presentation, followed by Q & A
A question was asked if KPBSD has budget and legislature talking points; these are helpful links:

If you have questions, please contact Pegge Erkeneff, communications liaison: Communications@KPBSD.org, and search this blog for keywords such as budget, legislature, etc. for additional posts.
2017_04_06 Key Communicator Hour

Time to Testify; Education funding absent in SB22 operating budget work draft

Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888

News Release

Your opinion counts. Offer your thoughts about K-12 education funding to the Alaska Senate Finance Committee today

The current version of SB22 does not include a funding amount for education.

At the opening of public testimony on March 16, 2017, Co-chair Senator Lyman Hoffman clarified that education funding is not included in the current budget proposal because the Senate Finance committee, “contemplated that may be reduced by 5%, or a nickel on a dollar.”

 

Soldotna, March 16, 2017—Education funding is absent in the SB22 operating budget work draft. State aid for the education foundation formula will be added back in on Monday. Except, testimony on the budget is today and tomorrow, this week.

Will you please take two minutes to tell the Senate Finance Committee why you value funding education? Give your perspective in person, by telephone, via email*

If the state education funding is cut by 5 cents on every $1.00, it’s likely that 50 KPBSD teachers could be eliminated, and no longer be educating our youth in August, 2017. 

*Senate Finance Committee – SB22 Operating Budget – Statewide Public Testimony
Time limit is two minutes. Thursday, March 16:
9:00 – 10:30: Juneau
1:00 – 2:00: Glennallen, Seward, Homer
2:00 – 3:30: Statewide Offnet
3:30 – 5:00: Anchorage
5:00 – 6:00: Kenai, Kodiak, Dillingham
Written testimony can be submitted to finance.committee@akleg.gov

Superintendent Sean Dusek said today, “I’m very concerned about what the Senate is contemplating. Now is the time for people’s voices to be heard, and fully engaged in this process.”

Senate Finance Committee, 3.16.17

HOW-TO TESTIFY

Go to a local LIO office in Homer, Kenai, or Seward; call-in; or email your testimony.
General instructions

  • Public testimony limited to 2 minutes per testifier
  • If you are a member of a group with the same message, in the interest of time, please select a spokesperson to testify for the entire group
  • Identify yourself (first and last name), the community in which you live, and any relevant affiliations

By Phone (LIO offices in Homer, Kenai, and Seward, plus Off-Net):

  • Public members are strongly encouraged to testify from their Legislative Information Offices (LIOs), as there are limited Off-Net phone lines that are prioritized for those who are unable to physically reach their LIO;
  • If public members cannot reach their LIO, they may use the limited Off-Net phone system
  • 844-586-9085 (toll-free) or 907-586-9085
  • All Off-Net callers are required to hang up immediately after testifying in order to keep as many lines open as possible for other callers.

Written testimony:

KPBSD fiscal reality
KPBSD requests the Legislature maintain status quo funding, as proposed by Governor Walker.

The KPBSD FY18 proposed budget is calculated with a status quo funding for education. Status Quo funding projects a KPBSD deficit of ($ 3.4 million)*.
To balance the budget, KPBSD identified expenditure reductions of ($ 2.6 million), and the use of General Fund Balance (savings) of $ 872,358. This is prior to additional education funding cuts. The $2.6 million dollars in expenditure reductions includes 30.76 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions.
If the Alaska State legislature passes additional revenue cuts to state education funding, the KPBSD $3.4 million budget deficit will increase. And, state reductions can affect the Kenai Peninsula Borough maximum allowable contribution to KPBSD. This is the additional state funding impact to KPBSD:

  • 1% Reduction to BSA = ($ 1.05 million)

  • 3% Reduction to BSA = ($ 3.18 million)

  • 5% Reduction to BSA = ($ 5.29 million)

A 5% reduction in state funding also reduces the Borough’s ability to fund KPBSD by $1,217,554.
Perspective: Ten KPBSD teachers equates to one million dollars.
For several years, budget reductions have come through efficiencies, Pupil to Teacher Ratio (PTR) increases, and reduction of staff. Increased costs related to healthcare and serving our intensive needs students continue to rise.

The effects of these cuts have been kept as far away from the classroom as possible and most of the public do not realize these are already in effect. But, $8,550,530 has already been reduced in KPBSD since FY15.

  • FY15 Budget Reductions       ($1.25 million)
  • FY16 Budget Reductions          (1.37 million)
  • FY17 Budget Reductions          (3.44 million)
  • FY18 Budget Reductions          (2.48 million)

Total Budget Reductions:        ($ 8.55 million)
Further reductions to education funding in FY18 will increase the deficit, thus likely impact KPBSD staff, classroom instruction and support. Mr. Dave Jones, assistant superintendent of instructional support said, “Any perceived fat in the budget has been cut, and any further reductions will have to be personnel related.”
Links

The number one KPBSD Board of Education legislative priority is, “Provide sustained, reliable, and adequate education funding for Alaska’s students.”

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KPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALL

Opportunity to testify – HB 115 Comprehensive State Revenue Restructing

Slide7

Statewide Public Testimony Opportunity
Friday, February 17, 2017
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
In person, by telephone, via email*

House Bill 115 – Comprehensive State Revenue Restructuring Act
STATE INCOME TAX; PFD CREDIT; PERM FUND INCOME
“An Act relating to the permanent fund dividend; relating to the appropriation of certain amounts of the earnings reserve account; relating to the taxation of income of individuals; relating to a payment against the individual income tax from the permanent fund dividend disbursement; repealing tax credits applied against the tax on individuals under the Alaska Net Income Tax Act; and providing for an effective date.” Read the full bill.

The number one KPBSD Board of Education legislative priority is, “Provide sustained, reliable, and adequate education funding for Alaska’s students.”

If a solution to the state fiscal challenge, and funding public education is a priority to you, please be part of the solution, and make time to tell your story or offer your opinion on Friday. The House Finance committee will listen to public testimony about the proposed bill HB 115 for two hours.
*HOW-TO TESTIFY

Go to a local LIO office in Homer, Kenai, or Seward; call-in; or email your testimony.

General instructions

  • Public testimony limited to 2 minutes per testifier
  • If you are a member of a group with the same message, in the interest of time, please select a spokesperson to testify for the entire group
  • Identify yourself (first and last name), the community in which you live, and any relevant affiliations

By Phone (LIO offices in Homer, Kenai, and Seward, plus Off-Net):

  • Public members are strongly encouraged to testify from their Legislative Information Offices (LIOs), as there are limited Off-Net phone lines that are prioritized for those who are unable to physically reach their LIO;
  • If public members cannot reach their LIO, they may use the limited Off-Net phone system
  • 844-586-9085 (toll-free) or 907-586-9085
  • All Off-Net callers are required to hang up immediately after testifying in order to keep as many lines open as possible for other callers.

Written testimony:

2017 KPBSD Budget Awareness_Page_1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

News release: Conference Committee votes to short fund education

Kenai Peninsula Borough School DistrictKPBSD logo 4c no tag SMALL
Contact: Pegge Erkeneff, 907.714.8888
News Release
Conference Committee short funds education
Soldotna, May 18, 2016—The Conference Committee on the Operating and Mental Health Budgets HB 256 and HB 257 has eliminated the equivalent of the $50 Base Student Allocation (BSA) funding to education that was required by previous legislative action, included in the FY17 Governor’s budget, as well as in both the current House and Senate budgets.
We anticipate a floor vote on this action at some point today.
KPBSD has worked on our FY17 budget in a rigorous and transparent manner since August of 2015, and made over $3 million in reductions. Today is the last day of school in our district. Our district has issued contracts that will not be withdrawn.
Last night, this new action that the Conference Committee took is less than transparent, did not allow for a public input process, and created new turmoil.
The KPBSD has acted in good faith throughout the legislative process. We did not initially include the statutory $50 BSA increase in our FY17 budget until the last possible school board meeting prior to the deadline to issue teaching contracts as required by law. The inclusion of this revenue was only made after extensive discussion with many members of the legislature and accepting the previous vote by both the Senate and the House of Representatives to include the equivalent of $50 BSA educational funding.
Short funding education in the amount proposed by the Conference Committee equates to the loss of the $50 BSA. For the KPBSD, the unanticipated impact at this late date to our 2016-2017 budget is:
Potential 2016-2017 revenue loss to KPBSD: $1,090,241

  • Total possible reduction in state funding to KPBSD: $886,375
  • Total possible reduction in corresponding local (borough) funding to KPBSD: $203,866

“KPBSD is committed to work with the legislature to best address the fiscal challenges in our state,” said Sean Dusek, superintendent. “We understand that there are very difficult decisions to be made. However, in order to plan for our staffing and the educational needs for K-12 education and our students, we need to be included early in the process, and not receive financial surprises such as this, so late in the legislative session.”
Links

Alaska senators, representatives, and the Conference Committee member contacts
Kenai Peninsula Legislators:

Conference Committee on HB256 and HB257 members:

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News Release: KPBSD and Proposed Education Funding Reductions in HB72

PrintSoldotna, April 10, 2015—The Senate and House Conference Committee for HB 72 Operating Budget formed. The first meeting is Friday, April 10, 2015, at 4:00 PM.

  • KPBSD understands that difficult financial decisions have to be made. We have confidence in our legislators and Speaker of the House Chenault, who have demonstrated support and advocacy for public education on the Kenai Peninsula.
  • Over 80 percent of our 2015-2016 budget is related to staff (salary and benefits). The proposed reductions of $8 million translates into the potential loss of up to 100 positions and vital programs.
  • It is a constitutional responsibility of the State of Alaska to provide and maintain a public school system open to every child.

Principal Nate Crabtree, K-Beach Elementary: “Legislators are proposing additional reductions to education funding. Our children have one chance for a K-12 education and it needs to be the best we can provide. KPBSD is committed to delivering a quality education to our students and providing stability for our staff and communities. Unanticipated education funding reductions, proposed this late in the budgeting process, will have an impact on K-Beach Elementary. While it is imperative that we find ways to save money as a state, we need to carefully consider doing so in a way that doesn’t negatively influence students during these very formative years when the emerging skills of reading, writing, and math are taking root. Please consider ways in which you can positively influence legislators. Time is essential; the legislative session ends April 19, 2015.”

 

Principal Dan Carstens, Nikiski Middle-High School: “When I learned of the possible additional reduction to the BSA [Foundation Formula 4.1% reduction], I was taken aback and immediately examined my current staffing sheet to determine what else could go. It came down to programs and opportunities for our students. … I looked at our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and would have to have lighter versions due to the fact that our instructors would need to teach a wider variety at mainly a beginning level. In other words, not a deep understanding, only introductory. Which would be a shame, especially with the variety of equipment we currently possess.”

 

Soldotna High School student council: “We, the students of Soldotna High School Student Council would like to address the current status of HB72 as it stands on April 8, 2015. We are gravely concerned about the educational implications of this bill if it should pass as it currently exists. … We would encourage you to continue to look at a variety of ways to help balance the budget without such extreme cuts to education.”*

 
Please contact legislators to voice your opinion about the proposed reductions to education funding.
 
The Senate Finance Committee amended HB 72 with a 4.1 percent reduction to the Foundation Formula educational funding on April 2, 2015. The impact to KPBSD is:

  • Reduction of state contribution to KPBSD: $4,238,432
  • Reduction of local (borough) contribution to KPBSD: $977,007

 
Governor Walker proposed an operating budget reduction of educational One-Time Funding in HB 72.The impact to KPBSD is:

  • Reduction of state contribution to KPBSD: $2,262,989
  • Reduction of local (borough) contribution to KPBSD: $520,487

 
Potential 2015-2016 revenue loss to KPBSD: $7,998,915
Total possible reduction in state funding to KPBSD: $6,501,421
Total possible reduction in local (borough) funding to KPBSD: $1,497,494
 

 
*HB72 Operating Budget Conference Committee Members

Kenai Peninsula Legislators

 
Connect with KPBSD on Facebook, twitter, our Mobile App, and website to follow updates. Contacts for Alaska legislators are noted in this announcement, and also on the Alaska State Legislature webpage.
Links

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Soldotna High School student council addresses education funding

On April 9, 2015, the Soldotna High School Student Council sent a letter to Alaska legislators in response to proposed reductions to education funding.

2015 April 9 SoHi Student Council to Legislators FundingDear Senators and Representatives,

We, the students of Soldotna High School Student Council would like to address the current status of HB72 as it stands on April 8, 2015. We are gravely concerned about the educational implications of this bill if it should pass as it currently exists.

While we do recognize the importance of drafting a balanced budget, the cuts to education are extremely distressing. With the additional reduction of 4.1% to the Foundation Formula and a cut to other One-Time funding sources, our district is now facing up to an additional $8 million reduction to the new school year budget—which was already a deficit budget and included cuts. We worry about what this means for our school next year and in the future.
With the adoption of new curriculum standards and adjustment to the new testing procedures, we are worried that decreased budgets could lead to increases in the size of our classrooms and a reduction in resources. While each of them by themselves is alarming, combined they could be devastating. Already we do not have enough one on one time with teachers and while we have internet access, our computers and buildings are showing their age.
Extra-curricular activities will also be hit very hard. Student fees to play may need to be increased to help cover the costs of busing, uniforms, referees and coaching staff. Many students are already discouraged about the high costs of participating in sports and yet it is these activities that help keep many kids in school and motivates them to get passing grades. We will need to lean more on local businesses and communities to help with fundraising efforts at a time when they already feel the pressure of helping our local schools.
Thank you for this opportunity to share our concerns. We would encourage you to continue to look at a variety of ways to help balance the budget without such extreme cuts to education.
Sincerely,
Members of Soldotna High School Student Council

HB72 and Education Funding in KPBSD

HB72 and Education Funding in KPBSDPrint

  1. Prioritize Alaska’s future.

Our children have one chance for a K-12 education and it needs to be the best we can provide. KPBSD is committed to deliver a quality education to our students and provide stability for our staff and communities. Unanticipated education funding reductions, proposed this late in the budgeting process, compromises our ability to prepare our students for their future.
 

  1. Proposed cuts will compromise the ability of schools to deliver quality education and vital programs.

“In addition to our Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses, art, music, and technology education, we have been able to increase the amount of college prep classes we are able to offer at our school,” said Dan Carstens, Nikiski Middle-High principal. “Our AP course offerings have doubled in the past year and we were able to offer an honors course to our freshmen and sophomore classes. Our main focus is to differentiate what we offer to our students to best meet them at their current levels. The bottom line is that we have a fine balance of offerings to meet the needs of our diverse population at Nikiski Middle-High School.
For the next school year, in part due to enrollment and budget reductions, we already needed to eliminate one full position. We were able to manage this reduction while still being able to offer our complement of courses, albeit at a decreased level. Obviously it was not our desire to eliminate a position, however, we also understand the need to reduce our spending with the state income not what it used to be.
When I learned of the possible additional reduction to the BSA [Foundation Formula 4.1% reduction], I was taken aback and immediately examined my current staffing sheet to determine what else could go. It came down to programs and opportunities for our students. … I then looked at our CTE programs and would have to have lighter versions due to the fact that our instructors would need to teach a wider variety at mainly a beginning level. In other words, not a deep understanding, only introductory. Which would be a shame, especially with the variety of equipment we currently possess.
Again, I understand the need to make reductions. It is imperative, however, that these reductions are incremental and they are not applied all at one time. We have made our plans for next school year to continue our services. Each year we have the normal attrition of our staff from retirements and resignations; we examine how we can restructure our staffing on a regular basis to continue to meet the needs of our students. As you know, it is never easy, but we have made those decisions based on what our students need to graduate and be successful beyond high school whether it is in college or a career.”

Please contact legislators to voice your opinion about the proposed reductions to education funding.

Last Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee amended HB 72, with a 4.1 percent reduction to the Foundation Formula educational funding. The impact to KPBSD is:

  • Reduction of state contribution to KPBSD: $4,238,432
  • Reduction of local (borough) contribution to KPBSD: $977,007

 
Governor Walker proposed an operating budget reduction of educational One-Time Funding in HB 72.The impact to KPBSD is:

  • Reduction of state contribution to KPBSD: $2,262,989
  • Reduction of local (borough) contribution to KPBSD: $520,487

 
Potential 2015-2016 revenue loss to KPBSD: $7,998,915

  • Total possible reduction in state funding to KPBSD: $6,501,421
  • Total possible reduction in local (borough) funding to KPBSD: $1,497,494

 
A joint Finance and House conference committee has formed for HB 72  and will be meeting soon.

 
*HB72 Operating Budget Conference Committee Members

Kenai Peninsula Legislators

Connect with KPBSD on Facebook, twitter, our Mobile App, and website to follow updates. Contacts for Alaska legislators are noted in this announcement, and also on the Alaska State Legislature webpage.
Links

Nikiski Middle High School shop
Contact Pegge Erkeneff, Communication Specialist
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
907.714.8838
Communications@KPBSD.org
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Education Funding and KPBSD

Please contact Conference Committee members* and legislators to voice your opinion about the proposed reductions to education funding.

The Senate Finance Committee amended HB 72, with a 4.1 percent reduction to the Foundation Formula educational funding on April 2, 2015. The impact to KPBSD is:

  • Reduction of state contribution to KPBSD: $4,238,432
  • Reduction of local (borough) contribution to KPBSD: $977,007

Governor Walker proposed an operating budget reduction of educational One-Time Funding in HB 72.The impact to KPBSD is:

  • Reduction of state contribution to KPBSD: $2,262,989
  • Reduction of local (borough) contribution to KPBSD: $520,487

Potential 2015-2016 revenue loss to KPBSD: $7,998,915

  • Total possible reduction in state funding to KPBSD: $6,501,421
  • Total possible reduction in local (borough) funding to KPBSD: $1,497,494

KPBSD understands that difficult financial decisions have to be made. We have confidence in our legislators and Speaker of the House Chenault, who have demonstrated support and advocacy for public education on the Kenai Peninsula.
Over 80 percent of our 2015-2016 budget is related to staff (salary and benefits). An $8 million reduction translates into the potential loss of up to 100 positions and vital programs.
KPBSD is committed to deliver a quality education to our students and provide stability for our staff and communities. These unanticipated reductions, this late in the budgeting process, compromises our ability to prepare our students for their future.
It is a constitutional responsibility of the State of Alaska to provide and maintain a public school system open to every child.
*The HB72 Conference Committee comprised of Senate and House Finance standing committee members was announced April 7, 2015. The members are: Representative Mark Neuman; Representative Les Gara; Representative Steve Thompson; Senator Pete Kelly; Senator Anna MacKinnon; and Senator Donny Olson. These legislators are tasked to work together on the operating budget revenues, expenditures, and proposed reductions for a final budget by the end of the legislative session on April 19, 2015.
 

Links

*HB72 Operating Budget Conference Committee Members

Kenai Peninsula Legislators

 
Connect with KPBSD on Facebook, twitter, our Mobile App, and website to follow updates. Contacts for Alaska legislators are noted in this announcement, and also on the Alaska State Legislature webpage.
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Questions: Contact Pegge Erkeneff, Communication Specialist
Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
907-714-8838
Communications@KPBSD.org
KPBSD 50 years logo

Public Education Legislative Action Alert – HB 278

The House Finance Committee is sponsoring a public hearing to discuss House Bill 278. “Education: Funding/Tax Credits/Programs”

Two minute public testimony is invited on Tuesday, March 18, 2014, beginning at 5:30 PM.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District:

  • SUPPORTS the need to increase public school funding through the Base Student Allocation (BSA). A $268 increase would provide a balanced Fiscal Year 2015 budget.
  • SUPPORTS the repeal and replacement of the High School Graduation Qualifying Exam (HSGQE)
  • BELIEVES the current process for charter school approval and school district oversight works well. (KPBSD school choices)

Read the letter Superintendent Steve Atwater sent to Representative Austerman, regarding HB278, on March 17, 2014. Click to see all KPBSD letters to legislators.
Please consider watching or listening online, or testifying from your local Legislative Information Office (LIO) when the House Finance Committee hears public testimony.
Link: LIO office locations
House Finance Committee
Co-Chair Alan Austerman            Representative.Alan.Austerman@akleg.gov
Co-Chair Bill Stoltze                        Representative.Bill.Stoltze@akleg.gov
Vice Chair: Mark Neuman            Representative.Mark.Neuman@akleg.gov
Mia Costello                                       Representative.Mia.Costello@akleg.gov
Bryce Edgmon                                   Representative.Bryce.Edgmon@akleg.gov
Les Gara                                               Representative.Les.Gara@akleg.gov
David Guttenberg                            Representative.David.Guttenberg@akleg.gov
Lindsey Holmes                               Representative.Lindsey.Holmes@akleg.gov
Cathy Munoz                                      Representative.Cathy.Munoz@akleg.gov
Steve Thompson                               Representative.Steve.Thompson@akleg.gov
Tammie Wilson                                Representative.Tammie.Wilson@akleg.gov
PrintKenai Peninsula Borough School District  |  www.KPBSD.org  |  907.714.8888
Link: KPBSD and The Legislature webpage