K-12 education funding that will do more than maintain the status quo
K-12 education funding that will do more than maintain the status quo
In 2009 the legislature followed through on year two of the three-year funding plan for K-12 education. This plan was established by the Joint Legislative Education Funding Task Force in August 2007. K-12 education funding is now almost $1.12 billion. The increase in 2009 was a bit over $58 million and was broken down in these categories:
- Base Student Allocation from $5,480 per student to $5,580= $23 million
- Fund intensive needs students at 11 times the Base (was 9 times) = $21 million
- Adjustments to the Area Cost Differentials (from 50 to 62.5 percent) = $12.5 million
- Increase for pupil transportation costs = $1.8 million
For 2010 the funding plan calls for a $100 increase to the Base Student Allocation, or approximately 1.8 percent. This will not allow for improvements in Alaska’s education system. At best the proposed 1.8 percent increase would simply maintain the status quo while schools again lose ground to inflation. During the 2010 legislative session, education advocates must make the case for a larger increase to the BSA. The administration and legislature should consider:
- A $280 increase to the BSA (5 percent) bringing the total to $5,860 for FY 11
- A two-year phase-in of Area Cost Differentials (85 percent FY 11 and 100 percent in FY 12)
- A comprehensive study (estimated to cost about $3 million) on the true cost of K-12 education throughout Alaska. This would require legislation so that all districts must participate.
