In the absence of meaningful reforms, Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed an education bill that would have poured unprecedented amounts of money into Alaska's chronically underperforming government-run schools.
On March 14, Dunleavy released a statement saying he had rejected Senate Bill 140, a bill that would have increased education spending by $175 million, but did not include the reforms the governor supported.
The bill aims to add $680 per student through the Base Student Allocation (BSA), the formula by which Alaska funds public schools, which means more money It would represent a historic spending increase for a system that has repeatedly proven it cannot be quantified. Improve student outcomes.
In fact, Alaska already spends $22,000 per student per year, the sixth-highest amount in the nation. Despite these investments, Alaska students rank 49th in the nation in basic academic performance.
“After thorough analysis and careful consideration, I have decided to veto Senate Bill 140,” Dunleavy explained. “SB 140 includes a record increase in the BSA. I support increasing the BSA, but there was no new approach other than stronger funding to improve educational outcomes. has not made enough changes to the way charter schools operate to make charter schools available to more students and families.”
Dunleavy was pushing for a new mechanism that would allow charter schools to be established by states rather than solely through local school district control. He also wanted funding tied directly to teachers' take-home pay so it wouldn't be siphoned off for myriad administrative projects that tended to grow an already vast bureaucracy.
“Families want real reform, but SB 140 clearly misses the point. Education funding should be used to support students, not the system. We urge legislators to reject the governor's veto. We urge you to unite in support of our rights.”
Americans Seeking Prosperity – AK Secretary of State Bethany
“Given the success we have had with charter schools, the lack of such reforms does not justify passing this bill that increases spending without making necessary reforms,” Dunleavy said. did. “There is still time this session to address some issues, including increasing broadband speeds in Alaska’s schools. There is also time this session to strengthen what charter schools offer and how they do charter schools.”
He said he will continue to work with lawmakers to “put the needs of Alaskan families first, not the wishes of special interests.”
“Additionally, we will review appropriations bills after the legislative session to ensure schools are adequately funded and the state's limited resources are appropriately spent,” he concluded.
When SB 140 first passed the state Legislature earlier this year, Dunleavy expressed frustration that the bill primarily focused money on the education system.
As enrollment declines and record numbers of families leave brick-and-mortar public schools for home-schooling options, many education activists, union leaders and stubborn bureaucrats is lobbying desperately to find new sources of funding from the state, even as fewer children are receiving education.
Americans for Prosperity Alaska, a nonpartisan conservative think tank, urged Dunleavy to veto SB140 earlier this week.
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“To improve Alaska's dismal educational outcomes, funds should be used to directly support students, rather than simply increasing funding to general school districts.” AFP-AK State Director Bethany・Mr. Markham said. “This should be about our children, not buildings or bureaucracy.”
“Simply adding more funding to an outdated, one-size-fits-all system is not the solution Alaska students need. Now is the time to fund the students, not the system,” Markham said. added. “Governor Dunleavy should give the Legislature another chance to really address the issues facing Alaska's education system.”
Upon learning that Dunleavy had vetoed the bill, Markham praised the decision.
“Thank you Governor Dunleavy for sending the message that Alaska will put students over institutions,” she said March 14. “Families desperately want real reform, but SB 140 clearly misses the point. Education funding should be used to support students, not the system. We urge legislators to reject the governor’s veto. We urge you to unite in support of our rights.”
It's unclear how lawmakers will react to a veto, but based on the initial vote count for SB140, they may have the numbers to override the governor.
Lawmakers are scheduled to meet in joint session on March 18, which could include a vote to override Mr. Dunleavy's veto, which would include at least 60 sitting members of Congress. 40 people agree.
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