Education is a core, essential function of the state as established by the Alaska constitution. However, each year school districts must implore the Alaska Legislature for funds adequate to meet rising costs and increased mandates from the state and federal governments. The need to mount this yearly effort is disruptive, time-consuming, and wasteful, while leaving districts unable to do meaningful long-term planning due to uncertain funding.
| House District |
Candidate* |
Response |
| House District 16 |
Pat Chesbro |
An adequacy study was undertaken several years ago. We need to study it to decide adequate funding for the services we expect districts to perform and then fund appropriately. Education should also be forward funded so that districts no longer spend time in budget activities that may be ultimately fruitless. |
| House District 19 |
Bob Roses |
Work for a method of long term, sustainable funding for K-12. |
| House District 21 |
Harry Crawford |
We need to go to two year funding cycles so that we are always at least 12 months ahead on funding for schools. |
| House District 24 |
Berta Gardener |
- Use realistic funding numbers to meet educational needs of students.
- Begin implementing some of the ISER recommendations on cost differentials.
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| House District 27 |
Tom Moffatt |
Fight for more $. |
| House District 32 |
Mike Hawker |
- Separate funding for TRS from classroom.
- Fund TRS increment.
- Continue increasing classroom commitment.
|
| House District 32 |
Pat Abney |
I am willing to forward fund education, inflation proof that funding, and fund all mandates. |
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| Senate District |
Candidate |
Response |
| Senate District J |
Earl Mayo |
Willing to openly and honestly discuss needs and mandates. |
| Senate District L |
Johnny Ellis |
I am planning to make K-12 funding a top spending priority and will advocate that position and vote accordingly. |
| Senate District N |
Ray Utter |
Re-examine the formula and work with the district to develop clear information and arguments about the mandates. |
| Senate District N |
Lesil McGuire |
We forward funded education last year and I support doing that again even earlier. It is frustrating that you all have to repeat the process of coming to Juneau year after year. |
| Senate District P |
Con Bunde |
State funding for education has increased over 30% in the past 4 years. I assume it will increase again this year. |
| Senate District P |
Macon Roberts |
Vote for forward funding and adequate funding. Introduce a bill to establish an educational inflation proofing endowment which will be added to each year’s budget at the current inflation rate. |
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| *Click name to read all responses by that candidate (PDF files) |
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