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 |
Intensive needs special education students require extensive resources. Their funding should follow them from district to district. |
| House District 19 |
Bob Roses |
Education needs to be considered for supplemental budgeting as does every department in the state. |
| House District 21 |
Harry Crawford |
The count date should be pro-rated to account for additional expenses. |
| House District 24 |
Berta Gardener |
Allow quarterly count dates for special needs students because of the high costs associated with meeting their needs. |
| House District 27 |
Tom Moffatt |
Special state account to draw on for late enrollment. |
| House District 32 |
Mike Hawker |
Funding should follow students, not an enrollment deadline. |
| House District 32 |
Pat Abney |
Funding should follow students and we should provide supplemental funding for special education students and programs. |
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| Senate District |
Candidate |
Response |
| Senate District J |
Earl Mayo |
Look at possibility of supplemental budgeting for special education. |
| Senate District L |
Johnny Ellis |
The state should make an allowance for these students in the foundation funding formula. |
| Senate District N |
Ray Utter |
I have no idea how severe this problem is. Perhaps there should be a second, later count date to handle this. |
| Senate District N |
Lesil McGuire |
Perhaps a re-count that then allows for a supplemental before year end. |
| Senate District P |
Con Bunde |
We need to continue to seek adequate special ed funding from the federal government and schools have to continue to be thoughtful in their planning. |
| Senate District P |
Macon Roberts |
Apply for additional grants for IDEA. |
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| *Click name to read all responses by that candidate (PDF files) |
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