Answering the call for improving the delivery of a quality education for Alaska’s children, the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee, led by Representative Gail Phillips (Homer), recently requested a review to assess the feasibility of enhancing our state’s educational system by establishing regional residential learning centers.

The analysis will focus on what is needed to produce a quality education, close to home, at reasonable operational costs, all the while offering opportunity for the students’ educational development.

Even though nearly half of the state’s budget is dedicated to educational needs, there is growing concern that limited school enrollment, a lack of sufficient staff and the restricted curriculum available may impede quality educational opportunities for students. By gathering information from communities, parents, students and educational leaders from across the state, the committee hopes to find keys to resolve this critical issue.

“The statewide response to our several site visits has been very positive and constructive,” said Phillips. “I can’t stress the importance of a community and school forging an educational partnership, bridging cultural differences and supporting each other in the educational process.”

It appears if regional learning center programs are initiated, VocEd/VocTech education will become an integral part of the curriculum. Vocational courses/training can play a huge role by incorporating real-world situations throughout the general curriculum. The state’s prime goal for its training programs is to produce job-ready skills that meet industry’s employment demands.

In the past, the question of what type of schools should serve rural Alaska was usually presented as an “either/or” conflict. That is, should there be regional schools or should there be small rural high schools in each community.

Today, there is a realization that some combination may be the most effective monetarily as well as educationally.

The Legislative Budget and Audit Committee needs your help and input for this study to be complete and effective. Below there are several questions we would like you to answer regarding the possibility of establishing regional learning centers around the state. With your assistance and information, Alaskans can improve the educational opportunity for our children.

Thanks for taking the time to help students around the state!