News from Senator Gary Wilken

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: March 10, 1997 Contact: Sheila Peterson 907/465-3709

Wilken Offers New Approach To Solve School Funding Challenge

Releases Funding Formula Discussion Draft

Juneau -- To prompt positive discussion that will help lead to a solution for Alaska’s education funding challenges, Senator Gary Wilken (R-W. Fairbanks) Monday introduced a School Funding Formula Discussion Draft to a Subcommittee of the Senate Health Education and Social Services Committee.

"The current school funding formula is dated," said Senator Wilken. "It was devised in a time when the equities between regions in our state were different. Rather than continuing to put band-aids on the same old program, we must create a solution that works for Alaska’s children now and in the future."

Simplicity, equity, dollars, and timing are the four goals addressed in the discussion draft, noted Wilken. The proposal is set out in the following modular segments covering key elements of the foundation formula:

• school size
• separating out transportation
• special needs students
• correspondence funding
• area cost differential determinations.

"By focusing on fact finding and balancing equities across the state, the plan provides for fairness, caution, and prudence," Wilken said.

A study of actual school costs will provide the basis for balancing equities. "That will enable us to meet Alaska’s Constitutional requirements to educate our children simply, equitably, and in a timely way. The dollars have been the most obvious concern for many. It is time we looked at the realities," Wilken said.

"The proposal emphasizes local and REAA [Regional Education Attendance Area participation and support. It also calls for transition funding so the move toward a more balanced system is not harmful or sudden to any particular district," said Wilken.

"By stimulating discussion, we hope to solve a lingering problem. No one of us has all the answers. We will have to work together in a public, spirited, and bi-partisan manner if we are to do our best for Alaska's children. This draft is but a first step," Wilken concluded.

A copy of the draft is available from Senator Wilken's office.

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