A fiscally responsible approach to supporting great schools

Members of the bipartisan House majority coalition

COMMENTARY

Schools and families across Alaska face a range of challenges. Rural districts are struggling to fill teaching positions and keep buildings open and functional, while urban districts have unacceptably high class sizes that are driving outmigration. We can and must provide adequate, stable school funding as a foundation for our state’s economic competitiveness. As members of the bipartisan House majority coalition, here are steps we’re taking in support of schools.

Teacher retention and teacher experience are essential to improving academic achievement. When our bipartisan majority organized, we identified retirement reform as a top priority along with adequate classroom education funding. Last year, the House Finance Committee bill HB 78, a shared-risk retirement plan, passed the House with a bipartisan vote. This year, that bill has gone through extensive review in the Senate and is currently in the Senate Finance Committee. Notably, the state actuary reports this plan will not add any unfunded liability to the state. We look forward to Senate passage of this bill because every parent and administrator knows that teacher retention drives academic outcomes. Students deserve experienced, effective teachers. House Bill 78 is a critical part of our efforts to provide an outstanding public education, and we are fully committed to passing this legislation.

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