Dear Editor: The State Board of Education is in the process of deciding whether to change the language and definition of what constitutes a “local contribution” and “in-kind donations” in State statute. The Dunleavy administration is proposing this change because the State failed a Disparity Test that is administered when a state receives Impact Aid from the federal government to offset the loss of revenue of federal lands that cannot be taxed, improved, or used by communities. This disparity test is given to maintain equitable funding and uses the difference between the top 95% of schools and the bottom 5% in terms of per pupil funding.
While the reasons for changing the code are complex, the reasoning is flawed. Alaska failed the disparity test, not because of local contributions, but because of inadequate State funding. The school districts cited as the top 95% and bottom 5% don’t even fund to the cap. This means that local contributions are not the source of the disparity; State funding is.
The administration would have us believe that by reducing local contributions to support education, we will achieve equity of funding. Instead of using the Impact Aid money to directly fund local communities that can’t access the tax base of federal lands (like EVERY other state that receives Impact Aid), the Dunleavey administration is proposing to rewrite code to create (in)equity in communities that can raise revenue.
The impact to Sitka will be devastating. Depending on how the State defines local contribution and in-kind donations, a conservative estimate shows that roughly $2.3 million dollars could count against us. That is nearly 10% of our budget. That equates to 20 positions. That number could climb to $4 million dollars depending on how strictly the State defines local contributions and in-kind donations. Does it mean plowing streets and parking lots? Does it include the Charitable Trust grants that fund science education? What about the marijuana tax that supports travel for activities? Will we have to pay community partners like the Science Center or Sitka Tribe who offer rich learning opportunities? So far, the State hasn’t offered any guidance or explanation of what they consider a local contribution or an in-kind donation, so, we are left to guess.
This change would be a direct attack on our local governance. The community of Sitka has decided over and over again to support every child’s education by funding to the cap and finding ways to support non-instructional costs beyond the cap. We know that a strong education leads to a strong economy. We know that a well-rounded education supports a well-informed citizenry. We know that healthy opportunities lead to a healthy community. In the Sitka schools, we are striving for equity and opportunity for every student, and we have put our money where our priorities lie - with our children. Don’t let Governor Dunleavy take that away from us.
Please take a moment to contact the State Board of Education before July 23rd at education.alaska.gov/state-board and tell them that changing this regulation goes directly against their mission of “an excellent education every day for every student.” This change will negatively impact not only Sitka, but every other community in the State, whether they fund to the cap or not. This change will drag communities down in a race to the bottom, instead of raising every student up.
If you have questions or need support, please contact me at burdickp@sitkaschools.org or go to the school district’s website at sitkschools.org where you will find an infographic with talking points to include in your letter. Gunalcheesh!
Phil Burdick
Sitka School Board President
