Parents, educators, and students gathered at the Alaska State Capitol Monday night in support of education funding.
Tom Klaameyer, president of NEA Alaska is a statewide union for public school workers. He stated that the reason for the stalled negotiations between teachers’ unions in the state is state funding.
He said that the district wanted to hire the best and brightest students. They want solid healthcare benefits and don’t want schools to close. They’re trapped between a rock, and the BSA span>
The BSA, or base student allocation, is the money that each student school district receives from the state. Since 2017, it hasn’t been significantly increased. The state approved a $30 increase last year that will take effect in July. However, many school leaders feel it is not enough to keep pace with rising inflation.
Last month, the Juneau teachers’ union declared a deadlock in negotiations with the district. Superintendent Bridget Weiss stated that the $30 increase won’t be enough to provide teachers with the contract they need.
She said that it was inadequate. It is insufficient .”
Gov. Mike Dunleavy proposed that the BSA be kept at $5,960 for next year. Alaska Association of School Boards calls for an increase of $860.
Weiss stated that the legislature is responsible for putting us in this impossible situation by not fully funding one of our most vital Alaskan communities. “When will the legislature be held responsible for placing us in this difficult situation ?”
Rally-goers displayed signs calling for an increase in the BSA to $1,086
This is not the only issue legislators are addressing this session. Jesse Kiehl, Juneau Senator, has introduced a bill that would allow teachers to choose to contribute to a pension. He said it would aid in teacher retention.
span style=”font weight: 400 That’s a lot money,” Kiehl stated, referring to an increase of $1,086. That’s approximately $220 million. Is it worth it for our children? They are. Because pensions are less expensive than the current system for retirement .”, I have my first $15 million or $20 million.
Students such as eighth grader Inde Eckerson from Dzantik’i Heeni are firsthand witnesses to the statewide teacher shortage. According to Eckerson, large classes can be distracting for students and hard on teachers.
span style=”font weight: 400 I think our classes are too crowded. He said that there are too many people. It’s fun but then it becomes a bit too chaotic and you don’t really learn .”
Rally organizers were joined by several freshman legislators at the capitol’s steps. Juneau Rep. Sara Hannan highlighted three legislators that left teaching to come to Juneau: Rep. Maxine Dillbergs of Fairbanks, Rep. Rebecca Himschoot from Sitka, and Sen. Jesse Bjorkman (Nikiski).
Hannan stated that there are dozens of colleagues who have campaigned for this issue .
Mike Bucy, Dzantik’i Heeni music instructor, led the rally to a final song.
He sang, “Font-weight 400 Education built the nation.” Increase the base student allocation. This legislative test must be passed to ensure that our children receive the best .”
Bucy stated that he is optimistic that the 33rd Legislature will significantly increase school funding in this year’s budget. Reading and math scores will also rise with it.
