JUNEAU -- Researchers from the University of Alaska want to try to put to rest the debate over how much Alaska should spend on schools.

Diane Hirshberg and Alexandra Hill told the Senate Education Committee Wednesday that they want to study how much schools need and what funding approach works best.

Their request for $67,000 to fund the study comes as education leaders from around Alaska are making rounds in the Capitol in an effort to convince Gov. Sean Parnell and lawmakers to guarantee funding over multiple years and to build in inflationary increases. Parnell prefers giving schools additional funding based on demonstrated needs.

Committee members say the intent is to attach the request to a budget proposal. Hirshberg told the committee the study could be completed by next year's legislative session.