JUNEAU -- A Republican-led task force will be appointed to make school funding recommendations to the Alaska House of Representatives, but applicants will be screened for their views on school funding before they're appointed.
Among the questions applicants for the new Sustainable Education Task Force will be asked are whether they "believe an increase in the Base Student Allocation (BSA) will solve most or all of the financial problems for public schools in Alaska?"
The BSA, the per-student funding amount that is at the heart of Alaska's school funding formula, has been at the center of conflict over education funding in the legislature for the last several sessions. School advocates have sought to boost the allocation, while reluctant Republican leaders, especially in the House, have instead focused one-time increases targeted at specific things, such as energy or security costs.
Rep. Lynn Gattis, R-Wasilla, said the committee's recommendations will not be preordained.
"I want folks to come to the table with no agenda," she said.
She said she knows people will have views and biases, but she hopes to avoid task force members who are unable to put preconceived ideas aside and "do what's best for kids and (what) makes common sense."
Another question posed to applicants: "What in your opinion is the best way to fund public schools in Alaska?"
The task force co-chairs, Gattis and Rep. Tammie Wilson, R-North Pole, first publicly sought task force applicants with a press release issued Wednesday afternoon, with a deadline of Sunday. The questionnaire had 10 questions, mostly open-ended.
The House resolution creating the task force was introduced April 4, and passed by the House 10 days later in the session's final hours.
Gattis said they waited to seek applicants until the governor signed the resolution, which only happened a few days ago. Actually, resolutions do not need to be signed by the governor. They are signed by the House Speaker and chief clerk, but a copy is sent to the governor. That happened May 2.
After questions from reporters Thursday and Friday about the short deadine, Gattis and Wilson announced the application deadline would be extended to July 7. Further, Gattis said the questionnaire didn't need to be filled out entirely for applicants to be considered.
Rep. Andy Josephson, D-Anchorage, a former teacher, was the only representative to vote against the resolution. He said Friday that he had been told in the Legislature not to question motives, but then he did just that, noting that those pushing for the task force are also those who "favor undermining public education."
He said he hadn't yet seen the questionnaire.
Gattis told the House Finance Committee in the resolution's sole hearing that the task force's intent would be to "examine different methods of education."
Friday, she said it would also likely look at the growing controversy over the common core educational standards.
Task force appointments are likely within four weeks, Gattis said, with the first meetings in the fall. The legislative staff are working on a website for the committee to keep the public involved with what it is doing, and to ensure transparency.
Contact Pat Forgey at pat(at)alaskadispatch.com