In response to Bob Griffin’s commentary published on Feb. 16, It’s important to note that he cites a study that has little merit in Alaska. The study bases part of its adequacy ranking on “Fiscal Effort”, which measures the proportion of the state’s economy allocated to K-12. Since Alaska ranks at nearly the bottom for GDP in the nation (48th of 50), our spending on public education is just a higher portion of our very low GDP. Additionally, it should be noted this is not a commonly used metric. What’s even more interesting is that the same study also stated: “Over the past 10-15 years, there has emerged a growing consensus, supported by high-quality empirical research, that additional funding improves student outcomes and that funding cuts hurt those outcomes.” But Griffin seems to have ignored this point.
I find it both puzzling and telling that a state Board of Education member continues to assert that the state’s public education system is adequately funded while ignoring the reality being reported by hundreds of parents and educators. He has yet to come forward with a single solution to the multimillion-dollar shortfalls facing districts — other than to tell them to “reallocate our education dollars into programs that produce results.”
Griffin and all Alaskans need to acknowledge that Alaska’s per-pupil spending will be high and should be high. The cost of heating, electricity, maintenance and salaries is going to be higher in remote Alaska villages than in Florida, or any other state in the nation. We need to be OK with that — and be willing to invest the money necessary to support our students. All the money we pay to teachers, para-educators, custodians, and others in our schools stays in our community and helps our local economies. Education funding should be a priority for all Alaskans.
— Rachael Posey
Anchorage
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