FEBRUARY 10, 2014

Representing District 15:
Midtown, University, and East Anchorage

I Answer to You!

Contact my office:
State Capitol Room 430
Juneau AK, 99801
(907) 465-4939
(800) 465-4939
 
Click here to write me an email
 
Click here to visit my website
 
  

Write a Letter to the Editor
submit your 175 word letter to the Anchorage Daily News via e-mail letter@adn.com, or fax them to 258-2157, attn: letters to the editor.

Contact other elected officials

Governor Sean Parnell
907-269-7450
EMAIL: Gov. Sean Parnell

Senator Mark Begich
907-271-5915
EMAIL: Sen. Mark Begich

Senator Lisa Murkowski
907-271-3735
EMAIL: Sen. Lisa Murkowski

Congressman Don Young
907-271-5978
EMAIL: Rep. Don Young

The Education Session: "What are we really talking about?"

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

This year’s legislative session has been deemed the “education session.” Big topics include public school funding, vouchers, early education, and the High School Graduating Qualifying Exam.  I am dedicated to ensuring our public schools get funding they can count on. I also think that is important to have an open, public conversation about education, and it is long overdue. I am very interested in hearing from you on these issues so please contact me with your questions and comments. 

Funds our schools can count on:

When the Governor gave his annual State of the State address to the Legislature I was very glad that he had changed his position on increasing funding to the Base Student Allocation (BSA). The BSA is the part of school funding for direct classroom services and is also, unlike one time funding, a source that school districts can count on year to year.

I spent three years as a public school teacher in rural Alaska, and I know the importance of classroom funds for the day-to-day success of students and teachers. Last session, my colleagues and I filed a piece of legislation that would inflation proof the BSA. In times of massive school teacher cuts, increased class sizes, and extra school class periods, I believe that it is critical to support our public education system.

Spending time with some kindergarteners at Tudor Elementary School

A voucher system?

Supporting our public schools does not always mean spending more money; however, it does mean opposing the use of public funds for private and/or religious schools. In order for Alaska to adopt a voucher system a constitutional amendment would be required, which entails bringing the issue to a public vote. If SJR9 were to pass the Legislature that is exactly what would happen.

Last week the question of school vouchers was discussed in Senate and House committees. A total of 119 Alaskans testified in opposition, while 34 Alaskans supported the resolution.

Representative Drummond and I share a moment on the House floor during the first week of session

I have great respect for our State’s Founding Fathers and their 1955 model of our constitution.  Presently, it is unconstitutional to use public funds for private education.  I believe in this, and other ways, the drafters of the state constitution got so much right. Fundamentally, I believe parents have freedom of choice right now.  But, I don’t believe it is the job of government to do more than provide a public education at public institutions with public dollars. 

Had a great visit with East High counselor and statewide Council on Independent Living board member, Courtney Westmann

Researchers like Diane Ravitch have identified that poorly performing schools are invariably schools where socio-economic factors drive down achievement (lack of access to early education, poor nutrition, chaotic lives, and frequent moves). Teachers who have 180 students in a day must individualize lesson plans.  14% of every hour of the year is spent with a teacher.  While teachers should be dedicated and skilled performers, the other 86% of each student’s life is outside their control. I don’t believe that privatizing education is the silver bullet we’ve all been seeking.  The students, themselves, would not change—they would remain the same kids with the same issues. 

A recent survey identifies that Alaska teachers worry most about some students’ poor home environment, read the survey

February is the Anchorage School District’s “Visit Our Schools Month!”

Public education is part of America’s landscape and culture.  It has been and continues to be the “great equalizer.”  Just as this country was built on private enterprise, so was it built on public education.

In that fashion, my colleagues and I have filed legislation that would make February “Public Education Month.”  February is also “Visit Our Schools Month” for the Anchorage School District; I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity!

As always, please contact me if I can be of assistance to you or your family,

I Answer to You!

Sincerely,

Representative Andy Josephson
State Capitol Room 430
Juneau AK, 99801
Phone: 907-465-4939
Rep.Andy.Josephson@akleg.gov