NEWS: Gara: More Teacher Layoffs Won’t Fix Alaska’s Near-Bottom Graduation Rates
JUNEAU – Today, Representative Les Gara (D-Anchorage) responded to a recent study that found Alaska ranks near the bottom of state rankings in high school graduation rates. Gara, who joined other Democratic lawmakers in pushing to reverse Alaska’s course of educator cuts, tied Alaska’s slow progress on improving graduation rates to three years of teacher and staff layoffs, a problem the Legislature failed to address this session.
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NEWS: The ‘Education Session’ that Wasn’t
JUNEAU – Today, on the ninety-fifth and final day of the 28th Alaska Legislature, House Democratic Leader Chris Tuck released the following statement on behalf of the House Democratic Caucus.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Wrong priorities: No Money To Improve Schools When They Want a Shiny Bridge
ob isn’t rocket science. And passing an education bill - the stated reason for the extended session - isn’t rocket science either. There is little reason this work could not have been done by Sunday, the official end of the 90-day session. Yet GOP leaders said they needed extra time, at a cost to you of about $30,000 a day.
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NEWS: It’s Not Rocket Science - Prioritize Education Not Bailouts and Boondoggles
Today Representative Les Gara said the solution to helping Alaska’s students is to re-prioritize spending away from last-minute oil refinery bailouts and controversial megaprojects and put it into education.
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Note from Rep. Gara: Thumbs Down and Thumbs Up: Education Cuts; Free Dental Clinic Fri & Sat
I remembered my promise to you: a short synopsis for those who have lives to lead; and a longer explanation for those of you who want details and not snippets. Here goes on an education bill that leads to three more years of teacher and classroom cuts, and, on a brighter note, this Friday and Saturday’s FREE dental clinic dentists have organized to help our neighbors in need. Spread the word – on one or both of these issues!
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Note from Rep. Gara: “Factiness” On Education: 3 More Years of Layoffs Isn’t Progress
I am in the middle of working on the Legislature’s education bill – which is looking grim after a marathon House Finance Committee debate last night. With the help of thousands of great, vocal, active students and parents, I think we can still fix this bill together.
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