Education commissioner says it’s time to review school funding formula

Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner Michael Johnson gives an overview about education in Alaska to the Senate Education Committee in Juneau on Jan. 24, 2019.
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner Michael Johnson gives an overview of education in Alaska to the Senate Education Committee in Juneau on Jan. 24, 2019. (Photo by Skip Gray/360 North)

State Education Commissioner Michael Johnson said it’s time to review how the state funds public schools.

On Wednesday, Johnson was asked about the school funding formula at a Senate Finance Committee hearing on whether he should be designated as the successor to Lt. Gov. Kevin Meyer if one is needed.

“It’s my notion that the formula is over 20 years old,” Johnson said. “It was developed before a lot of the technology that we have today. And so I would suggest that a review at least of the formula is in order.”

It’s not clear how public schools will be affected by Gov. Michael Dunleavy’s revised budget. Dunleavy is scheduled to introduce the budget on Feb. 13.

Johnson also said he was consulted by Dunleavy’s Office of Management and Budget about a controversial $20 million proposed cut in school funding in the current budget.

“As commissioner of education, I support the governor’s proposed supplemental budget,” he said.

Johnson said in response to another question that he didn’t consult with school districts before the $20 million cut was proposed.

The sudden resignation of Byron Mallott as lieutenant governor in October focused attention on the process for choosing a successor to the position. Former Health and Social Services Commissioner Valerie Nurr’araaluk Davidson succeeded Mallott. The Legislature must vote on the designated successor in a joint session on Dunleavy’s appointments.

Watch the latest legislative coverage from Gavel Alaska:

Andrew Kitchenman

State Government Reporter, Alaska Public Media & KTOO

State government plays an outsized role in the life of Alaskans. As the state continues to go through the painful process of deciding what its priorities are, I bring Alaskans to the scene of a government in transition.

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