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Legislative House Candidate Questionnaire
Campaign 2006
Candidate: Kyle Johansen House District: 1
ADEQUATE FUNDING
1. Presently three methods are recognized by experts and the courts as reliable means to determine adequate funding: resource cost, best schools, and professional judgment. Do you support the use of a recognized, research based study to determine the adequate funding level of K-12 schools?
Yes
Explain:
I believe all information, including recognized, research based studies should be part of the decision to fund our schools.
If you support an adequate funding study, how would you accomplish this?
Through use of valid information to educate fellow members.
2. Do you support the use of area cost differential factors to provide equity in school funding?
Yes
Rationale
In our size of state and it's disproportional geography and population it is a must that we evaluate the cost of delivering the same educational opportunity to ALL of our residents.
3. The recent changes in funding for pupil transportation have had negative impacts in a number of school districts. How would you address this issue?
By evaluating the relevant information and costs and applying that knowledge to the funding package districts receive.
4. Will you commit to working with NEA-Alaska and other groups in developing a long-range plan to supplement current funding levels and achieve adequate funding for schools within a decade?
Yes
Rationale
I truly believe that an education is the most powerful tool an individual can possess. Our students deserve the best opportunity possible. Adequate funding is a key to that opportunity.
5. Would you support adequate funding of Alaska’s public schools to meet the constitutional mandate prior to funding of any other programs not constitutionally mandated?
Yes
Rationale
As a staunch supporter of education and a true believer in our constitutional convention and their decisions, I would follow their lead in placing education, public safety and other constitutional mandates at the top of my list of priorities.
LONG-RANGE FINANCIAL PLAN
The 23rd and 24th Legislatures identified several revenue sources for consideration: alcohol tax, cruise ship tax, fuel tax, income tax, sales tax, and use of the Permanent Fund earnings.
Please list, in priority order, the sources you would utilize to create a long-range fiscal plan.
I support the Percent of Market Value (POMV) proposal offered by the trustees of the Permanent Fund Board of Directors and Trustees.
PERS/TRS
1. What percentage of their salary at retirement do you believe public employee retirees should have to retire with dignity?
51%-65%
2. Given that most public school employees will not be able to collect Social Security benefits due to the federal law (GPO/WEP), the employees’ retirement income must come from their pension plan and personal income. Do you believe a defined contribution plan with a 15% of salary contribution will generate a pension that will provide a retirement with dignity?
No Response
If not, what do you propose to do to provide public employees access to a pension plan that provides a retirement with dignity?
3. Would you support returning to a defined benefits retirement plan as a means of attracting and retaining quality educators?
No Response
Rationale
4. According to recent actuarial reports, PERS and TRS have unfunded liabilities. How do you see the state eliminating these unfunded liabilities to meet their financial obligations to retirees?
I believe a long-term plan to "pay-down" the liabilities must be formulated. It must, however, fit into a long-range overall fiscal plan.
5. Will you commit to consulting with NEA-Alaska and other employee organizations whose members are participants in TRS and PERS when changes to the retirement plans are being considered?
Yes
Rationale
My door will always be open to NEA-Alaska and other employee organizations for their opinions and suggested solutions.
ATTRACTING & RETAINING QUALITY EDUCATORS
The #1 factor in student achievement is a quality teacher supported by quality administrators and support staff. It is well known that Alaska is facing a teacher shortage. The legislature held several hearings on the matter, but has done little to address the issue.
1. What do you believe are the three essential factors in recruiting and retaining quality teachers?
1) Keeping our own prospective educators here in Alaska. 2) Provide an environment where teachers can concentrate on teaching and not spending time defending themselves for being teachers. 3) Adequate, timely funding for local districts.
2. As a legislator, what will you do to address these factors?
Follow my true beliefs that education is the great equalizer. Use my knowledge as a third generation educator to help educate other legislators about the realities of the classroom and its challenges.
3. Fiscal uncertainty has caused many “new to the profession” educators to leave Alaskan school districts and even leave the state. According to Commissioner Roger Sampson, the out-of-pocket cost to a school district of losing a teacher is $12,000. What would you do to eliminate this annual turnover that has cost our state so many valuable educators?
Work to provide a stable, and respected work environment..
4. Would you work to amend state statute to make sure that district claims of financial shortfalls are verified by independent third parties when dealing with the layoff of tenured teachers?
No Response
Rationale
CLASS SIZE
An important factor in student achievement is small class size. Bills were introduced in the legislature, but little has been done to address the issue. Would you support a bill that sets recommended class size by grade level and provides for additional funds to schools that meet the standards.
Yes
Rationale
I believe, through practical experience, that small classes are the optimal learning environment. The primary years are especially sensitive to class sizes.
If yes, would you introduce such a bill and seek co-sponsors?
No Response
Rationale
SAFE SCHOOLS
1. Students and staff must feel safe and secure in our schools for learning to take place.
Would you support funding for programs/staff that have been demonstrated to increase student and
staff safety?
Yes
Rationale
As long as the information presented is accurate and it fits into the overall state long-term fiscal plan.
2. A safe learning environment is a key factor in student achievement. Would you support the use of restraining orders for individuals who threaten or endanger students or public school employees in the public school environment?
Yes
3. Would you support legislation to make a school-related assault on an education employee an
aggravating factor in sentencing?
No Response
HIGH STAKES TESTING
1. For the past three years, some students did not receive diplomas for the sole reason they did not pass the High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE.) Would you support amending the law to allow schools to assess student knowledge and abilities through a variety of means and not just through a single test?
Yes
2. Would you support categorical funding for district-developed remedial programs for students who do not meet standards on Alaska’s benchmark exams?
No Response
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
What additional ideas do you have to improve K-12 education in Alaska?
I believe in small class sizes, high expectations for students and accountability for educators and administration.
