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Legislative House Candidate Questionnaire
Campaign 2006
Candidate: John Pile, Sr. House District: 11
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:
Public Education in Alaska is unique. Research is needed to determine how we can best fund the individual needs in diverse locations.
If you support an adequate funding study, how would you accomplish this?
Research should address the current and future predicted costs of all aspects of education... teaching, administration, facility management, etc.
2. Do you support the use of area cost differential factors to provide equity in school funding?
Yes
Rationale
Since the unique needs at individual locations are real, consideration must be given to factors such as class size, the ability to staff schools, cost of fuel, transportation, etc.
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?
Transportation funding needs to be reexamined. Support for districts to locally contract services in a changing economy is needed.
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
As a state, we need to take pride in Alaskan schools.
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?
No
Rationale
Adequate funding for Alaska's public schools is vital however, many other factors that affect families and also impact children are issues that must be addressed.
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.
Rather than focus on divisive taxes, we should utilize excess oil moneys to establish an endowment for education.
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?
Many individual, unknown factors (investments, medical needs, family situation) prevent me from answering the above question however, I do support going back to a defined benefit/ progressive retirement program.
3. Would you support returning to a defined benefits retirement plan as a means of attracting and retaining quality educators?
Yes
Rationale
Security. With a defined benefits plan, retirement is as secure as the state of Alaska.
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?
Research the "unfunded liabilities." Too many factors were not considered (the difference in medical costs, length of service, etc.) State and local communities need to work together to provide funding.
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
Decisions made by legislators should reflect the desires of constituents. Consultation with those affected most should be considered before legislation is passed.
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. Excellent total salary package--benefits and retirement
2. Opportunities for professional advancement and training
3. Positive climate for educators and fair and equal treatment
2. As a legislator, what will you do to address these factors?
1. Encourage lawmakers to take pride in having the "best"
2. Be proactive and support schools on local level
3. Fair and equal treatment of all teachers
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?
1. Early funding so local boards can efficiently plan
2. Professional training and support, especially for Native educators
3. Forgiveness of student loans
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
Rationale
This appears to add yet another level to the budget process. I would encourage local districts to have an open, public budget process so all concerns can be heard.
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.
No
Rationale
Class size may be more of an urban concern and is compounded by the dilemma of available classroom space. The legislature should not mandate how districts solve local issues.
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
Local school boards should be involved in this endeavor.
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?
Yes
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?
Yes
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
What additional ideas do you have to improve K-12 education in Alaska?
Public relations for public education must improve. We must get and keep teachers that are skilled in the science and art of teaching and make education meaningful for today's students.
