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Legislative House Candidate Questionnaire
Campaign 2006
Candidate: Bill Johnson House District: 12
Candidate responses exceeding 30 words have been truncated.
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:
Adequate educational funding should not be a guesssing game. Solid background information is a necessary part of a funding plan.
If you support an adequate funding study, how would you accomplish this?
It is my understanding that there was a study conducted in 2004 sponsored by CEAAC. I also know that one of the issues in Moore v Alaska is a funding….
2. Do you support the use of area cost differential factors to provide equity in school funding?
Yes
Rationale
The last time I talked to someone in Bethel gas was about $5/gallon. Simply put, it costs more to live in rural Alaska and a differential is the simplest way ….
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?
Having a pre-set dollar amount to pay for transportation is not realistic. Districts need to have more control when they bargain for bus contracts. The assumption made, when the rules ….
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 will work with all educators to develop a plan. The people working in the field are the best source for determining what is needed.
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
The constitution is controlling. With that said, the Constiution simply says we will "maintain a system of public schools." It does not say at what level. Moore v. Alaska may….
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 would work on a fair production tax on oil. At current prices we should be getting at least an additional billion dollars in revenue. I am also interested in ….
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
If not, what do you propose to do to provide public employees access to a pension plan that provides a retirement with dignity?
I propose to repeal SB 141 and then adequately fund the system. As I understand the current numbers that would take a 5% increase in the contribution rate per year ….
3. Would you support returning to a defined benefits retirement plan as a means of attracting and retaining quality educators?
Yes
Rationale
Defined benefit plans have a proven track record over the last 70-80 years. The problem with the TRS/PERS was created by legislators who were zealously (and wrongly) trying to cut ….
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?
If elected I would work towards this end. See #2 above.
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
It is only proper to cosult with those who would be affected most.
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. Potential for job satisfaction.
2. Benefits
3. Wages
2. As a legislator, what will you do to address these factors?
Adequate funding would go a long way.
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?
See the 3 essential factors in #1 above.
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
I would be hesitant to add another layer of bureaucracy. The lay -off process should be addressed in a collective bargaining agreement--not in statute.
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
I am answering cautiously here. I absolutely believe there is a direct correlation between class size and the quality of education. I think funding might be a better approach than ….
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
I am answering as a general philosophy here. I would look forward to discussing specifics.
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?
Our children are our greatest resource. Taking care of my children is my personal priority. Taking care of all children is a social priority.
