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Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly defeats resolution urging state to raise base student allocation
Summary
After student testimony and public comment on school cuts, the assembly voted 3–6 against a resolution urging the state to pass House Bill 374, which would raise the Base Student Allocation. Members were split over strategy and whether the foundation formula needs broader reform.
The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly on April 21 rejected a resolution urging the Alaska Legislature to adopt House Bill 374, which would raise the Base Student Allocation (BSA). The resolution failed on a roll-call vote of 3 yes and 6 no.
Student speakers and school staff gave emotional testimony ahead of the vote, warning that proposed budget cuts would eliminate distance education, library aides and portions of dual-enrollment programs. Kira DiSirmia, a Seward High School student, told the assembly that cuts under the school district’s Scenario 1 would remove roughly $1.7 million from specific programs — including about $536,169 for distance education and $718,595 from library aid — and contribute to an $8 million district shortfall.
Assemblymember Dunn, a co-sponsor of the resolution, argued the measure was a clear message to the state that the borough supports increasing the BSA to keep up with inflation and to restore historic funding levels. “We all want what is best for our schools,” Dunn said in debate, urging colleagues to send a show of support to Juneau.
Opponents said a simple BSA increase is the wrong lever this year and that the state’s foundation formula requires broader revisions. Mayor Peter Michicky said the formula is complex and warned that an isolated increase could work against longer-term fixes: “We fundamentally need to fix it,” he said, arguing the borough should press for formula corrections rather than a one-off bump.
Public commenters included Josh Gerard, a paraprofessional who said he has repeatedly urged Juneau to increase the BSA and described losing schools where he worked. Student council members from Seward described classroom impacts, consolidation of Seward Middle into Seward High, and lost opportunities if distance education and other supports are cut.
When the clerk called the roll, the yes votes were cast by Assemblymembers Dunn, Truesdell and Eklund; six others voted no and the resolution failed. The assembly did not adopt the specific request to urge passage of HB 374 but members signaled continued concern about education funding and discussed alternative approaches, including work on the foundation formula and ongoing coordination with the school district and state representatives.
The assembly’s next actions on school funding will be shaped by the borough’s upcoming budget work sessions and continued contact with the state legislature. The assembly adjourned after announcing its next meeting dates.
