The Association of Alaska School Boards wishes to thank Governor Dunleavy for speaking to Alaskans about his concerns with the education bill (CSSB 140) now sitting on his desk awaiting action. We appreciate knowing where things stand.
School boards across the state are in the midst of creating their annual budgets for 2025. For once, we had hopes that addressing the question of funding for education early in the session might prevent the inevitable pink slips to valuable and necessary staff and the further diminishment of a system of public education mandated by the Alaska Constitution. It appears more likely that the education funding question may not be resolved until the end of the session unless the Legislature holds firm on its commitment set forth in CSSB 140.
AASB contends that increasing the Base Student Allocation (BSA) is a “strategic investment” in public education because it is the foundational basis for all aspects needed to operate a safe and secure learning opportunity. Without sufficient and predictable funding, proposals such as the teacher retention bonus may have little chance of success. AASB does not feel these have to be mutually exclusive, but the priority for the BSA must come first.
AASB has long supported Alaska’s locally authorized public charter schools. Undoubtedly, these schools provide an important option for many students across the state in both rural and urban settings. AASB has worked with Academic Policy Committees (APC) for many years to help them understand their role in school governance.
The Governor’s contention that Alaska needs another option for public charter school authorization is refuted by the results of the recent study by Paul Peterson of Harvard’s School of Education. That study heralded the fantastic news that Alaska’s charter schools are the best nationwide when looking at NAEP scores. What is most interesting is that local school boards authorize all of Alaska’s charter schools and are closely supported by local school districts. In most other states, authorization can occur via the state board of education or a university. As Mr. Peterson noted, “Why fix something that is not broken?”
AASB is eager to continue to work with the Governor, DEED, and local school boards to improve charter school support and provide access to students who desire to attend a charter school. However, AASB’s membership is resolved against enabling any other authorizers of a charter school (Resolution 1.3 Maintaining Local Control of Charter School Formation).
The current bill before the Governor provides direct support to students with an Individual Reading Intervention Plan (IRIP) as identified in the Alaska Reads Act. School Boards and staff have continually noted insufficient funding for this critical statutory requirement. We are puzzled when statements assert there is no specific support for the Reads Act in the bill.
AASB recognizes the Legislature’s hard work in passing CSSB 140, one of the most critical education bills in the last decade. For school boards currently working on their budgets, it is important to determine the substantial increase in funding available to school districts as soon as possible. The Governor has the opportunity to make that happen in a positive way.
Lon Garrison, Executive Director
Association of Alaska School Boards
How do you find a great workplace? Look at their online reputation
The process of finding a job has evolved, and it’s because expectations have grown. Jobseekers are looking for more than just securing a paycheck. There’s now a higher priority placed on finding a workplace that allows its team members to thrive and grow and is worthy of their trust.
Checking those boxes starts by looking at an employer’s online reputation. Experiences shared by former employees, recent customers as well as other important factors can help you determine the trustworthiness of a prospective workplace.
Finding Trustworthy Employers
We’re In the heart of job-hunting season: January and February are when job openings and job searches are at their highest. Before you decide to respond to a job posting this winter, make time to delve into the reputation of any company that catches your eye.
Start your research by checking BBB reviews to evaluate verified customer feedback and sites such as Glassdoor to read employee impressions. Experiences shared on those two platforms can be instrumental in shaping your perception of the company.
What to Look for in Reviews
As you read reviews, focus on consistency and responsiveness. For example, is the same issue mentioned over and over again? How does the business respond to those issues? Does the business respond at all?
Responses often offer a glimpse into the employer’s commitment to resolving issues and putting their customers and employees first. It’s a factor BBB considers when accrediting a business, and it’s a crucial aspect that jobseekers should take into account, too.
And be sure to exercise caution. Not all reviews carry the same weight. Some may be influenced by trolls or disgruntled employees, potentially leading to biased or unfair assessments. So, be discerning when you encounter a few negative reviews or a single person posting identical negative comments across multiple platforms.
Additional Factors in Evaluating Reputation
Beyond online reviews, there are other avenues to explore when researching a company’s reputation. Take a look at these online spaces:
1. Company Website: Begin by looking over the company’s website. It’s where you can gain insights into the organization’s mission, values, and culture. Dive into sections such as ‘About Us,’ the careers page, and any company blogs to get a deeper understanding of their character.
2. Social Media and LinkedIn: Social media platforms and LinkedIn profiles serve as excellent resources for understanding a company’s culture and its interactions with its audience. Companies often use these platforms to showcase events, community involvement, and support for specific causes or nonprofits, providing valuable insight into their values and priorities.
3. News Articles: For well-established companies, you can often find articles on business and news websites that shed light on their history and reputation. Look for information on leadership stability, significant events such as layoffs, or recognition for employee-friendly policies.
Your Career Matters
Selecting a trustworthy employer can profoundly impact your job satisfaction and overall well-being, so you’re right to hold high expectations. Invest time in thorough research to enhance your chances of securing a job with a company that resonates with your values and offers a conducive work environment.
For more information on connecting with a trustworthy business, visit BBB.org.
Dale Dixon, Chief Innovation Officer
BBB Great West + Pacific
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