New legislation does not have to pass by Thursday education bill veto deadline, Dunleavy spokesperson says

JUNEAU, Alaska (KTUU) - If lawmakers show an understanding about Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s teacher bonus and charter school priorities moving forward, they would not have to pass new legislation by Dunleavy’s Thursday deadline to veto a bipartisan education bill, governor spokesperson Jeff Turner told Alaska’s News Source Monday.

Turner, though, made a point of saying that had been the administration’s position since the governor announced a potential veto during a Feb. 27 news conference.

“We need to fix a couple things in the bill,” Dunleavy said two weeks ago, as he expressed his disapproval over the version of the education bill the legislature passed.

At that time of his veto threat, Dunleavy called the legislation, which includes a historic $175 million increase to the state’s per-student funding formula, known as the Base Student Allocation, or BSA, a “half” package.

“Breaks my heart [that] this is just about money,” the governor said last month. “We got half the job done. But if it’s just going to be about money and nothing else, I’m not interested in this bill becoming law.”

The administration has continued arguing only focusing on a BSA increase, which breaks down to $680 more per student, is the wrong focus for improving Alaska’s education system.

When asked if a lawmaker commitment to advancing Dunleavy’s priorities meant the governor would not veto the bill, Turner said the governor’s office is still assessing to see how a clear understanding from lawmakers materializes.

While there have been discussions, no new items have passed in the days following Dunleavy urging lawmakers to go back to the negotiating table and add back versions of his charter school and teacher bonus priorities, or face a potential veto.

Senate Rules Chair Bill Wielechowski, D-Anchorage, confirmed Monday some lawmakers met with Dunleavy about his request to change charter school authority for the governor’s appointed State School Board members, and allow them to approve more applications.

“The talks focused mostly on charter schools,” Wielechowski said. “Trying to come up with a solution. Hope to meet again tomorrow (Tuesday).”

Also, for a second week, Senate Education Committee members continued hearing public testimony on the governor’s idea to spend $61 million on $5,000 to $15,000 teacher bonuses. Dunleavy argues the incentives will aid in recruitment and retention, which some lawmakers have expressed concern would have to be paid for by cutting the BSA.

“In fact, one district has told me they have guaranteed in their negotiations that half of the money they received in the BSA will go to teacher salaries,” Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, said last week, as he expressed concern Dunleavy could still veto the bill even if lawmakers took, in his view, meaningful action.

Multiple educators have told members increasing salaries and better retirement plans would have a much bigger impact on recruiting and keeping teachers over bonuses.

“I have also done a little bit of research about bonuses nationwide, and they really don’t hold on to teachers. So one can work three years for a bonus and then leave,” Anchorage educator Susan Ritter testified.

“I will happily take a bonus, but what I really want is a defined benefit. Teachers have been saying that for years and we are serious,” Cordova teacher Emily Moody added.

Last week, citing a graph showing the state’s historical decline in attracting and keeping teachers, Alaska Department of Education & Early Development Commissioner Deena Bishop, a former superintendent for the Anchorage School District, echoed Dunleavy saying it is time for something new instead of solely relying on BSA increases to improve school performance outcomes.

Juneau Education Association President Chris Heidemann previously sent the governor a veto warning during his testimony last week.

“Every educator laid off across the state — and there will be many — will be able to draw a direct line from their pink slip to the governor’s office, and if the governor chooses to do that, I challenge the Legislature to come together and override him,” Heidemann said.

In the meantime, Senate Education Chair Sen. Löki Tobin, D-Anchorage, said Monday she is setting the teacher bonus amendment deadline for March 15 — one day after the veto deadline.

Under Alaska law a governor has 15 days, excluding Sundays, to act on a bill send if the Legislature is in session.

Dunleavy can sign the bill, veto it or let it become law without his signature. A decision is expected by March 14.

If Dunleavy were to veto the education package, two-thirds of lawmakers would need to vote in a joint session to override the action.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to clarify the governor’s office position Dunleavy’s priority legislation, including charter schools and teacher bonuses, does not have to pass by March 14, and has been the governor’s position since his Feb. 27 news conference announcing a potential veto.

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