WHEREAS, public education is a constitutional priority responsibility of the state of Alaska; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alaska and the federal government have indicated through their educational goals statements the absolute necessity of education in establishing a citizenry which can make this country competitive on a global basis; and

WHEREAS, the task force examined extensive data which concluded there has been a major loss of purchasing power which has resulted in schools not being able to maintain an appropriate level of educational services; and

WHEREAS, the students of Alaska must learn the basics, and must learn to think to gather and process information to be totally familiar with and have access to the latest in technology, to understand themselves and other people, and the many other skills and knowledge needed to lead productive and caring lives as adults; and

WHEREAS, quality education cannot take place without increased funds to meet the goals of the state standards and local districts; and

WHEREAS, much of the funding for education in Alaska must come from the state government; and

WHEREAS, state funding from SB 36 for public education has increased for some districts and decreased for others, education Funding continues to be inadequate.

THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED that the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals urges the Alaska State Legislature to increase education funding to ensure all students in all districts get a quality education; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature take steps necessary to ensure proper financing of schools to maintain a quality education in view of the inflation rates which affects that education.

WHEREAS, changing sociological attitudes have produced a variety of family patterns; and

WHEREAS, current research provides educators with insight and justification for establishment of educational programs prior to the age of kindergarten; and

WHEREAS, more children ages 3-5 years are children at risk, and

WHEREAS, early childhood educational programs should be a legislative priority to ensure the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of preschool children; and

WHEREAS, the program will provide a strong family-based parental involvement component.

THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED that the State of Alaska endorses Early Childhood Education, provides funding for comprehensive, coordinated, early childhood programs, and places the responsibility and coordination of these program with the local school districts; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that there is a need for qualified educators who have a firm foundation in early childhood education and have met certification and license requirements set by the State Board of Education.

WHEREAS, the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals believe charter schools have prormise for enhancing the education of students they may appropriately serve; and

WHEREAS, legislation was passed to provide for charter schools in the state of Alaska; and

WHEREAS, that legislation and subsequent regulations were intended to allow a five-year pilot program to determine their effectiveness and operational efficiency of charter schools and to find those areas that needed improvement or change to either legislation; regulations; and

WHEREAS, this state is now in its third year of that pilot program leaving two years, after this school year to ensure appropriate assessment of the ability of charter schools to provide quality education for students they serve; and

WHEREAS, attempts are already being made to interrupt or change the organization control, or governance of charter schools which would affect the entire pilot program before the state is able to assess the results of the legislation already passed.

THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED that the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals opposes any attempt by legislators to change the current statutes on charter schools until the end of the five year pilot program.

WHEREAS, research supports the theory that principals are the key figure in promoting school effectiveness; and

WHEREAS, school size does not change the educational responsibilities of a principal; and

WHEREAS, the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals assumes responsibility for assisting in the upgrading of quality administrative leadership;

THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED that the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals support any action requiring Alaska state principals to have Type B Certification and that persons who perform duties of principals should be certified with a Type B Certificate.

ADOPTED: l0/20/87, 10/18/88, 10/17/89, 10/23/90, 10/22/91, 10/0/92, 10/19/93, and 10/18/94, l0/20/98, and 10/18/99.