| Special Features of this Study: |
The purpose of this study was to
develop an improved methodology for measuring differences
in the cost of certain school resources across geographic
locations within Alaska. This study was NOT what
is typically referred to as a "costing-out
study," which calculates the total cost (except
facilities) of providing an adequate education to
all public school children in a particular state.
Because many school districts in Alaska are in
remote areas with extreme climates the state applies
geographic adjustments for (1) personnel services,
(2) energy services, (3) travel, and (4) supplies,
materials, and small capital equipment in its
state aid calculations. The stated goal of these
adjustments is to equalize the purchasing power
of educational dollars across school districts.
Remote districts with extreme climates have difficulty
attracting, housing, and retaining qualified teachers;
energy costs are extraordinary; air travel is
required to get from one part of a district to
another for administration, maintenance, professional
development, itinerant teaching, etc.; and, shipping
cost is the primary factor affecting the adjustments
needed for supplies, materials, and small capital
equipment.
|
Pre-K
to 12 Students, 2001-02: 134,358