THE STATE Department of Education 

Early Development

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER

 

GOVERNDR 1. LEAVE
801 West Tenth Street. Suite 200
PO. Box 1 10500
Juneau. Alaska 99811?0500
Main: 907.465.2800
907.465.2815
Fox: 907.465.4156

 

June 24, 2019

Dear Superintendents:

Under normal circumstances, the ?rst Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 State Aid Foundation payment would be
scheduled for July 15, 2019. Due to the Legislature?s unusual ?nding of education for FY 2020, this
year?s payment will be delayed for 7-10 days, depending on the Legislature?s timeline for ?ling a
lawsuit related to funding FY 2020 without an appropriation.

The delay is due to a constitutional question regarding the annual budgeting process mandated by the
Alaska Constitution. Speci?cally, the question seeks to establish the difference between an actual
appropriation of funds versus the future dedication of funds.

The Administration repeatedly urged the Legislature to include funding in the budget this year to avoid
any uncertainty or delays. They chose not to do so. The Department of Law is trying to convince the
Legislature to ?le its lawsuit prior to July 15 so that an agreed upon Court order can be put in place prior
to that date, enabling the timely release of funds. However, if the Legislature will not agree to ?le its
lawsuit until after July 15 the July payment will be delayed.

While this issue moves towards judicial review, it is my intention to disburse all FY 2020 
payments on or before the 15th of each month (AS 14.17.610), except the initial July 2019
disbursement. The Department of Education and Early Development staff will work to transfer funds as
quickly as possible after the Legislature ?les a lawsuit. If you have any questions, please contact Elwin
Blackwell, School Finance Manager, at (907) 465-8665.

Thank you for all you do toward an excellent education for every student every day.

Sincerely,

 

Cornmissione I