HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES2025-038 BSASponsored by: Council Members Warner and Barnwell
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-038
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, REQUESTING THE STATE OF ALASKA LEGISLATORS
MAKE A MEANINGFUL INCREASE TO THE BASE STUDENT
ALLOCATION (BSA) FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
WHEREAS, Article VII, Section 1 of the Constitution of the State of Alaska requires the
state to establish and maintain a system of public schools open to all children; and
WHEREAS, Alaska Statute AS 14.17.470 currently sets the Base Student Allocation
(BSA) at $5,960, a level that has not been meaningfully adjusted since Fiscal Year 2017; and
WHEREAS, the failure to adequately increase the BSA has contributed to annual budget
shortfalls across the state, including a projected $13 million deficit for the Kenai Peninsula
Borough School District in Fiscal Year 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Kenai Peninsula Borough has reached the cap of its allowable
contribution to education funding, leaving local governments and school districts with few options
but to make painful cuts to programs, staff, and services; and
WHEREAS, repeated reliance on one-time funding does not provide the stability or
predictability needed to plan for long-term, sustainable public education; and
WHEREAS, Alaska's children and future workforce deserve equitable access to a high -
quality education system with fully staffed schools, reasonable class sizes, and enriching programs;
and
WHEREAS, the City of Seward recognizes the essential role strong public schools play
in the health, economic stability, and social fabric of our community; and
WHEREAS, in alignment with the City of Seward's support for public education and in
coordination with similar resolutions by the Kenai Peninsula Borough and other municipalities, it
is appropriate for the City to advocate for long-term solutions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council hereby directs the City Manager to send this resolution to the
Alaska State Legislature and Governor Dunleavy urging a meaningful, long-term increase to the
Base Student Allocation for Alaska's public school system.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2025-038
Page 2 of 2
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 28th
day of April 2025.
THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
Sue McClure, Mayor
AYES: Osenga, Finch, Crites, Warner, Wells, McClure
NOES: None
ABSENT: Barnwell
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Kris Peck
City Clerk
(City Seal)
1
1
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City Council Agenda Statement
Meeting Date: April 28, 2025
To: City Council
Through: City Council Members Casie Warner and Bob Barnwell
Subject: Resolution 2025-038: Requesting the State of Alaska Legislators Make a
Meaningful Increase to the Base Student Allocation (BSA) for Public
Schools
Background and justification:
The State of Alaska's Base Student Allocation (BSA) has not seen a meaningful increase since
Fiscal Year 2017, despite rising operational costs and inflation that directly affect the ability of
school districts to maintain quality education. The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District
(KPBSD), which includes Seward schools, is projecting a deficit of over $13 million in FY2025.
Without legislative action, the district faces the likely elimination of staff positions, critical
programs, and possibly entire facilities. Continued reliance on one-time funding fails to provide
stability or predictability for long-term educational planning.
The City of Seward recognizes the essential role public education plays in workforce development,
community sustainability, and overall youth wellbeing. This resolution affirms the City's
commitment to education by directing the City Manager to formally advocate for a permanent,
meaningful increase to the BSA, urging state legislators to fulfill their constitutional responsibility
to Alaska's children.
Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information
This legislation is consistent with (citation listed):
Comprehensive Plan: 2.2.5 — Support for Education and Lifelong Learning
3.1.3 — Regional Cooperation
4.4.2 — Community Sustainability
6.2 — Responsive Governance
Strategic Plan:
Other:
Total amount of funds listed in this legislation:
This legislation (✓):
Creates revenue in the amount of:
Creates expenditure in amount of:
Creates a savings in the amount of:
Has no fiscal impact
X
Funds are (✓):
Budgeted Line item(s):
Not budgeted
Not applicable
X
Affected Fund (✓):
General
Boat Harbor
Motor Pool
Available Fund Balance
SMIC
Parking
Other
Electric
Water
Wastewater
Healthcare
Note: amounts are unaudited
Finance Director Signature:
X
Yes
Attorney Signature:
Not applicable Comments:
Attorne Review
Administration Recommendation
X
Adopt Resolution
Other: