Revisor’s notes. —

The provisions of this title were redrafted in 1982 to remove personal pronouns pursuant to § 4, ch. 58, SLA 1982 and in 1982, 1987, 1992, 1996, 2008, and 2016 to make other minor word changes.

Administrative Code. —

For education and early development, see 4 AAC.

Collateral references. —

James A. Rapp, Education Law (Matthew Bender).

Chapter 03. Public Schools Generally.

Administrative Code. —

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 04.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 1 et seq.

78 C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 1 et seq.

Residence for purpose of admission to public school. 83 ALR2d 497, 56 ALR3d 641.

Modern status of doctrine of sovereign immunity as applied to public schools and institutions of higher learning. 33 ALR3d 703.

Noncustodial parent’s rights as respects education of child. 36 ALR3d 1093.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for educational malpractice. 1 ALR4th 1139.

Article 1. General Provisions.

Administrative Code. —

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 04.

Sec. 14.03.010. Establishment of school system.

There is established in the state a system of public schools to be administered and maintained as provided in this title.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Notes to Decisions

This title was enacted pursuant to Alaska Const., art. VII, § 1. Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

History of public education in Alaska. —

See Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.03.015. State education policy.

It is the policy of this state that the purpose of education is to help ensure that all students will succeed in their education and work, shape worthwhile and satisfying lives for themselves, exemplify the best values of society, and be effective in improving the character and quality of the world about them.

History. (§ 1 ch 173 SLA 1990)

Administrative Code. —

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 4.

For statewide student assessment, see 4 AAC 6, art. 4.

Sec. 14.03.016. A parent’s right to direct the education of the parent’s child.

  1. A local school board shall, in consultation with parents, teachers, and school administrators, adopt policies to promote the involvement of parents in the school district’s education program. The policies must include procedures
    1. recognizing the authority of a parent and allowing a parent to object to and withdraw the child from a standards-based assessment or test required by the state;
    2. recognizing the authority of a parent and allowing a parent to object to and withdraw the child from an activity, class, or program;
    3. providing for parent notification not less than two weeks before any activity, class, or program that includes content involving human reproduction or sexual matters is provided to a child;
    4. recognizing the authority of a parent and allowing a parent to withdraw the child from an activity, class, program, or standards-based assessment or test required by the state for a religious holiday, as defined by the parent;
    5. providing a parent with an opportunity to review the content of an activity, class, performance standard, or program;
    6. ensuring that, when a child is absent from an activity, class, program, or standards-based assessment or test required by the state under this section, the absence is not considered an unlawful absence under AS 14.30.020 if the child’s parent withdrew the child from the activity, class, program, or standards-based assessment or test or gave permission for the child’s absence.
  2. The policies adopted under this section may not allow a parent categorically to object to or withdraw a child from all activities, classes, programs, or standards-based assessments or tests required by the state. The policies must require a parent to object each time the parent wishes to withdraw the child from an activity, class, program, or standards-based assessment or test required by the state.
  3. Nothing in this section prohibits a school employee or volunteer from answering a question from a child about any topic.
  4. In this section,
    1. “child” means an unemancipated minor under 18 years of age;
    2. “human reproduction or sexual matters” does not include curricula or materials for
      1. sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention training required under AS 14.30.355 ; or
      2. dating violence and abuse awareness and prevention training required under AS 14.30.356 ;
    3. “local school board” has the meaning given in AS 14.03.290 ;
    4. “parent” means the natural or adoptive parent of a child or a child’s legal guardian;
    5. “school district” has the meaning given in AS 14.30.350 .

History. (§ 1 ch 54 SLA 2016; am § 2 ch 54 SLA 2016)

Revisor's notes. —

Paragraphs (2) — (5) were enacted as paragraphs (5) and (2) — (4) respectively and renumbered in 2016 for alphabetical consistency.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2016 amendment, effective October 26, 2016, added (d)(5) [now (d)(2)].

Effective dates. —

Section 1, ch. 54, SLA 2016, which enacted this section, took effect on October 26, 2016.

Sec. 14.03.020. School year.

The school year begins on the first day of July and ends on the 30th day of June.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Opinions of attorney general. —

School districts may choose whether or not to permit part-time enrollment of private school students, unless the department adopts a contrary policy. June 24, 1993, Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

Stated in

Parliment v. Yukon Flats Sch. Dist., 760 P.2d 513 (Alaska 1988).

Sec. 14.03.030. School term.

A school term begins and ends on the dates fixed by the governing body of a school district. A school term shall include not less than 180 days in session unless, with the approval of the commissioner,

  1. a day used for in-service training of teachers is substituted for a day in session, up to a maximum of 10 days;
  2. an “emergency closure day” is substituted for a day in session because of conditions posing a threat to the health or safety of students; or
  3. the school board adopts a different school term that includes at least 740 hours of instruction and study periods for pupils in kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and third grade and at least 900 hours of instruction and study periods for pupils in grades four through 12 if the commissioner finds that the school board has submitted an acceptable plan under which students will receive the approximate educational equivalent of a 180-day term.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 65 SLA 1972; am § 1 ch 137 SLA 1976; am § 1 ch 24 SLA 1979; am § 1 ch 61 SLA 1983; am § 1 ch 71 SLA 1985; am §§ 2, 3 ch 33 SLA 1991; am § 2 ch 60 SLA 1994; am § 1 ch 35 SLA 2004)

Cross references. —

For legislative intent concerning the 1991 amendments to this section, see § 1, ch. 33, SLA 1991 in the Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For local education, see 4 AAC 5.

For allowances for professional personnel, see 4 AAC 15.

Sec. 14.03.040. Day in session.

Each day within the school term is a day in session except Saturdays, Sundays, and days designated as holidays by or according to AS 14.03.050 . A school board may approve Saturdays as a day in session. The day in session in every school shall be at least four hours long, exclusive of intermissions, for the first, second, and third grades and five hours, exclusive of intermissions, for all other grades. The commissioner may approve a shorter day in session for any grade. The period of the day in session shall be devoted to the instruction of pupils or to study periods for the pupils.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 137 SLA 1976)

Administrative Code. —

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Sec. 14.03.050. School holidays.

  1. Public schools may not be in session on school holidays, which are Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day immediately following Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July.  If one of these holidays falls on a Saturday, the Friday immediately preceding is a school holiday.  If one of these holidays falls on a Sunday, the Monday immediately following is a school holiday. A teacher may not be required to perform employment services on these holidays, nor may the salary of a teacher be diminished because the teacher does not perform employment services on a school holiday.
  2. The public schools shall be in session on all other holidays falling upon school days and shall conduct appropriate exercises in recognition of the day.
  3. The governing body of the school district may declare additional holidays.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Administrative Code. —

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

Sec. 14.03.060. Elementary, junior high, and secondary schools.

  1. Except as provided in (e) of this section, an elementary school consists of grades kindergarten through grade eight or any appropriate combination of grades within this range.
  2. A secondary school consists of grades seven through 12 or any appropriate combination of grades within this range. The establishment of one or two grades beyond the 12th grade is optional with the governing body of the school district.
  3. Grades seven through eight, nine, and ten or any appropriate combination of grades within this range may be organized as a junior high school.
  4. This section does not prevent a high school from issuing a diploma to a student who has completed the 12th grade.
  5. In addition to the grades enumerated in (a) of this section, an elementary school consists of a pre-elementary program supervised by the department under AS 14.07.020(a)(8) , operated by the department as a head start program under AS 14.38.010 , or located in a public school for federal funding purposes. Except for a child with a disability who is receiving special education or related services under AS 14.30.180 14.30.350 , pre-elementary students may not be counted in a school’s average daily membership under AS 14.17.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am §§ 1, 2 ch 117 SLA 2008)

Collateral references. —

Zoning regulations as applied to public elementary and high schools. 74 ALR3d 136.

Sec. 14.03.070. School age.

A child who is six years of age on or before September 1 following the beginning of the school year, and who is under the age of 20 and has not completed the 12th grade, is of school age.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 1 FSSLA 1987; am § 19 ch 85 SLA 1988; am § 1 ch 101 SLA 2004)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2004 amendment, effective July 1, 2004, substituted “on or before September 1” for “before August 15.”

Collateral references. —

Power of public school authorities to set minimum or maximum age requirements for pupils in absence of specific statutory authority. 78 ALR2d 1021.

Sec. 14.03.072. Early literacy information.

  1. Each school district shall annually provide to parents and guardians of students enrolled in kindergarten through grade three in a public school in the state current information on the importance of early literacy, including
    1. intervention strategies;
    2. home literacy plans;
    3. grade retention standards and policies for the elementary school attended;
    4. strategies and resources to help children learn to read.
  2. In partnership with local media outlets, the department shall create and implement a communications campaign to educate parents and guardians about the importance of early literacy. The campaign shall include an Internet website that provides access to current research on early literacy, book recommendations, and vocabulary-building exercises.

History. (§ 1 ch 69 SLA 2013)

Effective dates. —

Section 7, ch. 69, SLA 2013 makes this section effective July 11, 2013.

Sec. 14.03.073. Secondary school course credit.

  1. A school district shall provide the opportunity for students enrolled in grades nine through 12 in the district to challenge one or more courses provided by the district by demonstrating mastery in mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, and world languages at the level of the course challenged. A school district shall give full credit for a course to a student who successfully challenges that course as provided under this section.
  2. A school district shall establish, within a reasonable time, an assessment tool and a standard for demonstrating mastery in courses provided for students in grades nine through 12 by the district under this section. This section does not require a school district to establish an assessment tool for every course in mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, and world languages that is offered to students in grades nine through 12 by the district.
  3. The board shall adopt regulations to implement this section.
  4. In this section, “school district” has the meaning given in AS 14.30.350 .

History. (§ 2 ch 15 SLA 2014; am §§ 2, 3 ch 2 SSSLA 2015)

Cross references. —

For governor's transmittal letter for ch. 15, SLA 2014, see 2014 House Journal 1434 — 1437.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective October 7, 2015, in the first sentence in (a), substituted “in grades nine through 12 in the district to challenge one or more courses” for “in a secondary school in the district to challenge a course”; in (b), in the first sentence, substituted “in courses provided for students in grades nine through 12” for “in secondary school courses provided”, and added the second sentence.

Effective dates. —

Section 62, ch. 15, SLA 2014 makes this section effective July 1, 2014.

Sec. 14.03.075. College and career readiness assessment; retroactive issuance of diploma.

  1. [Repealed, §§ 25, 29 ch 2 SSSLA 2015.]
  2. [Repealed, §§ 25, 29 ch 2 SSSLA 2015.]
  3. [Repealed, §§ 25, 29 ch 2 SSSLA 2015.]
  4. At the request of a student, a school district shall issue a high school diploma to a student who did not receive a high school diploma because the student failed to pass all or a portion of the secondary school competency examination but who received a certificate of achievement under this section as it read before July 1, 2014.
  5. In this section,
    1. [Repealed, §§ 25, 29 ch 2 SSSLA 2015.]
    2. “school district” has the meaning given in AS 14.30.350 .

History. (§ 1 ch 58 SLA 1997; am § 2 ch 94 SLA 2001; am § 24 ch 35 SLA 2003; am § 14 ch 41 SLA 2009; am § 3 ch 15 SLA 2014; am § 25 ch 2 SSSLA 2015)

Revisor’s notes. —

Subsection (d) and paragraph (e)(2) were enacted as part of sec. 51, ch. 15, SLA 2014, and codified in 2014, at which time “under this section as it read before July 1, 2014” was substituted for “under former AS 14.03.075 ” to reflect the codification. For the full text of sec. 51, ch. 15, SLA 2014, see the 2014 Temporary and Special Acts.

Cross references. —

For governor’s transmittal letter for ch. 15, SLA 2014, which repealed and reenacted this section, see 2014 House Journal 1434 - 1437.

Administrative Code. —

For statewide student assessment, see 4 AAC 6, art. 4.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, rewrote the section, which formerly related to standards and processes for secondary student competency testing.

The 2015 amendment, effective June 30, 2016, repealed (a), (b), (c), and (e)(1).

Editor’s notes. —

Section 51(a), ch. 15, SLA 2014 requires that a school district mail a notice consistent with (d) of this section to each student who qualifies for a diploma under (d) of this section to the student’s last known address.

Section 51(b), ch. 15, SLA 2014 requires that the Department of Education and Early Development post a notice consistent with subsection (d) on the department’s internet website with information about how to request a high school diploma.

Sec. 14.03.077. High school diploma for certain veterans.

  1. Notwithstanding other provisions of this chapter, the commissioner shall award a high school diploma to a person who
    1. makes application under (b) of this section; if a person is deceased or incapacitated, an immediate family member may apply on behalf of the person;
    2. never received a high school diploma; and
    3. actively served in the United States armed forces or the Alaska Territorial Guard during the period of August 7, 1940, through July 25, 1947, and
      1. died in active service;
      2. was honorably discharged; or
      3. was released from active duty because of a service-related disability.
  2. The commissioner shall provide a form or electronic format for a person to apply under this section. The commissioner may accept an affidavit to support the award if documentation is not readily available from the military or other sources.

History. (§ 1 ch 13 SLA 2001)

Sec. 14.03.078. Annual progress reports.

  1. The department shall provide to the legislature by February 15 of each year by electronic means an annual report regarding the progress of each school and school district toward high academic performance by all students. The report required under this section must include
    1. information described under AS 14.03.120(d) ;
    2. progress of the department
      1. toward implementing the school accountability provisions of AS 14.03.123 ; and
      2. in assisting high schools to become accredited;
    3. a description of the resources provided to each school and school district for coordinated school improvement activities and staff training in each school and school district;
    4. each school district’s and each school’s progress in aligning curriculum with state education performance standards;
    5. a description of the efforts by the department to assist a public school or district that receives a low performance designation under AS 14.03.123 ;
    6. a description of intervention efforts by each school district and school for students who are not meeting state performance standards; and
    7. the number and percentage of turnover in certificated personnel and superintendents.
  2. By December 31 of each year, the department shall provide to the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority established by AS 47.30.011 a report on the progress of school districts in the state toward the objective of AS 14.30.278(b) , based on performance indicators included in the most current plan submitted by the state to the United States Secretary of Education as required under 20 U.S.C. 1412(a).

History. (§ 4 ch 94 SLA 2001; am § 4 ch 15 SLA 2014; am § 1 ch 19 SLA 2014)

Effect of amendments. —

The first 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, in (a), inserted “by electronic means” following “of each year”; deleted (a)(2), which read, “The number and percentage of students in each school who pass the examination required under AS 14.03.075 , and the number who pass each section of the examination”; in (a)(6), substituted “or district that receives a low performance designation under AS 14.03.123 ” for “that receives designation of deficient or in crisis”; deleted (a)(9), which read, “The number of teachers by district and by school who are teaching outside the teacher’s area of endorsement but in areas tested by the high school competency examination”; made related changes.

The second 2014 amendment, effective August 27, 2014, added (b).

Sec. 14.03.080. Right to attend school.

  1. A child of school age is entitled to attend public school without payment of tuition during the school term in the school district in which the child is a resident subject to the provisions of AS 14.14.110 and 14.14.120 .
  2. A person over school age may be admitted to the public school in the school district in which the person is a resident at the discretion of the governing body of the school district. A person over school age may be charged tuition by the governing body of the school district.
  3. A child under school age may be admitted to a public school in the school district of which the child is a resident at the discretion of the governing body of the school district if the child meets minimum standards prescribed by the board evidencing that the child has the mental, physical, and emotional capacity to perform satisfactorily for the educational program being offered. A district’s educational program must prescribe that under school age students advance through the curriculum or grade level by the following school year. A governing body may delegate the authority granted under this subsection to the chief school administrator of the school district.
  4. A child who is five years of age on or before September 1 following the beginning of the school year, and who is under school age, may enter a public school kindergarten.
  5. A child under school age shall be admitted to school in the district of which the child is a resident if immediately before the child became a resident of the district, the child was legally enrolled in the public schools of another district or state.
  6. This section does not require a school district to admit a child or person currently under suspension or expulsion under AS 14.03.160 in that or another school district.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 64 SLA 1972; am § 2 ch 1 FSSLA 1987; am § 20 ch 85 SLA 1988; am § 4 ch 33 SLA 1995; am § 1 ch 50 SLA 2003; am §§ 2, 3 ch 101 SLA 2004)

Administrative Code. —

For local education, see 4 AAC 5.

Opinions of attorney general. —

A school district must permit a child who is temporarily hospitalized or attending a treatment facility in the district to enroll as a student in, and receive educational services from, the district. If the child is an exceptional child, the district must ordinarily provide special education and related services. If the child is placed within the district in accordance with an Individualized Education Plan developed by his or her home district, however, that district must make arrangements for the child’s education. August 12, 1987 Op. Att’y Gen.

Under current laws, public schools may, but are not required to enroll private school students on a part time basis. June 24, 1993 Op. Att’y Gen.

Alaska school districts are not prohibited from enrolling students on a part-time basis in public school courses, but are not required to do so. Private school students may be enrolled part time in public school classes subject to the same enrollment requirements as other students, and so long as the practice is not used by private schools on a widespread basis to provide the curriculum requirements of the private school. Enrollment in extracurricular activities is similarly neither prohibited nor required. June 24, 1993 Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

Notice of school closure. —

The importance of the educational and property interests involved in the closure of neighborhood schools in a school district requires adequate notice of the school board meeting at which the decision was made to close a specific school and five-day notice of the meeting is insufficient. Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

A five-day notice of which schools in a school district are subject to closure militates against appropriate preparation and poses serious obstacles to the presentation of persuasive, properly researched, and supported opposition to any closure plan. It also lessens the likelihood of a fair hearing before the school board and of the school board reaching a reasoned administrative decision. Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

Given the critical importance of education to democratic society, the significant interests of the plaintiff as a taxpayer-owner of real property affected by the closure of the school nearest the plaintiff, and the important interests of both plaintiff’s child, and the plaintiff as a parent, in the educational considerations involved, the plaintiff has rights subject to procedural due process protection, which due process rights to notice and an opportunity to be heard are independent of the requirement under the city’s charter for an ordinance setting forth notice provisions for school board meetings. Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

Collateral references. —

Validity of exaction of fees from children attending elementary or secondary public schools. 41 A.L.R.3d 752.

Sec. 14.03.083. Contracting for services.

  1. A school district may contract for educational services provided to students in the district by an agency that is accredited by the department under AS 14.07.020 and (b) of this section.
  2. The department shall adopt regulations and establish program standards for educational services that may be contracted for by a school district.
  3. Expenses incurred by the department in accrediting the agency and program shall be borne by the agency seeking accreditation.
  4. The department and the state Board of Education and Early Development may not enter into or renew a contract or agreement, or participate, with any organization, entity, group, or consortium after July 1, 2014 that requires the state to cede any measure of autonomy or control over education standards and assessments, including the determination of passing scores.

History. (§ 1 ch 49 SLA 1973; am § 5 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, added (d).

Sec. 14.03.085. Procurement preference for recycled Alaska products.

A school district shall comply with AS 29.71.050 , except that in AS 29.71.050 (b), “AS 29.71.040 ” is read as “AS 36.15.050 ,” and in AS 29.71.050(a) — (c) and (e), “municipal” and “municipality” are read as “school district.” In this section, “school district” does not include regional educational attendance areas.

History. (§ 1 ch 63 SLA 1988; am § 30 ch 50 SLA 1989)

Cross references. —

For requirement that school districts, including REAAs, that receive state money comply with agricultural and fisheries products preference laws, see AS 36.15.050 .

Sec. 14.03.090. Partisan, sectarian, or denominational doctrines prohibited.

Partisan, sectarian, or denominational doctrines may not be advocated in a public school during the hours the school is in session. A teacher or school board violating this section may not receive public money.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Administrative Code. —

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Opinions of attorney general. —

Although public school teachers may teach about various religions as part of the curriculum in public schools, they may not advocate a particular religious view or teach that a particular religious view is true or false. The Professional Training Practices Commission has jurisdiction to hear complaints about the inappropriate advocacy of personal religious views in the classroom, and to take appropriate disciplinary action if the complaints are justified. Sept. 15, 1988 Op. Att’y Gen.

The Department of Education and Early Development properly informed districts operating statewide correspondence study programs that they must require parents to use primary curriculum materials that are secular in nature, approved in advance by the school district; the enforcement action and current regulations do not infringe upon the rights of parents and are consistent with the underlying statutes. Correspondence school students may not use religious materials in lieu of district approved textbooks and materials, but parents may privately supplement their child’s educational material with religious materials. September 20, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

AS 14.03.090 applies to school districts and publicly employed teachers, but not to parents. Parents who include religious instruction, including the use of privately obtained religious materials, in their home during their child’s correspondence course studies, may do so without violating the law. September 20, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

A book may not be approved for use in publicly provided education if it advocates a partisan, sectarian, or denominational doctrine. To allow otherwise would permit a school board to advocate partisan, sectarian, and denominational doctrines in a public classroom through textbooks. September 20, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

Exercising the authority to determine whether a textbook advocates religion is not unconstitutional censorship. State statutes and regulations allowing local school boards to review and approve textbooks do not, on their face, violate the right of parents or students to freely exercise their religion. September 20, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

Collateral references. —

Constitutionality of teaching or otherwise promoting secular humanism in public schools. 103 ALR Fed. 538.

Constitutionality of regulation or policy governing prayer, meditation, or “moment of silence” in public schools. 110 ALR Fed. 211.

Distribution or use of Bibles in public schools—modern cases. 111 A.L.R. Fed. 1.

Sec. 14.03.095. Part-time school attendance.

  1. Except as provided in (b) of this section, a governing body shall, upon request, allow a child, including a child who is also enrolled at a private school, is a correspondence student, or is being home schooled, to enroll as a part-time student in the district. A governing body may not discriminate between part-time and full-time students or require that part-time students be enrolled after full-time student enrollment is completed.
  2. A governing body is not required to allow part-time enrollment if
    1. the enrollment would be denied even if the enrollee were a full-time student; or
    2. the enrollment would result in an expenditure of public funds for the direct benefit of a private educational institution.
  3. Part-time enrollment under this section does not constitute attendance for the purposes of AS 14.30.010(a) .
  4. This section does not apply to interscholastic or extracurricular student activities.

History. (§ 1 ch 60 SLA 1997; am §§ 1, 2 ch 120 SLA 1998)

Administrative Code. —

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Opinions of attorney general. —

Alaska school districts are not prohibited from enrolling students on a part-time basis in public school courses, but are not required to do so. Private school students may be enrolled part time in public school classes subject to the same enrollment requirements as other students, and so long as the practice is not used by private schools on a widespread basis to provide the curriculum requirements of the private school. Enrollment in extracurricular activities is similarly neither prohibited nor required. June 24, 1993 Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 14.03.100. Use of school facilities.

The governing body of a school district may allow the use of school facilities for any legal gatherings or assemblies. The governing body shall adopt bylaws that will ensure reasonable and impartial use of the facilities.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Collateral references. —

Constitutionality, construction, and application of statutes declaring that school buildings are civic centers, or otherwise providing for use of such buildings for other than school purposes. 79 ALR2d 1148, 94 ALR2d 1274.

Use of school property for other than public school or religious purposes. 94 ALR2d 1274.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for accidents occurring during use of premises and equipment for other than school purposes. 37 ALR3d 712.

Validity and construction of statute or ordinance forbidding unauthorized persons to enter upon or remain in school building or premises. 50 ALR3d 340.

Sec. 14.03.105. Search of school lockers.

  1. Subject to (b) of this section, a locker or other container provided in a school by the school or the school district may be searched and examined with the permission of the chief administrative officer of the school or the school district or the designee of the chief administrative officer to determine compliance with school regulations, school district regulations, and local, state, and federal laws. A search or examination under this section may not be more intrusive than reasonably necessary to meet the objectives of the search.
  2. Notices in letters at least two inches high stating the right and the intention of school and school district officers to permit searches and examinations under (a) of this section shall be posted in prominent locations throughout a school.
  3. Nothing in this section limits the ability of a peace officer, chief administrative officer, or other appropriate person, acting in compliance with local, state, or federal laws, to search a locker or other container provided in a public or private school by the school district.

History. (§ 5 ch 33 SLA 1995)

Sec. 14.03.110. Questionnaires and surveys administered in public schools.

  1. A school district, principal or other person in charge of a public school, or teacher in a public school may not administer or permit to be administered in a school a questionnaire or survey, whether anonymous or not, that inquires into personal or private family affairs of the student not a matter of public record or subject to public observation unless written permission is obtained from the student’s parent or legal guardian.
  2. For an anonymous questionnaire or survey, written permission required under (a) of this section may be obtained annually and is valid until the commencement of the subsequent school year or until the parent or legal guardian who gave permission submits a written withdrawal of permission to the school principal. The school shall provide each student’s parent or legal guardian at least two weeks’ notice before administering a questionnaire or survey described under this subsection.
  3. If a school administers to a student a questionnaire or survey that is not anonymous, the school shall obtain the written permission required under (a) of this section from the student’s parent or legal guardian at least two weeks before the questionnaire or survey is administered.
  4. The school shall give a student’s parent or guardian an opportunity to review the questionnaire or survey described under (b) or (c) of this section and shall give the parent or guardian written notice regarding
    1. how the questionnaire or survey will be administered to the student;
    2. how the results of the survey or questionnaire will be used; and
    3. who will have access to the questionnaire, survey, or results.
  5. A student may refuse to participate in a questionnaire or survey administered in a public school. A student’s parent or legal guardian may refuse to allow the student to participate in a specified questionnaire or survey.
  6. In this section, “questionnaire or survey” means a list of questions to, or information collected from, a class or group of students.

History. (§ 1 ch 23 SLA 1979; am §§ 1, 2 ch 63 SLA 1999; am § 5 ch 2 SSSLA 2015; am § 24 ch 54 SLA 2016)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective October 7, 2015, in (d)(3), added “, or results” at the end, and made related changes.

Opinions of attorney general. —

AS 14.03.110 — As long as survey questions are limited to the student’s own activities and the survey does not ask the student questions about parents or other activities occurring within a student’s home, the 1997 Youth Behavior Risk Survey does not impermissibly invade the domain of the student’s private “ family ” affairs. September 28, 1998 Op. Att’y Gen. (Issued before 1999 amendment to this section.)

Sec. 14.03.113. District determination of scholarship eligibility.

A school district shall determine whether a student who graduates from a high school in the district is eligible for an award of an Alaska performance scholarship under AS 14.43.810 14.43.849 . If a student is eligible, the district shall state in the student’s permanent record the highest level of funding for which the student is eligible. A district shall provide a student with an opportunity to request that the district correct an error in the eligibility determination.

History. (§ 1 ch 14 SLA 2010; am § 1 ch 74 SLA 2012)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2010, in this section, “AS 14.43.849 ” was substituted for “AS 14.43.850” to reflect the 2010 renumbering of AS 14.43.850.

Cross references. —

For transitional provisions giving effect to regulations relating to scholarship applications under the Alaska merit scholarship program on or after January 1, 2011, see § 9, ch. 14, SLA 2010, in the 2010 Temporary and Special Acts.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2012 amendment, effective September 14, 2012, substituted “an Alaska performance scholarship” for “an Alaska merit scholarship program scholarship”.

Effective dates. —

Section 14, ch. 14, SLA 2010 makes this section effective July 1, 2011.

Sec. 14.03.115. Access to school records by parent, foster parent, or guardian.

Upon request of a parent, foster parent, or guardian of a child under 18 years of age who is currently or was previously enrolled in a municipal school district or a school district that is a regional educational attendance area, the school district shall provide a copy of the child’s record. This section does not apply to

  1. a record of a child who is an emancipated minor; or
  2. record information that consists of the child’s address if the school district determines that the release of the child’s address poses a threat to the health or safety of the child.

History. (§ 1 ch 36 SLA 1999)

Sec. 14.03.120. Education planning; reports.

  1. A district shall annually file with the department, and make available to the public, a report that
    1. establishes district goals and priorities for improving education in the district;
    2. includes a plan for achieving district goals and priorities; and
    3. includes a means of measuring the achievement of district goals and priorities.
  2. The department shall summarize the reports submitted under (a) of this section and include all revenue received by each school district organized in easily sortable categories including ADM and district, as a statewide report, provide a copy to the governor, publish the report on the department’s Internet website, and notify the legislature that the report is available; in this subsection, “revenue” means all money reported to the department as receipts from any source, including state, federal, local, special, and other funding.
  3. A district shall make efforts to encourage students, parents, teachers, and other members of the community to participate in the preparation of the report submitted under (a) of this section.
  4. Annually, before the date set by the district under (e) of this section, each public school shall deliver to the department for posting on the department’s Internet website and provide, in a public meeting of parents, students, and community members, a report on the school’s performance and the performance of the school’s students. The report shall be prepared on a form prescribed by the department and must include
    1. information on accreditation;
    2. results of norm-referenced achievement tests;
    3. results of state standards-based assessments in language arts and mathematics;
    4. a description, including quantitative and qualitative measures, of student, parent, community, and business involvement in student learning;
    5. a description of the school’s attendance, retention, dropout, and graduation rates as specified by the state board;
    6. the annual percent of enrollment change, regardless of reason, and the annual percent of enrollment change due to student transfers into and out of the school district;
    7. if Native language education is provided, a summary and evaluation of the curriculum described in AS 14.30.420 ;
    8. the performance designation assigned the school under AS 14.03.123 and the methodology used to assign the performance designation, including the measures used and their relative weights;
    9. other information concerning school performance and the performance of the school’s students as required by the state board in regulation; and
    10. information on the number, attendance, and performance of students enrolled in the school whose parents or guardians are on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, the United States Coast Guard, the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska Naval Militia, or the Alaska State Defense Force.
  5. By a date set by the district, each public school in the district shall provide the report described in (d) of this section to the district’s governing body. Along with the report, each public school shall submit a summary of comments made on the report by parents, students, and community members. By July 1 of each year, each district shall provide to the department a report on the performance of each public school and the public school students in the district. The district’s report must
    1. be entitled “School District Report Card to the Public”; and
    2. include
      1. copies of the reports and summaries of comments submitted under this section by each public school in the district;
      2. a compilation of the material described in (A) of this paragraph by each public school in the district;
      3. the designation assigned the district under AS 14.03.123 and the methodology used to assign the performance designation, including the measures used and their relative weights; and
      4. other information concerning school performance and the performance of the school’s students as required by the state board in regulation.
  6. By January 15 of each year, the department shall provide to the governor and make available to the public and the legislature a report on the performance of public schools in this state. The report must be entitled “Alaska’s Public Schools: A Report Card to the Public.” The report must include
    1. comprehensive information on each public school compiled, collected, and reported under (d) and (e) of this section for the prior school year;
    2. a summary of the information described in (1) of this subsection; the summary must be prepared in a manner that allows school performance to be measured against established state education standards; and
    3. the most recent performance designation under AS 14.03.123 received by each public school and by the state public school system.
  7. In this section, “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 .

History. (§ 2 ch 173 SLA 1990; am § 1 ch 63 SLA 1992; am §§ 7, 8 ch 21 SLA 1995; am §§ 3 — 6 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 3 ch 29 SLA 2000; am § 5 ch 94 SLA 2001; am § 1 ch 99 SLA 2002; am §§ 1 — 3 ch 173 SLA 2004; am § 6 ch 15 SLA 2014; am § 3 ch 54 SLA 2016; am § 7 ch 3 SLA 2017)

Administrative Code. —

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 4.

For statewide student assessment, see 4 AAC 6, art. 4.

For school and district accountability, see 4 AAC 6, art. 5.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, in (d)(3), substituted “language arts” for “reading, writing”; in (d)(5), deleted “including the number and percentage of students who received a diploma under a waiver from the competency examination required under AS 14.03.075(a) ,” following “graduation rates”; deleted (d)(8), which related to the number and percentage of students who completed alternative assessments; added (d)(10), and made related changes.

The 2016 amendment, effective October 26, 2016, in (f)(3), inserted “and by the state public school system” following “public school”.

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, in (f), in the introductory language, deleted “beginning in 2001,” following “By January 15 of each year”, and in (f)(3), deleted “for a report due by or after January 15, 2005,” at the beginning.

Sec. 14.03.123. School and district accountability.

  1. By September 1 of each year, the department shall assign a performance designation to each public school and school district and to the state public school system in accordance with (f) of this section.
  2. The department shall inform the governing body of each district of the performance designations assigned to the district and to the state public school system under (a) of this section.
  3. The state board shall adopt regulations implementing this section, providing for a statewide student assessment system, and providing for the process of assigning a designation under (a) of this section, including
    1. the methodology used to assign the performance designation, including the measures used and their relative weights;
    2. a comparison of the state public school system to public schools in other states, including a comparison of student participation in standards-based assessments and student performance on the assessments;
    3. high performance and low performance designations that are based on the accountability system under this section;
    4. a procedure for appealing a designation that may be used by the principal of a public school or by the superintendent of a public school district;
    5. additional measures that may be progressively implemented by the commissioner to assist schools or districts to improve performance in accordance with this section; the additional measures may be unique to a certain school or district if that school or district receives federal funding that is not available to all schools or districts in the state.
  4. A public school or district that receives a low performance designation under this section shall prepare and submit to the department a school or district improvement plan, as applicable, in accordance with regulations adopted by the board. The improvement plan must be prepared with the maximum feasible public participation of the community including, as appropriate, interested individuals, teachers, parents, parent organizations, students, tribal organizations, local government representatives, and other community groups. The improvement plan must, to the extent possible, include measures that increase local control of education and parental choice and that do not require a direct increase in state or federal funding for the school or district.
  5. The department shall establish a program of special recognition for those public schools that receive a high performance designation, based on the accountability system under (f) of this section, that demonstrates
    1. an improvement over the school’s performance designation for the previous year; or
    2. maintenance of a proficient or high performance designation from the previous year.
  6. In the accountability system for schools and districts required by this section, the department shall
    1. implement state criteria and priorities for accountability including the use of
      1. measures of student performance on standards-based assessments in language arts and mathematics; the assessments must be selected with the input of teachers and school administrators and minimize disruption to classroom instruction;
      2. measures of student improvement and academic achievement; and
      3. other measures identified that are indicators of student success and achievement; and
    2. to the extent practicable, minimize the administrative burden on districts.
  7. In this section,
    1. “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 ;
    2. “state public school system” means the combination of all public schools, public school districts, and state-operated schools.

History. (§ 7 ch 83 SLA 1998; am §§ 2, 3 ch 99 SLA 2002; am § 4 ch 173 SLA 2004; am §§ 8 — 10 ch 12 SLA 2006; am § 7 ch 15 SLA 2014; am §§ 4 — 8 ch 54 SLA 2016)

Administrative Code. —

For statewide student assessment, see 4 AAC 6, art. 4.

For school and district accountability, see 4 AAC 6, art. 5.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2006 amendment, effective April 4, 2006, substituted “performance” for “achievement” two times in paragraph (2) of subsection (c), near the beginning of subsection (d), and near the end of subsection (e).

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, rewrote (f)(2)(A), which read, “measures of student performance on standards-based assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics, and including competency tests required under AS 14.03.75”.

The 2016 amendment, effective October 26, 2016, in (b), substituted “designations” for “designation”, inserted “to the district and to the state public school system” following “assigned”; in (c), added (c)(2), in (c)(5), deleted “and with federal law; to the extent necessary to conform to federal law,” following “with this section”, and made related changes; in (d), added the third sentence; in the introductory language of (e), inserted “, based on the accountability system under (f) of this section, that demonstrates” at the end, added (e)(1) and (2); in (f), deleted former (f)(1) relating to 20 U.S.C. 6301 – 7941, in (f)(1)(A), inserted “the assessments must be selected with the input of teachers and school administrators and minimize disruption to classroom instruction” following “language arts and mathematics”, in (f)(1)(B), inserted “and academic achievement” following “improvement”, and made related changes.

Sec. 14.03.125. Fund for the improvement of school performance.

  1. The fund for the improvement of school performance is created as an account in the general fund. The fund shall be used by the commissioner to make grants to a district located in the state for the purpose of improving school performance. The fund consists of money appropriated by the legislature. The commissioner shall annually determine the amount requested for grants under this section and shall include the amount in the department’s budget request.
  2. A governing body, district advisory board, or nonprofit organization located in the state, or a teacher or principal employed by a public school in the state, may apply for a grant of up to $50,000 to improve school performance by submitting an application to the commissioner.
  3. A grant may be awarded to the same grantee in consecutive fiscal years, but may not be awarded to the same grantee for more than two fiscal years within a five-year period.
  4. Grant funds awarded under this section may only be expended to improve the performance of a public school.
  5. In this section, “district” has the meaning given in  AS 14.17.990 .

History. (§ 2 ch 173 SLA 1990; am § 8 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Administrative Code. —

For grants for the improvement of school performance, see 4 AAC 33, art. 2.

Sec. 14.03.126. Public school performance incentive program. [Repealed, § 8 ch 41 SLA 2006.]

Sec. 14.03.127. Funding for Internet services.

  1. Each fiscal year, a district in which one or more schools qualify for a discounted rate for Internet services under the federal universal services program is eligible to receive an amount for each school that is equal to the amount needed to bring the applicant’s share to 25 megabits of download a second of the Internet services.
  2. If insufficient funding is appropriated to provide funding authorized under this section, the state share shall be distributed pro rata to eligible school districts.
  3. In this section,
    1. “applicant’s share” means the difference between the cost of Internet services that are eligible for the discount under the federal universal services program and the discount received for those services under the federal universal services program;
    2. “federal universal services program” means the program established in 47 U.S.C. 254 and regulations implementing that section.

History. (§ 8 ch 15 SLA 2014; am § 1 ch 5 SLA 2020)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2020 amendment, effective June 23, 2020, in (a), substituted “25 megabits” for “10 megabits”.

Effective dates. —

Section 62, ch. 15, SLA 2014 makes this section effective July 1, 2014.

Sec. 14.03.130. Display of flags and pledge of allegiance.

  1. United States and Alaska flags shall be displayed upon or near each principal school building during school hours and at other times the governing body considers proper. The governing body shall require that the pledge of allegiance be recited regularly, as determined by the governing body. A person may recite the following salute to the flag of the United States or maintain a respectful silence: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
  2. A school district shall inform all affected persons at the school of their right not to participate in the pledge of allegiance. The exercise of the right not to participate in the pledge of allegiance may not be used to evaluate a student or employee or for any other purpose.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am §§ 1, 2 ch 7 SLA 2000)

Revisor’s notes. —

The material in subsection (b), enacted as AS 14.30.130 , was renumbered in 2000 as AS 14.03.130 to correct a manifest error.

Sec. 14.03.140. Emergency drills.

The principal or other persons in charge of each public or private school or educational institution shall instruct and train pupils by means of drills so that in an emergency they may be able to leave the school building in the shortest possible time without confusion or panic. Drills shall be held at least once each month during the school term, weather permitting.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.03.150. Property insurance required.

  1. Each school district shall purchase and maintain or provide proof of adequate property insurance for the replacement cost of all school facilities and equipment.  Insurance purchased to comply with this section may contain a deductible amount, if approved by the department.  A school district may comply with this section by initiating and maintaining a program of self-insurance, if the department annually determines that the school district has submitted adequate evidence of the district’s ability to self-insure for the replacement cost of all school facilities and equipment.  A copy of the insurance policy or other information indicating compliance with this section shall be provided to the department.
  2. If the department determines that a school district is not insured as required under (a) of this section, the department shall notify the school district of the determination.  Unless the school district obtains adequate insurance within 30 days after the school district receives notice under this subsection, the department shall purchase the insurance required by (a) of this section for that school district.
  3. The department may not award a school construction or major maintenance grant under AS 14.11 to a municipality that is a school district or a regional educational attendance area that is not in compliance with (a) of this section. The department shall reduce the amount of state aid under AS 14.17.400 for which a school district may qualify by the amount, if any, paid by the department under (b) of this section.

History. (§ 1 ch 5 SLA 1990; am § 1 ch 78 SLA 1993; am § 9 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Administrative Code. —

For loss protection, see 4 AAC 31, art. 2.

Sec. 14.03.160. Suspension or expulsion of students for possessing weapons.

  1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a school district shall
    1. expel for at least one year a student who violates AS 11.61.210(a)(8) while possessing a firearm, as that term is defined under 18 U.S.C. 921;
    2. suspend for at least 30 days, or expel for the school year or permanently, a student who violates AS 11.61.210(a)(8) while possessing a deadly weapon, other than a firearm as that term is defined under 18 U.S.C. 921.
  2. The administrative officer of a school district may on a case-by-case basis reduce or otherwise modify the expulsion or suspension of a student under (a) of this section.
  3. A prior conviction, or adjudication of delinquency or child in need of aid, for violation of AS 11.61.210(a)(8) is not necessary for a school board to suspend or expel a student under this section.
  4. Each school district shall adopt a policy providing for the
    1. referral to law enforcement authorities of students who violate AS 11.61.210(a)(8) ;
    2. identification of procedures and conditions for early reinstatement of students suspended or expelled under this section.
  5. Annually on a date set by the department, each school district shall report to the department the number of students expelled under this section and the types of weapons involved.
  6. In this section,
    1. “deadly weapon” has the meaning given in AS 11.81.900 ;
    2. “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 .

History. (§ 6 ch 33 SLA 1995; am § 10 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Cross references. —

For suspension for other reasons, see AS 14.30.045 .

Article 2. Charter Schools.

Administrative Code. —

For regulation relating to charter schools, see 4 AAC 3.110.

Sec. 14.03.250. Application for charter school.

  1. A local school board shall prescribe an application procedure for the establishment of a charter school in that school district. The application procedure must include provisions for an academic policy committee consisting of parents of students attending the school, teachers, and school employees and a proposed form for a contract between a charter school and the local school board, setting out the contract elements required under AS 14.03.255(c) .
  2. A decision of a local school board approving or denying an application for a charter school must be in writing, must be issued within 60 days after the application, and must include all relevant findings of fact and conclusions of law.
  3. If a local school board approves an application for a charter school, the local school board shall forward the application to the state Board of Education and Early Development for review and approval.
  4. If a local school board denies an application for a charter school, the applicant may appeal the denial to the commissioner. The appeal to the commissioner shall be filed not later than 60 days after the local school board issues its written decision of denial. The commissioner shall review the local school board’s decision to determine whether the findings of fact are supported by substantial evidence and whether the decision is contrary to law. A decision of the commissioner upholding the denial by the local school board may be appealed within 30 days to the state Board of Education and Early Development.
  5. If the commissioner approves a charter school application, the commissioner shall forward the application to the state Board of Education and Early Development for review and approval. The application shall be forwarded not later than 30 days after the commissioner issues a written decision. The state Board of Education and Early Development shall exercise independent judgment in evaluating the application.
  6. A local school board that denied an application for a charter school approved by the state board on appeal shall operate the charter school as provided in AS 14.03.255 14.03.290 .

History. (§ 1 ch 77 SLA 1995; am § 1 ch 70 SLA 2001; am § 1 ch 91 SLA 2010; am § 9 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as § 1, ch. 77, SLA 1995 and codified in 1995, at which time “AS 14.03.250 14.03.290 ” was substituted for “this Act” in subsection (a), and “AS 14.03.255(c) ” was substituted for “sec 2(c) of this Act” in subsection (c).

In 2000, “state Board of Education and Early Development” was substituted for “state Board of Education” in accordance with sec. 104, ch. 21, SLA 2000.

Cross references. —

For governor’s transmittal letter for ch. 15, SLA 2014, which repealed and reenacted this section, see 2014 House Journal 1434 — 1437.

Administrative Code. —

For special schools, see 4 AAC 33, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2010 amendment, effective September 19, 2010, in (a), deleted the second sentence, which read, “The state board of education and early development may not approve more than 60 charter schools to operate in the state at any one time.”

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, rewrote the section.

Editor’s notes. —

Under sec. 56, ch. 15, SLA 2014, this section, as reenacted by sec. 9, ch. 15, SLA 2014, applies to “charter school applications filed with a local school board on or after July 1, 2014.”

Sec. 14.03.253. Charter school application appeal.

  1. In an appeal to the commissioner under AS 14.03.250 , the commissioner shall review the record before the local school board. The commissioner may request written supplementation of the record from the applicant or the local school board. The commissioner may
    1. remand the appeal to the local school board for further review;
    2. approve the charter school application and forward the application to the state Board of Education and Early Development with or without added conditions; or
    3. uphold the decision denying the charter school application; if the commissioner upholds a local school board’s decision to deny a charter school application and the applicant appeals to the State Board of Education and Early Development, the commissioner shall immediately forward the application and record to the state Board of Education and Early Development.
  2. In an appeal to the state Board of Education and Early Development of a denial of a charter school application under (a)(3) of this section, the state board shall determine, based on the record, whether the commissioner’s findings are supported by substantial evidence and whether the decision is contrary to law. The state board shall issue a written decision within 90 days after an appeal.

History. (§ 10 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Cross references. —

For governor's transmittal letter for ch. 15, SLA 2014, see 2014 House Journal 1434 — 1437.

Effective dates. —

Section 62, ch. 15, SLA 2014 makes this section effective July 1, 2014.

Editor’s notes. —

Under sec. 56, ch. 15, SLA 2014, this section, enacted by sec. 10, ch. 15, SLA 2014, applies to “charter school applications filed with a local school board on or after July 1, 2014.”

Sec. 14.03.255. Organization and operation of a charter school.

  1. A charter school operates as a school in the local school district except that the charter school (1) is exempt from the local school district’s textbook, program, curriculum, and scheduling requirements; (2) is exempt from AS 14.14.130(c) ; the principal of the charter school shall be selected by the academic policy committee and shall select, appoint, or otherwise supervise employees of the charter school; and (3) operates under the charter school’s annual program budget as set out in the contract between the local school board and the charter school under (c) of this section. A local school board may exempt a charter school from other local school district requirements if the exemption is set out in the contract. A charter school is subject to tests required by the department.
  2. A charter school shall
    1. keep financial records of the charter school;
    2. oversee the operation of the charter school to ensure that the terms of the contract required by (c) of this section are being met;
    3. meet regularly with parents and with teachers of the charter school to review, evaluate, and improve operations of the charter school; and
    4. meet with the academic policy committee at least once each year to monitor progress in achieving the committee’s policies and goals.
  3. A charter school shall operate under a contract between the charter school and the local school board. A contract must contain the following provisions:
    1. a description of the educational program;
    2. specific levels of achievement for the education program;
    3. admission policies and procedures;
    4. administrative policies;
    5. a statement of the charter school’s funding allocation from the local school board and costs assignable to the charter school program budget;
    6. the method by which the charter school will account for receipts and expenditures;
    7. the location and description of the facility;
    8. the name of the teacher, or teachers, who, by agreement between the charter school and the teacher, will teach in the charter school;
    9. the teacher-to-student ratio;
    10. the number of students served;
    11. the term of the contract, not to exceed a term of 10 years;
    12. a termination clause providing that the contract may be terminated by the local school board for the failure of the charter school to meet educational achievement goals or fiscal management standards, or for other good cause;
    13. a statement that the charter school will comply with all state and federal requirements for receipt and use of public money;
    14. other requirements or exemptions agreed upon by the charter school and the local school board.
  4. A school district shall offer to a charter school the right of first refusal for a lease of space in an existing school district facility or in a facility within the school district that is not currently being used as a public school, if the chief school administrator determines the facility meets requirements for health and safety applicable to public buildings or other public schools in the district. If the school district requires lease payments by a charter school, the school district shall negotiate a lease agreement with the charter school for an amount that does not exceed the true operational costs calculated on a square foot basis for space leased under this subsection.

History. (§ 2 ch 77 SLA 1995; am §§ 2 — 4 ch 70 SLA 2001; am §§ 11, 12 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as § 2, ch. 77, SLA 1995. Codified in 1995.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, in (a), rewrote the third sentence, which read, “A charter school is subject to secondary school competency testing as provided in AS 14.03.075 and other competency tests required by the department.”; in (d), in the first sentence, substituted “A school district shall offer to a charter school the right of first refusal for a lease of space” for “A charter school may be operated”, and added the last sentence.

Sec. 14.03.260. Funding for charter school.

  1. A local school board shall provide an approved charter school with an annual program budget. The budget shall be not less than the amount generated by the students enrolled in the charter school less administrative costs retained by the local school district, determined by applying the indirect cost rate approved by the department up to four percent. Costs directly related to charter school facilities, including rent, utilities, and maintenance, may not be included in an annual program budget for the purposes of calculating the four percent cap on administrative costs under this subsection. A local school board shall provide a charter school with a report itemizing the administrative costs retained by the local school board under this section. The “amount generated by students enrolled in the charter school” is to be determined in the same manner as it would be for a student enrolled in another public school in that school district and includes funds generated by grants, appropriations, federal impact aid, the required local contribution, the local contribution under AS 14.17.410(c) , special needs under AS 14.17.420(a)(1) , and secondary school vocational and technical instruction under AS 14.17.420(a)(3) . A school district shall direct state aid under AS 14.11 for the construction or major maintenance of a charter school facility to the charter school that generated the state aid, subject to the same terms and conditions that apply to state aid under AS 14.11 for construction or major maintenance of a school facility that is not a charter school.
  2. The program budget of a charter school is to be used for operating expenses of the educational program of the charter school, including purchasing textbooks, classroom materials, and instructional aids.
  3. The charter school shall provide the financial and accounting information requested by the local school board or the Department of Education and Early Development and shall cooperate with the local school district or the department in complying with the requirements of AS 14.17.910 .
  4. The expenses of housing nonresident students who attend the charter school, including room, board, and other reasonable housing expenses, may not be paid for with state money but may be paid for with funds contributed by sources other than the state.

History. (§ 3 ch 77 SLA 1995; am § 1 ch 113 SLA 1997; am § 11 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 13 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as § 3, ch. 77, SLA 1995. Codified in 1995.

In 1999, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in (a) and (c) of this section in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Cross references. —

For provisions relating to funding of charter schools having small student population counts, with average student memberships of not more than 150 students, see AS 14.17.450(c) , (d), and (f).

For governor’s transmittal letter for ch. 15, SLA 2014, which amended (a) of this section, see 2014 House Journal 1434 — 1437.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, in (a), substituted “department up to four percent” for “Department of Education and Early Development” at the end of the first sentence, added the third and fourth sentences, in the fifth sentence, added the language beginning “and includes funds generated by grants, appropriations, federal impact aid” to the end of the sentence, and added the sixth sentence.

Sec. 14.03.263. Charter school grant program. [Repealed, § 1 ch 100 SLA 2003.]

Sec. 14.03.264. Charter school grant program.

  1. A charter school that is established on or after July 1, 2014 may receive a one-time grant from the department equal to the amount of $500 for each student enrolled in the school on October 1 of the first year in which the school applies for the grant. The charter school shall use a grant received under this section to provide educational services. In this subsection, “educational services” includes curriculum development, program development, and special education services.
  2. The department shall establish by regulation procedures for the application for and expenditure of grant funds under (a) of this section.
  3. If the amount appropriated in a fiscal year for the charter school grant program is insufficient to meet the amounts authorized under (a) of this section, the department shall reduce pro rata the per pupil grant amount by the necessary percentage as determined by the department. If a charter school grant is reduced under this subsection, the charter school may apply to the department in a subsequent fiscal year for the balance of the grant amount.

History. (§ 14 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Effective dates. —

Section 62, ch. 15, SLA 2014 makes this section effective July 1, 2014.

Sec. 14.03.265. Admission.

  1. The program of a charter school may be designed to serve
    1. students within an age group or grade level;
    2. students who will benefit from a particular teaching method or curriculum; or
    3. nonresident students, including providing domiciliary services for students who need those services, if approved by the board.
  2. A charter school shall enroll all eligible students who submit a timely application, unless the number of those applications exceeds the capacity of the program, class, grade level, or building. In the event of an excess of those applications, the charter school and the local school board shall attempt to accommodate all of those applicants by considering providing additional classroom space and assigning additional teachers from the district to the charter school. If it is not possible to accommodate all eligible students who submit a timely application, students shall be accepted by random drawing. A school board may not require a student to attend a charter school.
  3. In addition to other requirements of law, a charter school shall be nonsectarian.

History. (§ 4 ch 77 SLA 1995; am § 2 ch 113 SLA 1997)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as § 4, ch. 77, SLA 1995. Codified in 1995.

Editor’s notes. —

Under § 9, ch. 77, SLA 1995, this section would have been repealed July 1, 2005; however, § 9, ch. 77, SLA 1995, was itself repealed by § 8, ch. 70, SLA 2001, effective July 1, 2001, which had the effect of continuing AS 14.03.265 in effect.

Sec. 14.03.270. Teacher or employee transfers, evaluations, and negotiated agreements.

  1. A teacher or employee may not be assigned to a charter school unless the teacher or employee consents to the assignment.
  2. All provisions of an existing negotiated agreement or collective bargaining agreement applicable to a teacher or employee of a district apply to that teacher or employee if employed at a charter school in that district, unless the district and the bargaining unit representing the teacher or employee agree to an exemption.
  3. A teacher in a charter school shall be evaluated in an equivalent manner as all other teachers in the district, except that if there is no administrator assigned to the charter school, the local school board, with the agreement of the charter school, shall designate a school district administrator in that district to evaluate a teacher in a charter school.

History. (§ 5 ch 77 SLA 1995)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as § 5, ch. 77, SLA 1995. Codified in 1995.

Sec. 14.03.275. Contracts; duration.

A contract for a charter school may be for a term of no more than 10 years.

History. (§ 6 ch 77 SLA 1995; am § 6 ch 70 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as § 6, ch. 77, SLA 1995. Codified in 1995.

Sec. 14.03.280. Regulations.

The state Board of Education and Early Development may adopt regulations under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) necessary to implement AS 14.03.250 14.03.290 .

History. (§ 7 ch 77 SLA 1995)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as § 7, ch. 77, SLA 1995. Codified in 1995, at which time “AS 14.03.250 14.03.290 ” was substituted for “this Act.”

In 2000, “state Board of Education and Early Development” was substituted for “state Board of Education” in accordance with sec. 104, ch. 21, SLA 2000.

Administrative Code. —

For special schools, see 4 AAC 33, art. 1.

Sec. 14.03.290. Definitions.

In AS 14.03.250 14.03.290 ,

  1. “academic policy committee” means the group designated to supervise the academic operation of a charter school and to ensure the fulfillment of the mission of a charter school;
  2. “charter school” means a school established under AS 14.03.250 14.03.290 that operates within a public school district;
  3. “local school board” means a borough or city school board or a school board of a regional educational attendance area;
  4. “parent” means a biological, adoptive, or foster parent, or an adult who acts as guardian of a child and makes decisions related to the child’s safety, education, and welfare;
  5. “teacher” means a person who serves a school district in a teaching, counseling, or administrative capacity and is required to be certificated in order to hold the position.

History. (§ 8 ch 77 SLA 1995; am § 102 ch 21 SLA 2000)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as § 8, ch. 77, SLA 1995. Codified in 1995, at which time “AS 14.03.250 14.03.290 ” was substituted for “this Act” in the introductory language and paragraph (2) to reflect the codification, and “school board of a regional educational attendance area” was substituted for “regional school board” in paragraph (3) to correct a manifest error in ch. 77, SLA 1995.

Paragraph (5) was formerly (6); renumbered in 2008 to reflect the repeal of former paragraph (5).

Administrative Code. —

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Article 3. Correspondence Study Programs.

Effective dates. —

Section 62, ch. 15, SLA 2014 makes this article effective July 1, 2014.

Sec. 14.03.300. Correspondence study programs; individual learning plans.

  1. A district or the department that provides a correspondence study program shall annually provide an individual learning plan for each student enrolled in the program developed in collaboration with the student, the parent or guardian of the student, a certificated teacher assigned to the student, and other individuals involved in the student’s learning plan. An individual learning plan must
    1. be developed with the assistance and approval of the certificated teacher assigned to the student by the district;
    2. provide for a course of study for the appropriate grade level consistent with state and district standards;
    3. provide for an ongoing assessment plan that includes statewide assessments required for public schools under AS 14.03.123(f) ;
    4. include a provision for modification of the individual learning plan if the student is below proficient on a standardized assessment in a core subject;
    5. provide for a signed agreement between the certificated teacher assigned to the student and at least one parent or the guardian of each student that verifies compliance with an individual learning plan;
    6. provide for monitoring of each student’s work and progress by the certificated teacher assigned to the student.
  2. Notwithstanding another provision of law, the department may not impose additional requirements, other than the requirements specified under (a) of this section and under AS 14.03.310 , on a student who is proficient or advanced on statewide assessments required under AS 14.03.123(f) .

History. (§ 15 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Sec. 14.03.310. Student allotments.

  1. Except as provided in (e) of this section, the department or a district that provides a correspondence study program may provide an annual student allotment to a parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the correspondence study program for the purpose of meeting instructional expenses for the student enrolled in the program as provided in this section.
  2. A parent or guardian may purchase nonsectarian services and materials from a public, private, or religious organization with a student allotment provided under (a) of this section if
    1. the services and materials are required for the course of study in the individual learning plan developed for the student under AS 14.03.300 ;
    2. textbooks, services, and other curriculum materials and the course of study
      1. are approved by the school district;
      2. are appropriate for the student;
      3. are aligned to state standards; and
      4. comply with AS 14.03.090 and AS 14.18.060 ; and
    3. the services and materials otherwise support a public purpose.
  3. Except as provided in (d) of this section, an annual student allotment provided under this section is reserved and excluded from the unreserved portion of a district’s year-end fund balance in the school operating fund under AS 14.17.505 .
  4. The department or a district that provides for an annual student allotment under (a) of this section shall
    1. account for the balance of an unexpended annual student allotment during the period in which a student continues to be enrolled in the correspondence program for which the annual allotment was provided;
    2. return the unexpended balance of a student allotment to the budget of the department or district for a student who is no longer enrolled in the correspondence program for which the allotment was provided;
    3. maintain a record of expenditures and allotments; and
    4. implement a routine monitoring of audits and expenditures.
  5. A student allotment provided under (a) of this section may not be used to pay for services provided to a student by a family member. In this subsection, “family member” means the student’s spouse, guardian, parent, stepparent, sibling, stepsibling, grandparent, stepgrandparent, child, uncle, or aunt.

History. (§ 15 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as AS 14.03.320. Renumbered in 2014.

Chapter 05. Public Schools Generally.

[Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Chapter 07. Administration of Public Schools.

Administrative Code. —

For education and early development, see 4 AAC.

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 04.

Article 1. Department of Education and Early Development.

Administrative Code. —

For pre-elementary (early childhood) school, see 4 AAC 60.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, §§ 6-10, 59 et seq.

78 C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, §§ 74-92.

Modern status of doctrine of sovereign immunity as applied to public schools and institutions of higher learning. 33 ALR3d 703.

Sec. 14.07.010. Department of Education and Early Development.

The Department of Education and Early Development includes the commissioner of education and early development, the state Board of Education and Early Development, and the staff necessary to carry out the functions of the department.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” and “commissioner of education” was changed to “commissioner of education and early development” in this section in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

In 2000, “state Board of Education and Early Development” was substituted for “state Board of Education” in accordance with sec. 104, ch. 21, SLA 2000.

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

Begich v. Jefferson, 441 P.2d 27 (Alaska 1968).

Cited in

Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980).

Sec. 14.07.020. Duties of the department.

  1. The department shall
    1. exercise general supervision over the public schools of the state except the University of Alaska;
    2. study the conditions and needs of the public schools of the state, adopt or recommend plans, administer and evaluate grants to improve school performance awarded under AS 14.03.125 , and adopt regulations for the improvement of the public schools; the department may consult with the University of Alaska to develop secondary education requirements to improve student achievement in college preparatory courses;
    3. provide advisory and consultative services to all public school governing bodies and personnel;
    4. prescribe by regulation a minimum course of study for the public schools; the regulations must provide that, if a course in American Sign Language is given, the course shall be given credit as a course in a foreign language;
    5. establish, in coordination with the Department of Health and Social Services, a program for the continuing education of children who are held in juvenile detention facilities or juvenile treatment facilities, as those terms are defined in AS 47.12.990 , in the state during the period of detention or treatment;
    6. accredit those public schools that meet accreditation standards prescribed by regulation by the department; these regulations shall be adopted by the department and presented to the legislature during the first 10 days of any regular session, and become effective 45 days after presentation or at the end of the session, whichever is earlier, unless disapproved by a resolution concurred in by a majority of the members of each house;
    7. prescribe by regulation, after consultation with the state fire marshal and the state sanitarian, standards that will ensure healthful and safe conditions in the public and private schools of the state, including a requirement of physical examinations and immunizations in pre-elementary schools; the standards for private schools may not be more stringent than those for public schools;
    8. exercise general supervision over pre-elementary schools that receive direct state or federal funding;
    9. exercise general supervision over elementary and secondary correspondence study programs offered by municipal school districts or regional educational attendance areas; the department may also offer and make available to any Alaskan through a centralized office a correspondence study program;
    10. accredit private schools that request accreditation and that meet accreditation standards prescribed by regulation by the department; nothing in this paragraph authorizes the department to require religious or other private schools to be licensed;
    11. review plans for construction of new public elementary and secondary schools and for additions to and major rehabilitation of existing public elementary and secondary schools and, in accordance with regulations adopted by the department, determine and approve the extent of eligibility for state aid of a school construction or major maintenance project; for the purposes of this paragraph, “plans” include educational specifications, schematic designs, projected energy consumption and costs, and final contract documents;
    12. provide educational opportunities in the areas of vocational education and training, and basic education to individuals over 16 years of age who are no longer attending school; the department may consult with businesses and labor unions to develop a program to prepare students for apprenticeships or internships that will lead to employment opportunities;
    13. administer the grants awarded under AS 14.11;
    14. establish, in coordination with the Department of Public Safety, a school bus driver training course;
    15. require the reporting of information relating to school disciplinary and safety programs under AS 14.33.120 and of incidents of disruptive or violent behavior;
    16. establish by regulation criteria, based on low student performance, under which the department may intervene in a school district to improve instructional practices, as described in AS 14.07.030(a)(14) or (15); the regulations must include
      1. a notice provision that alerts the district to the deficiencies and the instructional practice changes proposed by the department;
      2. an end date for departmental intervention, as described in AS 14.07.030(a)(14) (A) and (B) and (15), after the district demonstrates three consecutive years of improvement consisting of not less than two percent increases in student proficiency on standards-based assessments in language arts and mathematics, as provided in AS 14.03.123(f)(1)(A) ; and
      3. a process for districts to petition the department for continuing or discontinuing the department’s intervention;
    17. notify the legislative committees having jurisdiction over education before intervening in a school district under AS 14.07.030(a)(14) or redirecting public school funding under AS 14.07.030(a)(15) .
  2. In implementing its duties under (a)(2) of this section, the department may not expend any money to implement the set of educational curriculum standards for grades kindergarten through 12 established by the Common Core Standards Initiative and shall develop
    1. performance standards in language arts and mathematics to be met at designated age levels by each student in public schools in the state; and
    2. a comprehensive system of student assessments, composed of multiple indicators of proficiency in language arts and mathematics; this comprehensive system must
      1. be made available to all districts and regional educational attendance areas;
      2. include a developmental profile for students entering kindergarten or first grade; and
      3. include performance standards in language arts and mathematics for students in age groups five through seven, eight through 10, and 11 — 14.
  3. In this section, “pre-elementary school” means a school for children ages three through five years if the school’s primary function is educational.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 69 SLA 1971; am § 6 ch 104 SLA 1971; am § 1 ch 190 SLA 1975; am § 6 ch 50 SLA 1977; am §§ 1 — 3 ch 126 SLA 1978; am § 10 ch 147 SLA 1978; am § 1 ch 86 SLA 1979; am § 24 ch 59 SLA 1982; am §§ 1, 2 ch 92 SLA 1982; am § 2 ch 11 SLA 1984; am § 1 ch 32 SLA 1984; am § 1 ch 19 SLA 1986; am E.O. No. 62, § 2 (1986); am § 1 ch 70 SLA 1988; am § 2 ch 5 SLA 1990; am § 3 ch 173 SLA 1990; am § 2 ch 100 SLA 1992; am § 2 ch 78 SLA 1993; am § 12 ch 42 SLA 1997; am § 12 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 1 ch 114 SLA 2000; am § 2 ch 114 SLA 2003; am § 3 ch 54 SLA 2005; am § 1 ch 70 SLA 2008; am §§ 3, 5 ch 11 SLA 2010; am § 2 ch 93 SLA 2010; am § 9 ch 8 SLA 2011; am §§ 16, 17 ch 15 SLA 2014; am § 9 ch 54 SLA 2016; am § 9 ch 16 SLA 2021)

Revisor’s notes. —

Subsection (b) was enacted as (c). Relettered in 1998, at which time former (b) was relettered as (c).

Paragraph (a)(15) was enacted as paragraph (a)(16) and renumbered in 2000.

In 2018, in subsection (a), references to AS 14.07.030 were corrected to reflect the relettering in that section.

Administrative Code. —

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 4.

For local education, see 4 AAC 5.

For safe schools, see 4 AAC 6, art. 2.

For statewide student assessment, see 4 AAC 6, art. 4.

For school and district accountability, see 4 AAC 6, art. 5.

For student rights and responsibilities, see 4 AAC 7.

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

For certification of professional teachers, see 4 AAC 12.

For evaluation of professional employees, see 4 AAC 19.

For transportation of pupils, see 4 AAC 27.

For exchange teachers and student teachers, see 4 AAC 30.

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

For special schools, see 4 AAC 33, art. 1.

For grants for the improvement of school performance, see 4 AAC 33, art. 2.

For quality school funding grants, see 4 AAC 33, art. 3.

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

For public school performance incentive program, see 4 AAC 33, art. 5.

For private schools, see 4 AAC 42.

For secondary vocational educational programs, see 4 AAC 51, art. 3.

For pre-elementary (early childhood) school, see 4 AAC 60.

Effect of amendments. —

The second 2010 amendment, effective September 19, 2010, in (a)(11), added “projected energy consumption and costs,” following “schematic designs,”.

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, in (a)(16)(B), substituted “standards-based assessments in language arts and mathematics” for “standards-based assessments in mathematics, reading, and writing” following “student proficiency on”; in (b), rewrote the introductory language, which read, “In implementing its duties under (a)(2) of this section the department shall develop”, in (b)(1) and (b)(2), substituted “language arts” for “reading, writing” in three places.

The 2016 amendment, effective October 26, 2016, in (a)(2), added “the department may consult with the University of Alaska to develop secondary education requirements to improve student achievement in college preparatory courses” at the end of the paragraph; in (a)(7), substituted “ensure” for “assure”; in (a)(12), added “the department may consult with businesses and labor unions to develop a program to prepare students for apprenticeships or internships that will lead to employment opportunities;” at the end of the paragraph; in (a)(16)(B), substituted “AS 14.03.123(f)(1)(A) ” for “AS 14.03.123(f)(2)(A)”; and made a stylistic change.

The 2021 amendment, effective July 9, 2021, in (a)(5), substituted “held in juvenile detention facilities or juvenile treatment facilities, as those terms are defined in AS 47.12.990 , in the state during the period of detention or treatment” for “held in detention facilities in the state during the period of detention” near the end.

Editor’s notes. —

Section 57(b), ch. 16, SLA 2021, provides that the 2021 amendment of (a) of this section applies to minors subject to AS 47.12.030(a) , as amended by sec. 22, ch. 16, SLA 2021, and AS 47.12.100 “who are held in a facility operated by the Department of Corrections or a facility operated by the Department of Health and Social Services on or after July 9, 2021.”

Legislative history reports. —

For governor’s transmittal letter for ch. 16, SLA 2021 (HB 105), which amended (a) of this section, see 2021 House Journal 181 — 182.

Opinions of attorney general. —

The State Board of Education has statutory authority to adopt regulations concerning corporal punishment of students in private schools to the extent necessary to protect the physical health and safety of the children. April 1, 1988 Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

Stated in

Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980).

Cited in

North Slope Borough v. State, 484 P.3d 106 (Alaska 2021).

Collateral references. —

Right of municipal corporation to recover back from contractor payments made under contract violating competitive bidding statute. 33 A.L.R.3d 397.

AIDS infection as affecting right to attend. 60 ALR4th 15.

Validity, construction, and effect of provision releasing school from liability for injuries to students caused by interscholastic and other extra-curricular activities. 85 ALR4th 344.

Validity, under Federal Constitution, of regulations, rules, or statutes allowing drug testing of students. 87 ALR Fed. 148.

Constitutionality of teaching or otherwise promoting secular humanism in public schools. 103 ALR Fed. 538.

Sec. 14.07.030. Powers of the department.

  1. The department may
    1. establish, maintain, govern, operate, discontinue, and combine area, regional, and special schools;
    2. enter into contractual agreements with the Bureau of Indian Affairs or with a school district to share boarding costs of secondary school students;
    3. provide for citizenship night schools when and where expedient;
    4. provide for the sale or other disposition of abandoned or obsolete buildings and other state-owned school property;
    5. prescribe a classification for items of expense of school districts;
    6. acquire and transfer personal property, acquire real property, and transfer real property to federal agencies, state agencies, or to political subdivisions;
    7. enter into contractual agreements with school districts to provide more efficient or economical education services; reasonable fees may be charged by the department to cover the costs of providing services under an agreement, including costs for professional services, reproduction or printing, and mailing and distribution of educational materials;
    8. provide for the issuance of elementary and secondary diplomas to persons not in school who have completed the equivalent of an 8th or 12th grade education, respectively, in accordance with standards established by the department;
    9. apply for, accept, and spend endowments, grants, and other private money available to the state for educational purposes in accordance with  AS 37.07 (Executive Budget Act);
    10. set student tuition and fees for educational and extracurricular programs and services provided and schools operated by the department under the provisions of (1) of this section and  AS 14.07.020(a)(9) , (11), and (12);
    11. charge fees to cover the costs of care and handling with respect to the acquisition, warehousing, distribution, or transfer of donated foods;
    12. establish and collect fees for the rental of school facilities and for other programs and services provided by the schools;
    13. develop a model curriculum and provide technical assistance for early childhood education programs;
    14. notwithstanding any other provision of this title, intervene in a school district to improve instructional practices under standards established by the department in regulation, including directing the
      1. employees identified by the department to exercise supervisory authority for instructional practices in the district or in a specified school;
      2. use of appropriations under this title for distribution to a district;
    15. notwithstanding any other provision of this title, redirect public school funding under  AS 14.17 appropriated for distribution to a school district, after providing notice to the district and an opportunity for the district to respond, when
      1. necessary to contract for services to improve instructional practices in the district; or
      2. the district has failed to take an action required by the department to improve instructional practices in the district; if funding is redirected under this subparagraph, the department shall provide the redirected funding to the district when the department has determined that the required action is satisfactorily completed.
  2. The department may not require a school district to review textbooks, instructional materials, or curricula more frequently than once every 10 years.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 66 SLA 1968; am §§ 2, 3, 34 ch 46 SLA 1970; am § 1 ch 161 SLA 1975; am § 15 ch 138 SLA 1986; am § 61 ch 50 SLA 1989; am § 15 ch 36 SLA 1990; am § 4 ch 173 SLA 1990; am § 2 ch 70 SLA 2008; am § 1 ch 73 SLA 2018)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1992, former paragraphs (10)-(14) were renumbered as (9)-(13) to reflect the 1989 repeal of former paragraph (9).

Cross references. —

For pilot project terminating June 30, 2017 authorizing the department to make grants to nonprofit organizations to expand middle school science, technology, mathematics, and engineering education, see sec. 50, ch. 15, SLA 2014.

Administrative Code. —

For statewide student assessment, see 4 AAC 6, art. 4.

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

For transportation of pupils, see 4 AAC 27.

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

For special schools, see 4 AAC 33, art. 1.

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective October 28, 2018, added (b).

Opinions of attorney general. —

It is beyond the department’s scope of authority to contract with private schools to provide educational services. March 18, 1993 Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys. v. Mueller, 536 P.2d 99 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.07.032. Definition for AS 14.07.020 — 14.07.032.

In AS 14.07.020 14.07.032 , “instructional practices” means the strategies and methods used in teaching or delivering information, skills, material, and student learning management tools to a student to help the student achieve intended educational outcomes.

History. (§ 3 ch 70 SLA 2008)

Effective dates. —

Section 4, ch. 70, SLA 2008, makes this section effective June 5, 2008.

Sec. 14.07.035. Accounting and disposition of receipts. [Repealed, § 28 ch 90 SLA 1991.]

Sec. 14.07.040. Supplies and equipment for state-operated schools. [Repealed, § 34 ch 46 SLA 1970.]

Sec. 14.07.050. Selection of textbooks.

Textbooks for use in the public schools of the state, including a district offered statewide correspondence study program, shall be selected by district boards for district schools. Nothing in this section precludes a correspondence study student, or the parent or guardian of a correspondence study student, from privately obtaining or using textbooks or curriculum material not provided by the school district.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 96 SLA 1970; am § 2 ch 205 SLA 1970; am § 25 ch 59 SLA 1982; am § 1 ch 130 SLA 2002)

Administrative Code. —

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 4.

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Opinions of attorney general. —

A book may not be approved for use in publicly provided education if it advocates a partisan, sectarian, or denominational doctrine. To allow otherwise would permit a school board to advocate partisan, sectarian, and denominational doctrines in a public classroom through textbooks. September 20, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 14.07.052. State Textbook Commission. [Repealed, § 2 ch 96 SLA 1970.]

Secs. 14.07.053 — 14.07.054. [Renumbered as AS 14.07.058 — 14.07.059.]

Sec. 14.07.055. Expenses and per diem. [Repealed, § 19 ch 53 SLA 1973.]

Sec. 14.07.057. Transmittal of textbook selections.

A school board that selects its own books shall forward a list of the selections to the department.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Secs. 14.07.058, 14.07.059. Alaska School Activities Association; activities fund. [Repealed, § 13, ch 43 SLA 1994.]

Sec. 14.07.060. Regulations.

The board shall adopt regulations that are necessary to carry out the provisions of this title. All regulations shall be adopted under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act).

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 8 ch 96 SLA 1967)

Administrative Code. —

For state board of education, see 4 AAC 3.

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 4.

For local education, see 4 AAC 5.

For safe schools, see 4 AAC 6, art. 2.

For statewide student assessment, see 4 AAC 6, art. 4.

For school and district accountability, see 4 AAC 6, art. 5.

For student rights and responsibilities, see 4 AAC 7.

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

For school operating fund, see 4 AAC 9, art. 2.

For certification of professional teachers, see 4 AAC 12.

For allowances for professional personnel, see 4 AAC 15.

For employment of professional personnel, see 4 AAC 18.

For evaluation of professional employees, see 4 AAC 19.

For transportation of pupils, see 4 AAC 27.

For exchange teachers and student teachers, see 4 AAC 30.

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

For loss protection, see 4 AAC 31, art. 2.

For special schools, see 4 AAC 33, art. 1.

For grants for the improvement of school performance, see 4 AAC 33, art. 2.

For quality school funding grants, see 4 AAC 33, art. 3.

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

For public school performance incentive program, see 4 AAC 33, art. 5.

For bilingual-bicultural education, see 4 AAC 34.

For review and appeals of actions and decisions regarding funding, see 4 AAC 40.

For private schools, see 4 AAC 42.

For secondary vocational educational programs, see 4 AAC 51, art. 3.

For program establishment, see 4 AAC 52, art. 1.

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

For program administration: gifted children, see 4 AAC 52, art. 3.

For planning and reports, see 4 AAC 57, art. 1.

For library assistance grants, see 4 AAC 57, art. 2.

For fees, see 4 AAC 58, art. 1.

For museum assistance grants, see 4 AAC 58, art. 2.

For pre-elementary (early childhood) school, see 4 AAC 60.

For regional resource centers, see 4 AAC 66.

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

State v. Northern Bus Co., 693 P.2d 319 (Alaska 1984).

Stated in

Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980).

Cited in

State v. Bering Strait Regional Educ. Attendance Area Sch. Dist., 658 P.2d 784 (Alaska 1983).

Sec. 14.07.070. Withholding state funds.

State funds may not be paid to a school district or teacher that fails to comply with the school laws of the state or with the regulations adopted by the department.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Administrative Code. —

For statewide student assessment, see 4 AAC 6, art. 4.

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

For transportation of pupils, see 4 AAC 27.

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Article 2. State Board of Education and Early Development.

Administrative Code. —

For state board of education, see 4 AAC 03.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, §§ 6-10, 59 et seq.

78 C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, §§ 74-92.

Modern status of doctrine of sovereign immunity as applied to public schools and institutions of higher learning. 33 ALR3d 703.

Sec. 14.07.075. Creation.

There is created at the head of the Department of Education and Early Development a Board of Education and Early Development consisting of seven members.

History. (§ 1 ch 96 SLA 1967; am § 25 ch 21 SLA 2000)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in this section in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Notes to Decisions

Stated in

Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975); Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980).

Sec. 14.07.080. Creation and term of office. [Repealed, § 14 ch 96 1967.]

Sec. 14.07.085. Appointment of members.

  1. The seven members of the board, no more than four of whom shall be members of the same political party as the governor, shall be appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by a majority of the members of the legislature in joint session.  In appointing board members, the governor shall consider recommendations made by recognized educational associations in the state.
  2. One member shall be appointed from each of the four judicial districts and three from the state at large with at least one member representing regional educational attendance areas.
  3. The members are entitled to the expenses, travel, and per diem allowances provided by law.
  4. A member may act and receive compensation from the date of appointment until confirmation or rejection by the legislature.

History. (§ 1 ch 96 SLA 1967)

Revisor’s notes. —

The reference in AS 14.07.085(b) to “state operated rural schools” was changed to “regional educational attendance areas” in 1978 to conform to ch. 124, SLA 1975.

Cross references. —

For further qualifications of members of Board of Education, see AS 39.05.065 .

Sec. 14.07.090. Appointment of members. [Repealed, § 14 ch 96 SLA 1967.]

Sec. 14.07.095. Term of office.

The members of the board shall be appointed for overlapping five-year terms commencing on the March 1 following the date of the member’s appointment. Except as provided in AS 39.05.080 (4), a member appointed to fill a vacancy serves for the unexpired term of the member whose vacancy is filled. A vacancy occurring during a term of office is filled in the same manner as the original appointment.

History. (§ 1 ch 96 SLA 1967; am § 4 ch 80 SLA 1996)

Sec. 14.07.100. Executive officer. [Repealed, § 14 ch 96 SLA 1967.]

Sec. 14.07.105. Quorum and chair.

  1. Four members constitute a quorum.
  2. The board shall designate one member of the board as the chairperson who serves as chair of the board at the pleasure of the board.

History. (§ 1 ch 96 SLA 1967)

Sec. 14.07.110. Appointment of commissioner. [Repealed, § 14 ch 96 SLA 1967.]

Sec. 14.07.115. Removal.

Members of the board serve at the pleasure of the governor.

History. (§ 1 ch 96 SLA 1967)

Sec. 14.07.120. Term of office and vacancy. [Repealed, § 14 ch 96 SLA 1967.]

Sec. 14.07.125. Meetings.

The board shall meet at least quarterly. Meetings may be called by the chair or by a majority of the members of the board. Meetings shall be held in Juneau unless a majority of the members of the board changes the place of a meeting.

History. (§ 1 ch 96 SLA 1967)

Sec. 14.07.130. Removal of commissioner. [Repealed, § 14 ch 96 SLA 1967.]

Sec. 14.07.135. Legal assistance.

The Department of Law shall provide all legal services for the board.

History. (§ 1 ch 96 SLA 1967)

Sec. 14.07.140. Commissioner administers department. [Repealed, § 14 ch 96 SLA 1967.]

Sec. 14.07.145. Commissioner of education and early development.

  1. The board shall appoint the commissioner of education and early development subject to the approval of the governor. The commissioner shall be the principal executive officer of the department.
  2. The commissioner shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation and shall have at least a master’s degree with five years’ experience in the field of education since receiving it, with at least three of the five years in an exclusively administrative position.
  3. The commissioner serves at the pleasure of the board and may not be appointed by the board for a fixed term.
  4. The commissioner shall receive the salary set out in AS 39.20.080 .
  5. The commissioner shall employ and remove all classified personnel in the department subject to AS 39.25 (State Personnel Act).  The commissioner may employ and remove personnel in the exempt or partially exempt service subject to the approval of the board. Personnel in the exempt or partially exempt service have a right of appeal to the board if they are removed.
  6. [Repealed, § 5 ch 14 SLA 1996.]

History. (§ 1 ch 96 SLA 1967; am §§ 1, 5 ch 14 SLA 1996)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1987, subsections (d)-(f) were relettered as (f), (d) and (e), respectively, to conform to the organization of the Alaska Statutes.

In 1999, “commissioner of education” was changed to “commissioner of education and early development” in this section in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Sec. 14.07.150. Budget and fiscal authority.

The commissioner has responsibility and authority for the preparation and execution of a budget and for the other fiscal affairs of the department, subject to the approval of the board.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 96 SLA 1967)

Sec. 14.07.155. Partisan candidacy prohibited.

A member of the board may not be a candidate for partisan political office while serving as a member of the board.

History. (§ 3 ch 96 SLA 1967)

Sec. 14.07.160. Bylaws.

  1. The board may adopt bylaws for the management of the department.
  2. The bylaws shall be written and distributed in a manner so as to be readily available to personnel of the department.
  3. This section may not be construed to allow the use of a bylaw rather than a regulation where the subject is of statewide importance or interest.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 4 ch 96 SLA 1967; am § 7 ch 46 SLA 1970; am § 3 ch 205 SLA 1970)

Sec. 14.07.165. Duties.

  1. The board shall adopt
    1. statewide goals and require each governing body to adopt written goals that are consistent with local needs;
    2. regulations regarding the application for and award of grants under AS 14.03.125 ;
    3. regulations implementing provisions of AS 14.11.014(b) ;
    4. regulations requiring approval by the board before a charter school, state boarding school, or a public school may provide domiciliary services;
    5. [Repealed, § 25 ch 2 SSSLA 2015.]
  2. [Repealed, § 25 ch 2 SSSLA 2015.]
  3. Every five years, the board shall review the mathematics and English and language arts curricula used in the state to ensure the curricula are still effective and are being taught using best practices.

History. (§ 5 ch 173 SLA 1990; am § 3 ch 78 SLA 1993; am § 3 ch 113 SLA 1997; am § 6 ch 94 SLA 2001; am §§ 18, 19 ch 15 SLA 2014; am § 25 ch 2 SSSLA 2015; am § 2 ch 73 SLA 2018)

Administrative Code. —

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 4.

For statewide student assessment, see 4 AAC 6, art. 4.

For special schools, see 4 AAC 33, art. 1.

For grants for the improvement of school performance, see 4 AAC 33, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, in (a)(5), substituted “college and career readiness assessment” for “secondary school student competency examination” near the beginning, and “, providing for the needs of a student who is a child with a disability, and setting standards for a waiver under AS 14.03.075 ; the regulations may address the conditions, criteria, procedure, and scheduling of the assessment” for “, including the criteria and procedure under which a governing body uses a waiver to grant a diploma to a student, criteria regarding granting a waiver must include provisions that a waiver may only be granted for students who enter the system late or have rare or unusual circumstances meriting a waiver” at the end; added (b).

The 2015 amendment, effective June 30, 2016, repealed (a)(5) and (b).

The 2018 amendment, effective October 28, 2018, added (c).

Sec. 14.07.168. Report to the legislature.

Not later than the 30th legislative day of each regular session of the legislature, the board shall prepare and present in person to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over education an annual report that describes the efforts of the board to develop, maintain, and continuously improve a comprehensive quality public education system, as provided for under the bylaws of the board. The report must include

  1. a summary of the resolves and rationales provided in support of policy decisions made under AS 14.03.015 ;
  2. program and curriculum changes made, discussed, or recommended in meetings held under AS 14.07.125 ;
  3. additional information relevant to efforts made to improve and maintain the public education system.

History. (§ 1 ch 14 SLA 2011)

Effective dates. —

Section 1, ch. 14, SLA 2011, which enacted this section, took effect on August 25, 2011.

Sec. 14.07.170. Additional powers and duties of board.

  1. The board may
    1. appoint unpaid advisory commissions;
    2. require school boards or school personnel to submit to the department, in the form the board may require, the district budget or any information or reports that are reasonably necessary to assist the department in carrying out its functions.
  2. The board shall review grant applications recommended under AS 14.11.013 and may approve grant applications under AS 14.11.015 .

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 5 ch 96 SLA 1967; am § 3 ch 5 SLA 1990)

Administrative Code. —

For school and district accountability, see 4 AAC 6, art. 5.

For school operating fund, see 4 AAC 9, art. 2.

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Sec. 14.07.175. Development of statewide assessment plan; review of education laws and regulations.

History. [Repealed, § 23 ch 54 SLA 2016.]

Sec. 14.07.180. Curricula approval and review; pilot program; incentives.

  1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board shall establish standards and a procedure for the review, ranking, and approval of mathematics and English and language arts curricula for school districts to use in each grade level as provided in this section. The board may include curricula delivered through virtual education in the standards and procedure established under this subsection.
  2. The department, in consultation with school districts, shall review mathematics and English and language arts curricula used in schools in the state and in other states and countries and may include in the review curricula delivered through virtual education. Not later than July 1, 2019, the department shall identify the best mathematics and English and language arts curricula and the best teaching practices for each of the curricula. The department may identify the best mathematics and English and language arts curricula delivered through virtual education.
  3. The department shall submit the curricula and teaching practices that the department identifies as the best under (b) of this section to the board for approval, including evidence supporting the department’s selection, if the department concludes that the curricula and best practices
    1. are appropriate;
    2. are in compliance with the nondiscrimination standards established under AS 14.18.060(b) ;
    3. are aligned with state education standards; and
    4. result in improved academic achievement for students.
  4. The board may approve curricula submitted under (c) of this section if the curricula are consistent with the standards established by the board under (a) of this section. The department shall place the curricula approved by the board into two categories as follows:
    1. incentivized curricula for the best curricula for each subject, based on evidence provided to the department; the department may place not more than two curricula in this category for each subject;
    2. designated effective curricula for the curricula for each subject that are not incentivized curricula but that the department finds appropriate and effective based on factual and other evidence provided to the department.
  5. A three-year pilot program is established in the department, starting in the 2019-2020 school year, to test the appropriateness and effectiveness of the incentivized curricula approved under (d) of this section. In conducting the program, the department shall
    1. establish an application process for school districts to apply for participation in the program;
    2. select four school districts from those that apply to participate in the program, including two rural and two urban school districts, basing the selection of the school districts on the readiness and capacity of each district;
    3. assign to each participating school district the incentivized mathematics curriculum or the incentivized English and language arts curriculum; the department shall assign the mathematics curriculum to one rural and one urban school district and the English and language arts curriculum to one rural and one urban school district;
    4. starting in the 2019-2020 school year, distribute incentive payments, not to exceed $10,000,000 in total, to the four school districts to assist with the purchase and implementation of the curricula, including best teaching practices and professional development, and purchase of instructional materials.
  6. At the completion of the pilot program under (e) of this section, the department shall
    1. if the department finds that the incentivized curricula tested in the pilot program are appropriate and effective, submit the findings to the board; and
    2. if the board finds that the curricula tested in the pilot program are appropriate and effective, make the curricula and one-time incentive payments under (g) of this section available to all school districts starting in the 2022-2023 school year and ending in the 2024-2025 school year.
  7. The department may distribute an incentive payment available to a school district in an amount that is not more than the school district’s ADM multiplied by 150, subject to availability of funding, if the governing body of the school district
    1. selects one of the incentivized curricula for implementation in the school district in an eligible school year under (f)(2) of this section;
    2. requests an incentive payment from the department;
    3. has not previously implemented the incentivized curricula; and
    4. demonstrates to the satisfaction of the department the readiness and capacity of the school district to implement the curricula.
  8. In addition to any unexpended money under (e)(4) of this section, the department may distribute not more than $9,500,000 in incentive payments under (f) and (g) of this section.
  9. The department shall publish on the department’s Internet website and make available to the public
    1. all curricula used by school districts in the state for all subjects, whether or not the curricula are approved; and
    2. the curricula approved under (d) of this section.
  10. The department shall submit an electronic report to the legislature and make the report available to the public on the department’s Internet website. The report must provide information on the pilot program and the curricula that each school district has adopted. On or before January 15, 2019, and each year thereafter, the department shall submit the report required under this subsection to the senate secretary and the chief clerk of the house of representatives and notify the legislature that the report is available.
  11. Each school district shall submit to the department the relevant information needed for the department to carry out its duties under this section.
  12. Payments for curricula implementation under the pilot program described in (e) of this section and incentive payments under (f) and (g) of this section are subject to appropriation. If insufficient funding is available to distribute payments to all school districts that request funding in a year under (g) of this section, the department may distribute payments to the remaining school districts the following school year.
  13. If the applications for participation in the pilot program are insufficient to meet the requirements under (e) of this section, the department may select four school districts from those that apply, taking into consideration geographical diversity.
  14. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the department may distribute incentive payments to school districts that use curricula reviewed and approved by the board under AS 14.07.165(c) . The department may provide incentive payments, subject to appropriation, to school districts based on the readiness and capacity of the school district as determined by the department.
  15. In this section,
    1. “rural” has the meaning given in AS 14.43.700 ;
    2. “school district” has the meaning given in AS 14.30.350 ;
    3. “school district’s ADM” has the meaning given to “district ADM” in AS 14.17.990 ;
    4. “urban” means a community other than a community described in AS 14.43.700 ;
    5. “virtual education” means instruction delivered through telecommunications or other digital or electronic methods.

History. (§ 3 ch 73 SLA 2018)

Delayed repeal of subsections (e) — (h), (j), ( l ), (m), and (o)(1), (o)(3), and (o)(4). —

Under sec. 11, ch. 73, SLA 2018 and sec. 102, ch. 13, SLA 2019, subsections (e) — (h), (j), ( l ), (m), and (o)(1), (o)(3), and (o)(4) are repealed July 1, 2025.

Effective dates. —

Section 3, ch. 73, SLA 2018, which enacted this section, took effect on October 28, 2018.

Sec. 14.07.180. Curricula approval and review; pilot program; incentives.

  1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the board shall establish standards and a procedure for the review, ranking, and approval of mathematics and English and language arts curricula for school districts to use in each grade level as provided in this section. The board may include curricula delivered through virtual education in the standards and procedure established under this subsection.
  2. The department, in consultation with school districts, shall review mathematics and English and language arts curricula used in schools in the state and in other states and countries and may include in the review curricula delivered through virtual education. Not later than July 1, 2019, the department shall identify the best mathematics and English and language arts curricula and the best teaching practices for each of the curricula. The department may identify the best mathematics and English and language arts curricula delivered through virtual education.
  3. The department shall submit the curricula and teaching practices that the department identifies as the best under (b) of this section to the board for approval, including evidence supporting the department’s selection, if the department concludes that the curricula and best practices
    1. are appropriate;
    2. are in compliance with the nondiscrimination standards established under AS 14.18.060(b) ;
    3. are aligned with state education standards; and
    4. result in improved academic achievement for students.
  4. The board may approve curricula submitted under (c) of this section if the curricula are consistent with the standards established by the board under (a) of this section. The department shall place the curricula approved by the board into two categories as follows:
    1. incentivized curricula for the best curricula for each subject, based on evidence provided to the department; the department may place not more than two curricula in this category for each subject;
    2. designated effective curricula for the curricula for each subject that are not incentivized curricula but that the department finds appropriate and effective based on factual and other evidence provided to the department.
  5. [Repealed, § 11 ch 73 SLA 2018.]
  6. [Repealed, § 11 ch 73 SLA 2018.]
  7. [Repealed, § 11 ch 73 SLA 2018.]
  8. [Repealed, § 11 ch 73 SLA 2018.]
  9. The department shall publish on the department’s Internet website and make available to the public
    1. all curricula used by school districts in the state for all subjects, whether or not the curricula are approved; and
    2. the curricula approved under (d) of this section.
  10. [Repealed, § 11 ch 73 SLA 2018.]
  11. Each school district shall submit to the department the relevant information needed for the department to carry out its duties under this section.
  12. [Repealed, § 11 ch 73 SLA 2018.]
  13. [Repealed, § 11 ch 73 SLA 2018.]
  14. Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the department may distribute incentive payments to school districts that use curricula reviewed and approved by the board under AS 14.07.165(c) . The department may provide incentive payments, subject to appropriation, to school districts based on the readiness and capacity of the school district as determined by the department.
  15. In this section,
    1. [Repealed, § 11 ch 73 SLA 2018.]
    2. “school district” has the meaning given in AS 14.30.350 ;
    3. [Repealed, § 11 ch 73 SLA 2018.]
    4. [Repealed, § 11 ch 73 SLA 2018.]
    5. “virtual education” means instruction delivered through telecommunications or other digital or electronic methods.

History. (§ 3 ch 73 SLA 2018; am § 11 ch 73 SLA 2018)

Sec. 14.07.181. Pamphlet concerning controlled substances. [Repealed, § 19 ch 6 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.07.182. Curriculum improvement and best practices fund.

  1. The curriculum improvement and best practices fund is established. The fund consists of appropriations, not to exceed $19,500,000, for distribution to school districts.
  2. Money appropriated to the fund may be expended by the department as provided under AS 14.07.180 , without further appropriation.
  3. Nothing in this section creates a dedicated fund.
  4. Appropriations to the fund do not lapse.

History. (§ 3 ch 73 SLA 2018)

Effective dates. —

Section 3, ch. 73, SLA 2018, which enacted this section, took effect on October 28, 2018.

Chapter 08. Education in the Unorganized Borough.

Cross references. —

For provisions governing employees of regional educational attendance areas, see AS 23.40.200 .

Notes to Decisions

Applicability. —

The Public Employment Relations Act, AS 23.40.070 23.40.260 , does not apply to the noncertificated employees of the regional educational attendance areas. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

Public Employment Relations Act exclusion from coverage. The Public Employment Relations Act, AS 23.40.070 23.40.260 , excludes noncertificated employees of school districts from its coverage. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

Regional educational attendance areas appear to be school districts within the meaning of AS 23.40.250 (6), defining “public employees” for the purposes of the Public Employment Relations Act. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

Although this title does not specifically provide that regional educational attendance areas are to be considered “school districts,” implicit in the statute is the notion that they are in fact school districts. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

No statute imposes duty to bargain. —

Because the Public Employment Relations Act, AS 23.40.070 23.40.260 , does not apply to noncertificated employees of school districts, there is no statute which imposes a duty to bargain on the regional educational attendance areas and the regional educational attendance areas therefore have no statutory duty to bargain with a bargaining representative of the noncertificated employees. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

Collective bargaining agreement with predecessor did not bind REAAs. —

Collective bargaining agreement entered into between the state and a public service council, which agreement included within the bargaining unit the noncertificated employees of the regional educational attendance areas’ predecessor, the Alaska State-Operated School System, which was disbanded pursuant to the same act creating the regional educational attendance areas, did not bind the regional educational attendance areas, which did not assume the agreement, either as successor employers or by § 40, ch. 124, SLA 1975, which provides in part, “All contracts or other obligations created by a law amended by this Act or by virtue of functions which may be transferred by this Act, and in effect on the effective date of this Act, remain in effect unless revoked or modified under the provisions of this Act.” Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

Implicit in the termination of the noncertificated employees in § 41 (b), ch. 124, SLA 1975, is the intention not to bind the Alaska State-Operated School System’s successor to existing employment contracts. This interpretation conforms with § 41 (a) of ch. 124, which specifically carries teachers over to the new employer with their accumulated employee contract benefits. No such provision was made for noncertificated personnel. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

In light of the broad grant of self-determination given the regional educational attendance areas and their power to “appoint, compensate and otherwise control all school employees” under AS 14.08.101 (4), it would be contrary to the apparent legislative intent to bind the regional educational attendance areas to a prior collective bargaining agreement in the absence of specific language to that effect. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

The regional educational attendance areas are independent entities. They are not simply successors to the Alaska State-Operated School System; which have been given broad powers to run their individual school districts as they see fit. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, §§ 15 — 58.

78 C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, §§ 63 — 68.

93 et seq.

Sec. 14.08.010. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.011. Purpose.

  1. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide for public education in the unorganized borough and the military reservations in the state.
  2. Nothing in this chapter prohibits an organized borough, city, village, community, or settlement in an unorganized area of the state from becoming part of or being formed into an organized political subdivision authorized under AS 29.

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975)

Notes to Decisions

History of public education in Alaska. —

See Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975) (Decided under former Chapter 08).

Sec. 14.08.020. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.021. Authority.

The legislature delegates to school boards for each regional educational attendance area the authority to operate the public schools in those areas in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, subject to the provisions of this title and the regulations adopted under it that apply to all school districts in the state.

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975)

Notes to Decisions

As to absence of duty on regional educational attendance areas to bargain collectively with noncertificated employees, see note following chapter analysis. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

Applied in

Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979).

Sec. 14.08.030. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.031. Regional educational attendance areas.

  1. The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development in consultation with the Department of Education and Early Development and local communities shall divide the unorganized borough into educational service areas using the boundaries or sub-boundaries of the regional corporations established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, unless by referendum a community votes to merge with another community contiguous to it but within the boundaries or sub-boundaries of another regional corporation.
  2. An educational service area established in the unorganized borough under (a) of this section constitutes a regional educational attendance area.  As far as practicable, each regional educational attendance area shall contain an integrated socio-economic, linguistically and culturally homogeneous area.  In the formation of the regional educational attendance areas, consideration shall be given to the transportation and communication network to facilitate the administration of education and communication between communities that comprise the area.  Whenever possible, municipalities, other governmental or regional corporate entities, drainage basins, and other identifiable geographic features shall be used in describing the boundaries of the regional school attendance areas.
  3. Military reservation schools shall be included in a regional educational attendance area.  However, operation of military reservation schools by a city or borough school district may be required by the department under AS 14.12.020(a) and AS 14.14.110 . Where the operation of the military reservation schools in a regional educational attendance area by a city or borough school district is required by the department, the military reservation is not considered part of the regional educational attendance area for the purposes of regional school board membership or elections.
  4. [Repealed, § 42 ch 12 SLA 2006.]

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975; am § 42 ch 12 SLA 2006)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, in (a) of this section, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999, and “Department of Community and Economic Development” was substituted for “Department of Community and Regional Affairs” in accordance with § 91(a)(2), ch. 58, SLA 1999. In 2004, “Department of Community and Economic Development” was changed to “Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development”, in accordance with § 3, ch. 47, SLA 2004.

Notes to Decisions

Alaska Const., art. VII, § 1, does not establish right to secondary schools for students in their communities of residence. —

See Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975) (Decided under former Chapter 08).

As to absence of duty on regional educational attendance areas to bargain collectively with noncertificated employees, see note following chapter analysis. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

Stated in

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Sch. Dist. v. State, 931 P.2d 391 (Alaska 1997).

Cited in

Meiners v. Bering Strait Sch. Dist., 687 P.2d 287 (Alaska 1984).

Sec. 14.08.040. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.041. Regional school boards.

  1. A regional educational attendance area shall be operated on an areawide basis under the management and control of a regional school board.
  2. The qualified voters of the communities receiving educational services in each regional educational attendance area shall elect a regional school board of not less than five nor more than eleven members to be elected for the same term, in the same manner, and with the same qualifications as a city or borough school district board under AS 14.12.  The initial number of regional school board members shall be determined by the department in consultation with the local communities in the regional educational attendance areas.  However, the qualified voters in a regional educational attendance area may increase or decrease the number of regional school board members established under this section by placing the question on the ballot at a regular school board election in the manner prescribed by law.  A change in the number of school board members is not effective until the next regular school board election.
  3. A regional school board shall consist of five, seven, nine or 11 members.
  4. Subject to (f) of this section, a regional school board member shall be elected at large by the qualified voters of the communities receiving educational services in the entire regional educational attendance area. However, each seat on the regional school board shall be designated by letter or number, and when the declaration of candidacy or other nomination papers of a candidate for the regional school board are filed those papers must indicate the seat that the candidate seeks. A newly elected board member takes office at the first regional school board meeting after certification of the election. If no candidate files for election to a seat on the regional school board, the seat is considered vacant at the time a newly elected member would have taken office.
  5. [Repealed, § 8 ch 129 SLA 1990.]
  6. The voters residing within a regional educational attendance area may petition in accordance with AS 14.08.051(b) to have each regional school board member elected from a section of the area by the voters of that section.

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975; am §§ 1, 2 ch 43 SLA 1982; am §§ 1, 8 ch 129 SLA 1990)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of local and regional elections, see 6 AAC 27.

Notes to Decisions

As to absence of duty on regional educational attendance areas to bargain collectively with noncertificated employees, see note following chapter analysis. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

Constituency voting for recall. —

Where all regional school board members cited in a recall petition had been elected to a term of office through an at-large election, they were subject to recall by the constituency which initially elected them to office. Meiners v. Bering Strait Sch. Dist., 687 P.2d 287 (Alaska 1984).

School district not a “state”. —

The Bering Strait School District, a local school district created as a regional educational attendance area under Alaska law, is not a “state” within the meaning of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. § 1621e, for the purpose of qualifying for exemption from required reimbursement to the federal government for health services provided to Alaska Natives. United States ex rel. Norton Sound Health Corp. v. Bering Strait Sch. Dist., 138 F.3d 1281 (9th Cir. Alaska), cert. denied, 525 U.S. 962, 119 S. Ct. 403, 142 L. Ed. 2d 327 (U.S. 1998).

Sec. 14.08.045. Vacancies.

  1. The regional school board shall declare a regional school board seat vacant when the person elected
    1. fails to qualify within 30 days of certification of the election;
    2. notifies the school board in writing of the person’s refusal to take office;
    3. resigns and the resignation is accepted by the school board;
    4. is convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude or of an offense involving a violation of the oath of office while serving as a school board member; or
    5. no longer physically resides within the boundaries of the regional educational attendance area, or if the regional educational attendance area has been divided into sections, within the section from which the person was elected, and the school board by a two-thirds vote, declares the seat vacant.
  2. A vacancy on a regional school board shall be filled under AS 14.12.070 .

History. (§ 2 ch 129 SLA 1990)

Sec. 14.08.050. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.051. School board sections.

  1. The commissioner in consultation with the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development and the local communities may divide a regional educational attendance area into sections only for the purpose of nominating and electing regional school board members. If the voters in a regional educational attendance area favor election of regional school board members by sections under (b) of this section, the commissioner in consultation with the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development and the local communities shall divide the regional educational attendance area into sections for the purpose of nominating and electing regional school board members. If a regional educational attendance area is divided into sections each school board member shall represent, as nearly as practicable, an equal number of persons. The basis for the division of a regional educational attendance area into sections shall be the total population of the area as reported in the most recent decennial federal census. If the census is five years old or older, then other reliable population data, including population estimates based on public school enrollments, public utility connections, registered voters, or certified employment payrolls, shall be used as the basis for the division of the area into sections. Each section within a regional educational attendance area shall consist of compact, contiguous territory and, as far as practicable, each section shall contain an integrated socio-economic, linguistically and culturally homogeneous area. In the division of the regional school and attendance area into sections, consideration shall be given to the transportation and communication network to facilitate the administration of education and communication between communities that comprise the area. Whenever possible, municipalities, other governmental or regional corporate entities, drainage basins, and other identifiable geographic features shall be used in describing the boundaries of the sections.
  2. The division of a regional educational attendance area into sections or subsequent recasting of the section boundaries may be proposed by the regional school board or by a petition. The election of each regional school board member from a section by the voters of that section of a regional educational attendance area may be proposed by petition. A petition under this section shall be filed with the director of elections and must contain signatures of qualified voters in the area equal to eight percent of the total vote cast in the most recent regional school board election. The division of the area into sections, election of each regional school board member from a section by the voters of that section, or subsequent recasting of section boundaries is subject to approval by a majority of the qualified voters voting on the question in the regional educational attendance area at the next regular school board election or a special election called for that purpose, and takes effect at the next regular school board election.
  3. If a regional educational attendance area has been divided into sections, the commissioner shall recast the boundaries of the sections within 90 days following the official reporting of the decennial federal census in accordance with (a) of this section. If the census is five years old or older and other reliable population data acceptable to the department that establishes that board members do not represent as nearly as practicable equal numbers of people under the allocation of seats to a multi-member section under (d) of this section, the commissioner may reallocate the seats among the sections if reallocation will achieve as nearly as practicable equal representation. Reallocation of seats takes effect at the next regular board election after the reallocation.
  4. Multi-member sections may be created.  However,
    1. each seat on the regional board shall be designated by letter or number and when the declaration of candidacy or other nomination papers of a candidate for the regional school board are filed those papers must indicate the seat that the candidate seeks; and
    2. except as provided in (f) of this section, a section may not be represented by more than
      1. three members, if a board consists of five members;
      2. four members, if a board consists of seven members;
      3. five members, if a board consists of nine members; or
      4. six members, if a board consists of 11 members.
  5. If a regional educational attendance area has been divided into sections, board members shall be residents of the section from which they are elected.  Board members shall be elected by the qualified voters of the entire regional educational attendance area, unless the voters have approved election of members by the voters of the section under (b) of this section.
  6. Upon the request of a regional school board, the commissioner may permit a section that contains more than one community to be represented by more board members than the number set out in (d)(2) of this section if the commissioner determines that
    1. the regional educational attendance area has had a pattern of substantial population fluctuations between geographic areas within the regional educational attendance area; and
    2. compliance with the requirements of (d)(2) of this section could result in continuous underrepresentation and overrepresentation of sections.
  7. In a regional educational attendance area section subject to (f) of this section, no more than two members may be elected from the same community unless the population distribution requires otherwise.

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975; am §§ 3 — 5 ch 43 SLA 1982; am §§ 1, 2 ch 73 SLA 1985; am §§ 3, 4 ch 129 SLA 1990; am § 8 ch 3 SLA 2017)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, “Department of Community and Economic Development” was substituted for “Department of Community and Regional Affairs” in (a) of this section in accordance with § 91(a)(2), ch. 58, SLA 1999. In 2004, “Department of Community and Economic Development” was changed to “Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development”, in accordance with § 3, ch. 47, SLA 2004.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, in (a), in the fifth sentence, deleted “but not limited to” following “reliable population data, including”.

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

Meiners v. Bering Strait Sch. Dist., 687 P.2d 287 (Alaska 1984).

Sec. 14.08.060. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.061. Term of office.

  1. Members elected to a regional school board shall serve staggered three-year terms. However,
    1. the term of office of all of the members of a regional school board elected from the same multi-member section may not expire at the same time; and
    2. for the first board elected, the term of office of each member shall be determined by lot, according to the following schedule:
      1. the members of the first five-member school board shall hold office for terms as follows: one member for a one-year term; two for a two-year term and two for a three-year term;
      2. the members of the first seven-member school board hold office for terms as follows: two members for a one-year term; two for a two-year term and three for a three-year term;
      3. the members of the first nine-member school board hold office for terms as follows: three for a one-year term; three for a two-year term and three for a three-year term;
      4. the members of the first 11-member school board hold office for terms as follows: three for a one-year term, four for a two-year term and four for a three-year term.
  2. If a regional educational attendance area is divided into sections under AS 14.08.051 where the school board formerly was elected at large, or if the number of regional school board members is increased or decreased by the qualified voters in the regional educational attendance area under AS 14.08.041(b) , the term of office of all members of the existing board shall terminate on the date on which the new board members take office, and the provisions of (a) of this section are applicable to the determination of the terms of office of the new members of the regional school boards.
  3. Nothing in this section precludes a board member from being reelected.

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975)

Sec. 14.08.070. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.071. Elections; advisory votes.

  1. In each regional educational attendance area in the unorganized borough, the lieutenant governor, within not less than 60, nor more than 90 days after the establishment of the regional educational attendance area, shall provide for the election of a regional school board.
  2. Except for the first election of regional school board members under (a) of this section, elections shall be held annually on the first Tuesday in October.  Elections shall be supervised by the director of elections in the office of the lieutenant governor, but shall be administered within second class cities as part of the regular municipal election.  The lieutenant governor shall adopt regulations for the conduct of the election of regional school board members comparable, as far as practicable, to those prescribed for election of school board members under AS 14.12 and AS 29.20.300 except that the majority election requirements of AS 29.26.060 do not apply to, nor may the regulations require runoff elections for, the first election of regional school board members under (a) of this section or, if a school board by resolution so requests, to subsequent elections in the regional educational attendance area served by that school board.
  3. The cost of each regional school board election, or recall election under AS 14.08.081 , shall be borne by the state.
  4. If a regional school board adopts a resolution requesting that an advisory question relating to education be placed on that regional school board’s next election ballot, the division of elections shall place the advisory question on that regional school board’s next election ballot. A resolution described in this subsection must be filed with the division of elections on or before the first Friday in August of the year in which the advisory question is required to be placed on the ballot. An advisory question authorized under this subsection may not consist of more than 100 words and shall be worded in a manner that allows the advisory question to be answered with a “yes” to favor the question or “no” to oppose the question.
  5. The lieutenant governor may provide for the election of an advisory school board established under AS 14.08.115 . An election conducted under this subsection shall be held on the first Tuesday in October. The lieutenant governor may adopt regulations governing an election conducted under this subsection.

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975; am § 1 ch 1 SLA 1976; am § 1 ch 39 SLA 1978; am § 25 ch 74 SLA 1985; am § 1 ch 96 SLA 1995; am § 1 ch 73 SLA 2013)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, “board” was inserted after “school” in the first sentence of subsection (b) to correct a typographical error of omission in ch. 74, SLA 1985.

Administrative Code. —

For administration of local and regional elections, see 6 AAC 27.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective January 1, 2014, added (e).

Collateral references. —

What is “public place” within requirements as to posting of school election notices. 90 ALR2d 1212.

Inclusion or exclusion of first and last days in computing time for giving notice of school district election, which must be given a certain number of days before a known future date. 98 ALR2d 1392.

Sec. 14.08.080. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.081. Recall.

The members of a regional school board are subject to recall in accordance with AS 29.26.240 29.26.360 , except that the director of elections shall perform the functions of a municipal clerk, the lieutenant governor shall perform the functions of the assembly or council under those sections, and the last regular election is the last regularly scheduled election held within the regional educational attendance area.

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975; am § 3 ch 24 SLA 1979; am § 26 ch 74 SLA 1985; am § 20 ch 37 SLA 1986)

Opinions of attorney general. —

For opinions of the Attorney General concerning recalls under this section, see May 28, 1987 Op. Att’y Gen.; April 22, 1988 Op. Att’y Gen.; September 25, 1989 Op. Att’y Gen.; September 26, 1989 Op. Att’y Gen.; January 15, 1991 Op. Att’y Gen.; 663-93-0213 (July 26, 1993); 663-97-0101 (September 25, 1996); 663-98-0213 (February 25, 1998); 663-07-0197 (July 19, 2007); 663-06-0096 (March 26, 2008).

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

Meiners v. Bering Strait Sch. Dist., 687 P.2d 287 (Alaska 1984).

Sec. 14.08.090. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.091. Organization; oath and bond.

  1. The regional school boards shall be organized in accordance with AS 14.14.070 , and, before taking office, each school board member shall take and sign the oath or affirmation prescribed by AS 14.12.090 .
  2. The officer of the board responsible for the custody of regional educational attendance area funds shall execute a bond of $50,000 with the commissioner.

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975)

Sec. 14.08.100. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.101. Powers.

A regional school board may

  1. sue and be sued;
  2. contract with the department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or any other school district, agency, or regional board for the provision of services, facilities, supplies, or utilities;
  3. determine its own fiscal procedures, including policies and procedures for the purchase of supplies and equipment; the regional school boards are exempt from AS 37.05 (Fiscal Procedures Act) and AS 36.30 (State Procurement Code);
  4. appoint, compensate, and otherwise control all school employees in accordance with this title; these employees are not subject to AS 39.25 (State Personnel Act);
  5. adopt regulations governing organization, policies, and procedures for the operation of the schools;
  6. establish, maintain, operate, discontinue, and combine schools subject to the approval of the commissioner;
  7. recommend to the department projects for construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of schools and education-related facilities as specified in AS 14.11.011(b) , and plan, design, and construct the project when the responsibility for it is assumed under AS 14.11.020 ;
  8. by resolution adopted by a majority of all the members of the board and provided to the commissioner of the department, assume ownership of all land and buildings used in relation to the schools in the regional educational attendance area, as provided for in AS 14.08.151(b) ;
  9. provide housing for rental to teachers, by leasing existing housing from a local agency or individual, by entering into contractual arrangements with a local agency or individual to lease housing that will be constructed by the local agency or individual for that purpose, or, without using for the purpose that portion of public school funding that consists of state aid provided under AS 14.17, by constructing or otherwise acquiring housing that is owned and managed by the regional educational attendance area for rental to teachers;
  10. employ a chief school administrator;
  11. apply for and use the proceeds of a loan from the Alaska energy efficiency revolving loan fund (AS 18.56.855 );
  12. exercise those other functions that may be necessary for the proper performance of its responsibilities.

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975; am § 2 ch 57 SLA 1976; am § 1 ch 147 SLA 1978; am § 4 ch 92 SLA 1982; am § 1 ch 105 SLA 1983; am § 6 ch 106 SLA 1986; am § 4 ch 5 SLA 1990; am § 13 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 1 ch 126 SLA 2003; am § 1 ch 35 SLA 2005; am § 2 ch 83 SLA 2010; am § 9 ch 3 SLA 2017)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1987, paragraphs (8)-(10) were renumbered as (10), (8), and (9), respectively, to place the general power at the end of the section. In 2008, paragraphs (10) and (11) were renumbered as (11) and (10), respectively, to keep the general power at the end of the section.

Administrative Code. —

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2010 amendment, effective September 14, 2010, added (11), and made a related change.

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, in (3), substituted “including policies and procedures” for “including but not limited to policies and procedures” preceding “for the purchase of supplies”.

Notes to Decisions

Board’s power to make personnel rules. —

Implicit in paragraph (4) of this section is a regional school board’s power to make personnel rules comparable to those which the state personnel act imposes on public employees subject to its coverage. Meiners v. Bering Strait Sch. Dist., 687 P.2d 287 (Alaska 1984).

School district not a “state”. —

The Bering Strait School District, a local school district created as a regional educational attendance area under Alaska law, is not a “state” within the meaning of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, 25 U.S.C. § 1621e, for the purpose of qualifying for exemption from required reimbursement to the federal government for health services provided to Alaska Natives. United States ex rel. Norton Sound Health Corp. v. Bering Strait Sch. Dist., 138 F.3d 1281 (9th Cir. Alaska), cert. denied, 525 U.S. 962, 119 S. Ct. 403, 142 L. Ed. 2d 327 (U.S. 1998).

As to absence of duty on regional educational attendance areas to bargain collectively with noncertificated employees, see note following chapter analysis. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

Sec. 14.08.110. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.111. Duties.

A regional school board shall

  1. provide, during the school term of each year, an educational program for each school age child who is enrolled in or a resident of the district;
  2. develop a philosophy of education, principles, and goals for its schools;
  3. approve the employment of the professional administrators, teachers, and noncertificated personnel necessary to operate its schools;
  4. establish the salaries to be paid its employees;
  5. designate the employees authorized to direct disbursements from the school funds of the board;
  6. submit the reports prescribed for all school districts;
  7. provide for an annual audit in accordance with AS 14.14.050 ;
  8. provide custodial services and routine maintenance of school buildings and facilities;
  9. establish procedures for the review and selection of all textbooks and instructional materials at least once every 10 years, including textbooks and curriculum materials for statewide correspondence programs, before they are introduced into the school curriculum; the review includes a review for violations of AS 14.18.060 ; nothing in this paragraph precludes a correspondence study student, or the parent or guardian of a correspondence study student, from privately obtaining or using textbooks or curriculum material not provided by the school district;
  10. provide prospective employees with information relating to the availability and cost of housing in rural areas to which they might be assigned, and, when possible, assist them in locating housing; however, nothing in this paragraph requires a regional school board to provide teacher housing, whether owned, leased, or rented or otherwise provided by the regional educational attendance area, nor does it require the board to engage in a subsidy program of any kind with respect to teacher housing;
  11. train persons required to report under AS 47.17.020 , in the recognition and reporting of child abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse of a minor; and
  12. establish procedures for providing the training under AS 14.18.060 , AS 14.20.149 , 14.20.680 , AS 14.30.355 , 14.30.356 , 14.30.362 , AS 14.33.100 , AS 18.66.310 , and AS 47.17.022 ; the procedures established under this paragraph must include a training schedule that ensures that not less than 50 percent of the total certificated staff employed by the district receive all of the training not less than every two years and that all of the certificated staff employed by the district receive all of the training not less than every four years.

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975; am § 2 ch 17 SLA 1981; am § 2 ch 105 SLA 1983; am § 2 ch 1 SLA 1986; am § 14 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 2 ch 130 SLA 2002; am § 3 ch 114 SLA 2003; am § 6 ch 2 SSSLA 2015; am §§ 11, 12 ch 54 SLA 2016; am § 4 ch 73 SLA 2018)

Administrative Code. —

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective October 7, 2015, added (12), and made related changes.

The 2016 amendment, effective October 26, 2016, in (12), deleted “14.33.127” from the list of sections, substituted “by the district receive” for both “at a school receives and “at each school receives” following “certificated staff employed”.

The 2016 amendment, effective June 30, 2017, in (12), deleted “14.33.127” from the list of cites, and twice substituted “by the district receive” for “at a school receives” or similar.

The 2018 amendment, effective October 28, 2018, in (9), inserted “at least once every 10 years” following “instructional materials”.

Notes to Decisions

Employment of superintendent. —

Implicit in a regional school board’s duty to “employ” a superintendent are duties such as the following: to determine what the duties of the position of superintendent shall be, to advise the superintendent on the manner in which it wishes him to perform his duties, to evaluate his performance, and to determine from time to time whether he should be retained or whether they should “employ” someone else. Meiners v. Bering Strait Sch. Dist., 687 P.2d 287 (Alaska 1984).

Supervision of superintendent. —

Implicit in AS 14.08.101 (4) is a regional school board’s power to make personnel rules comparable to those which the state personnel act imposes on public employees subject to its coverage. The board may well delegate to a superintendent, and through him to other employees such as principals and supervisors, its responsibility to “control” the rank-and-file employees; and in doing so it must of necessity supervise its superintendent. Meiners v. Bering Strait Sch. Dist., 687 P.2d 287 (Alaska 1984).

As to absence of duty on regional educational attendance areas to bargain collectively with noncertificated employees, see note following chapter analysis. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

Allegations in recall petition. —

Legal principles of general application, and not just those in this section, are the measure of the “prescribed duties” which a recall petition must allege a failure to perform. Meiners v. Bering Strait Sch. Dist., 687 P.2d 287 (Alaska 1984).

Sec. 14.08.115. Advisory school boards in regional educational attendance areas.

  1. A regional school board shall establish advisory school boards in each community in the regional educational attendance area that has more than 50 permanent residents, and by regulation shall prescribe their manner of selection and organization, and, in a manner consistent with (b) of this section, their powers and duties.
  2. An advisory board shall advise the regional school board on all matters concerning schools in the community in which the advisory board is established.

History. (§ 2 ch 24 SLA 1979; am §§ 6, 7 ch 173 SLA 1990)

Sec. 14.08.120. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.121. Funding. [Repealed, § 21 ch 26 SLA 1980.]

Sec. 14.08.130. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.131. Disqualification from voting for conflict of interest.

A board member having a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in a contract for erection of buildings, heating, ventilation, furnishing, or repairing the buildings or in a contract for the furnishing of supplies for a regional school is disqualified from voting on any question involving the pecuniary interest of the member unless the member has disclosed that interest to the board and the remaining members have approved the member’s participation in the voting.

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975)

Sec. 14.08.140. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.141. Regional resource centers. [Repealed, § 1 ch 236 SLA 1976. For current law, see AS 14.12.150 — 14.12.180.]

Sec. 14.08.150. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.151. Land and buildings.

  1. Except as provided in (b) of this section, the ownership of land and buildings used in relation to regional educational attendance area schools shall remain vested in the state, and use permits shall be given to the regional school boards.
  2. Except for land located within the boundaries of a state airport, a regional school board may, by resolution, request, and the commissioner of the department having responsibility shall convey, title to land and buildings used in relation to regional educational attendance area schools. If the state holds less than fee title to the land, the commissioner of the department having responsibility shall convey the entire interest of the state in the land to the regional school board.

History. (§ 2 ch 124 SLA 1975; am §§ 2, 3 ch 147 SLA 1978; am § 46 ch 6 SLA 1984; am § 2 ch 35 SLA 2005)

Cross references. —

For the vote required for a resolution under (b) of this section, see AS 14.08.101 (8).

Administrative Code. —

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

Notes to Decisions

State property only partially used by regional school district. —

Subsection (b) of this section is inapplicable to state property which is only partially used by a regional school district, and superior court erred in requiring partial conveyance of building complex to regional school district. State v. Bering Strait Regional Educ. Attendance Area Sch. Dist., 658 P.2d 784 (Alaska 1983).

Sec. 14.08.160. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Sec. 14.08.161. School construction, repair, and improvement. [Repealed, § 10 ch 92 SLA 1982. For current law, see AS 14.11.]

Sec. 14.08.170. [Repealed, § 1 ch 124 SLA 1975.]

Chapter 09. Transportation of Pupils.

Administrative Code. —

For transportation of pupils, see 4 AAC 27.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, §§ 263 — 269.

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, §§ 474 — 477.

Relief against school board’s “busing plan” to promote desegregation. 50 ALR3d 1089.

Personal liability of executive or administrative officer unit for personal injury or death of student. 35 ALR4th 272.

Liability of school employee, other than teacher or administrator, for personal injury or death of student. 35 ALR4th 328.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for accidents associated with transportation of students. 23 ALR5th 1.

Sec. 14.09.010. Transportation of students.

  1. A school district that provides student transportation services for the transportation of students who reside a distance from established schools is eligible to receive funding for operating or subcontracting the operation of the transportation system for students to and from the schools within the student’s transportation service area. Subject to appropriation, the amount of funding provided by the state for operating the student transportation system is the amount of a school district’s ADM, less the ADM for the district’s correspondence programs during the current fiscal year, multiplied by the per student amount for the school district as follows:
  2. The department shall adopt regulations that provide for oversight of and support to school districts in achieving a safe and cost-effective student transportation system. The regulations must include a requirement for contract terms of not less than three years, if feasible, standardized conditions and bid periods, and standards that ensure cost efficiencies and exclusions.
  3. [Repealed, § 11 ch 9 SLA 2008.]
  4. A school district that provides transportation services under this section shall provide transportation services to students attending a charter school operated by the district under a policy adopted by the district. The policy must
    1. be developed with input solicited from individuals involved with the charter school, including staff, students, and parents;
    2. at a minimum, provide transportation services for students enrolled in the charter school on a space available basis along the regular routes that the students attending schools in an attendance area in the district are transported; and
    3. be approved by the department.
  5. If a school district fails to adopt a policy under (d) of this section, the school district shall allocate the amount received for each student under (a) of this section to each charter school operated by the district based on the number of students enrolled in the charter school.
  6. Nothing in (d) of this section requires a school district to establish dedicated transportation routes for the exclusive use of students enrolled in a charter school or authorizes a charter school to opt out of a policy adopted by a school district for the purpose of acquiring transportation funding.
  7. In this section,
    1. “ADM” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 ;
    2. “district’s ADM” means the sum of the ADMs in the district.

DISTRICT PER STUDENT AMOUNT (2) (1) for the school for the school years beginning year beginning on or after July 1, 2011 July 1, 2012 Alaska Gateway $2,081 $2,148 Aleutians East 311 321 Anchorage 435 449 Annette Island 182 188 Bering Strait 48 50 Bristol Bay 2,672 2,758 Chatham 280 289 Copper River 1,586 1,637 Cordova 335 346 Craig 423 437 Delta/Greely 1,656 1,709 Denali 1,808 1,866 Dillingham 1,218 1,257 Fairbanks 817 843 Galena 255 263 Haines 626 646 Hoonah 298 308 Iditarod 211 218 Juneau 604 623 Kake 271 280 Kashunamiut 5 5 Kenai Peninsula 766 944 Ketchikan 727 750 Klawock 584 603 Kodiak Island 799 825 Kuspuk 654 675 Lake and Peninsula 384 396 Lower Kuskokwim 277 286 Lower Yukon 1 1 Matanuska-Susitna 910 939 Nenana 587 606 Nome 621 641 North Slope 1,120 1,156 Northwest Arctic 25 26 Pelican 72 74 Petersburg 374 386 Saint Mary’s 193 199 Sitka 428 442 Skagway 36 37 Southeast Island 1,155 1,192 Southwest Region 598 617 Tanana 478 493 Unalaska 648 669 Valdez 735 759 Wrangell 701 723 Yakutat 744 768 Yukon Flats 264 272 Yukon/Koyukuk 299 309 Yupiit 2 2.

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History. (§ 1 ch 39 SLA 1966; § 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 2 FSSLA 1996; am §§ 15, 16 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 1 ch 54 SLA 2003; am §§ 1, 2, 11 ch 9 SLA 2008; am §§ 1, 2 ch 19 SLA 2012; am § 20 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Former subsection (c) was enacted as AS 14.10.070(c). Renumbered in 1966. Subsection (b) was enacted as (d) and relettered in 2012, at which time former subsection (b) was relettered as (d) [now (g)].

Subsections (d) — (f) were enacted as (e) — (g). Relettered in 2014, at which time former (d) was relettered as (g) and internal references in (e) and (f) were conformed.

Administrative Code. —

For transportation of pupils, see 4 AAC 27.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2012 amendment repealed and reenacted (a), effective June 30, 2012, and added (b) (formerly (d)), effective July 1, 2012. Former (b) was relettered as (d).

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, added (e) through (g) [now (d) through (f)].

Opinions of attorney general. —

The Department of Education may reimburse a school district for the provision of pupil transportation services at a rate lower than the district’s costs. The department should, however, adopt standards of general applicability for determining the reasonable cost basis for reimbursement. Feb. 21, 1986 Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

Cases construing former similar provision. —

See Tapscott v. Page, 17 Alaska 507 (D. Alaska 1958); Matthews v. Quinton, 362 P.2d 932 (Alaska 1961), cert. denied, 368 U.S. 517, 82 S. Ct. 530, 7 L. Ed. 2d 522 (U.S. 1962).

Borough was not acting as an agent of the state in furnishing transportation of pupils. Kenai Peninsula Borough v. State, 532 P.2d 1019 (Alaska 1975).

While the state did supervise the school transportation service insofar as it related to the funding provided by it and also had certain regulations in effect pertaining to the over-all safety of the transportation system, the actual control of the transportation services was undertaken by the borough which, on its own behalf, entered into the contract with a school bus owner to furnish transportation service for specified routes. Kenai Peninsula Borough v. State, 532 P.2d 1019 (Alaska 1975).

Department of Education discretion in awarding school busing contracts. —

Although neither the Department of Education nor regional school boards were explicitly given the discretion to decide when a busing contract was to be awarded by bid or by negotiation under former AS 37.05.230 (4), the authority granted to the Department of Education under this section compelled the conclusion that the department additionally had been granted the discretion to choose between bid and negotiation in awarding busing contracts. State v. Northern Bus Co., 693 P.2d 319 (Alaska 1984).

Applied in

Girves v. Kenai Peninsula Borough, 536 P.2d 1221 (Alaska 1975).

Cited in

Jennings v. State, 566 P.2d 1304 (Alaska 1977).

Collateral references. —

Nature and extent of transportation that must be furnished under statute requiring free transportation of school pupils. 52 ALR3d 1036.

Sec. 14.09.020. Transportation for nonpublic school students.

In those places in the state where the department or a school district provides transportation for children attending public schools, the department also shall provide transportation for children who, in compliance with the provisions of AS 14.30, attend nonpublic schools that are administered in compliance with state law where the children, in order to reach the nonpublic schools, must travel distances comparable to, and over routes the same as, the distances and routes over which the children attending public schools are transported. The commissioner shall administer this nonpublic school student transportation program, integrating it into existing systems as much as feasible, and the cost of the program shall be paid from funds appropriated for that purpose by the legislature.

History. (§ 1 ch 157 SLA 1972)

Opinions of attorney general. —

The state financing of private school bus transportation does not violate Alaska Const., art. VII, § 1, which prohibits the payment of money from public funds “for the direct benefit of any religious or private educational institution.” December 17, 1979, Op. Att’y Gen. (superseding June 12, 1978, Op. Att’y Gen.).

Notes to Decisions

Public busing of distant private school students. —

In light of the reasoning in the case at hand, a substantial question can be raised as to the continuing vitality of Matthews v. Quinton, 362 P.2d 932 (Alaska 1961), in which the court held violative of the state constitution a statute enabling private school children living far from their schools to ride public school buses at public expense. Sheldon Jackson College v. State, 599 P.2d 127 (Alaska 1979).

Collateral references. —

Constitutionality, under state constitutional provision forbidding financial aid to religious sects, of public provision of school bus service for private school pupils. 41 ALR3d 344.

Sec. 14.09.025. Drug testing for school bus drivers.

  1. A school district or regional educational attendance area that provides for the transportation of pupils shall require that the drivers of motor vehicles used to transport pupils submit to testing for the use of drugs and alcohol. The testing program must include random testing. A driver who tests positive for the improper use of drugs or alcohol may be disciplined, including termination from employment.
  2. For a driver who is not required to have a commercial driver’s license, an employer
    1. shall keep and maintain records of the testing for improper use of drugs or alcohol on a confidential basis and may only release the results with the written consent of the employee; and
    2. may not retain false positive test results in the employee’s employment records and may not release information about a false positive test without the written consent of the employee.
  3. The department shall adopt regulations to implement this section. The regulations must include a provision for a hearing before discipline is imposed.
  4. In this section, “improper use of drugs or alcohol” means use that constitutes a criminal offense and use that violates regulations adopted by the department under this section.

History. (§ 2 ch 105 SLA 1994)

Sec. 14.09.030. School buses.

  1. A municipal school district or regional educational attendance area shall
    1. provide instruction on safe boarding, riding, exiting, and emergency procedures to school children transported to or from a public school by school bus;
    2. provide instruction to drivers and passengers on the proper use of seat belts if school children in the municipal school district or regional educational attendance area are transported in buses equipped with seat belts; and
    3. conduct at least three school bus drills each school year in safe boarding, exiting, and emergency procedures; one drill must be conducted during the first three weeks of the school term.
  2. The department shall
    1. establish equipment requirements for each type of school bus that is used to transport school children to or from a public school;
    2. at least twice each calendar year, inspect each school bus for compliance with requirements adopted under this subsection; and
    3. maintain a record of each accident involving a school bus or other vehicle transporting school children that is owned by, leased by, or provided under contract to a municipal school district or regional educational attendance area; the record must include the date of the accident, a list of persons injured, whether the person’s injury occurred within the school bus, and each type of injury.

History. (§ 1 ch 51 SLA 1999)

Chapter 10. Administration of the School System.

[Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Chapter 11. Construction, Rehabilitation, and Improvement of Schools and Education-Related Facilities.

Cross references. —

For provision requiring the Department of Education and Early Development to present to the legislature no later than June 15, 2015 a report on the benefits and disadvantages of using prototypical designs for school construction in both the Railbelt and rural areas of the state, see sec. 53, ch. 15, SLA 2014 in the 2014 Temporary and Special Acts.

For provision requiring the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee to procure a study to be completed no later than June 15, 2015 to evaluate current public school funding provisions under AS 14.11 — AS 14.17, see sec. 54, ch. 15, SLA 2014 in the 2014 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For school facility planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31.

Opinions of attorney general. —

Appropriations to retire municipal general obligation school bond indebtedness under this chapter are “required” and qualify as an exception to the spending limit of § 16, art. IX, of the state constitution. 1983 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 01.

Article 1. Public School Facilities in General.

Sec. 14.11.005. School construction grant fund.

There is created a school construction grant fund as an account in the general fund. The fund shall be used to make grants for the costs of school construction. Legislative appropriations for school construction shall be deposited in the fund, and the proceeds from the sale of general obligation bonds for school construction may be deposited in the fund.

History. (§ 5 ch 5 SLA 1990)

Administrative Code. —

For loss protection, see 4 AAC 31, art. 2.

Sec. 14.11.007. Major maintenance grant fund.

There is created a major maintenance grant fund as an account in the general fund. The fund shall be used to make grants for the costs of school major maintenance. Legislative appropriations for school major maintenance shall be deposited in the fund.

History. (§ 4 ch 78 SLA 1993)

Sec. 14.11.008. School district participation in grant program.

  1. In order to receive a grant under this chapter or an appropriation under AS 37.05.560 , a district must provide a percentage share of the project cost, as determined under (b) or (c) of this section. Except as provided in (d) or (g) of this section, a district shall provide the required participating share within three years after the date that the appropriation bill funding the grant is passed by the legislature.
  2. The required participating share for a municipal school district is based on the district’s full value per average daily membership (ADM), which is calculated by dividing the full and true value of the taxable real and personal property in the district, calculated as described in AS 14.17.510 , by the district ADM as defined in AS 14.17.990 , for the same fiscal year for which the valuation was made. The municipal district’s full value per ADM determines the district’s required participating share, as follows:
  3. The required participating share for a regional educational attendance area is two percent. The participating share for any district may be satisfied by money from federal, local, or other sources, or with locally contributed labor, material, or equipment.
  4. If a district with full value per ADM of $200,000 or less can demonstrate in writing that it is unable to provide the required participating share or that the participating share required under this section will jeopardize receipt of federal assistance, the commissioner may waive all or a portion of the required participating share.
  5. State funds provided under this chapter may not be a source of the participating share required under (b) or (c) of this section.
  6. [Repealed, § 11 ch 3 SSSLA 2002.]
  7. The commissioner may extend the time allowed for a district to provide the required participating share for an additional period of not more than seven years if the district applies to the commissioner in writing to request an extension and demonstrates good cause for the requested extension. The commissioner may find good cause if
    1. a request for extension identifies a project constraint that requires a reasonable extension of time;
    2. the extension will not jeopardize the successful completion of the project as described in a grant agreement under AS 14.11.017 ;
    3. the extension will not result in an increase of state funding of the project cost; and
    4. the district demonstrates a good faith effort to secure funding for its participating share within the time required by (a) of this section and reasonably expects to secure the funding within the additional time requested by the extension.

Full Value Per ADM District Participating Share $1 — $150,000 5 percent 150,001 — 275,000 10 percent 275,001 — 500,000 20 percent 500,001 — 800,000 30 percent over 800,000 35 percent.

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History. (§ 4 ch 78 SLA 1993; am § 17 ch 83 SLA 1998; am §§ 1 — 3, 11 ch 3 SSSLA 2002; am § 25 ch 35 SLA 2003; am § 1 ch 107 SLA 2008; am § 3 ch 93 SLA 2010; am §§ 1, 2 ch 78 SLA 2018)

Cross references. —

For provision relating to the applicability of the 2018 amendment of subsection (a) and addition of subsection (g), see sec. 3, ch. 78, SLA 2018, in the 2018 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2010 amendment, effective June 22, 2010, and applicable retroactively to an appropriation made under AS 37.05.560 or a grant approved under AS 14.11.008(a) on or after April 1, 2008, in the table in (b), in the third line, substituted “275,001 — 500,000” and “20 percent” for “275,001 — 800,000” and “30 percent”, and added the fourth line.

The 2018 amendment, effective November 6, 2018, in (a), added “Except as provided in (d) or (g) of this section, a” at the beginning of the second sentence, and made a related change; added (g).

Editor’s notes. —

Under § 9, ch. 93, SLA 2010, the 2010 amendments to (b) of this section apply “retroactively to an appropriation made under AS 37.05.560 or a grant approved under [(a) of this section] on or after April 1, 2008.”

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Sch. Dist. v. State, 931 P.2d 391 (Alaska 1997).

Sec. 14.11.010. Recommendations and evaluations of projects. [Repealed, § 15 ch 5 SLA 1990.]

Sec. 14.11.011. Grant applications.

  1. A municipality that is a school district or a regional educational attendance area may submit a request to the department for a grant under this chapter.
  2. For a municipality that is a school district or a regional educational attendance area to be eligible for a grant under this chapter, the district shall submit
    1. a six-year capital improvement plan that includes a description of the district’s fixed asset inventory system and preventive maintenance program no later than September 1 of the fiscal year before the fiscal year for which the request is made; the six-year plan must contain for each proposed project a detailed scope of work, a project budget, and documentation of conditions justifying the project;
    2. evidence that the district has secured and will maintain adequate property loss insurance for the replacement cost of all facilities for which state funds are available under AS 14.11.005 or 14.11.007 or has a program of insurance acceptable to the department;
    3. evidence acceptable to the department that the proposed project should be a capital improvement project and not part of a preventive maintenance program or regular custodial care program; and
    4. evidence acceptable to the department that the district
      1. has a preventive maintenance plan that
        1. includes a computerized maintenance management program, cardex system, or other formal systematic means of tracking the timing and costs associated with planned and completed maintenance activities, including scheduled preventive maintenance;
        2. addresses energy management for buildings owned or operated by the district;
        3. includes a regular custodial care program for buildings owned or operated by the district;
        4. includes preventive maintenance training for facility managers and maintenance employees;
        5. includes renewal and replacement schedules for electrical, mechanical, structural, and other components of facilities owned or operated by the district; and
      2. is adequately adhering to the preventive maintenance plan.

History. (§ 6 ch 5 SLA 1990; am § 5 ch 78 SLA 1993; am § 1 ch 98 SLA 1998; am §§ 4, 5 ch 3 SSSLA 2002)

Administrative Code. —

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

For loss protection, see 4 AAC 31, art. 2.

Sec. 14.11.013. Department review of grant applications.

  1. With regard to projects for which grants are requested under AS 14.11.011 , the department shall
    1. annually review the six-year plans submitted by each district under AS 14.11.011 (b) and recommend to the board a revised and updated six-year capital improvement project grant schedule that serves the best interests of the state and each district; in recommending projects for this schedule, the department shall verify that each proposed project meets the criteria established under AS 14.11.014(b) and qualifies as a project required to
      1. avert imminent danger or correct life-threatening situations;
      2. house students who would otherwise be unhoused; for purposes of this subparagraph, students are considered unhoused if the students attend school in temporary facilities;
      3. protect the structure of existing school facilities;
      4. correct building code deficiencies that require major repair or rehabilitation in order for the facility to continue to be used for the educational program;
      5. achieve an operating cost savings;
      6. modify or rehabilitate facilities for the purpose of improving the instructional program;
      7. meet an educational need not specified in (A) — (F) of this paragraph, identified by the department;
    2. prepare an estimate of the amount of money needed to finance each project;
    3. provide to the governor, by November 1, and to the legislature within the first 10 days of each regular legislative session, a revised and updated six-year capital improvement project grant schedule, together with a proposed schedule of appropriations;
    4. encourage each school district to use previously approved school construction design plans and building systems if the use will result in cost savings for the project;
    5. consider the regionally based model school construction standards developed under AS 14.11.017(d) .
  2. In preparing the construction grant schedule, the department shall establish priorities among projects for which grants are requested and shall award school construction grants in the order of priority established. In establishing priorities, the department shall evaluate at least the following factors, without establishing an absolute priority for any one factor:
    1. emergency requirements;
    2. priorities assigned by the district to the projects requested;
    3. new local elementary and secondary programs;
    4. existing regional, community, and school facilities, and their condition; this paragraph does not include administrative facilities;
    5. the amount of district operating funds expended for maintenance;
    6. other options that would reduce or eliminate the need for the request;
    7. the district’s use of previously approved school construction design plans and building systems if the use will result in cost savings for the project; and
    8. consideration of regionally based model school construction standards under AS 14.11.017(d) .
  3. The department may
    1. modify a project request when necessary to achieve cost-effective school construction;
    2. require that a school construction project be phased for purposes of planning, design, and construction;
    3. reject project requests and omit them from the six-year schedule due to
      1. incomplete information or documentation provided by the district;
      2. a determination by the department that existing facilities can adequately serve the program requirements, or that alternative projects are in the best interests of the state;
      3. a determination that the project is not in the best interest of the state; and
    4. require that a school construction project include all or part of the regionally based model school construction standards developed under AS 14.11.017(d) or use previously approved design plans and building systems that would result in capital or operating cost savings for the project.
  4. The department shall reduce a project budget by the cost of those portions of a project design that the department determines (1) are for construction of student residential space, planetariums, hockey rinks, saunas, and other facilities for single purpose sporting or recreational uses that are not suitable for other activities; or (2) do not meet the criteria developed under AS 14.11.014(b) that are applicable to the project. This subsection does not apply to funding for swimming pools that meet criteria established by the department.
  5. By November 5, the department shall provide public notice of the grant applications submitted under (a) of this section and the priorities established under (b) of this section.  After public notice has been given, the department shall, not later than December 1, hold a public hearing on the priorities established under (b) of this section.  In this subsection, “public notice” means notice published in a newspaper of general circulation and notice to every person who has requested notice about the grant application program from the department.

History. (§ 6 ch 5 SLA 1990; am §§ 6 — 8 ch 78 SLA 1993; am § 1 ch 60 SLA 1994; am § 2 ch 2 FSSLA 1996; am §§ 1 — 3 ch 79 SLA 2018)

Administrative Code. —

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective August 11, 2018, added (a)(3) and (4); added (b)(7) and (8); added (c)(4), and made related changes.

Sec. 14.11.014. Bond reimbursement and grant review committee.

  1. The commissioner shall establish a bond reimbursement and grant review committee for the purpose described in (b) of this section. In making selections to the committee, the commissioner shall seek to maintain a regional statewide balance on the committee. The committee shall consist of the commissioner or the commissioner’s designee, two members of the legislature selected by the presiding officers of the house and senate, and six other people selected by the commissioner as follows:
    1. two persons shall have professional degrees and experience in school construction;
    2. two persons shall have experience in urban or rural school facilities management;
    3. two persons shall represent the public.
  2. The committee shall
    1. review the department’s priorities among projects for which school construction grants are requested;
    2. make recommendations to the board concerning school construction grants and make recommendations to the commissioner concerning projects for which bond reimbursement is requested;
    3. develop criteria for construction of schools in the state; criteria developed under this paragraph must include requirements intended to achieve cost-effective school construction;
    4. analyze existing prototypical designs for school construction projects;
    5. establish a form for grant applications;
    6. establish a method of ranking grant projects;
    7. recommend to the board necessary changes to the approval process for school construction grants and for projects for which bond reimbursement is requested;
    8. set standards for energy efficiency for school construction and major maintenance to provide energy efficiency benefits for all school locations in the state and that address energy efficiency in design and energy systems that minimize long-term energy and operating costs.
  3. Members of the committee serve without compensation, but members who are not representing the department are entitled to per diem and travel expenses authorized for boards and commissions under AS 39.20.180 .
  4. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the committee may not recommend for approval an application for bond debt reimbursement made by a municipality for school construction or major maintenance for indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after January 1, 2015, but before July 1, 2025.

History. (§ 9 ch 78 SLA 1993; am § 4 ch 93 SLA 2010; am § 1 ch 3 SLA 2015; am § 1 ch 6 SLA 2020)

Delayed repeal. —

Under sec. 6, ch. 3, SLA 2015, as amended by sec. 5, ch. 6, SLA 2020, subsection (d) of this section is repealed July 1, 2025.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective January 1, 2015, added (d).

The 2020 amendment, effective June 30, 2020, substituted “before July 1, 2025” for “before July 1, 2020” at the end of (d).

Sec. 14.11.015. Approval of grant applications.

  1. The board shall review grant applications that have been recommended by the department under AS 14.11.013 , and may approve a grant application if the board determines that the project meets the criteria specified in AS 14.11.013 (a)(1) and 14.11.014 . The department may not award a grant unless the grant application is approved by the board.
  2. To the extent that money is available in the appropriate fund, the department shall award grants approved under (a) of this section in the order of the projects’ priority on the date the appropriation bill funding the appropriate grant fund is passed by the legislature, regardless of any appeal pending under AS 14.11.016 . Appeals pending under AS 14.11.016 at the time that grants are awarded may not delay the funding of grants awarded under this section.
  3. If a project is assigned a new priority ranking under AS 14.11.016 after the date of passage by the legislature of the appropriation bill for the appropriate grant fund, the project must be funded from the appropriate fund in accordance with the new priority ranking at the next time that grants are awarded.

History. (§ 6 ch 5 SLA 1990; am § 10 ch 78 SLA 1993)

Administrative Code. —

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

Sec. 14.11.016. Administrative and judicial review.

  1. A district may request reconsideration of a decision of the department assigning a priority to the district’s project, establishing the scope of the project, or establishing the budget for the project.  The request must be in writing and must include a statement of the specific changes desired, and a summary of the evidence supporting the district’s claim that the department has erred in its review of the district’s grant application.  A request for reconsideration must be received by the department by the day of the public hearing held under  AS 14.11.013(e) .  The department shall review its decision on the basis of the request by the district and determine whether its decision should be changed.  The department shall issue its determination in writing within 15 days after the last day of the public hearing held under  AS 14.11.013(e) .
  2. A district may appeal an adverse decision of the department under (a) of this section by filing a written notice of appeal with the commissioner within 15 days after the date of the department’s decision. The notice of appeal must state the legal and factual basis for the appeal and the precise relief sought. The failure of the district to include an issue in a notice of appeal constitutes a waiver of the right to have the issue considered. Not later than 10 days after receipt by the commissioner of a notice of appeal, the chief administrative law judge of the office of administrative hearings (  AS 44.64.010 ) shall appoint an administrative law judge who is qualified under  AS 44.62.350(c) to serve as hearing officer and consider the appeal. If the hearing officer finds that the notice of appeal does not raise a reasonable issue of fact or law, the hearing officer shall issue a written decision denying the appeal. Denial of an appeal by hearing officer is a final decision that may be appealed under (d) of this section. If the hearing officer finds that the notice of appeal raises a reasonable issue of fact or law, the hearing officer shall conduct a hearing on those issues and recommend a decision to the board. The hearing officer shall issue a decision on the appeal not later than 60 days after being appointed. The board shall consider the recommended decision of the hearing officer at its next regularly scheduled meeting and may adopt all, part, or none of the recommended decision or may remand the issue to the hearing officer for further hearings. The board shall issue its decision in writing within 10 days after consideration of the hearing officer’s decision.
  3. The hearing officer may consolidate appeals under (b) of this section, if the notices of appeal raise related issues of fact or law.
  4. A district may appeal an adverse decision of a hearing officer or the board under (b) of this section to the superior court in the manner provided by  AS 44.62.560 44.62.570 .
  5. The board shall adopt regulations governing procedures for the reconsideration and appeal of decisions under this section. The regulations adopted under this subsection are not required to conform to  AS 44.62.330 44.62.630 , but shall be consistent with minimum standards of due process.
  6. A district may not request reconsideration of or appeal a priority determination on the grounds that a revised priority assigned to another project, due to a reconsideration or appeal under this section, has resulted in a lower priority being accorded to the district’s project.

History. (§ 6 ch 5 SLA 1990; am § 28 ch 163 SLA 2004)

Sec. 14.11.017. Grant conditions.

  1. The department shall require in the grant agreement that a municipality that is a school district or a regional educational attendance area
    1. agree to construction of a facility of appropriate size and use that meets criteria adopted by the department if the grant is for school construction;
    2. provide reasonable assurance by a means acceptable to the department, that the cost of the project will be uniform with the costs of the most current construction or major maintenance projects, as appropriate, in the area;
    3. agree to limit equipment purchases to that required for the approved project plan submitted under (5) of this subsection and account for all equipment purchased for the project under a fixed asset inventory system approved by the department;
    4. submit project budgets for department approval and agree that the grant amount may, at the discretion of the department, be reduced or increased by amounts equal to the amounts by which contracts vary from the budget amounts approved by the department; and
    5. submit to the department for approval, before award of the contract, a plan for the project that includes educational specifications, final drawings, and contract documents.
  2. The cost of any school construction or major maintenance activity encompassed by the definition of “costs of school construction” under AS 14.11.135 is payable under a grant awarded from the appropriate fund under AS 14.11.015 without regard to whether the costs were incurred before the
    1. award of the grant;
    2. approval of the grant application by the board; or
    3. effective date of an appropriation to the appropriate grant fund for the year in which the grant is funded.
  3. The department, by regulation, may establish the time period in which activities described in (b) of this section must have occurred in order to be paid under a grant.
  4. The department shall develop and periodically update regionally based model school construction standards that describe acceptable building systems and anticipated costs and establish school design ratios to achieve efficient and cost-effective school construction. In developing the standards, the department shall consider the standards and criteria developed under AS 14.11.014(b) .

History. (§ 6 ch 5 SLA 1990; am §§ 11, 12 ch 78 SLA 1993; am § 4 ch 79 SLA 2018)

Administrative Code. —

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective August 11, 2018, added (d).

Sec. 14.11.019. Grant appropriations.

Within the appropriation bill authorizing capital expenditures submitted to the legislature under AS 37.07.020(a)(3), the governor shall include an appropriation for grants in the succeeding fiscal year as determined by the six-year capital improvement project grant schedule prepared under AS 14.11.013 .

History. (§ 6 ch 5 SLA 1990; am § 13 ch 78 SLA 1993; am § 1 ch 30 SLA 1997; am § 1 ch 59 SLA 1997)

Sec. 14.11.020. Assumption of responsibilities.

  1. The assembly or council of a municipality that is a school district or a regional school board may, by resolution or majority vote of the body, assume the responsibilities relating to the planning, design, and construction of a school or an education-related facility located within the boundaries or operating area of the municipality or regional educational attendance area.  After receipt of a request by an assembly or council under this subsection, the department shall provide for the assumption of the responsibilities requested.  After receipt of a request by a regional school board under this subsection, the department may provide for the assumption of the responsibilities requested.
  2. If a municipality that is a school district or a regional educational attendance area assumes the responsibilities under this section, the department shall grant to the municipality or regional educational attendance area money appropriated for the school or education-related facility.  The department may transfer the appropriations to a special construction account in the state treasury.  Under the fiscal control of the department, a municipality or regional educational attendance area that assumes responsibilities for the project as provided in this section may draw on the account for costs of the project.
  3. The construction management costs of a project assumed under this section may not exceed four percent of the amount of appropriations for the facility if the amount of appropriations is $500,000 or less.  The construction management costs of a project assumed under this section may not exceed three percent of the amount of appropriations for the facility if the amount of appropriations is over $500,000 but less than $5,000,000.  The construction management costs of a project assumed under this section may not exceed two percent of the amount of appropriations for the facility if the amount of appropriations is $5,000,000 or more.  For purposes of this subsection “construction management” means management of the project’s schedule, quality, and budget during any phase of the planning, design, and construction of the facility by a private contractor engaged by the municipality or regional educational attendance area.
  4. The commissioner shall adopt necessary regulations implementing this section, and setting out the requirements for agreements between the department and a municipality or regional educational attendance area relating to the assumption by the municipality or regional educational attendance area of responsibilities for the planning, design, and construction of a project.

History. (§ 3 ch 92 SLA 1982)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as AS 14.07.190. Renumbered in 1982.

Administrative Code. —

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

Sec. 14.11.025. State aid for school construction in regional educational attendance areas and small municipal school districts.

  1. In addition to other appropriations and funding sources, the department may provide grant funding from the fund established under AS 14.11.030 to a school district that is a regional educational attendance area or a small municipal school district.
  2. The amount of money available each fiscal year for expenditure under (a) of this section shall be the annual debt service on debt incurred under AS 14.11.100(a) divided by the percentage of all schools that are located in a city or borough school district that is not a small municipal school district, the quotient of which is to be multiplied by .244.
  3. In this section, “small municipal school district” means a city or borough school district in the state that has an ADM of not more than 300 and in which the district’s full value per ADM is not more than $500,000. In this subsection, the district’s full value per ADM is determined by dividing the full and true value of the taxable real and personal property in the district, calculated as described in AS 14.17.510 , by the district ADM, as defined in AS 14.17.990 , for the same fiscal year for which the valuation was made.

History. (§ 5 ch 93 SLA 2010; am §§ 1, 2 ch 49 SLA 2013)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective September 16, 2013, in (a), added “or a small municipal school district” at the end; in (b), inserted “that is not a small municipal school district” following “borough school district”; added (c).

Sec. 14.11.030. Regional educational attendance area and small municipal school district school fund.

  1. The regional educational attendance area and small municipal school district school fund is created as an account in the general fund to be used, in addition to other funding sources, to fund projects approved under AS 14.11.025 for the costs of school construction and major maintenance in regional educational attendance areas and small municipal school districts. The primary function of the fund is to fund school construction projects.
  2. Legislative appropriations, including appropriations of interest earned on the fund, shall be deposited in the fund established under this section. The unobligated and unexpended cash balance of the fund may not exceed $70,000,000.
  3. Money appropriated to the fund does not lapse except to the extent money in the fund exceeds the maximum fund balance specified in (b) of this section.
  4. In this section, “small municipal school district” has the meaning given in AS 14.11.025 .

History. (§ 5 ch 93 SLA 2010; am §§ 3, 4 ch 49 SLA 2013; am §§ 5, 6 ch 79 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective September 16, 2013, in (a), twice inserted “and small municipal school district” or similar, following “attendance area” or similar; added (d).

The 2018 amendment, effective August 11, 2018, in (a), inserted “and major maintenance” following “school construction” near the end of the first sentence, and added the second sentence; in (b), rewrote the second sentence, which read, “The fund balance may not exceed $70,000,000.”

Sec. 14.11.035. Report on school construction and major maintenance funding.

Every February, the department shall provide to the governor and the legislature an annual report on the effectiveness of the school construction and major maintenance grants, state aid for school construction and major maintenance in regional educational attendance areas, and state aid for costs of school construction debt under this chapter. The report must include an analysis of funding sources and the short-term and long-term fiscal effects of the funding on the state. Copies of the report shall be made available to the public and to the legislature.

History. (§ 5 ch 93 SLA 2010; am § 7 ch 79 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective August 11, 2018, substituted “Every February” for “Beginning in February, 2013” at the beginning of the first sentence, inserted “and major maintenance” following “state aid for school construction”.

Sec. 14.11.100. State aid for costs of school construction debt.

  1. During each fiscal year, the state shall allocate to a municipality that is a school district the following sums:
    1. payments made by the municipality during the fiscal year two years earlier for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness incurred before July 1, 1977, to pay costs of school construction;
    2. 90 percent of
      1. payments made by the municipality during the fiscal year two years earlier for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness incurred after June 30, 1977, and before July 1, 1978, to pay costs of school construction;
      2. cash payments made after June 30, 1976, and before July 1, 1978, by the municipality during the fiscal year two years earlier to pay costs of school construction;
    3. 90 percent of
      1. payments made by the municipality during the fiscal year two years earlier for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness incurred after June 30, 1978, and before January 1, 1982, to pay costs of school construction projects approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11) ;
      2. cash payments made after June 30, 1978, and before July 1, 1982, by the municipality during the fiscal year two years earlier to pay costs of school construction projects approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11) ;
    4. subject to (h) and (i) of this section, up to 90 percent of
      1. payments made by the municipality during the current fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness incurred after December 31, 1981, and authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality before July 1, 1983, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects that exceed $25,000 and are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11);
      2. cash payments made after June 30, 1982, and before July 1, 1983, by the municipality during the fiscal year two years earlier to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects that exceed $25,000 and are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11); and
      3. payments made by the municipality during the current fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects that exceed $25,000 and are submitted to the department for approval under AS 14.07.020(a)(11) before July 1, 1983, and approved by the qualified voters of the municipality before October 15, 1983, not to exceed a total project cost of (i) $6,600,000 if the annual growth rate of average daily membership of the municipality is more than seven percent but less than 12 percent, or (ii) $20,000,000 if the annual growth rate of average daily membership of the municipality is 12 percent or more; payments made by a municipality under this subparagraph on total project costs that exceed the amounts set out in (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph are subject to (5)(A) of this subsection;
    5. subject to (h) — (j) of this section, 80 percent of
      1. payments made by the municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality
        1. after June 30, 1983, but before March 31, 1990, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects that exceed $25,000 and are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11); or
        2. before July 1, 1989, and reauthorized before November 1, 1989, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects that exceed $25,000 and are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11); and
      2. cash payments made after June 30, 1983, by the municipality during the fiscal year two years earlier to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects that exceed $25,000 and are approved by the department before July 1, 1990, under AS 14.07.020(a)(11);
    6. subject to (h) — (j) and (m) of this section, 70 percent of payments made by the municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after April 30, 1993, but before July 1, 1996, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects that exceed $200,000 and are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11);
    7. subject to (h) — (j) and (m) of this section, 70 percent of payments made by the municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality after March 31, 1990, but before April 30, 1993, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects;
    8. subject to (h), (i), (j)(2) — (5), and (n) of this section and after projects funded by the bonds, notes, or other indebtedness have been approved by the commissioner, 70 percent of payments made by the municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after July 1, 1995, but before July 1, 1998, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects that exceed $200,000 and are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11);
    9. subject to (h), (i), (j)(2) — (5), and (n) of this section and after projects funded by the bonds, notes, or other indebtedness have been approved by the commissioner, 70 percent of payments made by the municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after July 1, 1998, but before July 1, 2006, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects that exceed $200,000 and are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11);
    10. subject to (h), (i), (j)(2) — (5), and (o) of this section, and after projects funded by the bonds, notes, or other indebtedness have been approved by the commissioner, 70 percent of payments made by the municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after June 30, 1998, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects that exceed $200,000, are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11), and are not reimbursed under (n) of this section;
    11. subject to (h), (i), and (j)(2) — (5) of this section, and after projects funded by the bonds, notes, or other indebtedness have been approved by the commissioner, 70 percent of payments made by a municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after June 30, 1999, but before January 1, 2005, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects and education-related facilities that exceed $200,000, are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11), and are not reimbursed under (n) or (o) of this section;
    12. subject to (h), (i), and (j)(2), (3), and (5) of this section, 60 percent of payments made by a municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after June 30, 1999, but before January 1, 2005, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects and education-related facilities that exceed $200,000, are reviewed under AS 14.07.020(a)(11), and are not reimbursed under (n) or (o) of this section;
    13. subject to (h), (i), (j)(2) — (5), and (p) of this section, and after projects funded by the tax exempt bonds, notes, or other indebtedness have been approved by the commissioner, 70 percent of payments made by a municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding tax exempt bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after June 30, 1999, but before October 31, 2006, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects and education-related facilities that exceed $200,000, are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11), and are not reimbursed under (n) or (o) of this section;
    14. subject to (h), (i), (j)(2), (3), and (5), and (p) of this section, 60 percent of payments made by a municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding tax exempt bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after June 30, 1999, but before October 31, 2006, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects and education-related facilities that exceed $200,000, are reviewed under AS 14.07.020(a)(11), and are not reimbursed under (n) or (o) of this section;
    15. subject to (h), (i), (j)(2) — (5), and (q) of this section, and after projects funded by the bonds, notes, or other indebtedness have been approved by the commissioner, 90 percent of payments made by a municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after June 30, 1999, but before October 31, 2006, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects and education-related facilities that exceed $200,000, are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11), meet the 10 percent participating share requirement for a municipal school district under the former participating share amounts required under AS 14.11.008(b) , and are not reimbursed under (n) or (o) of this section;
    16. subject to (h), (i), and (j)(2) — (5) of this section, and after projects funded by the tax exempt bonds, notes, or other indebtedness have been approved by the commissioner, 70 percent of payments made by a municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding tax exempt bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after October 1, 2006, but before January 1, 2015, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects and education- related facilities that exceed $200,000, are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11), and are not reimbursed under (o) of this section;
    17. subject to (h), (i), and (j)(2), (3), and (5) of this section, 60 percent of payments made by a municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal and interest on outstanding tax exempt bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after October 1, 2006, but before January 1, 2015, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects and education-related facilities that exceed $200,000, are reviewed under AS 14.07.020(a)(11), and are not reimbursed under (o) of this section;
    18. subject to (h), (i), and (j)(2) — (5) of this section, and after projects funded by the tax exempt bonds, notes, or other indebtedness have been approved by the commissioner, 50 percent of payments made by a municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal of and interest on outstanding tax exempt bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after July 1, 2025, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects and education-related facilities that exceed $200,000, are approved under AS 14.07.020(a)(11), and are not reimbursed under (o) of this section;
    19. subject to (h), (i), and (j)(2), (3), and (5) of this section, 40 percent of payments made by a municipality during the fiscal year for the retirement of principal of and interest on outstanding tax exempt bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after July 1, 2025, to pay costs of school construction, additions to schools, and major rehabilitation projects and education-related facilities that exceed $200,000, are reviewed under AS 14.07.020(a)(11), and are not reimbursed under (o) of this section.
  2. The commissioner shall administer the program of reimbursement authorized under this section and shall provide by regulation for the filing of applications for reimbursement, the form of proof of costs for which application for reimbursement is made, and other regulations necessary to administer the program. An amount due a municipality for reimbursement under this section may not be reduced by the cost to the department to administer the reimbursement program. The commissioner shall exclude from the total school construction cost of the local district all state and federal funds included in these costs except funds provided under this section and AS 43.50.140 .
  3. The school construction account is established. Funds to carry out the provisions of this section shall be included within the appropriation bill authorizing capital expenditures submitted to the legislature under AS 37.07.020(a)(3) and may be appropriated annually by the legislature to the account. If amounts in the account are insufficient for the purpose of providing the share to which a borough or city is entitled under this section, those funds that are available shall be distributed pro rata among the eligible municipalities, except that the legislature may direct that additional debt service on refunding bonds that exceeds the total debt service on the refunded bonds be disregarded in whole or in part.
  4. Money in the school construction account that at the end of the fiscal year for which the money is appropriated, exceeds the amount required for the allocations authorized in this section reverts to the general fund.
  5. The commissioner shall annually prepare a report on allocations of state aid made under this section, including the amount of state aid paid on a per capita and per student basis and the resultant effect on the rate of levy of taxes by the municipality for educational purposes. The commissioner shall notify the legislature that the report is available.
  6. [Repealed, § 17 ch 147 SLA 1978.]
  7. [Repealed, § 47 ch 6 SLA 1984.]
  8. An allocation under (a)(4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), or (10) of this section for school construction begun after July 1, 1982, shall be reduced by the amount of money used for the construction of residential space, hockey rinks, planetariums, saunas, and other facilities for single purpose sporting or recreational uses that are not suitable for other activities and by the money used for construction that exceeds the amount needed for construction of a facility of efficient design as determined by the department. An allocation under (a)(4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), or (10) of this section may not be reduced by the amount of money used for construction of a small swimming pool, tank, or water storage facility used for water sports. However, an allocation shall be reduced by the difference between the amount of money used to construct a swimming pool that exceeds the standards adopted by the department and the amount of money that would have been used to construct a small swimming pool, tank, or water storage facility, as determined by the commissioner.
  9. For the purposes of (a)(4) — (10) of this section,
    1. an indebtedness for bonds is incurred after the bonds are sold;
    2. reimbursement for a cash payment may only be made after the payment is made to a vendor; and
    3. payments may not be made for costs that are incurred under a contract after the contract has been released.
  10. Except as provided in (l) of this section, the state may not allocate money to a municipality for a school construction project under (a)(5), (6), or (7) of this section unless the municipality complies with the requirements of (1) — (5) of this subsection, the project is approved by the commissioner before the local vote on the bond issue for the project or for bonds authorized after March 31, 1990, but on or before April 30, 1993, the bonds are approved by the commissioner before reimbursement by the state, and the local vote occurs before July 1, 1987, or after June 30, 1988. In approving a project under this subsection, and to the extent required under (a)(8) — (17) of this section, the commissioner shall require
    1. the municipality to include on the ballot for the bond issue, for bonds authorized on or before March 31, 1990, or after April 30, 1993, the estimated total cost of each project including estimated total interest, estimated annual operation and maintenance costs, the estimated amounts that will be paid by the state and by the municipality, and the approximate amount that would be due in annual taxes on $100,000 in assessed value to retire the debt;
    2. that the bonds may not be refunded unless the annual debt service on the refunding issue is not greater than the annual debt service on the original issue;
    3. that the bonds must be repaid in approximately equal annual principal payments or approximately equal debt service payments over a period of at least 10 years;
    4. the municipality to demonstrate need for the project by establishing that the school district has
      1. projected long-term student enrollment that indicates the district has inadequate facilities to meet present or projected enrollment;
      2. facilities that require repair or replacement in order to meet health and safety laws or regulations or building codes;
      3. demonstrated that the project will result in a reduction in annual operating costs that economically justifies the cost of the project; or
      4. facilities that require modification or rehabilitation for the purpose of improving the instructional program;
    5. evidence acceptable to the department that the district
      1. has a preventive maintenance plan that
        1. includes a computerized maintenance management program, cardex system, or other formal systematic means of tracking the timing and costs associated with planned and completed maintenance activities, including scheduled preventive maintenance;
        2. addresses energy management for buildings owned or operated by the district;
        3. includes a regular custodial care program for buildings owned or operated by the district;
        4. includes preventive maintenance training for facility managers and maintenance employees; and
        5. includes renewal and replacement schedules for electrical, mechanical, structural, and other components of facilities owned or operated by the district; and
      2. is adequately following the preventive maintenance plan.
  11. [Repealed, § 7 ch 115 SLA 2002.]
  12. Bonds may be refunded without compliance with (j)(2) and (3) of this section if the refunding bonds are issued after June 30, 1987, and before January 1, 1989, and the time remaining for repayment on the original bonds is more than five years. The repayment term on refunding bonds may not exceed 20 years. For the purposes of determining the level of reimbursement, refunding bonds are considered to be issued as of the date of the first issue of bonds, notes, or other indebtedness or of the bonds that refund the bonds, whichever is later.
  13. The total amount of school construction projects approved for reimbursement by the department under (a)(6) or (7) of this section
    1. may not exceed $250,000,000; and
    2. until July 1, 1996, shall be allocated as follows:
      1. $133,000,000 shall be allocated to projects in a municipality with a population of 200,000 or more people;
      2. $67,000,000 shall be allocated to projects in a municipality with a population of at least 60,000, but less than 200,000 people;
      3. $50,000,000 shall be allocated to projects in a municipality with less than 60,000 people.
  14. The total amount of school construction projects approved for reimbursement by the department under (a)(8) or (9) of this section
    1. may not exceed $357,143,000; and
    2. after June 30, 1995, and until July 1, 2006, shall be allocated as follows:
      1. $154,286,000 shall be allocated to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of 25,000 or more students in fiscal year 1998, as determined under former AS 14.17.160 ;
      2. $57,143,000 shall be allocated to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 15,000 but less than 25,000 students in fiscal year 1998, as determined under former AS 14.17.160 ;
      3. $145,714,000 shall be allocated to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of less than 15,000 students in fiscal year 1998, as determined under former AS 14.17.160; allocations under this subparagraph
        1. shall first be made to projects described under (a)(8) of this section and then made to projects described under (a)(9) of this section; and
        2. may not exceed $16,000,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of less than 4,000 students in fiscal year 1998, as determined under former AS 14.17.160.
  15. The total amount of school construction projects approved for reimbursement by the department under (a)(10) of this section
    1. may not exceed $190,644,901; and
    2. after June 30, 1998, and until July 1, 2006, shall be allocated as follows:
      1. $77,897,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of 25,000 or more students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500 ;
      2. $14,571,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 15,000 but less than 25,000 students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500 ;
      3. $14,143,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 10,000 but less than 15,000 students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      4. $7,429,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 7,500 but less than 10,000 students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      5. $20,712,912 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 5,000 but less than 7,500 students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      6. $2,660,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 2,750 but less than 3,000 students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      7. $454,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 2,400 but less than 2,750 students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      8. $46,869,989 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 2,050 but less than 2,400 students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      9. $329,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 1,700 but less than 1,750 students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      10. $286,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 650 but less than 725 students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      11. $519,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 500 but less than 525 students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      12. $2,224,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 425 but less than 482 students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      13. $2,550,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 290 but less than 305 students in fiscal year 2000, as determined under AS 14.17.500.
  16. The total amount of school construction projects approved for reimbursement by the department under (a)(13) and (a)(14) of this section
    1. may not exceed $177,256,000;
    2. after June 30, 1999, and until October 31, 2006, shall be allocated as follows:
      1. $61,925,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of 45,000 or more students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500 ;
      2. $40,570,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 14,600 but less than 20,000 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500 ;
      3. $20,000,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 10,000 but less than 14,600 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      4. $2,588,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 7,500 but less than 10,000 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      5. $5,995,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 4,000 but less than 6,000 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      6. $1,237,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 2,400 but less than 2,800 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      7. $1,100,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 2,200 but less than 2,400 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      8. $7,164,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 1,300 but less than 1,500 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      9. $1,260,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 740 but less than 757 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      10. $608,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 650 but less than 700 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      11. $32,000,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 500 but less than 600 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500;
      12. $2,809,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 370 but less than 390 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500.
  17. The total amount of school construction projects approved for reimbursement by the department under (a)(15) of this section
    1. may not exceed $14,644,000;
    2. after June 30, 1999, and until October 31, 2006, shall be allocated as follows:
      1. $6,522,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 1,925 but less than 2,025 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500 ;
      2. $8,122,000 to projects in a municipality with a public school enrollment of at least 398 but less than 400 students in fiscal year 2005, as determined under AS 14.17.500 .
  18. In this section, “outstanding bonds, notes, or other indebtedness” includes bonds issued to refund bonds, notes, or other indebtedness issued to pay costs of school construction or to refund bonds. Refunded bonds, notes, or other indebtedness are not considered outstanding.
  19. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the commissioner may not approve an application for bond debt reimbursement made by a municipality for school construction or major maintenance for indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after January 1, 2015, but before July 1, 2025.

History. (§ 1 ch 249 SLA 1970; am § 1 ch 93 SLA 1971; am § 2 ch 137 SLA 1972; am § 1 ch 28 SLA 1973; am § 47 ch 127 SLA 1974; am §§ 1 — 3 ch 120 SLA 1977; am §§ 12, 17 ch 147 SLA 1978; am § 25 ch 168 SLA 1978; am §§ 8 — 10 ch 92 SLA 1982; am §§ 1 — 3 ch 82 SLA 1983; am § 47 ch 6 SLA 1984; am §§ 1 — 5 ch 78 SLA 1985; am §§ 1 — 3 ch 73 SLA 1987; am §§ 7, 8 ch 5 SLA 1990; am §§ 14, 15 ch 78 SLA 1993; am § 9 ch 21 SLA 1995; am § 2 ch 30 SLA 1997; am § 2 ch 59 SLA 1997; am §§ 1 — 6 ch 77 SLA 1998; am §§ 2 — 6 ch 130 SLA 2000; am §§ 1 — 3 ch 93 SLA 2001; am §§ 6 — 8 ch 3 SSSLA 2002; am §§ 3, 7 ch 115 SLA 2002; am § 26 ch 35 SLA 2003; am §§ 2 — 4 ch 7 FSSLA 2005; am §§ 3, 4 ch 41 SLA 2006; am § 2 ch 107 SLA 2008; am § 6 ch 93 SLA 2010; am § 21 ch 15 SLA 2014; am §§ 2 — 4 ch 3 SLA 2015; am § 10 ch 3 SLA 2017; am §§ 2, 3 ch 6 SLA 2020)

Delayed repeal. —

Under sec. 6, ch. 3, SLA 2015, as amended by sec. 5, ch. 6, SLA 2020, subsection (s) of this section is repealed July 1, 2025.

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 43.18.100 . Renumbered in 1983. Subsection (r) was enacted as a part of subsection ( l ), relettered as (m) in 1987, as (n) in 1996, as (o) in 1998, as (p) in 2000, and as (r) in 2005. Subsection (m) was formerly (n). Relettered in 1996, at which time “(m)” was substituted for “(n)” in paragraph (a)(6) and (7). A contingent amendment to this section made by Sec. 16, ch. 78, SLA 1993 did not take effect because the constitutional amendment on which it was contingent did not take effect. Subsection (n) was enacted as (o). Relettered in 1998, at which time former (n) was relettered as (o) [now (r)] and internal references in (a)(8) and (9) were conformed. Subsection (o) was enacted as (p); relettered in 2000, at which time internal references in (a)(10) were conformed. Subsections (p) and (q) were enacted as (q) and (r), respectively; relettered in 2005, at which time former (p) was relettered as (r) and internal references in (a)(13) — (15) were conformed.

Administrative Code. —

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective July 23, 2015, in (a)(16) inserted “but before January 1, 2015,”, in (a)(17) substituted “January 1, 2015” for “May 1, 2015”, repealed (a)(18), added (a)(18) and (19), added (s).

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, in the first sentence of (e), substituted “including the amount of state aid” for “including but not limited to the amount of state aid” preceding “paid on a per capita”.

The 2020 amendment, effective June 30, 2020, in (a), repealed (a)(18), redesignated (a)(19) and (20) as (a)(18) and (19), and in (a)(18) and (19) and in (s) , substituted “July 1, 2025” for “July 1, 2020”.

Notes to Decisions

Section held constitutional. —

Plaintiffs failed to establish that provisions of subsections (a) and (d), which apply to boroughs but not regional educational attendance areas (REAAs), create an actual disparity in state aid for school construction, so as to violate borough residents’ equal protection rights. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Sch. Dist. v. State, 931 P.2d 391 (Alaska 1997).

Construction. —

Interpreting "bond" to refer to bonds as a whole, instead of only the school debt portion, is consistent with the statute and is reasonable based on the department's expertise; that "bond" refers to the bond itself, and not a subcomponent of the bond, is also the most natural reading of the statute, and treating bonds as a whole is crucial to the department's process of verifying a municipality's payment information. North Slope Borough v. State, 484 P.3d 106 (Alaska 2021).

Department's interpretation of the statute's requirement that equal payment terms for the bonds are required ensures that the payment verification process is accurate and not susceptible to unexpected changes, and the department's determination that the bonds in this case did not comply with statutory requirements was supported by the language of the statute and had a reasonable basis in law. North Slope Borough v. State, 484 P.3d 106 (Alaska 2021).

Standard of review. —

Interpretation of the statute implicates agency expertise and policy considerations that fall within the scope of the agency's statutory functions; applying the reasonable basis standard of review to the department's interpretation of the statute is therefore appropriate. North Slope Borough v. State, 484 P.3d 106 (Alaska 2021).

Notice and comment. —

Prior department employee acknowledged that he failed to apply and interpret the statute correctly when he recommended reimbursement for the borough's previous bonds, but his failure to abide by applicable law did not constitute a regulation, and the department's current interpretation corrected a previous oversight; the department was not required to comply with notice and comment provisions before determining that the borough's bonds did not comply with statutory requirements. North Slope Borough v. State, 484 P.3d 106 (Alaska 2021).

Substantial compliance. —

Accepting the borough's reimbursement requests would condone the type of payment schedules the statute was intended to prevent, and thus the department properly rejected the borough's substantial compliance argument. North Slope Borough v. State, 484 P.3d 106 (Alaska 2021).

Equitable estoppel. —

If the department were equitably estopped from correcting its former employee's failure to apply the statute, it would be prevented from denying reimbursement requests that contravened the statute and the legislative intent behind the statute, and thus the hearing officer rightfully rejected the borough's equitable estoppel claim. North Slope Borough v. State, 484 P.3d 106 (Alaska 2021).

Trial de novo. —

Superior court did not abuse its discretion by denying the borough's request for a trial de novo; there was no dispute that the five bonds did not comply with the statute as the education department interpreted it, and the record at the administrative hearing provided an adequate basis for the hearing officer's decision. North Slope Borough v. State, 484 P.3d 106 (Alaska 2021).

Sec. 14.11.102. Allocation requests.

  1. A request for an allocation of funds under AS 14.11.100 must be submitted to the department by the school district not later than October 15 of the fiscal year before the fiscal year for which the request is made.
  2. The department shall evaluate projects for which retirement of school construction debt is requested. In evaluating projects for bond reimbursement as required under this section, the department shall evaluate all of the following factors, without establishing an absolute priority for any one factor:
    1. emergency requirements;
    2. priorities assigned by the district to the projects requested;
    3. new local elementary and secondary facilities;
    4. existing regional, community, and school facilities, and their condition; this paragraph does not include administrative facilities;
    5. the amount of district operating funds expended for maintenance; and
    6. other program options for accomplishing the project’s objectives.
  3. The commissioner may not allocate funds to a municipality under AS 14.11.100 for the retirement of the principal of and interest on outstanding tax- exempt bonds, notes, or other indebtedness authorized by the qualified voters of the municipality on or after January 1, 2015, but before July 1, 2025.

History. (§ 6 ch 78 SLA 1985; am § 9 ch 5 SLA 1990; am § 17 ch 78 SLA 1993; am § 5 ch 3 SLA 2015; am § 4 ch 6 SLA 2020)

Delayed repeal. —

Under sec. 6, ch. 3, SLA 2015, as amended by sec. 5, ch. 6, SLA 2020, subsection (c) of this section is repealed July 1, 2025.

Administrative Code. —

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective July 23, 2015, added (c).

The 2020 amendment, effective June 30, 2020, substituted “July 1, 2025” for “July 1, 2020” at the end of (c).

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

North Slope Borough v. State, 484 P.3d 106 (Alaska 2021).

Secs. 14.11.105 — 14.11.120. Public school facilities construction advance account. [Repealed, § 15 ch 5 SLA 1990.]

Article 2. Charter School Facilities.

Sec. 14.11.121. Supplemental charter school facilities construction, lease, and major maintenance grant program.

  1. The department shall establish a charter school facilities construction, lease, and major maintenance grant program that supplements grant aid otherwise available under this chapter and that is based on a per pupil funding formula.
  2. The department shall apply for available federal funding and award federal funding made available under the grant program established under (a) of this section for not more than five years for approved projects for charter school facilities construction, lease, or major maintenance as follows:
    1. 90 percent of the allowable costs for the first fiscal year for the approved project;
    2. 80 percent of the allowable costs for the second fiscal year for the approved project;
    3. 60 percent of the allowable costs for the third fiscal year for the approved project;
    4. 40 percent of the allowable costs for the fourth fiscal year for the approved project; and
    5. 20 percent of the allowable costs for the fifth fiscal year for the approved project.
  3. The grant program established in this section is subject to legislative appropriation and available funding and must be consistent with applicable federal and state requirements.
  4. A school district or regional educational attendance area that submits an application for a proposed project under AS 14.11.011 for funding under this section that is approved for funding by the department shall provide a participating share that is equal to the difference between the allowable costs of a project and the combined available federal funding and the state aid provided under AS 14.11.126 . Allowable costs for a project approved under this section shall be based on the adjusted student count for a charter school calculated under AS 14.17.450(a) and (c), as determined by the commissioner.

History. (§ 2 ch 91 SLA 2010)

Effective dates. —

Section 2, ch. 91, SLA 2010, which enacted this section, is effective September 19, 2010.

Editor’s notes. —

The delayed repeal of this section by sec. 3, ch. 91, SLA 2010, which was to take effect July 1, 2015, was repealed by sec. 49, ch. 15, SLA 2014.

Sec. 14.11.125. Public school facilities construction advance account. [Repealed, § 15 ch 5 SLA 1990.]

Sec. 14.11.126. State aid for costs of charter school facilities construction, lease, and major maintenance.

During each fiscal year, the state shall allocate to a school district and regional educational attendance area that is approved for a charter school facilities construction, lease, or major maintenance grant under AS 14.11.121 an amount that is not less than $1 for each pupil enrolled in the charter school.

History. (§ 2 ch 91 SLA 2010)

Effective dates. —

Section 2, ch. 91, SLA 2010, which enacted this section, is effective September 19, 2010.

Editor’s notes. —

The delayed repeal of this section by sec. 3, ch. 91, SLA 2010, which was to take effect July 1, 2015, was repealed by sec. 49, ch. 15, SLA 2014.

Article 3. General Provisions.

Sec. 14.11.130. Construction of chapter.

This chapter may not be construed to prevent a municipality that is a school district or a regional educational attendance area from using other revenue to include additional or expanded facilities as part of approved school construction projects.

History. (§ 13 ch 147 SLA 1978; am § 10 ch 5 SLA 1990)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 43.18.130. Renumbered in 1983.

Opinions of attorney general. —

Appropriations to retire municipal general obligation school bond indebtedness under this chapter are “required” and qualify as an exception to the spending limit of § 16, art. IX, of the state constitution. 1983 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 01.

Sec. 14.11.132. Regulations.

The department shall adopt regulations to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

History. (§ 8 ch 78 SLA 1985)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.11.140. Renumbered in 1985.

Administrative Code. —

For planning and construction, see 4 AAC 31, art. 1.

For loss protection, see 4 AAC 31, art. 2.

Sec. 14.11.135. Definitions.

In this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise,

  1. “approved school construction project” means the plan for a new school or an addition to or major rehabilitation of an existing school to the extent that the plan has been approved by the commissioner under AS 14.07.020(a)(11) ;
  2. “capital improvement project” or “project” means school construction or major maintenance;
  3. “costs of school construction” means the cost of acquiring, constructing, enlarging, repairing, remodeling, equipping, or furnishing of public elementary and secondary schools that are owned or operated by the state, a municipality, or a district and includes the sum total of all costs of financing and carrying out the project; these include the costs of all necessary studies, surveys, plans and specifications, architectural, engineering, or other special services, acquisition of real property, site preparation and development, purchase, construction, reconstruction, and improvement of real property and the acquisition of machinery and equipment that may be necessary in connection with the project; an allocable portion of the administrative and operating expenses of the grantee; the cost of financing the project, including interest on bonds issued to finance the project; and the cost of other items, including indemnity and surety bonds and premiums on insurance, legal fees, fees and expenses of trustees, depositaries, financial advisors, and paying agents for the bonds issued as the issuer considers necessary;
  4. “district” means the districts described in AS 14.12.010 ;
  5. “grant” means a grant under this chapter for school construction or for major maintenance;
  6. “major maintenance” means a project described in AS 14.11.013(a)(1)(C) , (D), or (E);
  7. “school construction” means a project described in AS 14.11.013(a)(1)(A) , (B), (F), or (G).

History. (§ 13 ch 147 SLA 1978; am § 48 ch 6 SLA 1984; am § 7 ch. 78 SLA 1985; am §§ 11, 12 ch 5 SLA 1990; am § 38 ch 30 SLA 1992; am § 18 ch 78 SLA 1993; am §§ 7, 8 ch 93 SLA 2010)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 43.18.135. Renumbered in 1983.

In 1992, former paragraphs (3) and (5) were renumbered as (2) and (3), respectively, to reflect the 1992 repeal of former paragraphs (2) and (4).

Effect of amendments. —

The 2010 amendment, effective September 19, 2010, in (6), added “or (E)” and made a related change; in (7), substituted “AS 14.11.013(a)(1)(A) , (B), (F), or (G)” for “AS 14.11.013(a)(1)(A) , (B), (E), (F), or (G)”.

Chapter 12. Organization and Government of School System.

Article 1. Districts.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, §§ 15 — 58.

78 C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, §§ 14-73.

Propriety, under First Amendment, of school board’s censorship of public school libraries or course books. 64 ALR Fed. 771.

Sec. 14.12.010. Districts of state public school system.

The districts of the state public school system are as follows:

  1. each home rule and first class city in the unorganized borough is a city school district;
  2. each organized borough is a borough school district;
  3. the area outside organized boroughs and outside home rule and first class cities is divided into regional educational attendance areas.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 3 ch 124 SLA 1975; am § 7 ch 208 SLA 1975; am § 1 ch 58 SLA 1994)

Notes to Decisions

Regional educational attendance areas are school districts. —

Although this title does not specifically provide that regional educational attendance areas are to be considered “school districts,” implicit in the statute is the notion that they are in fact school districts. Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979), overruled, Alaska Commercial Fishing & Agric. Bank v. O/S Alaska Coast, 715 P.2d 707 (Alaska 1986).

Quoted in

Begich v. Jefferson, 441 P.2d 27 (Alaska 1968).

Stated in

Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

Cited in

Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys. v. Mueller, 536 P.2d 99 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.12.020. Support, management, and control in general; military reservation schools.

  1. Each regional educational attendance area shall be operated on an areawide basis under the management and control of a regional school board.  The regional school board manages and controls schools on military reservations within its regional educational attendance area until the military mission is terminated or so long as management and control by the regional educational attendance area is approved by the department.  However, operation of the military reservation schools by a city or borough school district may be required by the department under AS 14.14.110 .  If the military mission of a military reservation terminates or continued management and control by the regional educational attendance area is disapproved by the department, operation, management, and control of schools on the military reservation transfers to the city or borough school district in which the military reservation is located.
  2. Each borough or city school district shall be operated on a district-wide basis under the management and control of a school board.
  3. The legislature shall provide the state money necessary to maintain and operate the regional educational attendance areas.  The borough assembly for a borough school district, and the city council for a city school district, shall provide the money that must be raised from local sources to maintain and operate the district.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am §§ 8, 9 ch 46 SLA 1970; am § 5 ch 32 SLA 1973; am § 1 ch 72 SLA 1974; am § 1 ch 13 SLA 1975; am §§ 4, 5 ch 124 SLA 1975)

Editor’s notes. —

Section 7, ch. 32, SLA 1973, provides: “Notwithstanding provisions of this Act, all agreements between organized boroughs and the Department of Education for the operation of schools on military reservations that were made before April 3, 1973 remain in force.”

Notes to Decisions

Constitutionality of local contribution requirement. —

Required local contribution was constitutional because the existing funding formula did not violate the dedicated funds clause, the appropriations clause, or the governor’s veto where the minutes of the constitutional convention and the historical context of those proceedings revealed that the delegates did not intend for required local contributions to be a state tax or license, the local contribution never entered the state treasury. State v. Ketchikan Gateway Borough, 366 P.3d 86 (Alaska 2016).

Authority of school board to close schools. —

Since pupil assignment and attendance area determinations may be made by a school board as a part of its “management and control” authority pursuant to this section, subject to statutory and constitutional restrictions, this assignment power extended to its logical conclusion — the closing of a school by not assigning any students to the particular school — provides a basis for the school board’s authority to close schools. Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

Given the broad managerial mandate of the school board, and the limited authority of the municipal assembly in educational policy matters, it is the school board which has the authority to decide whether schools should be closed. Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

Section 4 AAC 05.090, which requires state approval prior to discontinuation of predominantly local schools established pursuant to the regulatory chapter of which this regulation is a part, does not require state department of education approval of that closure action by the Anchorage school board. Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

Notice of school closure. —

The importance of the educational and property interests involved in the closure of neighborhood schools in a school district requires adequate notice of the school board meeting at which the decision was made to close a specific school and five-day notice of the meeting is insufficient. Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

A five-day notice of which schools in a school district are subject to closure militates against appropriate preparation and poses serious obstacles to the presentation of persuasive, properly researched, and supported opposition to any closure plan. It also lessens the likelihood of a fair hearing before the school board and of the school board reaching a reasoned administrative decision. Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

Given the critical importance of education to democratic society, the significant interests of the plaintiff as a taxpayer-owner of real property affected by the closure of the school nearest the plaintiff, and the important interests of both plaintiff’s child, and the plaintiff as a parent, in the educational considerations involved, the plaintiff has rights subject to procedural due process protection, which due process rights to notice and an opportunity to be heard are independent of the requirement under the city’s charter for an ordinance setting forth notice provisions for school board meetings. Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

Burden of loss from fire destruction of military reservation school. —

The state must bear the loss resulting from the fire destruction of a military reservation school operated by a local school district in the absence of provisions to the contrary. State v. Fairbanks N. Star Borough Sch. Dist., 621 P.2d 1329 (Alaska 1981).

Applied in

Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys. v. Mueller, 536 P.2d 99 (Alaska 1975).

Quoted in

Begich v. Jefferson, 441 P.2d 27 (Alaska 1968); Homeward Bound v. Anchorage Sch. Dist., 791 P.2d 610 (Alaska 1990).

Stated in

Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.12.025. New school districts.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a new school district may not be formed if the total number of pupils for the proposed school district is less than 250 unless the commissioner of education and early development determines that formation of a new school district with less than 250 pupils would be in the best interest of the state and the proposed school district.

History. (§ 10 ch 75 SLA 1986)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.17.139 . Renumbered in 1992.

In 1999, “commissioner of education” was changed to “commissioner of education and early development” in this section in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Article 2. School Boards.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 59 et seq.

78 C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, §§ 93-171.

Right of school teacher to serve as member of school board in same school district where employed. 70 ALR3d 1188.

Privileged nature of statement or utterances by member of school board in course of official proceedings. 85 ALR3d 1137.

Sec. 14.12.030. School boards.

  1. Each borough and city school district with an average daily membership of 5,000 or less has a school board of five members, except that the governing body of the borough or city may by ordinance, concurred in by a majority of the district school board, provide for a school board of seven members.
  2. Each borough and city school district with an average daily membership exceeding 5,000 has a school board of seven, nine, or eleven members, as established by ordinance.
  3. The provisions of (a) and (b) of this section do not apply if the assembly serves as the school board of the borough school district.
  4. The provisions of (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to a regional educational attendance area that converts to a city or borough school district.  The number of school board members may be changed by the qualified voters in a district by placing the question on the ballot at a regular school board election in the manner prescribed by law.
  5. Each city or borough school district that is operating schools on a military reservation under AS 14.12.020(a) has one nonvoting delegate from the military reservation or reservations to the school district board to advise and assist the board in matters relating to the military reservation schools operated by the school district and to act as liaison between the board and the military community.  The nonvoting delegate shall be appointed by the school district board, shall serve at the pleasure of the school district board, and must be an inhabitant of the area served by the military reservation schools operated by the school district by contract.  If an elected community school committee is established on a military reservation, the only inhabitants of that military reservation who are eligible for appointment as the nonvoting delegate are those inhabitants who are members of the elected school committee.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 71 SLA 1969; am § 1 ch 83 SLA 1974; am § 2 ch 13 SLA 1975; am § 6 ch 124 SLA 1975; am § 4 ch 24 SLA 1979; am § 3 ch 73 SLA 1985; am § 27 ch 74 SLA 1985; am § 21 ch 37 SLA 1986; am § 1 ch 86 SLA 1986)

Revisor’s notes. —

Subsection (d) was enacted as (e). Subsection (e) was formerly (d). Relettered in 1986.

Cross references. —

For provisions relating to election of board members, see AS 29.20.300 .

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980).

Sec. 14.12.035. Advisory school boards in borough school districts.

A borough school district board may establish advisory school boards, and by regulation shall prescribe their manner of selection, organization, powers, and duties.

History. (§ 1 ch 81 SLA 1974)

Sec. 14.12.040. Transition from five to seven member board.

The transition from a five-member to a seven-member school board shall be made at the regular election following, or being held within 90 days preceding, the completion of the second regular school term during which the district maintains an average daily membership exceeding 5,000 or at the regular election following the effective date of an ordinance increasing board membership as provided in AS 14.12.030(a) . Once the district has a seven-member school board, the number of members may not be changed.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 71 SLA 1969)

Sec. 14.12.050. School board terms.

  1. The term of office of a member of a borough or city school board is three years and until a successor takes office. However, the members of a newly created five-member school board hold office for initial terms as follows: two for a term of three years, two for a term of two years, and one for a term of one year, the terms being assigned to the members by lot. The members of a newly created seven-member school board hold office for initial terms as follows: three for a term of three years, two for a term of two years, and two for a term of one year, the terms being assigned to the members by lot.
  2. When a transition is made from a five-member school board to a seven-member school board, the length of the terms of office for the two new members to be elected shall be determined by lot so that when the terms of office for the two new members are assigned, the terms of office for the entire seven-member board shall be as follows: three members have a three-year term, two members have a two-year term, and two members have a one-year term.  A seven-member school board, the terms of office of whose members at the time of transition from a five-member board did not result in terms expiring in the manner provided in this section, may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the members of the board, adjust the terms of office to conform to the schedule for expiration of terms of office provided in this section.
  3. Nothing in this section prevents school board members from succeeding themselves.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 41 SLA 1972)

Notes to Decisions

Stated in

Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980).

Sec. 14.12.070. Vacancies.

If a vacancy occurs on the school board, the remaining members shall within 30 days fill the vacancy. The person selected shall serve until the next regular election when a successor shall be elected to serve the balance of the term.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Notes to Decisions

Stated in

Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980).

Sec. 14.12.080. Qualification of members.

To be eligible to be a member of a school board, a person must have the same qualifications as are necessary to be a municipal voter in the school district.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

Matanuska-Susitna Borough v. Lum, 538 P.2d 994 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.12.090. Oath.

School board members, before taking office, shall take and sign the following oath or affirmation: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alaska and that I will honestly, faithfully, and impartially discharge my duties as a school board member to the best of my ability.”

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Notes to Decisions

Stated in

Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980).

Sec. 14.12.100. Application.

AS 14.12.010 14.12.100 apply to home rule and general law municipalities.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1968 the word “may” was deleted before the word “apply” to correct a manifest error in the original publication of this section.

Sec. 14.12.110. Single body as assembly and school board.

Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter or other law, a single body may serve as both the assembly and school board in the manner provided for third class boroughs under AS 29.20.300(b) , if

  1. an ordinance for that purpose is approved by the assembly and ratified by a referendum of a majority of the qualified borough voters voting on the question at a regular or special election; and
  2. the public school population within the borough is 500 pupils or less.

History. (§ 1 ch 214 SLA 1970; am § 28 ch 74 SLA 1985)

Sec. 14.12.115. Indemnification.

A school board shall insure or indemnify and protect the board, any member of the board, or any agent, employee, teacher, student teacher, officer, or member of the supervisory or administrative staff of the school district against financial loss and expense, including reasonable legal fees and costs arising out of any claim, demand, suit, or judgment by reason of alleged negligence, alleged violation of civil rights, or alleged wrongful act resulting in death or bodily injury to any person or accidental damage to or destruction of property, inside or outside the school premises, if the board member, agent, employee, teacher, student teacher, officer, or member of the supervisory or administrative staff, at the time of the occurrence, was acting under the direction of the school board within the course or scope of the duties of the board member, agent, employee, teacher, student teacher, officer, or member of the supervisory or administrative staff.

History. (§ 2 ch 148 SLA 1978)

Opinions of attorney general. —

It is improper for a school district to hire a professional employee as a consultant solely to mitigate the effects of a certificate suspension or revocation. Sept. 14, 1988 Op. Att’y Gen.

A school district may agree to defend a professional employee in an ethics proceeding before the Professional Teaching Practices Commission if it determines that, in carrying out the action upon which the complaint is based, the employee was acting in furtherance of and within the scope of his or her employment. Sept. 14, 1988 Op. Att’y Gen.

Collateral references. —

Waiver of, or estoppel to assert, failure to give required notice of claim of injury to school district or authorities. 65 ALR2d 1278.

Tort liability of public schools. 86 ALR2d 489; 33 ALR3d 703; 34 ALR3d 1166; 35 ALR3d 725; 35 ALR3d 758; 36 ALR3d 361; 37 ALR3d 712; 37 ALR3d 738; 38 ALR3d 830; 23 ALR5th 1.

Modern status of doctrine of sovereign immunity as applied to public schools and institutions of higher learning. 33 ALR3d 703.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for accidents due to condition of buildings or equipment. 34 ALR3d 1166.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for injuries due to condition of grounds, walks, and playgrounds. 37 ALR3d 738.

Immunity of private schools and institutions of higher learning from liability in tort. 38 ALR3d 480.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for educational malpractice. 1 ALR4th 1139.

Sec. 14.12.120. Limited liability. [Repealed, § 4 ch 148 SLA 1978.]

Article 3. Regional Resource Centers.

Administrative Code. —

For regional resource centers, see 4 AAC 66.

Opinions of attorney general. —

Regional resource centers, including Southeast Regional Resource Center created pursuant to AS 14.12.150 14.12.180 are not public procurement units, as that term is defined at AS 36.30.790 . The department is not exempt from complying with the requirements of the state procurement code when it seeks to obtain the educational services that regional resources centers may be able to provide. April 4, 1994, Op. Att’y Gen.

Southeast Regional Resource Center (SERRC) is neither a local educational agency nor an intermediate educational agency. It cannot serve as the fiscal agent for a consortium of districts under the Eisenhower Math and Science Program. A change in SERRC’s status to imbue it with more governmental connection or authority would represent a significant change requiring legislative action. The department should give careful consideration to the policy and legal implications before supporting such a change. July 20, 1995, Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 14.12.150. Establishment and purpose.

  1. The districts of the state public school system may join together to establish regional resource centers to provide services, including the following: accounting, payroll, and other fiscal; media; instructional support; bilingual-bicultural educational; in-service and staff development; student; diagnostic; school management; and school board member training.
  2. A regional resource center established under (a) of this section shall be governed by a board consisting of one representative from each participating district.  The representative shall be appointed by the governing board of that district.  The term of office of regional resource center board members shall be two years, beginning July 1 of each calendar year.  Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointment.
  3. Regional resource center boundaries shall be established by the board on recommendation of the commissioner of education and early development in the following seven regions of the state: southcentral and the Aleutian Chain, western, northwest, Bristol Bay, interior, southeast, and Kodiak.  A district may not be included in more than one regional resource center area.
  4. Regional resource center boards may receive and expend both public and private funds to operate a regional resource center.
  5. Employees of the regional resource centers are not in the state service and are not subject to AS 39.25 (State Personnel Act). However, all regional resource center employees shall be members of either the teachers’ retirement system (AS 14.25) or the public employees’ retirement system (AS 39.35).

History. (§ 2 ch 236 SLA 1976; am § 11 ch 3 SLA 2017)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, “commissioner of education” was changed to “commissioner of education and early development” in (c) of this section in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Administrative Code. —

For regional resource centers, see 4 AAC 66.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, in (a), deleted “but not limited to” following “provide services, including”.

Sec. 14.12.160. Regional resource center board grant program; eligibility.

  1. The department may make grants to regional resource center boards that qualify for the grants under the criteria set out in (b) of this section and regulations adopted by the department.
  2. To qualify for a grant under (a) of this section, a regional resource center board shall
    1. be organized under the provisions of AS 14.12.150 ;
    2. adopt bylaws for its operation;
    3. provide the department with a plan of operation including the following elements:
      1. the bylaws adopted for its operation;
      2. a list of participating districts, number of students, and professional staff to be served;
      3. a schedule of funds available from federal, state, local, and private sources;
      4. a description of the services and programs to be offered;
      5. a description of the method by which these services and programs will be evaluated;
      6. other information that may be required by the department by regulation;
    4. comply with applicable regulations adopted by the department.

History. (§ 2 ch 236 SLA 1976; am § 12 ch 3 SLA 2017)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, in the introductory language of (b)(3), deleted “but not limited to” preceding “the following elements”.

Sec. 14.12.170. Districts.

For purposes of AS 14.12.150 14.12.180 , regional educational attendance areas shall be considered districts.

History. (§ 2 ch 236 SLA 1976; am § 11 ch 94 SLA 1980)

Sec. 14.12.180. Regulations.

The department may adopt regulations necessary to implement the provisions of AS 14.12.150 14.12.170 .

History. (§ 2 ch 236 SLA 1976)

Administrative Code. —

For regional resource centers, see 4 AAC 66.

Chapter 14. Local Administration of Schools.

Article 1. Operation of Districts.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 15 et seq.

78 C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, §§ 110-171.

Sec. 14.14.020. Bond required.

Before the officer responsible for custody, investment, or management of school district money enters upon the duties of office, the district, or the municipality if the treasury is centralized, shall obtain a bond with sufficient sureties in an amount equal to the money that may come into the officer’s official custody, but not to exceed $50,000. The bond shall be conditioned on the officer’s honest and faithful disbursement and accounting of all money that may come into the official custody of the officer. The bond shall be filed with the clerk of the school board. This section does not apply to an officer who has been bonded under AS 29.20.610 .

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 21 ch 53 SLA 1973; am § 29 ch 74 SLA 1985)

Sec. 14.14.050. Annual audit.

  1. The school board in each school district shall, before October 1 of each year, provide for an audit of all school accounts for the school year ending the preceding June 30.  To make the audit the school board shall contract with a public accountant who has no personal interest, direct or indirect, in the fiscal affairs of the district. One certified copy of the audit shall be filed with the commissioner and one certified copy shall be posted in a public place at the principal administrative office of the district.
  2. The audit shall conform in form to requirements established by the commissioner.  The commissioner shall withhold all payments of state funds after November 15 to a school district that fails to file a certified copy of the audit with the department.
  3. The commissioner may provide for a reaudit or an audit check in a school district if in the commissioner’s judgment it is necessary to substantiate the reported expenditures.
  4. The school board shall not make the audit if an audit that satisfies the requirements of this section and that is filed and posted as required by this section is made according to AS 29.35.120 .

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 22 ch 53 SLA 1973; am § 30 ch 74 SLA 1985)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1992, in (d) of this section, “AS 29.35.120 ” was substituted for “AS 29.35.110 ” to correct a manifest error in § 30, ch. 74, SLA 1985.

Administrative Code. —

For school operating fund, see 4 AAC 9, art. 2.

Sec. 14.14.060. Relationship between borough school district and borough; finances and buildings.

  1. The borough assembly may by ordinance require that all school money be deposited in a centralized treasury with all other borough money.  The borough administrator shall have the custody of, invest, and manage all money in the centralized treasury.  However, the borough assembly, with the consent of the borough school board, may by ordinance delegate to the borough school board the responsibility of a centralized treasury.
  2. When the borough school board by resolution consents, the borough assembly may by ordinance provide a centralized accounting system for school and all other borough operations. The system shall be operated in accordance with accepted principles of governmental accounting.  However, the assembly, with the consent of the borough school board, may by ordinance delegate to the borough school board the responsibilities of the accounting system.
  3. Except as otherwise provided by municipal ordinance, the borough school board shall submit the school budget for the following school year to the borough assembly by May 1 for approval of the total amount. Within 30 days after receipt of the budget the assembly shall determine the total amount of money to be made available from local sources for school purposes and shall furnish the school board with a statement of the sum to be made available. If the assembly does not, within 30 days, furnish the school board with a statement of the sum to be made available, the amount requested in the budget is automatically approved. Except as otherwise provided by municipal ordinance, by June 30, the assembly shall appropriate the amount to be made available from local sources from money available for the purpose.
  4. The borough assembly shall determine the location of school buildings with due consideration to the recommendations of the borough school board.
  5. The borough school board is responsible for the design criteria of school buildings.  To the maximum extent consistent with education needs, a design of a school building shall provide for multiple use of the building for community purposes.  Subject to the approval of the assembly, the school board shall select the appropriate professional personnel to develop the designs.  The school board shall submit preliminary and subsequent designs for a school building to the assembly for approval or disapproval; if the design is disapproved, a revised design shall be prepared and presented to the assembly.  A design or revised design approved by the assembly shall be submitted by the board to the department in accordance with AS 14.07.020(a)(11) .
  6. The borough school board shall provide custodial services and routine maintenance for school buildings and shall appoint, compensate, and otherwise control personnel for these purposes.  The borough assembly through the borough administrator, shall provide for all major rehabilitation, all construction and major repair of school buildings.  The recommendations of the school board shall be considered in carrying out the provisions of this section.
  7. State law relating to teacher salaries and tenure, to financial support, to supervision by the department and other general laws relating to schools, governs the exercise of the functions by the borough. The school board shall appoint, compensate, and otherwise control all school employees and administration officers in accordance with this title.
  8. School boards within the borough may determine their own policy separate from the borough for the purchase of supplies and equipment.
  9. Notwithstanding (e) and (f) of this section, a borough assembly and a borough school board may divide the duties imposed under (e) and (f) of this section by agreement between the borough assembly and borough school board.

History. (§ 8 ch 118 SLA 1972; am § 11 ch 147 SLA 1978; am § 13 ch 5 SLA 1990; am § 1 ch 1 SLA 1996)

Opinions of attorney general. —

A borough mayor may veto a “local source” resolution adopted pursuant to subsection (c) but may not exercise an item veto on it or on the school budget items in the subsequent appropriation for the schools. May 2, 1977 Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

History of public education in Alaska. —

See Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

Alaska Const., art. VII, § 1, does not establish right to secondary schools for students in their communities of residence. —

See Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

Authority of school board to close schools. —

See notes under same catchline under AS 14.14.065 . Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

Authority of school board over its budget and district operations. —

Municipal assembly’s designation of land as a potential school site gave the owner of the land no right to compel a sale of the land, because the local school district had management authority over its budget as well as district operations, and the assembly could not force the district to spend money to acquire a particular site. Homeward Bound v. Anchorage Sch. Dist., 791 P.2d 610 (Alaska 1990).

School districts have broad discretion in their procurement decisions; therefore, courts should exercise great caution before disturbing a school district’s contract award. Fairbanks N. Star Borough Sch. Dist. v. Bowers Office Prods., 851 P.2d 56 (Alaska 1992), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1993).

Municipal assembly’s designation of property as a potential school site was not a taking for which the property owner could recover just compensation, where the assembly’s mere designation was not a concrete indication that the municipality intended to condemn the property. Homeward Bound v. Anchorage Sch. Dist., 791 P.2d 610 (Alaska 1990).

Arbitrable decisions of school district. —

Union’s claim that a school district’s decision to outsource custodial services was prohibited by subsection (f) was not arbitrable because the decision did not affect conditions or circumstances under which employees worked. It was the duty of the court, not the arbitrator, to determine the arbitrability of the claim. Classified Emples. Ass'n v. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Sch. Dist., 204 P.3d 347 (Alaska 2009).

Cited in

Anchorage Bd. of Adjustment & Anchorage Sch. Dist. v. LBJ, LLC, 228 P.3d 87 (Alaska 2010).

Sec. 14.14.065. Relationship between city school district and city.

The relationships between the school board of a city school district and the city council and executive or administrator are governed in the same manner as provided in AS 14.14.060 for the school board of a borough school district and the borough assembly and executive or administrator.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 9 ch 118 SLA 1972)

Notes to Decisions

Authority of school board to close schools. —

Since pupil assignment and attendance area determinations may be made by a school board as a part of its “management and control” authority pursuant to AS 14.12.020 , subject to statutory and constitutional restrictions, this assignment power extended to its logical conclusion — the closing of a school by not assigning any students to the particular school — provides a basis for the school board’s authority to close schools. Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

Given the broad managerial mandate of the school board, and the limited authority of the municipal assembly in educational policy matters, it is the school board which has the authority to decide whether schools should be closed. Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

The closure of a school does not involve the exercise of a municipality’s eminent domain powers, nor does it involve major additional appropriations of municipal funds. Furthermore, in contrast to the municipal government’s diminished fiscal and political interests, a school board has strong educational policy interests in deciding which schools are to be closed, which decision effectively determines the size, the design, and therefore the nature of the educational programs of the schools which remain open. Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980), amended, — P.2d — (Alaska 1981).

Cited in

Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.14.070. Organization of school board.

Within seven days after the certification of the results of each regular school election, the school board shall meet and elect one of its members as president, one as clerk, and, if necessary, one as treasurer.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.14.080. Declaring a school board vacancy.

When a member of a school board has notice of and is absent from three consecutive regular school board meetings and is not excused by the president of the school board, the other members of the school board may declare the position vacant and shall notify the ex-member by registered mail. The vacancy shall be filled as provided by AS 14.12.070 .

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.14.090. Duties of school boards.

In addition to other duties, a school board shall

  1. determine and disburse the total amount to be made available for compensation of all school employees and administrative officers;
  2. provide for, during the school term of each year, an educational program for each school age child who is enrolled in or a resident of the district;
  3. withhold the salary for the last month of service of a teacher or administrator until the teacher or administrator has submitted all summaries, statistics, and reports that the school board may require by bylaws;
  4. transmit, when required by the assembly or council but not more often than once a month, a summary report and statement of money expended;
  5. keep the minutes of meetings and a record of all proceedings of the school board in a pertinent form;
  6. keep the records and files of the school board open to inspection by the public at the principal administrative office of the district during reasonable business hours;
  7. establish procedures for the review and selection of all textbooks and instructional materials at least once every 10 years, including textbooks and curriculum materials for statewide correspondence programs, before they are introduced into the school curriculum; the review includes a review for violations of AS 14.18.060 ; nothing in this paragraph precludes a correspondence study student, or the parent or guardian of a correspondence study student, from privately obtaining or using textbooks or curriculum material not provided by the school district;
  8. provide prospective employees with information relating to the availability and cost of housing in rural areas to which they might be assigned, and, when possible, assist them in locating housing; however, nothing in this paragraph requires a school district to provide teacher housing, whether district owned, leased, rented, or through other means, nor does it require a school board to engage in a subsidy program of any kind regarding teacher housing;
  9. train persons required to report under AS 47.17.020 , in the recognition and reporting of child abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse of a minor;
  10. provide for the development and implementation of a preventive maintenance program for school facilities; in this paragraph, “preventive maintenance” means scheduled maintenance actions that prevent the premature failure or extend the useful life of a facility, or a facility’s systems and components, and that are cost-effective on a life-cycle basis;
  11. establish procedures for providing the training under AS 14.18.060 , AS 14.20.149 , 14.20.680 , AS 14.30.355 , 14.30.356 , 14.30.362 , AS 14.33.100 , AS 18.66.310 , and AS 47.17.022 ; the procedures established under this paragraph must include a training schedule that ensures that not less than 50 percent of the total certificated staff employed by the district receive all of the training not less than every two years and that all of the certificated staff employed by the district receive all of the training not less than every four years.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 3 ch 17 SLA 1981; am § 3 ch 105 SLA 1983; am § 3 ch 1 SLA 1986; am § 8 ch 173 SLA 1990; am § 3 ch 130 SLA 2002; am § 4 ch 114 SLA 2003; am § 7 ch 2 SSSLA 2015; am §§ 13, 14 ch 54 SLA 2016; am § 13 ch 3 SLA 2017; am § 5 ch 73 SLA 2018)

Cross references. —

For requirement that school districts, including REAAs, that receive state money comply with agricultural and fisheries products preference laws, see AS 36.15.050 .

Administrative Code. —

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective October 7, 2015, added (11) and made related changes.

The 2016 amendment, effective October 26, 2016, in (11), deleted “14.33.127” from the list of sections, substituted “by the district receive” for both “at a school receives and “at each school receives” following “certificated staff employed”.

The 2016 amendment, effective June 30, 2017, in (11), deleted “14.33.127” from the list of sections, and twice substituted “by the district receive” for “at a school receives” or similar.

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, in (10), twice substituted “preventive” for “preventative”.

The 2018 amendment, effective October 28, 2018, in (7), inserted “at least once every 10 years” following “instructional materials”.

Opinions of attorney general. —

A book may not be approved for use in publicly provided education if it advocates a partisan, sectarian, or denominational doctrine. To allow otherwise would permit a school board to advocate partisan, sectarian, and denominational doctrines in a public classroom through textbooks. September 20, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

Copper River Sch. Dist. v. Traw, 9 P.3d 280 (Alaska 2000).

Stated in

Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980).

Collateral references. —

Power of school district to employ counsel. 75 ALR2d 1339.

Sec. 14.14.100. Bylaws and administrative rules.

  1. The school board policies relating to management and control of the district shall be expressed in written bylaws formally adopted at regular school board meetings.
  2. Administrative rules that do not embody school district policy need not be adopted as bylaws; however, the rules must be in written form and readily available to all school personnel.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

Skagway City Sch. Bd. v. Davis, 543 P.2d 218 (Alaska 1975).

Quoted in

Copper River Sch. Dist. v. Traw, 9 P.3d 280 (Alaska 2000).

Sec. 14.14.105. Sick leave bank.

A school board may establish a sick leave bank to enable a teacher, because of unusual circumstances, to draw not more than twice the number of days of sick leave the teacher has accumulated before the first day of school in any school year, or 24 days, whichever is greater. However, in a case of severe illness or extreme hardship the board may permit a teacher to draw more leave. The board may establish and administer the sick leave bank independently or jointly with teachers.

History. (§ 1 ch 76 SLA 1971; am § 1 ch 142 SLA 1976; am § 1 ch 21 SLA 1986)

Sec. 14.14.107. Sick leave and sick leave transfer.

  1. Every school district shall allow its certificated employees one and one-third days of sick leave a month with unlimited accumulation of sick leave days.
  2. A certificated school district employee who changes employment from one school district to another district, or from a school district to the department, or from the department to a school district, may transfer all of the cumulative sick leave to the new employer.  It is the responsibility of the employee to notify the new employer, within 90 days of commencing work, of the number of days to be transferred.
  3. The department may implement this section by regulation.

History. (§ 1 ch 99 SLA 1974; am § 1 ch 118 SLA 1978)

Administrative Code. —

For allowances for professional personnel, see 4 AAC 15.

Sec. 14.14.110. Cooperation with other districts.

  1. When necessary to provide more efficient or more economical educational services, a district may cooperate or the department may require a district to cooperate with other districts, state-operated schools, or the Bureau of Indian Affairs in providing educational or administrative services. However, if a cooperative arrangement requires pupils to live away from their usual homes, the school board shall provide classes within the attendance area when there are at least eight children eligible to attend elementary and secondary school in the attendance area. In this subsection,
    1. “administrative services” includes supervisory, maintenance, purchasing, or other services that are required for unified administration;
    2. “educational services” includes boarding and tuition arrangements, pupil or teacher exchanges, special education services, or curriculum development.
  2. The department may prescribe the terms and conditions of any contract entered into under (a) of this section.
  3. A contract for the operation of schools on military reservations by a city or borough school district under AS 14.12.020(a) and in (a) of this section must include, in addition to the terms and conditions prescribed by the department under (b) of this section, provisions for the following:
    1. the educational program provided by the school district in the schools on the military reservation shall be comparable to the program provided by the school district in its nonmilitary reservation schools; and
    2. the school district shall be fully reimbursed for the cost of operation of the schools on a military reservation.
  4. The department shall annually prepare a report on the cooperative arrangements entered into under (a) of this section, and shall include in the report the estimated cost savings resulting from the cooperative arrangements. The department shall notify the legislature that the report is available.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 64 SLA 1972; am § 2 ch 72 SLA 1974; am § 3 ch 13 SLA 1975; am §§ 1, 2 ch 136 SLA 1990; am § 10 ch 21 SLA 1995)

Administrative Code. —

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Notes to Decisions

The portion of this section referring to eight children is in the nature of a proviso to the remainder of the statute, which deals with cooperation among school districts. Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

This proviso must be strictly construed and not turned into a rule of general application. Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

Neither subsection (a) nor AS 14.14.120(a) requires that a school come into being if a minimum of eight children are eligible to attend. Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

Risk of loss from damage to military reservation school. —

Nothing in the legislature’s 1975 amendments requires local school districts that take over operation of military reservation schools to assume any risk of loss or duty to insure school buildings. State v. Fairbanks N. Star Borough Sch. Dist., 621 P.2d 1329 (Alaska 1981).

The state must bear the loss resulting from the fire destruction of a military reservation school operated by a local school district in the absence of provisions to the contrary. State v. Fairbanks N. Star Borough Sch. Dist., 621 P.2d 1329 (Alaska 1981).

Cited in

Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980).

Sec. 14.14.115. Cooperative arrangement grant program for school districts.

  1. To encourage cooperative arrangements between school districts to provide more efficient or economical administrative or educational services, a school district may receive a one-time cooperative arrangement grant from the department of up to $100,000.
  2. [Repealed, § 12 ch 42 SLA 1997.]
  3. In this section,
    1. “administrative services” and “educational services” have the meanings given in AS 14.14.110(a) ;
    2. “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 .

History. (§ 1 ch 75 SLA 1992; am § 12 ch 42 SLA 1997; am § 18 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Sec. 14.14.120. Inoperative district.

  1. When there are fewer than eight children eligible to attend elementary and secondary school in a district, the school board may declare the district inoperative for that school year.
  2. During the school year in which a district is inoperative, the school board shall perform those functions necessary to preserve the financial integrity of the district, to preserve the property and assets of the district, and to otherwise ensure against disruption of the continuity of the district business.
  3. An inoperative school board shall, if practicable, pay the tuition and boarding costs necessary to enable the school age children within the district to attend school in another district. If a child in an inoperative school district is not attending school in another district, the department shall provide information on correspondence courses and other materials and charge the school board of the inoperative district an amount equal to the actual cost to the department.
  4. The terms of office of a school board are not affected by a declaration that the district is inoperative. However, new board members may not be elected during the time a district is inoperative.  In the event more than three terms expire during the time a district is inoperative the functions of the school board shall be assumed by the assembly or council until the district becomes operative.  When the district becomes operative an expired school board term shall be filled by the assembly or council until the next regular school election when a school board member shall be elected to serve the balance of the term.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 5 ch 114 SLA 2003)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2003 amendment, effective July 1, 2004, inserted “information on” in the second sentence in subsection (c).

Notes to Decisions

Subsection (a) states when an existing district may cease its operations. Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

There is no indication that a school need be started where a certain number of potential students are available. Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

Neither AS 14.14.110(a) nor subsection (a) of this section requires that a school come into being if a minimum of eight children are eligible to attend. Hootch v. Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys., 536 P.2d 793 (Alaska 1975).

Cited in

Tunley v. Municipality of Anchorage Sch. Dist., 631 P.2d 67 (Alaska 1980).

Sec. 14.14.130. Chief school administrator.

  1. A school board may select and employ a qualified person as the chief school administrator for the district. In this subsection, “employ” includes employment by contract.
  2. If the district employs a chief school administrator, the administrator shall administer the district in accordance with the policies that the school board prescribes by bylaw.
  3. If the district employs a chief school administrator, the administrator shall select, appoint, and otherwise control all school district employees that serve under the chief school administrator subject to the approval of the school board.
  4. This section does not prohibit two or more school districts from sharing the services of a chief school administrator.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 29 SLA 1969; am §§ 3, 4 ch 136 SLA 1990; am §§ 19 — 21 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

Skagway City Sch. Bd. v. Davis, 543 P.2d 218 (Alaska 1975).

Quoted in

Begich v. Jefferson, 441 P.2d 27 (Alaska 1968).

Stated in

Copper River Sch. Dist. v. Traw, 9 P.3d 280 (Alaska 2000).

Sec. 14.14.140. Restriction on employment; compensation of board members.

  1. While serving on the school board, a member may not be employed by that local school board. Members of the immediate family of a school board member may not be employed by the school board except upon written approval of the commissioner.
  2. Members of the immediate family of a chief school administrator may not be employed by the chief school administrator except upon written approval of the school board.
  3. A school board member may receive compensation for time spent in the performance of duties as a school board member if the compensation is authorized by resolution adopted by the school board.  The restriction in (a) of this section does not apply to this compensation.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 29 SLA 1969; am § 5 ch 24 SLA 1979; am § 2 ch 26 SLA 1980)

Administrative Code. —

For employment of professional personnel, see 4 AAC 18.

Opinions of attorney general. —

Subsection (a) should be read to prohibit a local school board from hiring a new employee who is an immediate family member of a school board member unless written approval is obtained from the commissioner. However, the statute places no restriction on the continued employment of an individual whose immediate family member is seated on the school board after the individual’s initial hiring. October 24, 1994, Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

Term “immediate family,” as used in section, is broad enough to include siblings. Degnan v. Bering Strait Sch. Dist., 753 P.2d 146 (Alaska 1988).

Stated in

Muller v. BP Exploration (Alaska), 923 P.2d 783 (Alaska 1996).

Sec. 14.14.150. Association of Alaska School Boards the representative agency of board members.

The Association of Alaska School Boards is recognized as the organization and representative agency of the members of the school boards of the state.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.14.160. Cooperation and support of certain association functions.

  1. The department and local districts may cooperate with the Association of Alaska School Boards in its inservice training program for school board members and in encouraging and fostering cooperation among the school boards affiliated with the Association of Alaska School Boards.
  2. School districts may expend district money to carry out the provisions of (a) of this section.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Secs. 14.14.170 — 14.14.200. Community school committees; qualifications of members and voters; terms of office and vacancies; duties. [Repealed, § 6 ch 24 SLA 1979.]

Article 2. Involvement of Young People in School Governance.

Sec. 14.14.250. Establishment of committee.

A school board may create a committee or other advisory body on the involvement of young people in school governance.

History. (§ 4 ch 40 SLA 1972)

Sec. 14.14.260. Composition and chairman.

The committee may consist of not more than nine members, drawn from the fields of public affairs, education, the sciences, the professions, other fields of private endeavor, from the state or local service, and three additional members from the 17-22 age group, and shall include women and representatives of minority groups. The members shall be appointed by the board in the manner prescribed by the board without regard to political affiliation and shall serve at the pleasure of that body. One member shall be designated by the board as chairman of the committee.

History. (§ 4 ch 40 SLA 1972)

Sec. 14.14.270. Compensation and per diem.

Members of the committee or other advisory body serve without compensation but are entitled to per diem and travel expenses as may be authorized by the board.

History. (§ 4 ch 40 SLA 1972)

Sec. 14.14.280. Functions of the committee.

  1. The committee shall establish procedures to enable it to recommend annually to the board a group of promising young men and women from whom the board may select interns and youth voting members of district committees or other advisory bodies.  The committee, in establishing these procedures, shall enlist the aid of district residents who are actively interested in working with young people.  Following adoption of the procedures, the committee shall accept applications from individuals and nominations for consideration, and shall interview all applicants or nominees.
  2. Recommendations of the committee shall be limited to young people who
    1. have a capacity, desire, interest, ability, and potential for leadership and service to the community and to the state;
    2. will have attained the age of 17 but not the age of 22 before the beginning of their service.
  3. Annually, the committee shall evaluate the program and shall submit a written report to the board.

History. (§ 4 ch 40 SLA 1972)

Sec. 14.14.290. Interns.

An intern may be appointed to serve on the staff of the board or the district administrator for a period of time prescribed by the board, with a maximum of one year. An intern may be assigned responsibilities in any office, department, or agency of the district. Service begins at a time prescribed by the board. Interns shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation. Salaries shall be individually established by the board on the basis of prior experience and the responsibilities of the position to which the intern is assigned.

History. (§ 4 ch 40 SLA 1972)

Sec. 14.14.300. Appointment to district committees or other advisory bodies.

  1. Notwithstanding AS 39.05.100 or a provision of law relating to age, the board may appoint any 17-21 year old district resident to a district committee or advisory body if recommended by the youth involvement committee.
  2. A young person recommended by the committee may be appointed to district committees or advisory bodies with special qualifications for membership if the proposed nominee meets the required qualifications set by law, except for age.
  3. An individual appointed to a district committee or advisory body under this section is entitled to the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of other members, and the appointment is subject to confirmation by the board when required by law. An additional seat on a district committee or advisory body is not created by virtue of AS 14.14.250 14.14.310 .

History. (§ 4 ch 40 SLA 1972)

Sec. 14.14.310. Definitions.

In AS 14.14.250 14.14.310 ,

  1. “board” means the governing body of a borough or city school district or regional educational attendance area;
  2. “district” means a borough, city, or regional educational attendance area.

History. (§ 4 ch 40 SLA 1972; am § 11 ch 124 SLA 1975)

Chapter 15. School Districts and City Schools.

[Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Chapter 16. Special Schools.

Article 1. State Boarding Schools.

Sec. 14.16.010. Establishment of state boarding schools.

The department may establish and operate boarding schools, to be managed in accordance with this chapter. A state boarding school must offer a secondary education curriculum to students enrolled in it, and must provide domiciliary services for students needing such services, if approved by the board.

History. (§ 1 ch 73 SLA 1988; am § 4 ch 113 SLA 1997)

Sec. 14.16.020. Operation of state boarding schools.

In the management of state boarding schools, the board shall

  1. adopt a philosophy of education for state boarding schools;
  2. approve the employment of personnel necessary to operate state boarding schools;
  3. establish the salaries and benefits to be paid teachers, excluding administrators;
  4. designate the employees authorized to direct disbursements from the money appropriated for the operation of state boarding schools and for the construction of facilities;
  5. provide custodial services and routine maintenance of physical facilities;
  6. establish procedures for the development and implementation of curriculum and the selection and use of textbooks and instructional materials; the procedures must require a review of textbooks and instructional materials at least once every 10 years;
  7. prescribe health evaluation and placement screening programs for newly admitted students;
  8. establish procedures for staff evaluation; and
  9. establish procedures for providing the training under AS 14.18.060 , AS 14.20.149 , 14.20.680 , AS 14.30.355 , 14.30.356 , 14.30.362 , AS 14.33.100 , AS 18.66.310 , and AS 47.17.022 ; the procedures established under this paragraph must include a training schedule that ensures that not less than 50 percent of the total certificated staff employed by the district receive all of the training not less than every two years and that all of the certificated staff employed by the district receive all of the training not less than every four years.

History. (§ 1 ch 73 SLA 1988; am § 5 ch 113 SLA 1997; am § 22 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 8 ch 2 SSSLA 2015; am §§ 15, 16 ch 54 SLA 2016; am § 6 ch 73 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective October 7, 2015, rewrote (9), which read “provide staff training”.

The 2016 amendment, effective October 26, 2016, in (9), deleted “14.33.127” from the list of sections, substituted “by the district receive” for both “at a school receives and “at each school receives” following “certificated staff employed”.

The 2016 amendment, effective June 30, 2017, in (9), deleted “14.33.127” from the list of sections, and twice substituted “by the district receive” for “at a school receives” or similar.

The 2018 amendment, effective October 28, 2018, in (6), added “the procedures must require a review of textbooks and instructional materials at least once every 10 years;” at the end.

Sec. 14.16.030. Admission to school.

  1. A state boarding school may admit students who are qualified in accordance with applicable admission standards. Preference for enrollment must be given to students currently enrolled at a boarding school and to students whose educational, emotional, or family requirements warrant attendance in a domiciliary environment.
  2. The board shall prescribe admission standards and procedures by regulation. Admission standards may not discriminate in favor of or against any resident based on race, sex, creed, national origin, or the location or type of residence within the state.

History. (§ 1 ch 73 SLA 1988; am § 6 ch 113 SLA 1997)

Administrative Code. —

For admissions to Mt. Edgecumbe High School, a boarding school, see 4 AAC 33.080.

For special schools, see 4 AAC 33, art. 1.

Sec. 14.16.040. Status of state boarding school.

A state boarding school is a public school of the state.

History. (§ 1 ch 73 SLA 1988; am § 7 ch 113 SLA 1997)

Sec. 14.16.050. Applicability of education laws.

  1. The following provisions apply with respect to the operation and management of a state boarding school as if it were a school district:
    1. requirements relating to school district operations:
      1. AS 14.03.030 14.03.050 (defining the school term, day in session, and school holidays);
      2. AS 14.03.083 14.03.140 (miscellaneous provisions applicable to school district operations);
      3. regulations adopted by the board under authority of AS 14.07.020(a) that are applicable to school districts and their schools, unless the board specifically exempts state boarding schools from compliance with a regulation;
      4. AS 14.12.150 (authorizing school districts to establish and participate in the services of a regional resource center);
      5. AS 14.14.050 (imposing the requirement of an annual audit);
      6. AS 14.14.110 (authorizing cooperation with other school districts);
      7. AS 14.14.140(b) (establishing a prohibition on employment of a relative of the chief school administrator);
      8. AS 14.18 (prohibiting discrimination based on sex in public education);
    2. requirements relating to the public school funding program and the receipt and expenditure of that funding:
      1. AS 14.17.500 (relating to student count estimates);
      2. AS 14.17.505 (relating to school operating fund balances);
      3. AS 14.17.500 14.17.910 (setting out the procedure for payment of public school funding and imposing general requirements and limits on money paid);
    3. requirements relating to teacher employment and retirement:
      1. AS 14.14.105 and 14.14.107 (relating to sick leave);
      2. AS 14.20.095 14.20.215 (relating to the employment and tenure of teachers);
      3. AS 14.20.220 (relating to the salaries of teachers employed);
      4. AS 14.20.280 14.20.350 (relating to sabbatical leave provisions for teachers);
      5. AS 23.40.070 23.40.260 (authorizing collective bargaining by certificated employees), except with regard to teachers who are administrators and except that the board may delegate some or all of its responsibilities under those statutes;
      6. AS 14.25 (provisions regarding the teachers’ retirement system);
    4. requirements relating to students and educational programs:
      1. AS 14.30.180 14.30.350 (relating to educational services for children with disabilities);
      2. AS 14.30.360 14.30.370 (establishing health education program standards);
      3. AS 14.30.400 14.30.410 (relating to bilingual and bicultural education).
  2. A person employed as a teacher at Mt. Edgecumbe High School on May 28, 1988, acquires tenure rights in accordance with AS 14.20.150 and 14.20.155 as though the person had been employed by a school district.

History. (§ 1 ch 73 SLA 1988; am § 1 ch 1 SLA 1992; am § 8 ch 113 SLA 1997; am §§ 23, 39 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 1 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

Subparagraphs (a)(1)(G) and (a)(1)(H) were enacted as (a)(1)(H) and (a)(1)(I), respectively. Relettered in 1998 to reflect the 1998 repeal of former (a)(1)(G).

Cross references. —

For provision suspending the application of the school experience factor authorized by (a)(3)(C) of this section for the period beginning July 1, 2009, and ending June 30, 2011, and prohibiting the reduction of teachers’ salaries affected by the suspension after the end of the suspension period, see § 1, ch. 18, SLA 2009, in the 2009 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For regional resource centers, see 4 AAC 66.

Sec. 14.16.060. Status of employees.

The employees of a state boarding school are state employees.

History. (§ 1 ch 73 SLA 1988; am § 9 ch 113 SLA 1997)

Sec. 14.16.070. Applicability of Public Employment Relations Act.

AS 23.40.070 23.40.260 (Public Employment Relations Act) apply to the employees of a state boarding school.

History. (§ 1 ch 73 SLA 1988; am § 2 ch 1 SLA 1992; am § 10 ch 113 SLA 1997)

Sec. 14.16.080. Financial provisions applicable to state boarding school.

  1. AS 14.17.440 applies to the calculation of public school funding payable for operation of a state boarding school.
  2. In the transmittals required by AS 37.07.060 37.07.062 , the governor shall request amounts for the expenses of construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of the facilities of a state boarding school.
  3. Unless specified otherwise in any appropriation bill, AS 37.25.010 does not apply to an appropriation made for the purposes of (a) of this section.
  4. AS 37.25.020 applies to money appropriated for the purposes of (b) of this section.
  5. For purposes of application for and receipt of federal aid to education, a state boarding school constitutes a local educational agency.

History. (§ 1 ch 73 SLA 1988; am §§ 11 — 13 ch 113 SLA 1997; am § 24 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Article 2. School Districts Operating Residential Schools.

Sec. 14.16.100. Application for residential school.

Before establishing a residential school, a school district shall apply to the department for approval to establish and operate a statewide or district-wide residential school. The department shall accept applications during an open application period conducted annually. A period of open application in itself does not indicate that the department will approve the establishment of a new residential school.

History. (§ 22 ch 15 SLA 2014; am § 19 ch 22 SLA 2015)

Cross references. —

For governor's transmittal letter for ch. 15, SLA 2014, see 2014 House Journal 1434 — 1437.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective May 15, 2015, substituted “Before establishing a residential school, a school” for “A school”.

Effective dates. —

Section 62, ch. 15, SLA 2014 makes this section effective July 1, 2014.

Sec. 14.16.200. State funding for districts operating residential schools.

  1. A district that operates a statewide or district-wide residential school for students in grades nine through 12 that has been approved by the department under regulations adopted by the board is eligible to receive a boarding stipend as reimbursement for the costs incurred by the district in operating that school. To be eligible for reimbursement for costs, a statewide or district-wide residential school operated by a district must provide a suitable student dormitory, food service, and daily access to a public school offering the appropriate grade level for a variable-length or 180-day school term as provided under AS 14.03.030 for the full school year.
  2. Costs that may be claimed by a district for reimbursement under (a) of this section are
    1. one round trip on the least expensive means of transportation between the student’s community of residence and the school during the school year if the district expends money for the trip; and
    2. a per-pupil monthly stipend to cover room and board expenses as determined by the department on a regional basis and not to exceed the following amounts:
      1. for the Southeast Region (Region I), $1,230;
      2. for the Southcentral Region (Region II), $1,200;
      3. for the Interior Region (Region III), $1,452;
      4. for the Southwest Region (Region IV), $1,509;
      5. for the Northern Remote Region (Region V), $1,776.
  3. [Repealed, § 4 ch 48 SLA 2013.]
  4. A district may cooperate with an Alaska Native organization, as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7546(2), or a nonprofit organization for the provision of room and board services to students enrolled in a statewide or district-wide residential school operated by a district under terms and conditions required for licensing in the state and as specified by the department in regulation.
  5. In this section, “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 .

History. (§ 1 ch 54 SLA 2006; am § 1 ch 7 FSSLA 2011; am §§ 1 — 4 ch 48 SLA 2013; am § 23 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Paragraph (b)(2) of this section sets per-pupil monthly stipends on a regional basis for each of five regions. For school districts that comprise each of the regions, with per-pupil monthly stipend rates corresponding to the rates set out in each of subparagraphs (A) — (E) of paragraph (b)(2), see part IVB, “Payment Rates,” set out in the Boarding Home Program Application Instructions and Payment Rates Effective July 1, 2005, through June 30, 2006, form #05-96-022 of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.

Subsection (c) was enacted as (d) and relettered in 2011, at which time former subsection (c) was relettered as (d).

Subsection (d) was enacted as (e) and relettered in 2013.

Cross references. —

For reimbursement for room and board for fiscal years 2012 and 2013, see § 13, ch. 7, FSSLA 2011, in the 2011 Temporary and Special Acts.

For governor’s transmittal letter for ch. 15, SLA 2014, which amended (b) of this section, see 2014 House Journal 1434 — 1437.

Administrative Code. —

For special schools, see 4 AAC 33, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2011 amendment, effective July 23, 2011, added (c).

The 2013 amendment, effective July 1, 2013, in (a), in the first sentence, substituted “A district that operates a statewide or district-wide residential school for students” for “A district that, before January 1, 2005, began operating a statewide residential educational program for students”, inserted “a boarding stipend as” following “eligible to receive”, substituted “school” for “program” at the end; in the second sentence substituted “a statewide or district-wide residential school operated by a district” for “the district-operated statewide residential educational program”, inserted “, food service,” following “suitable student dormitory”, and added “for a variable-length or 180-day school term as provided under AS 14.03.030 for the full school year” at the end; in (b)(2)(A), substituted “$820” for “$410”, in (b)(2)(B), substituted “$800” for “$400”, in (b)(2)(C), substituted “$968” for “$484”, in (b)(2)(D), substituted “$1,006” for “$503”, in (b)(2)(E), substituted “$1,184” for “$592”; repealed (c) and former (d)(2), defining “district-operated statewide residential educational program”; added (e) (now (d)).

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, in (b)(2), changed the amounts of the stipends as follows: in (b)(2)(A), from $820 to $1,230, in (b)(2)(B), from $800 to $1,200, in (b)(2)(C), from $968 to $1,452, in (b)(2)(D), from $1,006 to $1,509, and in (b)(2)(E), from $1,184 to $ 1,776.

Chapter 17. Financing of Public Schools.

Cross references. —

For distribution of state aid to school districts as grants according to the average daily membership for each district adjusted under (b)(1)(A) — (D) of this section for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2015, 2016, and 2017, see sec. 55, ch. 15, SLA 2014 in the 2014 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For state support of schools, see 4 AAC 09.

Article 1. State Aid to Public Schools.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 99 et seq.

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 478 et seq.

Determination of school attendance, enrollment, or pupil population for purpose of apportionment of funds. 80 ALR2d 953.

Sec. 14.17.010. Public school foundation account. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.020. State aid. [Repealed, § 1 ch 238 SLA 1970.]

Secs. 14.17.021 — 14.17.022. State foundation aid; money for centralized correspondence study. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.023. Secondary formula account. [Repealed, § 25 ch 91 SLA 1987.]

Secs. 14.17.024 — 14.17.026. Money for state boarding schools; local contributions; supplementary state aid for regional educational attendance areas. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.027. Revenue adjustment. [Repealed, § 25 ch 91 SLA 1987.]

Sec. 14.17.030. Required local effort. [Repealed, § 11 ch 95 SLA 1969.]

Sec. 14.17.031. Allowable instructional units. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.040. Basic need. [Repealed, § 1 ch 238 SLA 1970.]

Secs. 14.17.041 — 14.17.047. Elementary and secondary, vocational, special and bilingual educational instructional units. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.050. Teachers’ salary allotment. [Repealed, § 1 ch 238 SLA 1970.]

Secs. 14.17.051 — 14.17.056. Area cost differential; instructional unit value. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.060. Average daily membership allotment. [Repealed, § 1 ch 238 SLA 1970.]

Sec. 14.17.061. Supplemental programs. [Repealed, § 25 ch 91 SLA 1987.]

Sec. 14.17.070. Attendance center allotment. [Repealed, § 1 ch 238 SLA 1970.]

Sec. 14.17.071. Required local effort. [Repealed, § 21 ch 26 SLA 1980.]

Sec. 14.17.075. Supplemental allocation. [Repealed, § 1 ch 238 SLA 1970.]

Sec. 14.17.080. Student count estimates. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.081. Minimum expenditure for instruction. [Repealed, § 15 ch 75 SLA 1986.]

Sec. 14.17.082. Fund balance in school operating fund. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.090. Estimated average daily membership. [Repealed, § 25 ch 91 SLA 1987.]

Secs. 14.17.100 — 14.17.120. Computation of teachers’ salary allotment, average daily membership allotment, and attendance center allotment. [Repealed, § 2 ch 238 SLA 1970.]

Sec. 14.17.130. Computation of required local effort. [Repealed, § 11 ch 95 SLA 1969.]

Sec. 14.17.139. [Renumbered as AS 14.12.025.]

Sec. 14.17.140. Determination of full and true value by Department of Community and Regional Affairs. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.150. Duty of commissioner to examine and tabulate computations. [Repealed, § 25 ch 91 SLA 1987.]

Secs. 14.17.160 — 14.17.170. Student counting periods; distribution of state foundation aid. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.180. Payment under final computation. [Repealed, § 25 ch 91 SLA 1987.]

Sec. 14.17.190. Restrictions governing receipt and expenditure of money from public school foundation account. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.200. Regulations. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.205. State aid to districts operating approved school food service programs. [Repealed, § 25 ch 91 SLA 1987.]

Sec. 14.17.210. State aid to newly established district schools. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.215. State aid to districts affected by state activities. [Repealed, § 20 ch 26 SLA 1980.]

Secs. 14.17.220 — 14.17.225. Purpose; construction and implementation of chapter; pro rata reductions. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Secs. 14.17.230 — 14.17.240. Transition; repealer. [Repealed, § 2 ch 71 SLA 1972.]

Sec. 14.17.250. Definitions. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998.]

Sec. 14.17.300. Public education fund.

  1. The public education fund is established. The fund consists of appropriations for
    1. distribution to school districts, to the state boarding school, and for centralized correspondence study under this chapter; and
    2. transportation of pupils under AS 14.09.010 .
  2. Money appropriated to the fund may be expended without further appropriation. Money appropriated to the fund does not lapse. The money in the fund may be expended only in aid of public schools and for centralized correspondence study programs under this chapter and for transportation of pupils under AS 14.09.010 . Interest earned on money held in the fund before expenditure may be appropriated to the fund by the legislature.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 1 ch 4 SLA 2005)

Cross references. —

For statement of legislative intent regarding appropriation to this fund of a portion of proceeds obtained from the retrospective application of certain provisions of the 2007 amendments of the production tax on oil and gas (AS 43.55), as authorized by ch. 74, SSSLA 2007, see § 1(c), ch. 1, SSSLA 2007.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2005 amendment, effective April 2, 2005, rewrote this section.

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

State v. Ketchikan Gateway Borough, 366 P.3d 86 (Alaska 2016).

Sec. 14.17.400. State aid for districts.

  1. The state aid for which a school district is eligible in a fiscal year is equal to the amount for which a district qualifies under AS 14.17.410 .
  2. If the amount appropriated to the public education fund for purposes of this chapter is insufficient to meet the amounts authorized under (a) of this section for a fiscal year, the department shall reduce pro rata each district’s basic need by the necessary percentage as determined by the department. If the basic need of each district is reduced under this subsection, the department shall also reduce state funding for centralized correspondence study and the state boarding school by the same percentage.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 2 ch 4 SLA 2005)

Sec. 14.17.410. Public school funding.

  1. A district is eligible for public school funding in an amount equal to the sum calculated under (b) and (c) of this section.
  2. Public school funding consists of state aid, a required local contribution, and eligible federal impact aid determined as follows:
    1. state aid equals basic need minus a required local contribution and 90 percent of eligible federal impact aid for that fiscal year; basic need equals the sum obtained under (D) of this paragraph, multiplied by the base student allocation set out in AS 14.17.470 ; district adjusted ADM is calculated as follows:
      1. the ADM of each school in the district is calculated by applying the school size factor to the student count as set out in AS 14.17.450 ;
      2. the number obtained under (A) of this paragraph is multiplied by the district cost factor described in AS 14.17.460 ;
      3. the ADMs of each school in a district, as adjusted according to (A) and (B) of this paragraph, are added; the sum is then multiplied by the special needs factor set out in AS 14.17.420(a)(1) and the secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding factor set out in AS 14.17.420(a)(3) ;
      4. the number obtained for intensive services under AS 14.17.420(a)(2) and the number obtained for correspondence study under AS 14.17.430 are added to the number obtained under (C) of this paragraph or under (H) and (I) of this paragraph;
      5. notwithstanding (A) — (C) of this paragraph, if a school district’s ADM adjusted for school size under (A) of this paragraph decreases by five percent or more from one fiscal year to the next fiscal year, the school district may use the last fiscal year before the decrease as a base fiscal year to offset the decrease, according to the following method:
        1. for the first fiscal year after the base fiscal year determined under this subparagraph, the school district’s ADM adjusted for school size determined under (A) of this paragraph is calculated as the district’s ADM adjusted for school size, plus 75 percent of the difference in the district’s ADM adjusted for school size between the base fiscal year and the first fiscal year after the base fiscal year;
        2. for the second fiscal year after the base fiscal year determined under this subparagraph, the school district’s ADM adjusted for school size determined under (A) of this paragraph is calculated as the district’s ADM adjusted for school size, plus 50 percent of the difference in the district’s ADM adjusted for school size between the base fiscal year and the second fiscal year after the base fiscal year;
        3. for the third fiscal year after the base fiscal year determined under this subparagraph, the school district’s ADM adjusted for school size determined under (A) of this paragraph is calculated as the district’s ADM adjusted for school size, plus 25 percent of the difference in the district’s ADM adjusted for school size between the base fiscal year and the third fiscal year after the base fiscal year;
      6. the method established in (E) of this paragraph is available to a school district for the three fiscal years following the base fiscal year determined under (E) of this paragraph only if the district’s ADM adjusted for school size determined under (A) of this paragraph for each fiscal year is less than the district’s ADM adjusted for school size in the base fiscal year;
      7. the method established in (E) of this paragraph does not apply to a decrease in the district’s ADM adjusted for school size resulting from a loss of enrollment that occurs as a result of a boundary change under AS 29;
      8. notwithstanding (A) — (C) of this paragraph, if one or more schools close and consolidate with one or more other schools in the same community and district and, as a result of the consolidation, basic need generated by the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph decreases, the district may use the last fiscal year before the consolidation as the base fiscal year to offset that decrease for the first four fiscal years following consolidation according to the following method:
        1. for the first two fiscal years after the base fiscal year, the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph is calculated by dividing the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph for the base fiscal year by the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the base fiscal year without adjustment, and subtracting the quotient obtained by dividing the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the current fiscal year as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph by the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the current fiscal year without adjustment, multiplying that number by the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the current fiscal year without adjustment, and adding that number to the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the current fiscal year as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph;
        2. for the third fiscal year after the base fiscal year, the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph is calculated by dividing the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph for the base fiscal year by the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the base fiscal year without adjustment, and subtracting the quotient obtained by dividing the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the current fiscal year as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph by the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the current fiscal year, multiplying that number by the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the current fiscal year without adjustment, multiplying that number by 66 percent, and adding that number to the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the current fiscal year as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph;
        3. for the fourth fiscal year after the base fiscal year, the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph is calculated by dividing the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph for the base fiscal year by the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the base fiscal year without adjustment, and subtracting the quotient obtained by dividing the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the current fiscal year as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph by the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the current fiscal year, multiplying that number by the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the current fiscal year without adjustment, multiplying that number by 33 percent, and adding that number to the sum of the district’s ADM of the consolidated schools for the current fiscal year as adjusted under (A) — (C) of this paragraph;
        4. to calculate the district’s basic need for each fiscal year, the number obtained through the calculation in (i), (ii), or (iii) of this subparagraph is added to the number obtained under (C) of this paragraph for the remainder of the district;
      9. if the basic need calculated under (H)(i) — (iii) of this paragraph for one of the first four fiscal years after consolidation is less than the basic need calculated under (A) — (C) of this paragraph for that fiscal year, the basic need may not be adjusted under (H) of this paragraph for that fiscal year;
      10. a district may not offset a decrease under (H) of this paragraph if
        1. a new facility is constructed in the district for the consolidation; or
        2. the district offset a decrease under (E) of this paragraph in the same fiscal year;
      11. a district that offsets a decrease under (H) of this paragraph may not reopen a school that was closed for consolidation in the district until
        1. seven or more years have passed since the school closure; and
        2. the district provides evidence satisfactory to the department that the schools affected by the consolidation are over capacity;
      12. a district may not reopen and reconsolidate a school that was consolidated in the district more than once every seven years for purposes of the calculations made under (H) of this paragraph;
      13. a district offsetting a decrease under (H) of this paragraph shall provide the department with the list of schools participating in the consolidation and the corresponding ADM;
    2. the required local contribution of a city or borough school district is the equivalent of a 2.65 mill tax levy on the full and true value of the taxable real and personal property in the district as of January 1 of the second preceding fiscal year, as determined by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development under AS 14.17.510 and AS 29.45.110 , not to exceed 45 percent of a district’s basic need for the preceding fiscal year as determined under (1) of this subsection.
  3. In addition to the local contribution required under (b)(2) of this section, a city or borough school district in a fiscal year may make a local contribution of not more than the greater of
    1. the equivalent of a two mill tax levy on the full and true value of the taxable real and personal property in the district as of January 1 of the second preceding fiscal year, as determined by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development under AS 14.17.510 and AS 29.45.110 ; or
    2. 23 percent of the total of the district’s basic need for the fiscal year under (b)(1) of this section and any additional funding distributed to the district in a fiscal year according to (b) of this section.
  4. State aid may not be provided to a city or borough school district if the local contributions required under (b)(2) of this section have not been made.
  5. If a city or borough school district is established after July 1, 1998, for the first three fiscal years in which the city or borough school district operates schools, local contributions may be less than the amount that would otherwise be required under (b)(2) of this section, except that
    1. in the second fiscal year of operations, local contributions must be at least the greater of
      1. the local contributions, excluding federal impact aid, for the previous fiscal year; or
      2. the sum of 10 percent of the district’s eligible federal impact aid for that year and the equivalent of a one mill tax levy on the full and true value of the taxable real and personal property in the city or borough school district as of January 1 of the second preceding fiscal year, as determined by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development under AS 14.17.510 and AS 29.45.110 ; and
    2. in the third year of operation, local contributions must be at least the greater of
      1. the local contributions, excluding federal impact aid, for the previous fiscal year; or
      2. the sum of 10 percent of the district’s eligible federal impact aid for that year and the equivalent of a two mill tax levy on the full and true value of the taxable real and personal property in the district as of January 1 of the second preceding fiscal year, as determined by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development under AS 14.17.510 and AS 29.45.110 .
  6. A school district is eligible for additional state aid in the amount by which the local contributions that would otherwise have been required under (b)(2) of this section exceed the district’s actual local contributions under (e) of this section.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 3 ch 9 SLA 2008; am § 2 ch 7 FSSLA 2011; am §§ 3, 4 ch 19 SLA 2012; am § 24 ch 15 SLA 2014; am § 1 ch 82 SLA 2018)

Revisor's notes. —

In 1999, “Department of Community and Economic Development” was substituted for “Department of Community and Regional Affairs” in subsections (b), (c), and (e) of this section in accordance with § 91(a)(2), ch. 58, SLA 1999. In 2004, “Department of Community and Economic Development” was changed to “Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development” in (b), (c), and (e) of this section, in accordance with § 3, ch. 47, SLA 2004.

Cross references. —

For provision providing that the 2018 amendment of subsection (b) “applies to schools that consolidate on or after August 11, 2018”, see sec. 3, ch. 82, SLA 2018, in the 2018 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2011 amendment, effective July 23, 2011, added “and the high school vocational education factor set out in AS 14.17.420(a)(3) ” at the end of (b)(1)(C).

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, in (b)(1)(C), substituted “secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding” for “high school vocational education”, in (b)(2), substituted “2.65 mill” for “four mill”, in (e)(1)(B), substituted “one mill” for “two mill”, and in (e)(2)(B), substituted “two mill” for “three mill”.

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, rewrote (c)(2), which read, “23 percent of the district’s basic need for the fiscal year under (b)(1) of this section”.

The 2018 amendment, effective August 11, 2018, in (b)(1)(D), added “or under (H) and (I) of this paragraph” at the end, added (b)(1)(H) – (M).

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

State v. Ketchikan Gateway Borough, 366 P.3d 86 (Alaska 2016).

Collateral references. —

Validity of public school funding systems. 110 ALR5th 293.

Sec. 14.17.420. Funding for special needs, secondary school vocational and technical instruction, and intensive services.

  1. As a component of public school funding, a district is eligible for special needs and secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding and may be eligible for intensive services funding as follows:
    1. special needs funding is available to a district to assist the district in providing special education, gifted and talented education, vocational education, and bilingual education services to its students; a special needs funding factor of 1.20 shall be applied as set out in AS 14.17.410(b)(1) ;
    2. in addition to the special needs funding for which a district is eligible under (1) of this subsection, a district is eligible for intensive services funding for each special education student who needs and receives intensive services and is enrolled on the last day of the count period; for each such student, intensive services funding is equal to the intensive student count multiplied by 13;
    3. in addition to the special needs and intensive services funding available under (1) and (2) of this subsection, secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding is available to assist districts in providing vocational and technical instruction to students who are enrolled in a secondary school; a secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding factor of 1.015 shall be applied as set out in AS 14.17.410(b)(1) ; in this paragraph, “vocational and technical instruction” excludes costs associated with
      1. administrative expenses; and
      2. instruction in general literacy, mathematics, and job readiness skills.
  2. If a district offers special education, gifted and talented education, vocational education, or bilingual education services, in order to receive funding under (a)(1) of this section, the district must file with the department a plan that indicates the services that will be provided to students who receive these services.
  3. In this section, “intensive services” has the meaning given by the department by regulation adopted under AS 14.30.180 14.30.350 .

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am §§ 4 — 6 ch 9 SLA 2008; am § 3 ch 7 FSSLA 2011; am § 5 ch 19 SLA 2012)

Administrative Code. —

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 4.

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

For bilingual-bicultural education, see 4 AAC 34.

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

For program administration: gifted children, see 4 AAC 52, art. 3.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2011 amendment, effective July 23, 2011, inserted “and high school vocational and technical instruction” in the introductory paragraph in (a), added (a)(3), and made a related change.

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, substituted “secondary school vocational” for “high school vocational” in the introductory language of (a) and near the beginning of (a)(3); in the introductory language of (a)(3), substituted “a secondary school” for “grades nine through twelve” following “who are enrolled in” near the middle and substituted “a secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding factor of 1.015” for “a high school vocational and technical instruction funding factor of 1.01”.

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

State v. Ketchikan Gateway Borough, 366 P.3d 86 (Alaska 2016).

Sec. 14.17.430. State funding for correspondence study.

Except as provided in AS 14.17.400(b) , funding for the state centralized correspondence study program or a district correspondence program, including a district that offers a statewide correspondence study program, includes an allocation from the public education fund in an amount calculated by multiplying the ADM of the correspondence program by 90 percent.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 3 ch 4 SLA 2005; am § 25 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, substituted “90 percent” for “80 percent” at the end.

Opinions of attorney general. —

A book may not be approved for use in publicly provided education if it advocates a partisan, sectarian, or denominational doctrine. To allow otherwise would permit a school board to advocate partisan, sectarian, and denominational doctrines in a public classroom through textbooks. September 20, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 14.17.440. State funding for state boarding schools.

  1. Except as provided in AS 14.17.400(b) , funding for state boarding schools established under AS 14.16.010 includes an allocation from the public education fund in an amount calculated by
    1. determining the ADM of state boarding schools by applying the school size factor to the student count as described in AS 14.17.450 ;
    2. multiplying the number obtained under (1) of this subsection by the special needs factor in AS 14.17.420(a)(1) and the secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding factor set out in AS 14.17.420(a)(3) and multiplying that product by the base student allocation; and
    3. multiplying the product determined under (2) of this subsection by the district cost factor that is applicable to calculation of the state aid for the adjacent school district under AS 14.17.460 .
  2. State boarding schools are also eligible for intensive services funding under AS 14.17.420(a)(2) .

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 4 ch 4 SLA 2005; am § 4 ch 7 FSSLA 2011; am § 6 ch 19 SLA 2012)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2011 amendment, effective July 23, 2011, inserted “and the high school vocational education factor set out in AS 14.17.420(a)(3) ” in (a)(2).

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, in (a)(2), substituted “secondary school vocational and technical instruction funding” for “high school vocational education”.

Sec. 14.17.450. School size factor.

  1. For purposes of calculating a school’s ADM to determine state aid, the ADM of each school in a district shall be computed by applying the following formula:
  2. If the ADM in a school is less than 10, those students shall be included in the ADM of the school in that district with the lowest ADM as determined by the most recent student count data for that district.
  3. Except as provided in (d) of this section, if the student count in a charter school is less than 150, the adjusted student count for the school shall be calculated by multiplying the student count by the student rate for a school that has a student count of 400.
  4. If a charter school has a student count of at least 75 but less than 150 for the current year and is in the first three years of operation or had a student count of at least 75 in the previous year of operation,
    1. the adjusted student count for the school shall be calculated by multiplying the student count by the student rate for a school that has a student count of 150; and
    2. not later than February 15, the charter school shall submit for approval of the governing board of the district a plan for the following school year that includes a statement about whether the school will continue to operate if the student count remains the same that year and, if so, a projection of the funding anticipated from the state and other sources, a proposed budget, and a description of anticipated changes to the school staff, program, and curriculum; if the school intends to close if the student count remains the same the following year, the plan must describe transfer plans for students, staff, facilities, and materials.
  5. If an alternative school has a student count of more than 120 but less than 175 for the current year and is in the first year of operation or had a student count of 175 or more in the previous year of operation, the adjusted student count for the school shall be calculated by multiplying the student count by 95 percent of the student rate for a school that has a student count of 175.
  6. In (c) — (e) of this section, “student rate” is calculated by adding the base and the multiplier provided under (a) of this section and dividing the sum by the student count.

If the student count in a school is The adjusted student count is At least But less than Base Multiplier The number of students in excess of 10 - 20 39.6 20 - 30 39.6 + (1.62 x 20) 30 - 75 55.8 + (1.49 x 30) 75 - 150 122.85 + (1.27 x 75) 150 - 250 218.1 + (1.08 x 150) 250 - 400 326.1 + (0.97 x 250) 400 - 750 471.6 + (0.92 x 400) 750 or over 793.6 + (0.84 x 750).

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History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 1 ch 9 SLA 2009; am § 26 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2009 amendment, effective August 13, 2009, added subsections (c) through (f).

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, rewrote the introductory language in (d), which read, “If a charter school has a student count of more than 120 but less than 150 for the current year and is in the first year of operation or had a student count of 150 or more in the previous year of operation”, and in (d)(1) deleted “95 percent of” following “the student count by”.

Sec. 14.17.460. District cost factors.

  1. For purposes of calculating a district’s adjusted ADM under AS 14.17.410(b)(1) , the district cost factor for a school district is (1) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, the factor set out under column (A) of this subsection, (2) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, the factor set out under column (B) of this subsection, (3) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, the factor set out under column (C) of this subsection, (4) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012, the factor set out under column (D) of this subsection, and (5) for fiscal years ending on or after June 30, 2013, the factor set out under column (E) of this subsection:
  2. The department shall monitor the cost factors established under (a) of this section and shall prepare and submit to the legislature by January 15 of every other fiscal year proposed district cost factors.

DISTRICT COST FACTOR DISTRICT (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) Alaska Gateway 1.443 1.481 1.519 1.557 1.594 Aleutians East 1.707 1.778 1.849 1.920 1.991 Aleutians Region 1.838 1.864 1.890 1.916 1.939 Anchorage 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 Annette Island 1.175 1.216 1.257 1.298 1.338 Bering Strait 1.762 1.821 1.880 1.939 1.998 Bristol Bay 1.370 1.397 1.424 1.451 1.478 Chatham 1.348 1.405 1.462 1.519 1.576 Chugach 1.395 1.420 1.445 1.470 1.496 Copper River 1.246 1.264 1.282 1.300 1.316 Cordova 1.165 1.182 1.199 1.216 1.234 Craig 1.108 1.133 1.158 1.183 1.206 Delta/Greely 1.174 1.191 1.208 1.225 1.241 Denali 1.323 1.326 1.329 1.332 1.332 Dillingham 1.300 1.312 1.324 1.336 1.346 Fairbanks 1.055 1.059 1.063 1.067 1.070 Galena 1.370 1.376 1.382 1.388 1.391 Haines 1.104 1.128 1.152 1.176 1.200 Hoonah 1.227 1.270 1.313 1.356 1.399 Hydaburg 1.295 1.348 1.401 1.454 1.504 Iditarod 1.658 1.705 1.752 1.799 1.846 Juneau 1.075 1.093 1.111 1.129 1.145 Kake 1.242 1.296 1.350 1.404 1.459 Kashunamiut 1.504 1.533 1.562 1.591 1.619 Kenai Peninsula 1.088 1.109 1.130 1.151 1.171 Ketchikan 1.085 1.106 1.127 1.148 1.170 Klawock 1.160 1.196 1.232 1.268 1.302 Kodiak Island 1.191 1.216 1.241 1.266 1.289 Kuspuk 1.584 1.622 1.660 1.698 1.734 Lake and Peninsula 1.776 1.831 1.886 1.941 1.994 Lower Kuskokwim 1.577 1.599 1.621 1.643 1.663 Lower Yukon 1.650 1.703 1.756 1.809 1.861 Matanuska-Susitna 1.040 1.048 1.056 1.064 1.070 Mt. Edgecumbe 1.098 1.123 1.148 1.173 1.195 Nenana 1.304 1.313 1.322 1.331 1.338 Nome 1.385 1.402 1.419 1.436 1.450 North Slope 1.648 1.684 1.720 1.756 1.791 Northwest Arctic 1.686 1.720 1.754 1.788 1.823 Pelican 1.384 1.408 1.432 1.456 1.477 Petersburg 1.122 1.153 1.184 1.215 1.244 Pribilof 1.555 1.589 1.623 1.657 1.691 Sitka 1.098 1.123 1.148 1.173 1.195 Skagway 1.159 1.163 1.167 1.171 1.174 Southeast Island 1.264 1.299 1.334 1.369 1.403 Southwest Region 1.554 1.587 1.620 1.653 1.685 St. Mary’s 1.488 1.522 1.556 1.590 1.624 Tanana 1.641 1.677 1.713 1.749 1.786 Unalaska 1.343 1.368 1.393 1.418 1.441 Valdez 1.133 1.143 1.153 1.163 1.170 Wrangell 1.080 1.100 1.120 1.140 1.159 Yakutat 1.229 1.275 1.321 1.367 1.412 Yukon Flats 1.892 1.948 2.004 2.060 2.116 Yukon/Koyukuk 1.669 1.711 1.753 1.795 1.835 Yupiit 1.596 1.628 1.660 1.692 1.723.

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History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am §§ 5, 6 ch 41 SLA 2006; am § 7 ch 9 SLA 2008)

Sec. 14.17.470. Base student allocation.

The base student allocation is $5,930.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 2 ch 95 SLA 2001; am § 2 ch 54 SLA 2003; am § 1 ch 58 SLA 2004; am § 1 ch 6 FSSLA 2005; am § 7 ch 41 SLA 2006; am §§ 8 — 10 ch 9 SLA 2008; am §§ 27, 28 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Cross references. —

For governor's transmittal letter for ch. 15, SLA 2014, see 2014 House Journal 1434 — 1437.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2003 amendment, effective July 1, 2003, increased the allocation from $4,010 to $4,169.

The 2004 amendment, effective July 1, 2004, substituted “$4,576” for “$4,169.”

The 2005 amendment, effective July 23, 2005, substituted “$4,919” for “$4,576”.

The 2006 amendment, effective May 23, 2006, substituted “$5,380” for “$4,919.”

The 2008 amendment, effective July 1, 2008, substituted “$5,480” for “$5,380;” effective July 1, 2009, substituted “$5,580” for “$5,480;” and effective July 1, 2010, substituted “$5,680” for “$5,580.”

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, substituted “$5,830” for “$5,680”.

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2015, substituted “$5,880” for “$5,830”.

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2016, substituted “$5,930” for “$5,880”.

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

State v. Ketchikan Gateway Borough, 366 P.3d 86 (Alaska 2016).

Sec. 14.17.480. Quality school funding.

  1. As a component of public school funding, a district is eligible to receive a quality school funding grant not to exceed the district’s adjusted ADM multiplied by $16. The department shall by regulation establish a grant process to implement this section.
  2. For purposes of the reduction required under AS 14.17.400(b) , funding authorized under (a) of this section is treated the same as the state share of public school funding under AS 14.17.410 .

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Administrative Code. —

For quality school funding grants, see 4 AAC 33, art. 3.

Sec. 14.17.490. Public school funding adjustments.

  1. Except as provided in (b) — (e) of this section, if, in fiscal year 1999, a city or borough school district or a regional educational attendance area would receive less public school funding under AS 14.17.410 than the district or area would have received as state aid, the district or area is, in each fiscal year, eligible to receive additional public school funding equal to the difference between the public school funding the district or area was eligible to receive under AS 14.17.410 in fiscal year 1999 and the state aid the district or area would have received in fiscal year 1999.
  2. A city or borough school district is not eligible for additional funding authorized under (a) of this section unless, during the fiscal year in which the district receives funding under (a) of this section, the district received a local contribution equal to at least the equivalent of a 2.65 mill tax levy on the full and true value of the taxable real and personal property in the district as of January 1 of the second preceding fiscal year as determined by the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development under AS 14.17.510 and AS 29.45.110 .
  3. For the purposes of the reduction required under AS 14.17.400(b) , funding authorized under (a) of this section is treated the same as the state share of public school funding under AS 14.17.410 .
  4. Beginning in fiscal year 2000, if a district receives more public school funding under AS 14.17.410 than the district received in the preceding fiscal year, any amount received by the district under this section shall be reduced. The amount of the reduction required under this subsection is equal to the amount of increase from the preceding fiscal year in public school funding multiplied by 40 percent. In this subsection, “public school funding” does not include funding under this section.
  5. Beginning in fiscal year 2000, in each fiscal year, the department shall compare each district’s ADM with the district’s ADM in fiscal year 1999. If the current fiscal year ADM is less than 95 percent of the district’s ADM in fiscal year 1999, the department shall reduce the district’s public school funding calculated under (a) of this section by a percentage equal to the percentage of decrease in the district’s ADM.
  6. For purposes of this section, “state aid” means state aid distributed under the provisions of AS 14.17, as those provisions read on January 1, 1998, and additional district support appropriated by the legislature for fiscal year 1998.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 7 ch 19 SLA 2012)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, “Department of Community and Economic Development” was substituted for “Department of Community and Regional Affairs” in (b) of this section in accordance with § 91(a)(2), ch. 58, SLA 1999. In 2004, “Department of Community and Economic Development” was changed to “Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development” in (b) of this section, in accordance with § 3, ch. 47, SLA 2004.

Administrative Code. —

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, in (b), substituted “2.65 mill tax levy” for “four mill tax levy”.

Article 2. Preparation of Public School Funding Budget.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 99 et seq.

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 500 et seq.

Sec. 14.17.500. Student count estimate.

  1. A district shall prepare and submit to the department by November 5 of each fiscal year, in the manner and on forms prescribed by the department, an estimate of its ADM and other student count data, including per school student count data, for the succeeding fiscal year upon which computations can be made to estimate the amount of state aid for which the district may be eligible under AS 14.17.400 in the succeeding fiscal year. In making its report, the district shall consider its ADM, other student count data, the pattern of growth or decline of the student population in preceding years, and other pertinent information available to the district.
  2. Part-time students shall be included in the student count data in accordance with regulations adopted by the department.
  3. When reporting a district’s ADM, a part-time student who is a correspondence student may not be counted as more than one full-time equivalent student.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 3 ch 120 SLA 1998)

Revisor’s notes. —

Subsection (c) was enacted as AS 14.17.080(b) by § 3, ch. 120, SLA 1998. Renumbered in 1998.

Administrative Code. —

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

Sec. 14.17.505. Fund balance in school operating fund.

  1. A district may not accumulate in a fiscal year an unreserved portion of its year-end fund balance in its school operating fund, as defined by department regulations, that is greater than 10 percent of its expenditures for that fiscal year.
  2. The department shall review each district’s annual audit under AS 14.14.050 for the preceding fiscal year to ascertain its year-end operating fund balance. The amount by which the unreserved portion of that balance exceeds the amount permitted in (a) of this section shall be deducted from the state aid that would otherwise be paid to the district in the current fiscal year.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Cross references. —

For a temporary provision allowing school districts to accumulate a higher fund balance in the district’s school operating fund, see sec. 10, ch. 2, SLA 2021, in the 2021 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For school operating fund, see 4 AAC 9, art. 2.

Sec. 14.17.510. Determination of full and true value by Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.

  1. To determine the amount of required local contribution under AS 14.17.410(b)(2) and to aid the department and the legislature in planning, the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development, in consultation with the assessor for each district in a city or borough, shall determine the full and true value of the taxable real and personal property in each district in a city or borough. If there is no local assessor or current local assessment for a city or borough school district, then the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development shall make the determination of full and true value guided by AS 29.45.110 and based on a determination of full and true value made by the state assessor at least every two years using the best information available, including on-site inspections made by the state assessor in each of those districts at least once every four years. For purposes of this subsection, the full and true value of taxable real and personal property in any area detached shall be excluded from the determination of the full and true value of the municipality from which the property was detached for the two years immediately preceding the effective date of the detachment. Also, in making the determination for a municipality that is a school district, or for a city that is within a borough school district, the assessed value of property taxable under AS 43.56 shall be excluded if a tax is not levied under AS 29.45.080 by the municipality that is the school district. The determination of full and true value shall be made by October 1 and sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, on or before that date to the president of the school board in each city or borough school district. Duplicate copies shall be sent to the commissioner. The governing body of a city or borough that is a school district may obtain judicial review of the determination. The superior court may modify the determination of the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development only upon a finding of abuse of discretion or upon a finding that there is no substantial evidence to support the determination.
  2. Motor vehicles subject to the motor vehicle registration tax under AS 28.10.431 shall be treated as taxable property under this section.
  3. [Repealed, § 8 ch 19 SLA 2012.]

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 3 ch 95 SLA 2001; am § 1 ch 5 SLA 2006; am § 8 ch 19 SLA 2012)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, “Department of Community and Economic Development” was substituted for “Department of Community and Regional Affairs” in (a) of this section in accordance with § 91(a)(2), ch. 58, SLA 1999. In 2004, “Department of Community and Economic Development” was changed to “Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development” in (a) of this section, in accordance with § 3, ch. 47, SLA 2004.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2012 amendment, effective July 1, 2012, repealed (c), which read, “Notwithstanding AS 14.17.410(b)(2) and the other provisions of this section, if the assessed value in a city or borough school district determined under (a) of this section increases from the base year, only 50 percent of the annual increase in assessed value may be included in determining the assessed value in a city or borough school district under (a) of this section. The limitation on the increase in assessed value in this subsection applies only to a determination of assessed value for purposes of calculating the required contribution of a city or borough school district under AS 14.17.410(b)(2) and 14.17.490(b) . In this subsection, the base year is 1999.”

Opinions of attorney general. —

The 50 percent discount allowed in (c) of this section applies to an increase in a district’s assessment on account of the annexation of additional territory. Therefore, the Department of Community and Economic Development should treat increases in the municipal tax base caused by annexation the same as it treats increases caused by appreciation. April 25, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 14.17.520. Minimum expenditure for instruction.

History. [Repealed, § 22 ch 54 SLA 2016.]

Article 3. Procedure for Payments of State Aid.

Cross references. —

For provision concerning the withholding of funds, see AS 14.07.070 .

Collateral references. —

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 428 et seq.

Determination of school attendance, enrollment, or pupil population for purpose of apportionment of funds. 80 ALR2d 953.

Sec. 14.17.600. Student count periods.

  1. Within two weeks after the end of the 20-school-day period ending the fourth Friday in October, each district shall transmit a report to the department that, under regulations adopted by the department, reports its ADM for that count period and other student count information that will aid the department in making a determination of its state aid under the public school funding program. For centralized correspondence study, the October report shall be based on the period from July 1 through the fourth Friday in October. The department may make necessary corrections in the report submitted and shall notify the district of changes made. The commissioner shall notify the governor of additional appropriations the commissioner estimates to be necessary to fully finance the public school funding program for the current fiscal year.
  2. Upon written request and for good cause shown, the commissioner may permit a district to use a 20-school-day count period other than the period set out in (a) of this section. However, a count period approved under this subsection must be 20 consecutive school days unless one or more alternate count periods are necessary to permit a district to implement flexible scheduling that meets the district’s needs and goals without jeopardizing the state aid for which the district would ordinarily be eligible under this chapter.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 6 ch 114 SLA 2003; am § 15 ch 41 SLA 2009)

Administrative Code. —

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

Sec. 14.17.610. Distribution of state aid.

  1. The department shall determine the state aid for each school district in a fiscal year on the basis of the district’s student count data reported under AS 14.17.600 . On or before the 15th day of each of the first nine months of each fiscal year, one-twelfth of each district’s state aid shall be distributed on the basis of the data reported for the preceding fiscal year. On or before the 15th day of each of the last three months of each fiscal year, one-third of the balance of each district’s state aid shall be distributed, after the balance has been recomputed on the basis of student count and other data reported for the current fiscal year.
  2. Distribution of state aid under (a) of this section shall be made as required under AS 14.17.410 . If a district receives more state aid than it is entitled to receive under this chapter, the district shall immediately remit the amount of overpayment to the commissioner, to be returned to the public education fund. The department may make adjustments to a district’s state aid to correct underpayments made in previous fiscal years.
  3. Upon an adequate showing of a cash flow shortfall of a district, and in the discretion of the commissioner, the department may make advance payments to a district. The total of advance payments may not exceed the amount of state aid for which the district is eligible for the fiscal year.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 5 ch 4 SLA 2005)

Administrative Code. —

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

Article 4. General Provisions.

Collateral references. —

Rescission of vote authorizing school district expenditure or tax. 68 ALR2d 1041.

Exemption of public school property from assessments for local improvements. 15 ALR3d 847.

Garage or parking lot as within tax exemption extended to property of educational, charitable or hospital organizations. 33 ALR3d 938.

Validity of basing public school financing system on local property taxes. 41 ALR3d 1220.

Exemption of charitable or educational organization from sales or use taxes. 53 ALR3d 748.

Property of educational body tax exempted extending to property used by personnel as living quarters. 55 ALR3d 485.

Validity, under state constitution and laws, of issuance by state or state agency of revenue bonds to finance or refinance construction projects at private religious-affiliated colleges or universities. 95 ALR3d 1000.

What are educational institutions or schools within state property tax exemption provisions. 34 ALR4th 698.

Sec. 14.17.900. Construction and implementation of chapter.

  1. This chapter does not create a debt of the state. Each district shall establish, maintain, and operate under a balanced budget. The state is not responsible for the debts of a school district.
  2. Money to carry out the provisions of this chapter may be appropriated annually by the legislature into the public education fund. If the amount appropriated to the fund for the purposes of this chapter is insufficient to meet the allocations authorized under AS 14.17.400 14.17.470 for a fiscal year, state aid shall be reduced according to AS 14.17.400 (b).

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 6 ch 4 SLA 2005)

Collateral references. —

Validity, construction, and application of state constitutional and statutory balanced budget provisions, 82 ALR6th 497.

Sec. 14.17.905. Facilities constituting a school.

  1. For purposes of this chapter, the determination of the number of schools in a district is subject to the following:
    1. a community with an ADM of at least 10, but not more than 100, shall be counted as one school;
    2. a community with an ADM of at least 101, but not more than 425, shall be counted as
      1. one elementary school, which includes those students in grades kindergarten through six; and
      2. one secondary school, which includes students in grades seven through 12;
    3. in a community with an ADM of greater than 425, each facility that is administered as a separate school shall be counted as one school, except that each alternative school with an ADM of less than 175 shall be counted as a part of the school in the district with the highest ADM.
  2. Notwithstanding (a)(3) of this section and for purposes other than calculations under AS 14.17.450 , a charter school shall be counted as a separate school if the charter school has an ADM of at least 150 students.
  3. Notwithstanding (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section, in a community with an ADM of greater than 425 that has only one facility administered as a school for students in grades kindergarten through 12, the number of schools for the community shall be counted under (a)(2) of this section.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 7 ch 70 SLA 2001; am § 4 ch 95 SLA 2001; am § 2 ch 9 SLA 2009; am § 2 ch 82 SLA 2018)

Administrative Code. —

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective August 11, 2018, added (c).

Sec. 14.17.910. Restrictions governing receipt and expenditure of district money.

  1. Each district shall maintain complete financial records of the receipt and disbursement of state aid, money acquired from local effort, and other money received or held by the district. The records must be in the form required by the department and are subject to audit by the department at a time and place designated by the department.
  2. State aid provided under this chapter is for general operational purposes of the district. All district money, including state aid, shall be received, held, allocated, and expended by the district under applicable local law and state and federal constitutional provisions, statutes, and regulations, including those related to ethical standards and accounting principles.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Administrative Code. —

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

For school operating fund, see 4 AAC 9, art. 2.

Sec. 14.17.920. Regulations.

The department shall adopt regulations necessary to implement this chapter.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Administrative Code. —

For local education, see 4 AAC 5.

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

For school operating fund, see 4 AAC 9, art. 2.

For review and appeals of actions and decisions regarding funding, see 4 AAC 40.

Sec. 14.17.990. Definitions.

In this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise,

  1. “ADM or average daily membership” means the aggregate number of full-time equivalent students enrolled in a school district during the student count period for which a determination is being made, divided by the actual number of days that school is in session for the student count period for which the determination is being made;
  2. “district” means a city or borough school district or a regional educational attendance area;
  3. “district adjusted ADM” means the number resulting from the calculations under AS 14.17.410(b)(1) ;
  4. “district ADM” means the sum of the ADMs in a district;
  5. “eligible federal impact aid” means the amount of federal impact aid received by a district as of March 1 of the fiscal year as a result of an application submitted in the preceding fiscal year, including advance payments and adjustments received since March 1 of the preceding fiscal year from prior year applications, under 20 U.S.C. 7701 — 7714, except payments received under former 20 U.S.C. 7703(f)(2)(B), to the extent the state may consider that aid as local resources under federal law;
  6. “local contribution” means appropriations and the value of in-kind services made by a district;
  7. “taxable real and personal property” means all real and personal property taxable under the laws of the state.

History. (§ 2 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 16 ch 41 SLA 2009)

Administrative Code. —

For state aid, see 4 AAC 9, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2009 amendment, effective June 21, 2009, in (5), added “former” preceding “20 U.S.C. 7703(f)(2)(B)”.

Notes to Decisions

Stated in

State v. Ketchikan Gateway Borough, 366 P.3d 86 (Alaska 2016).

Chapter 18. Prohibition Against Discrimination Based on Sex or Race in Public Education.

Administrative Code. —

For prohibition of sex discrimination, see 4 AAC 06, art. 3.

Sec. 14.18.010. Discrimination based on sex and race prohibited.

Recognizing the benefit to the state and nation of equal educational opportunities for all students, and equal employment opportunity for public education employees, discrimination on the basis of sex against an employee or a student in public education in Alaska and discrimination against an employee on the basis of race violate art. I, § 3 of the Alaska Constitution and are prohibited. A person in the state may not on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal or state financial assistance.

History. (§ 1 ch 17 SLA 1981; am § 1 ch 77 SLA 1988)

Administrative Code. —

For prohibition of sex discrimination, see 4 AAC 6, art. 3.

Sec. 14.18.020. Discrimination in employment prohibited.

The board, the Board of Regents, and each school board in the state shall

  1. allow no difference in conditions of employment, including hiring practices, credential requirements, leaves of absence, hours of employment, pay, employee benefits, and assignment of instructional and noninstructional duties based on sex or race; and
  2. provide the same opportunities for advancement to males and females.

History. (§ 1 ch 17 SLA 1981; am § 2 ch 77 SLA 1988; am § 14 ch 3 SLA 2017)

Administrative Code. —

For prohibition of sex discrimination, see 4 AAC 6, art. 3.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, in (1), deleted “but not limited to” preceding “hiring practices” and substituted “duties based on sex or race” for “duties on the basis of sex or race” near the end.

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

University of Alaska v. Tumeo, 933 P.2d 1147 (Alaska 1997).

Sec. 14.18.030. Discrimination in counseling and guidance services prohibited.

Guidance and counseling services in public education are available to students equally and shall stress access to career and vocational opportunities to students without regard to sex.

History. (§ 1 ch 17 SLA 1981)

Administrative Code. —

For prohibition of sex discrimination, see 4 AAC 6, art. 3.

Sec. 14.18.040. Discrimination in recreational and athletic activities prohibited.

  1. Equal opportunity for both sexes in athletics and in recreation shall be provided in a manner that is commensurate with the general interests of the members of each sex. Separate school-sponsored teams may be provided for each sex. A school that sponsors separate teams in a particular sport shall provide equipment and supplies, services, and opportunities, including use of courts, gymnasiums, and pools, to both teams with no disparities based on sex.  A school that provides showers, toilets, or training-room facilities for athletic or recreational purposes shall provide comparable facilities for both sexes, either through the use of separate facilities or by scheduling separate use by each sex.
  2. A school shall divide available evening time for athletic events fairly between events for each sex.
  3. The board and the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska shall adopt procedures to determine on an annual basis student interest in male and female participation in specific sports, athletics, and recreation.

History. (§ 1 ch 17 SLA 1981)

Administrative Code. —

For prohibition of sex discrimination, see 4 AAC 6, art. 3.

Collateral references. —

What constitutes reverse sex or gender discrimination against males violative of federal constitution or statutes — Nonemployment cases. 166 ALR Fed. 1.

Sec. 14.18.050. Discrimination in course offerings prohibited.

  1. Except as provided in (b) this section, all public education classes are available to all students without regard to sex, and curriculum requirements may not be differentiated on the basis of sex.
  2. Separation of the sexes is permitted during sex education programs and during participation in physical education activities if the purpose of the activity involves bodily contact.

History. (§ 1 ch 17 SLA 1981)

Administrative Code. —

For prohibition of sex discrimination, see 4 AAC 6, art. 3.

Sec. 14.18.060. Discrimination in textbooks and instructional materials prohibited.

  1. School boards shall have textbooks and instructional materials reviewed for evidence of sex bias in accordance with AS 14.08.111 (9) and AS 14.14.090 (7). School boards shall use educationally sound, unbiased texts and other instructional materials as they become available.  Nothing in this section prohibits use of literary works.
  2. The board shall establish by regulation standards for nondiscriminatory textbooks and educational materials. Each school board shall provide training for all its certificated personnel on a schedule adopted by the governing body of a school district in the identification and recognition of sex-biased materials.
  3. The Board of Regents shall establish and implement a policy under AS 14.40.170(b) for the guidance of officers and employees of the university on the selection of nondiscriminatory textbooks and educational materials.

History. (§ 1 ch 17 SLA 1981; am § 9 ch 2 SSSLA 2015)

Administrative Code. —

For prohibition of sex discrimination, see 4 AAC 6, art. 3.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective October 7, 2015, in (b), inserted “on a schedule adopted by the governing body of a school district” following “all its certificated personnel”.

Sec. 14.18.070. Affirmative action.

The board shall establish procedures for affirmative action programs covering both equal employment and equal educational opportunity to be implemented by all school districts and regional educational attendance areas determined by the board not to be in compliance with this chapter.

History. (§ 1 ch 17 SLA 1981)

Sec. 14.18.080. Implementation.

  1. The board shall adopt regulations under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) to implement this chapter.
  2. The Board of Regents shall adopt rules under AS 14.40.170(b)(1) to implement this chapter.

History. (§ 1 ch 17 SLA 1981)

Administrative Code. —

For prohibition of sex discrimination, see 4 AAC 6, art. 3.

Sec. 14.18.090. Enforcement by board of education and early development.

  1. The board shall enforce compliance by school districts and regional educational attendance areas with the provisions of this chapter and the regulations and procedures adopted under it by appropriate order made in accordance with AS 44.62. After a hearing conducted by the office of administrative hearings (AS 44.64.010 ) and a finding by the board that a district or a regional educational attendance area is not in compliance with this chapter and is not actively working to come into compliance, the board shall institute appropriate proceedings to abate the practices found by the board to be a violation of this chapter.
  2. After a finding by the board that a district or regional educational attendance area has not complied with AS 14.18.020 14.18.070 , and that the measures taken under (a) of this section have been ineffective, the board shall withhold state funds in accordance with AS 14.07.070 .

History. (§ 1 ch 17 SLA 1981; am § 29 ch 163 SLA 2004)

Administrative Code. —

For prohibition of sex discrimination, see 4 AAC 6, art. 3.

Sec. 14.18.100. Remedies.

  1. A person aggrieved by a violation of this chapter or of a regulation or procedure adopted under this chapter as to primary or secondary education may file a complaint with the board and has an independent right of action in superior court for civil damages and for such equitable relief as the court may determine.
  2. A person aggrieved by a violation of this chapter or of a regulation or procedure adopted under this chapter as to postsecondary education has an independent right of action in superior court for civil damages and for such equitable relief as the court may determine.

History. (§ 1 ch 17 SLA 1981)

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

University of Alaska v. Tumeo, 933 P.2d 1147 (Alaska 1997).

Sec. 14.18.110. Effect of chapter.

This chapter is supplementary to and does not supersede existing laws relating to unlawful discrimination based on sex or race.

History. (§ 1 ch 17 SLA 1981; am § 3 ch 77 SLA 1988)

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

University of Alaska v. Tumeo, 933 P.2d 1147 (Alaska 1997).

Chapter 20. Teachers and School Personnel.

Notes to Decisions

“Public employees”. —

The legislature chose to define “public employees” as excluding teachers from the Public Employment Relations Act because the cooperative relations purpose of that act was already fulfilled with regard to teachers under the provisions of this title. Anchorage Educ. Ass’n v. Anchorage Sch. Dist., 648 P.2d 993 (Alaska 1982). (Decided prior to the 1992 repeal of AS 14.20.550 — 14.20.610).

Article 1. Teacher Certification.

Administrative Code. —

For certification of professional teachers, see 4 AAC 12.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, §§ 136-141.

78 C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 191 et seq.

Tests of moral character of fitness as requisite to issuance of teacher’s license or certificate. 96 ALR2d 536.

Bias of members of license revocation board. 97 ALR2d 1210.

Actionability of statements imputing inefficiency or lack of qualification to public school teacher. 40 ALR3d 490.

Self-defense or defense of another as justification, in dismissal proceedings, for use or threat of use of force against student. 37 ALR4th 842.

Liability of school authorities for hiring or retaining incompetent or otherwise unsuitable teacher. 60 ALR4th 260.

Sec. 14.20.010. Teacher certificate required.

A person may not be employed as a teacher in the public schools of the state unless that person possesses a valid teacher certificate except that a person who has made application to the department for a teacher certificate, including a preliminary teacher certificate under AS 14.20.015 , or renewal of a teacher certificate that has not been acted upon by the department may be employed as a teacher in the public schools of the state until the department has taken action on the application, but in no case may employment without a certificate last longer than three months. A person who has made application for a certificate under this section may teach for an additional 60 days beyond three months without a certificate if the department grants a written extension. An extension may be granted under this section for not more than 60 days to the person solely due to delay in the department’s receipt of criminal justice information under AS 12.62 or a national criminal history record check under AS 12.62.400 .

History. (§ 37-5-3 ACLA 1949; am § 9 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 165 SLA 1976; am § 1 ch 58 SLA 2001; am § 8 ch 79 SLA 2004)

Administrative Code. —

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 4.

For certification of professional teachers, see 4 AAC 12.

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Notes to Decisions

Lapse in certification. —

Where a teacher was in substantial compliance with the requirements for renewal of certification, she did not lose her tenured status due to a temporary lapse in her certification, and the doctrine of substantial compliance protected her from having to repay the salary earned during such period. Nenana City Sch. Dist. v. Coghill, 898 P.2d 929 (Alaska 1995).

Sec. 14.20.015. Recognition of certificates of out-of-state teachers.

  1. The department shall issue a preliminary teacher certificate to an out-of-state teacher who meets the requirements of this section. To be eligible for a preliminary teacher certificate, a person shall
    1. have received at least a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association or approved by the commissioner;
    2. hold a valid teacher certificate issued by another state;
    3. have submitted fingerprints to the department to be used for a criminal history background check and been found by the department to be suitable for employment as a teacher under AS 14.20.020(f) ;
    4. have paid the fee required by the department under AS 14.20.020(c) .
  2. An out-of-state teacher who has been issued a preliminary teacher certificate under this section shall pass the competency examination designated by the board under AS 14.20.020(i) within one year after the date the preliminary teacher certificate was issued. If the teacher does not pass the examination, the department shall immediately revoke the teacher’s preliminary teacher certificate.
  3. The preliminary teacher certificate issued under this section must contain the same endorsements as those on the current valid teacher certificate issued by the other state.
  4. A teacher holding a preliminary teacher certificate issued under this section may be employed to provide instructional services for a school district or regional educational attendance area only if the teacher certificate issued by the other state is valid at the time the teacher commences to provide instructional services for the school district or regional educational attendance area.
  5. Employment under a preliminary teacher certificate shall be considered in determining whether a teacher qualifies for tenure under AS 14.20.150 . However, a teacher may not be granted tenure unless the teacher holds a teacher certificate issued under AS 14.20.020 .
  6. A preliminary teacher certificate and any endorsements issued under this section are valid for three years and may not be renewed. The department may not issue a provisional certificate or a temporary certificate to a teacher who has held a preliminary teacher certificate.

History. (§ 2 ch 58 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For certification of professional teachers, see 4 AAC 12.

Sec. 14.20.017. Grace period for issuance of regular teacher certificates to previously certificated teachers.

  1. The department shall issue a teacher certificate as described in AS 14.20.020 , subject to revocation, to a teacher who meets the requirements of this section. To be eligible for a revocable teacher certificate under this section, a person shall
    1. have held a valid teacher certificate issued under AS 14.20.020 that expired more than 12 months before the teacher applied for a certificate under this section;
    2. have paid the fee required by the department under AS 14.20.020(c) .
  2. A revocable teacher certificate issued under this section is valid for one year, during which the teacher shall complete any requirements for the issuance of a regular teacher certificate under AS 14.20.020 that the teacher has not already met. The department shall expedite the procedures required of teachers holding revocable teacher certificates who are seeking certification under AS 14.20.020 .
  3. A teacher holding a revocable teacher certificate under this section who previously passed the competency examination designated by the board under AS 14.20.020 (i) is not required to retake the examination before being eligible for a regular certificate under AS 14.20.020 . A teacher holding a revocable teacher certificate who did not previously take or pass the competency examination shall take and pass the examination within one year after the date the revocable teacher certificate was issued. If the teacher does not pass the examination, the department shall immediately revoke the revocable teacher certificate.
  4. A teacher holding a revocable teacher certificate under this section may not receive a teacher certificate issued under AS 14.20.020 until the teacher submits fingerprints to the department to be used for a criminal history background check and the teacher has been found by the department to be suitable for employment as a teacher under AS 14.20.020(f) .
  5. The revocable teacher certificate issued under this section must contain the same endorsements as those on the teacher’s expired teacher certificate.
  6. Employment on the basis of a revocable teacher certificate issued under this section shall be considered in determining whether a teacher qualifies for tenure under AS 14.20.150 .
  7. A revocable teacher certificate and any endorsements issued under this section are valid for one year and may not be renewed under this section. The department may not issue a provisional certificate or a temporary certificate to a teacher who has held a teacher certificate issued under this section.

History. (§ 2 ch 58 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For certification of professional teachers, see 4 AAC 12.

Sec. 14.20.020. Requirements for issuance of certificate; fingerprints.

  1. Except as provided in (f) of this section, the department shall issue a teacher certificate to every person who meets the requirements in (b), (c), and (h) of this section.
  2. A person is not eligible for a teacher certificate unless that person has received at least a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education accredited by a recognized regional accrediting association or approved by the commissioner and, if applicable, has passed the examination or examinations required by (i) of this section. However, this subsection is not applicable to
    1. persons employed in the state public school system on September 1, 1962;
    2. persons issued an emergency certificate during a situation that, in the judgment of the commissioner, requires the temporary issuance of a certificate to a person not otherwise qualified.
  3. The board may establish by regulation additional requirements for the issuance of certificates. The board shall require teachers to submit fingerprints and the fees required by the Department of Public Safety under AS 12.62.160 for criminal justice information and a national criminal history record check. The board shall submit the fingerprints and fees to the Department of Public Safety for a report of criminal justice information under AS 12.62 and a national criminal history record check under AS 12.62.400 . The department shall establish by regulation the fees to be charged for each certificate and for other charges assessed against teachers as part of certification. In establishing the fees to be charged, the department shall establish the fee levels so that the total amount of the fees collected relating to the certification of teachers approximately equals, when added to the other fees collected from teachers, the actual regulatory costs for certifying and disciplining teachers in the state. The department shall annually review each fee level to determine whether the regulatory costs are approximately equal to fee collections. If the review indicates that fee collections and regulatory costs are not approximately equal, the department shall calculate fee adjustments to the fees for certification of teachers and adopt regulations under this subsection to implement the adjustments. In January of each year, the department shall report on all fee levels and revisions for the previous year under this subsection to the office of management and budget. The department shall consider the board’s recommendations concerning the fee levels and regulatory costs before revising fee schedules to comply with this subsection. In this subsection, “regulatory costs” means costs of the department that are attributable to regulation of the teaching profession, including the portion of the expenses of the board that are attributable to the regulation of the teaching profession and the expenses of the Professional Teaching Practices Commission.
  4. The board may by regulation establish various classes of certificates.
  5. The annual estimated balance in the account maintained by the commissioner of administration under AS 37.05.142 may be used by the legislature to make appropriations to the department to carry out the purposes of this section and to support the activities of the Professional Teaching Practices Commission under AS 14.20.460 , 14.20.470 , and 14.20.500 .
  6. The department may not issue a teacher certificate to a person who has been convicted of a crime, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a crime, involving a minor under AS 11.41.410 11.41.460 or a law or ordinance in another jurisdiction with elements similar to an offense described in this subsection.
  7. The department shall issue a teacher certificate to a person who possessed a valid Alaska teacher certificate upon retirement. A teacher certificate issued under this subsection is valid for the life of the retired teacher and qualifies the holder as a substitute teacher in the state.
  8. A person is not eligible for a teacher certificate unless the person has completed three semester hours in Alaska studies and three semester hours in multicultural education or cross-cultural communications. However, the commissioner may issue a provisional certificate, valid for no longer than two years, to an applicant who has not completed the semester hours required under this subsection at the time of application.
  9. Beginning on July 1, 1998, a person is not eligible for an initial regular teacher certificate unless the person has taken and successfully completed a competency examination or examinations designated, at the time the person took the test, by the board. The board shall review nationally recognized examinations that are designed to test the competency of new teachers and shall designate those examinations that it finds adequately test the skills and abilities of new teachers. For each examination designated under this subsection, the board shall establish the minimum acceptable level of performance.
  10. Whenever required by a provision of this chapter to submit fingerprints to use for a criminal background check for the purpose of determining a person’s suitability for employment as a teacher, the department shall accept a name-based criminal history background check on a person from the agency performing the background check if the
    1. person cannot submit legible fingerprint cards due to a permanent disability that precludes the person’s ability to submit fingerprints; or
    2. agency informs the department that its examination of at least two separate sets of fingerprint cards shows that the person’s fingerprints are illegible due to a permanent skin condition.
  11. A person is not eligible for a teacher certificate unless the person has completed training regarding alcohol and drug related disabilities required under AS 14.20.680 , training regarding sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention required under AS 14.30.355 , training regarding dating violence and abuse awareness and prevention required under AS 14.30.356 , and training related to suicide prevention required under AS 14.30.362 .

History. (§ 37-5-4 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 76 SLA 1962; am § 10 ch 98 SLA 1966; am §§ 13, 14 ch 32 SLA 1971; am §§ 19, 20 ch 138 SLA 1986; am §§ 6, 7 ch 151 SLA 1990; am § 1 ch 3 SLA 1991; am § 5 ch 90 SLA 1991; am § 1 ch 105 SLA 1992; am § 14 ch 32 SLA 1997; am §§ 1 — 3, 6 ch 57 SLA 1997; am § 17 ch 81 SLA 1998; am §§ 9, 10 ch 79 SLA 2004; am § 10 ch 2 SSSLA 2015)

Revisor's notes. —

In 1992, in (f) of this section, “AS 11.41.434 11.41.440 ” was substituted for “AS 11.41.434 — 11.41.442” in two places to correct a manifest error in § 7, ch. 151, SLA 1990.

Cross references. --

For provision to the applicability of subsection (k), see sec. 27, ch. 2, SSSLA 2015 in the 2015 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 4.

For certification of professional teachers, see 4 AAC 12.

For exchange teachers and student teachers, see 4 AAC 30.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective June 30, 2017, added (k).

Editor's notes. —

Section 10, ch. 151, SLA 1990 provides that subsection (f) does not apply when the crime occurred before September 19, 1990.

Section 4, ch. 57, SLA 1997 provides that the requirements for examination established in subsections (b) and (i) by §§ 1 and 3, ch. 57, SLA 1997 “do not apply to a teacher who holds a valid regular teacher certificate on August 28, 1997.”

Opinions of attorney general. —

The State Board of Education may not provide for issuance of a “teacher certificate” for a person who does not hold at least a baccalaureate degree unless the person comes within one of the exceptions enumerated in this section. August 29, 1988 Op. Att’y Gen.

The State Board of Education may provide for a “provisional certificate” that is not a “teacher certificate,” but it may not authorize the holder to be employed as a teacher or to be eligible for membership in the Teachers’ Retirement System unless the certificate is based upon at least a baccalaureate degree. Similarly, a holder of a provisional certificate based on less than a baccalaureate degree would not be considered a “certificated employee” within the meaning of former AS 14.20.550 , relating to collective bargaining rights. August 29, 1988 Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 14.20.022. Subject-matter expert limited teacher certificate.

  1. Notwithstanding AS 14.20.020 , a person may be issued a subject-matter expert limited teacher certificate, valid only in the subject-matter in which the person has expertise, upon compliance with the requirements of this section. A subject-matter expert teacher may only be employed to teach subjects in which the person has satisfied the education or experience requirements set out in (b)(1) of this section.
  2. To be eligible for a subject-matter expert limited teacher certificate, a person shall
    1. hold at least a baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education accredited by a recognized regional or national accrediting association or approved by the commissioner and
      1. have majored or minored in the subject that the person will be teaching; or
      2. have at least five years experience in the subject matter that the person will be teaching;
    2. have submitted fingerprints and the fees required by the Department of Public Safety under AS 12.62.160 for criminal justice information and a national criminal history record check to the department; the department must have submitted the fingerprints and fees to the Department of Public Safety for a report of criminal justice information under AS 12.62 and a national criminal history record check under AS 12.62.400 and the person must have been found by the department to be suitable for employment as a teacher under AS 14.20.020(f) ; and
    3. be currently enrolled in an approved post-baccalaureate teacher education program at a regionally accredited institution meeting the requirements of AS 14.20.020(b) that provides for completion of the regular teacher certificate education requirements within two years after receipt of a subject-matter expert limited teacher certificate under this section.
  3. Before a school district or regional educational attendance area determines whether to hire a person as a subject-matter expert teacher under this section, the school district or regional educational attendance area shall administer a competency examination.
  4. A subject-matter expert limited teacher certificate is valid for one school year and may be renewed for one additional school year upon a showing of substantial progress towards completion of the teacher education program required under (b)(3) of this section.
  5. A school district or regional educational attendance area that employs a subject-matter expert teacher shall provide a mentor who is an experienced teacher for the subject-matter expert teacher for at least the first year of the subject-matter expert teacher’s employment in the school district or regional educational attendance area.
  6. A person employed as a subject-matter expert teacher under this section is considered a certificated employee for purposes of AS 14.25 (teachers’ retirement system). Employment as a subject-matter expert teacher under this section counts as employment for purposes of acquiring tenure under AS 14.20.150 ; however, a person holding a subject-matter expert limited teacher certificate under this section is not entitled to tenure until the person receives a teacher certificate under AS 14.20.020 .
  7. The department shall adopt regulations necessary to implement this section.
  8. In this section, “subject-matter expert teacher” is a teacher qualified to teach under (b) of this section.

History. (§ 2 ch 69 SLA 2001; am § 11 ch 79 SLA 2004)

Sec. 14.20.025. Limited teacher certificates.

Notwithstanding AS 14.20.020(b) , a person may be issued a limited certificate, valid only in the area of expertise for which it is issued, to teach Alaska Native language or culture, military science, or a vocational or technical course for which the board determines by regulation that baccalaureate degree training is not sufficiently available. A limited certificate may be issued under this section only if the school board of the district or regional educational attendance area in which the person will be teaching has requested its issuance. A person who applies for a limited certificate shall demonstrate, as required by regulations adopted by the board, instructional skills and subject matter expertise sufficient to ensure the public that the person is competent as a teacher. The board may require a person issued a limited certificate to undertake academic training as may be required by the board by regulation and make satisfactory progress in the academic training.

History. (§ 2 ch 76 SLA 1992; am § 25 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Administrative Code. —

For certification of professional teachers, see 4 AAC 12.

Sec. 14.20.027. Reporting of and access to social security numbers.

Notwithstanding AS 14.20.010 14.20.040 , the department may not issue a teacher certificate under AS 14.20.020 or a limited teacher certificate under AS 14.20.025 unless the applicant has supplied the department with the applicant’s social security number. Upon request, the department shall provide the social security number to the child support services agency created in AS 25.27.010 , or the child support enforcement agency of another state, for child support purposes authorized under law.

History. (§ 14 ch 87 SLA 1997)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2004, “child support enforcement agency created in AS 25.27.010 ” was changed to “child support services agency created in AS 25.27.010 ” in this section in accordance with § 12(a), ch. 107, SLA 2004.

Sec. 14.20.030. Causes for revocation and suspension.

  1. The commissioner or the Professional Teaching Practices Commission may revoke or suspend a certificate only for the following reasons:
    1. incompetency, which is defined as the inability or the unintentional or intentional failure to perform the teacher’s customary teaching duties in a satisfactory manner;
    2. immorality, which is defined as the commission of an act which, under the laws of the state, constitutes a crime involving moral turpitude;
    3. substantial noncompliance with the school laws of the state or the regulations of the department; or
    4. upon a determination by the Professional Teaching Practices Commission that there has been a violation of ethical or professional standards or contractual obligations.
  2. The commissioner or the Professional Teaching Practices Commission shall revoke for life the certificate of a person who has been convicted of a crime, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a crime, involving a minor under AS 11.41.410 11.41.460 or a law or ordinance in another jurisdiction with elements similar to an offense described in this subsection.
  3. The commissioner or the Professional Teaching Practices Commission shall request the chief administrative law judge (AS 44.64.020 ), to appoint an administrative law judge employed by the office of administrative hearings to preside at a hearing conducted under this section. AS 44.64.060 and 44.64.070 do not apply to the hearing.

History. (§ 11 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 9 SLA 1975; am § 1 ch 103 SLA 1976; am § 8 ch 151 SLA 1990; am § 18 ch 81 SLA 1998; am § 30 ch 163 SLA 2004)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1992, in (b) of this section, “AS 11.41.434 11.41.440 ” was substituted for “AS 11.41.434 — 11.41.442” in two places to correct a manifest error in § 8, ch. 151, SLA 1990.

Administrative Code. —

For certification of professional teachers, see 4 AAC 12.

For professional standards, see 20 AAC 10, art. 1.

For complaints and investigations, see 20 AAC 10, art. 3.

Editor’s notes. —

Section 10, ch. 151, SLA 1990 provides that subsection (b) does not apply when the crime occurred before September 19, 1990.

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

Watts v. Seward Sch. Bd., 421 P.2d 586 (Alaska 1966).

Collateral references. —

Validity of governmental requirement of oath of allegiance or loyalty as applied to college curators. 18 ALR2d 303.

Rejection of public school teacher because of disloyalty. 27 ALR2d 487.

Assertion of immunity as ground for discharge of teacher. 44 ALR2d 799.

Wearing of religious garb by public school teachers. 60 ALR2d 300.

Tests of moral character of fitness as requisite to issuance of teacher’s license or certificate. 96 ALR2d 536.

Revocation of teacher’s certificate for moral unfitness. 97 ALR2d 827.

What constitutes “incompetency” or “inefficiency” as a ground for dismissal or demotion of public school teacher. 4 ALR3d 1090.

Use of illegal drugs as ground for dismissal of teacher, or denial or cancellation of teacher’s certificate. 47 ALR3d 754.

Dismissal of, or disciplinary action against, public school teachers for violation of regulation as to dress or personal appearance of teachers. 58 ALR3d 1227.

Sexual conduct as ground for dismissal of teacher or denial or revocation of teaching certificate. 78 ALR3d 19.

Liability of school authorities for hiring or retaining incompetent or otherwise unsuitable teacher. 60 ALR4th 260.

Sec. 14.20.035. Evaluation of training and experience.

In evaluating an applicant for a position in a district or regional educational attendance area, a district or regional educational attendance area shall give preference to those applicants who demonstrate training or experience that establishes that the applicant is likely to be sensitive to the traditions and culture of the cultural backgrounds represented in the student population.

History. (§ 2 ch 105 SLA 1992)

Sec. 14.20.040. Applicability of the Administrative Procedure Act.

AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) applies to all proceedings under AS 14.20.030 , and revocations and suspensions are final and reviewable in accordance with AS 44.62.560 44.62.570 .

History. (§ 12 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 9 SLA 1975)

Sec. 14.20.090. Revocation of certificates. [Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Article 2. Employment and Tenure.

Cross references. —

For provisions related to sick leave, see AS 14.14.105 and 14.14.107 .

Administrative Code. —

For allowances for professional personnel, see 4 AAC 15.

For employment of professional personnel, see 4 AAC 18.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 156 et seq.

78 C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 191 et seq.

Teacher’s civil liability for administering corporal punishment. 43 ALR2d 469.

Right of school teacher to serve as member of school board in same school district where employed. 70 ALR3d 1188.

Who is “teacher” for purposes of tenure statute. 94 ALR3d 141.

Personal liability of public school teacher in negligence action for personal injury or death of student. 34 ALR4th 228.

Personal liability of public school executive or administrative officer in negligence action for personal injury or death of student. 35 ALR4th 272.

Personal liability in negligence action of public school employee, other than teacher or executive or administrative officer, for personal injury or death of student. 35 ALR4th 328.

Validity and construction of statutes, ordinances, or regulations requiring competency tests of schoolteachers. 64 ALR4th 642.

Validity, construction and effect of municipal residency requirements for teachers, principals, and other school employees. 75 ALR4th 272.

Liability of school or school personnel in connection with suicide of student. 17 ALR5th 179.

Liability of school or school personnel for injury to student resulting from cheerleader activities. 25 ALR5th 784.

Sec. 14.20.095. Right to comment and criticize not to be restricted.

A bylaw or regulation of the commissioner, a school board, or local school administrator may not restrict or modify the right of a teacher to engage in comment and criticism outside school hours, regarding school personnel, members of the governing body of any school or school district, any other public official, or any school employee, to the same extent that any private individual may exercise the right.

History. (§ 1 ch 14 SLA 1965; am § 13 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Notes to Decisions

This section was not enacted to be retrospective. Watts v. Seward Sch. Bd., 454 P.2d 732 (Alaska 1969), cert. denied, 397 U.S. 921, 90 S. Ct. 899, 25 L. Ed. 2d 101 (U.S. 1970).

It applies to activities conducted outside school hours. Watts v. Seward Sch. Bd., 454 P.2d 732 (Alaska 1969), cert. denied, 397 U.S. 921, 90 S. Ct. 899, 25 L. Ed. 2d 101 (U.S. 1970).

And is directed at rules or regulations which would restrict criticism of school officials. —

This section is directed at the rules or regulations of a commissioner, a local school board, or a local administrator. Watts v. Seward Sch. Bd., 454 P.2d 732 (Alaska 1969), cert. denied, 397 U.S. 921, 90 S. Ct. 899, 25 L. Ed. 2d 101 (U.S. 1970).

Sec. 14.20.097. Duty-free time.

Each governing body shall allow its teachers in school facilities with four or more teachers a daily duty-free mealtime of at least 30 minutes reasonably scheduled during the middle of the teacher’s workday.

History. (§ 1 ch 11 SLA 1969; am § 1 ch 68 SLA 1996)

Sec. 14.20.100. Unlawful to require statement of religious or political affiliation.

A school board, or a member of a school board, may not require or compel a person applying for the position of teacher in the public schools of the state to state a religious or political affiliation.

History. (§ 37-5-1 ACLA 1949)

Collateral references. —

Validity of governmental requirement of oath of allegiance or loyalty as applied to college curators. 18 ALR2d 303.

Dismissal or rejection of public schoolteacher because of disloyalty. 27 ALR2d 487.

Sec. 14.20.110. Penalty for violation of AS 14.20.100.

A person violating AS 14.20.100 is punishable by a fine of not more than $100.

History. (§ 37-5-2 ACLA 1949)

Sec. 14.20.120. Statement of qualifications.

A statement of the qualifications of each teacher and superintendent employed by the state or a school district shall be filed with the commissioner. The statement must contain the credits earned in college, normal school, or university, and the number of years of teaching experience both in the state and elsewhere in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner.

History. (§ 37-6-5 ACLA 1949; am § 5 ch 179 SLA 1957; am § 12 ch 46 SLA 1970)

Sec. 14.20.130. Employment contracts.

An employer may, after January 1, issue contracts for the following school year to employees regularly qualified in accordance with the regulations of the department. The contract for a superintendent may be for more than one school year but may not exceed three consecutive school years.

History. (§ 1 ch 92 SLA 1960; am § 14 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Administrative Code. —

For employment of professional personnel, see 4 AAC 18.

Notes to Decisions

Authority of school district to employ teachers. —

A school district has no authority to employ teachers except as prescribed by statute and regulation. Spicer v. Anchorage Indep. Sch. Dist., 410 P.2d 995 (Alaska 1966).

Letter from superintendent of schools held not to be an offer of a contract. —

See Spicer v. Anchorage Indep. Sch. Dist., 410 P.2d 995 (Alaska 1966).

Cited in

Skagway City Sch. Bd. v. Davis, 543 P.2d 218 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.20.135. Employment of retired teachers because of shortages. [Repealed by, § 12 ch 57 SLA 2001 as amended by § 10 ch 50 SLA 2005, effective July 1, 2009.]

Sec. 14.20.136. Reemployment of member of teachers’ retirement system.

  1. Subject to (b) — (d) of this section, a school district may reemploy a member who is retired under a retirement plan established in AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 , or a member who is retired under a retirement plan established in AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 . In this subsection, “school district” has the meaning given in AS 14.30.350 .
  2. A member who is retired under AS 14.25.110(a) may not be reemployed under (a) of this section unless the member
    1. certifies that the member and the school district did not arrange before the member retired from the school district for the member to be reemployed by the school district after the member retired; and
    2. has been retired for at least
      1. 60 days if the member is at least 62 years of age; or
      2. six months if the member is less than 62 years of age.
  3. Before reemploying a retired member under (a) of this section to fill a position, a school district shall
    1. by resolution, adopt a policy that describes the circumstances of a shortage or anticipated shortage of applicants, other than retired members, who are qualified for particular positions and permits rehiring that complies with the requirements of this section; and
    2. publicly advertise the position for 10 business days and actively recruit to fill the position by hiring a person other than a member who is retired.
  4. A contract for reemployment under (a) of this section may not exceed 12 consecutive months.
  5. A school district that reemploys a member under this section who is retired under the defined benefit retirement plan established in AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 is required to
    1. provide the administrator with
      1. a copy of the resolution and policy adopted under (c) of this section; and
      2. for every retired member who is rehired, a report identifying the member by name and describing the
        1. circumstances of the shortage that necessitated the rehire; and
        2. actions taken by the school district to comply with school district policy adopted under (c) of this section and the requirements of this section; and
    2. make contributions under AS 14.25.070 .
  6. The requirements of (c), (d), and (e)(1) of this section do not apply to the rehire of a member who is eligible for restoration of tenure rights under AS 14.20.165 .

History. (§ 1 ch 81 SLA 2018)

Cross references. —

For provision providing that this section “applies to contracts made on or after November 8, 2018”, see sec. 6, ch. 81, SLA 2018, in the 2018 Temporary and Special Acts.

Effective dates. —

Section 1, ch. 81, SLA 2018, which enacted this section, took effect on November 8, 2018.

Sec. 14.20.140. Notification of lay off or nonretention.

  1. If a teacher who has acquired tenure rights is to be laid off under AS 14.20.177 or is not to be retained for the following school year, the employer shall notify the teacher of the layoff or nonretention by writing, delivered before May 15, or by registered mail postmarked before May 15.
  2. If a teacher who has not acquired tenure rights is to be laid off under AS 14.20.177 or is not to be retained for the following school year the employer shall notify the teacher of the layoff or nonretention by writing delivered on or before the last day of the school term or by registered mail postmarked on or before the last day of the school term.
  3. Notwithstanding a teacher’s right to continued employment under AS 39.20.500 39.20.550 , a school district may notify a teacher of layoff or nonretention under this section for the following school year for a permissible reason.

History. (§ 1 ch 92 SLA 1960; am § 15 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 3 ch 96 SLA 1992; am § 1 ch 31 SLA 1996; am § 2 ch 69 SLA 2013)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2002, in subsection (c), “AS 39.20.500 39.20.550 ” was substituted for “AS 23.10.500 — 23.10.550” to reflect the 2002 renumbering of AS 23.10.500 — 23.10.550.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective July 11, 2013, in (a), substituted “May 15” for “March 16” twice.

Editor’s notes. —

Under sec. 5, ch. 69, SLA 2013, the 2013 changes to (a) of this section apply “to a contract or collective bargaining agreement that becomes legally binding on or after July 11, 2013.”

Notes to Decisions

Notice of nonretention sufficient. —

See Griffin v. Galena City Sch. Dist., 640 P.2d 829 (Alaska 1982); Martinez v. Anchorage Sch. Dist., 699 P.2d 330 (Alaska 1985).

Quoted in

State v. Redman, 491 P.2d 157 (Alaska 1971).

Cited in

Kleven v. Yukon-Koyukuk Sch. Dist., 853 P.2d 518 (Alaska Ct. App. 1993).

Collateral references. —

Sufficiency of notice of intention to discharge or not to rehire teacher under statutes requiring such notice. 52 ALR4th 301.

Sec. 14.20.145. Automatic reemployment.

If notification of nonretention or layoff is not given according to AS 14.20.140 , a teacher is entitled to be reemployed in the same district for the following school year on the contract terms the teacher and the employer may agree upon, or, if no terms are agreed upon, the provisions of the previous contract are continued for the following school year, subject to AS 14.20.158 . Except as provided in AS 14.20.177(e) , the right to automatic reemployment under this section expires if the teacher does not accept reemployment within 30 days after the date on which the teacher receives a contract of reemployment. A teacher who is on family leave under AS 39.20.500 39.20.550 must comply with the 30-day deadline in this section to retain the teacher’s reemployment rights under this section.

History. (§ 16 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 4 ch 96 SLA 1992; am § 2 ch 31 SLA 1996)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2002 “AS 39.20.500 39.20.550 ” was substituted for “AS 23.10.500 — 23.10.550” to reflect the 2002 renumbering of AS 23.10.500 — 23.10.550.

Opinions of attorney general. —

A teacher who has not been given proper notice of nonretention has an enforceable right to a written contract of employment for the next school year. That contract would contain terms like those in the teacher’s contract for the preceding year, subject to modification under AS 14.20.158 or in ways not specifically enumerated by AS 14.20.158 where such modifications are necessary to protect the reasonable expectations of the parties. The teacher would be entitled to a new written contract each year based on the terms of the preceding year’s contract, unless the terms were varied by agreement. March 25, 1987 Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

The purpose of tenure laws is to give job security to experienced teachers and to ensure that they will not be discharged for inadequate reasons. Redman v. Department of Educ., 519 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1974).

This section seeks to achieve this result by treating an improperly nonretained teacher as if the teacher had been retained, with no prejudice to result from the fact of nonretention. Redman v. Department of Educ., 519 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1974).

The effect of this section is to give an improperly nonretained teacher the enforceable right to a written contract of employment for the next school year containing provisions like those in the teacher’s contract for the preceding year. Redman v. Department of Educ., 519 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1974).

This section does not automatically continue a teacher’s prior contract in the event proper notice of nonretention is not given. Redman v. Department of Educ., 519 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1974).

The language requiring that the provisions of the previous contract are to be continued for the following school year is intended to protect the teacher’s legitimate expectation of continued employment on terms no less favorable than those previously enjoyed. It is not meant to require each term of the previous contract to be continued unchanged where the result would be to unreasonably penalize either the teacher or the employer. Redman v. Department of Educ., 519 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1974).

No action for damages may be based on prior, expired contract. —

Where the employer has refused to tender the teacher a new contract, the teacher may enforce the teacher’s statutory right to be given a new contract and may then sue for breach of that contract, but an action for damages cannot be based upon a prior contract that has expired. Redman v. Department of Educ., 519 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1974).

Quoted in

State v. Redman, 491 P.2d 157 (Alaska 1971).

Cited in

Kleven v. Yukon-Koyukuk Sch. Dist., 853 P.2d 518 (Alaska Ct. App. 1993).

Sec. 14.20.147. Transfer or absorption of attendance area and teachers.

  1. When an attendance area is transferred from a currently operating district to, or absorbed into, a new or existing school district, the teachers for the attendance area also shall be transferred unless otherwise mutually agreed by the teacher or teachers and the chief school administrator of the new district if the district employs a chief school administrator. Accumulated or earned benefits, including seniority, salary level, tenure, leave, and retirement, accompany the teacher who is transferred.
  2. [Repealed, § 48 ch 15 SLA 2014.]
  3. On the first day of service in the absorbing school district, a teacher transferred from a federal agency school shall be allowed the actual number of days of accumulated sick leave that the teacher has earned while teaching in the state. Consistent with the established district policy the absorbing district may allow credit for any other type of leave.  Credit for retirement shall be allowed in accordance with AS 14.25.060 .

History. (§ 1 ch 53 SLA 1972; am § 1 ch 150 SLA 1975; am § 3 ch 31 SLA 1996; am § 26 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 48 ch 15 SLA 2014)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 1, 2014, repealed (b).

Editor’s notes. —

Section 15, ch. 31, SLA 1996 provides that the amendments to subsection (b) made by ch. 31, SLA 1996 apply only to an individual (1) first hired as a teacher by a school district or regional educational attendance area, including Mt. Edgecumbe High School, on or after August 16, 1996, or (2) rehired as a teacher by a school district or regional educational attendance area, including Mt. Edgecumbe High School, on or after August 16, 1996 and following an interruption in continuous service and the interruption resulted either in a loss of tenure rights under AS 14.20.160 or in a failure to acquire tenure rights under AS 14.20.150 .

Notes to Decisions

Back pay is not a benefit for the purpose of subsection (a) of this section. Aleutian Region R.E.A.A. v. Wolansky, 630 P.2d 529 (Alaska 1981).

Quoted in

Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979).

Stated in

Parliment v. Yukon Flats Sch. Dist., 760 P.2d 513 (Alaska 1988).

Sec. 14.20.148. Intradistrict teacher reassignments.

When a teacher is involuntarily transferred or reassigned to a position for which the teacher is qualified, within the district, the teacher’s moving expenses shall be paid unless the one-way driving distance is 20 miles or less from the teacher’s present place of residence, or unless otherwise mutually agreed by the teacher and chief school administrator of the district if the district employs a chief school administrator.

History. (§ 1 ch 136 SLA 1972; am § 27 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Sec. 14.20.149. Employee evaluation.

  1. A school board shall adopt a certificated employee evaluation system for evaluation and improvement of the performance of the district’s teachers and administrators. The evaluation system applies to all the district’s certificated employees except the district’s superintendent. A school board shall consider information from students, parents, community members, classroom teachers, affected collective bargaining units, and administrators in the design and periodic review of the district’s certificated employee evaluation system. An evaluation of a certificated employee under this section must be based on observation of the employee in the employee’s workplace.
  2. The certificated employee evaluation system must
    1. establish district performance standards for the district’s teachers and administrators that are based on professional performance standards adopted by the department by regulation;
    2. require at least two observations for the evaluation of each nontenured teacher in the district each school year;
    3. require at least an annual evaluation of each tenured teacher in the district who met the district performance standards during the previous school year;
    4. permit the district to limit its evaluations of tenured teachers who have consistently exceeded the district performance standards to one evaluation every two school years;
    5. require the school district to perform an annual evaluation for each administrator;
    6. require the school district to prepare and implement a plan of improvement for a teacher or administrator whose performance did not meet the district performance standards, except if the teacher’s or administrator’s performance warrants immediate dismissal under AS 14.20.170(a) ; and
    7. provide an opportunity for students, parents, community members, teachers, and administrators to provide information on the performance of the teacher or administrator who is the subject of the evaluation to the evaluating administrator.
  3. A person may not conduct an evaluation under this section unless the person holds a type B certificate or is a site administrator under the supervision of a person with a type B certificate, is employed by the school district as an administrator, and has completed training in the use of the school district’s teacher evaluation system.
  4. A school district shall offer in-service training to the certificated employees who are subject to the evaluation system on a schedule adopted by the governing body of a school district. The training must address the procedures of the evaluation system, the standards that the district uses in evaluating the performance of teachers and administrators, and other information that the district considers helpful.
  5. A school district shall provide a tenured teacher whose performance, after evaluation, did not meet the district performance standards with a plan of improvement. The evaluating administrator shall consult with the tenured teacher in setting clear, specific performance expectations to be included in the plan of improvement. The plan of improvement must address ways in which the tenured teacher’s performance can be improved and shall last for not less than 90 workdays and not more than 180 workdays unless the minimum time is shortened by agreement between the evaluating administrator and the teacher. The plan of improvement shall be based on the professional performance standards outlined in the locally adopted school district evaluation procedure. The school district must observe the teacher at least twice during the course of the plan. If, at the conclusion of the plan of improvement, the tenured teacher’s performance again does not meet the district performance standards, the district may nonretain the teacher under AS 14.20.175(b)(1) .
  6. A school district may place an administrator who has previously acquired tenure, whose performance, including performance as an evaluator under the district’s certificated employee evaluation system, does not meet the district performance standards on a plan of improvement. The plan must address ways in which the administrator’s performance can be improved and shall last for not less than 90 workdays and not more than 210 workdays unless the minimum time is shortened by agreement between the evaluating administrator and the administrator being evaluated. The school district must observe the administrator being evaluated at least twice during the course of the plan. If, at the conclusion of the plan of improvement, the administrator’s performance again does not meet the district performance standards, the district may terminate its employment contract with the administrator. This subsection does not restrict the right of a school district to reassign an administrator to a teaching position consistent with the terms of an applicable collective bargaining agreement.
  7. The department may request copies of each school district’s certificated employee evaluation system and changes the district makes to the system.
  8. Information provided to a school district under the school district’s certificated employee evaluation system concerning the performance of an individual being evaluated under the system is not a public record and is not subject to disclosure under AS 40.25.100 40.25.295 . However, the individual who is the subject of the evaluation is entitled to a copy of the information and may waive the confidentiality provisions of this subsection concerning the information.

History. (§ 4 ch 31 SLA 1996; am § 17 ch 41 SLA 2009; am § 11 ch 2 SSSLA 2015; am § 20 ch 22 SLA 2015)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2000, “AS 40.25” was substituted for “AS 09.25” to reflect the 2000 renumbering of AS 09.25.100 09.25.220 .

Effect of amendments. —

The 2009 amendment, effective June 21, 2009, in (a), deleted “by July 1, 1997,” following “A school board shall adopt”.

The first 2015 amendment, effective May 15, 2015, substituted “AS 40.25.100 40.25.295 ” for “AS 40.25” at the end of the first sentence of (h).

The second 2015 amendment, effective October 7, 2015, in the first sentence of (d), substituted “A school district” for “Once each school year, a school district” at the beginning, and added “on a schedule adopted by the governing body of a school district” at the end.

Sec. 14.20.150. Acquisition and reacquisition of tenure rights.

  1. Except as provided in (c) or (d) of this section, a teacher acquires tenure rights in a district when the teacher
    1. possesses a valid teaching certificate that authorizes the teacher to be employed as a certificated teacher or as an administrator under regulations adopted by the department;
    2. has been employed as a teacher in the same district continuously for three full school years;
    3. receives, in the third year of any three-year period of continuous employment with the district, an evaluation under the district’s evaluation system stating that the teacher’s performance meets the district performance standards; and
    4. on or before October 15 of the school year,
      1. accepts a contract for employment as a teacher in the district for a fourth consecutive school year; and
      2. performs a day of teaching services in the district during that school year.
  2. In this section, a full school year of employment means employment that begins on or before the first student count day required by the department in a school year or October 15, whichever occurs first, and continues through the remainder of the school year.
  3. A superintendent may not acquire or maintain tenure in a district.
  4. A teacher who has acquired tenure in a school district in the state and who loses tenure in the district because of a break in service may reacquire tenure in that school district under this subsection if the break in service was not the result of a dismissal under AS 14.20.170 or nonretention under AS 14.20.175 and did not last longer than one year. A break in service that begins on or after the last day of a school district’s instructional days for a school year but before the first instructional day of the next school year will be considered to have lasted no longer than one year if the teacher is employed on the first instructional day of the school year that begins more than 12 but not more than 16 months after the beginning of the break in service. A previously tenured teacher reacquires tenure in the school district under this subsection when the teacher
    1. possesses a valid teaching certificate that authorizes the teacher to be employed as a certificated teacher or as an administrator under regulations adopted by the department;
    2. has been employed as a teacher in the district continuously for one full school year after a break in service that does not exceed the time limits set out in this subsection;
    3. receives, under the district’s evaluation system, an acceptable evaluation from the district; and
    4. on or before October 15 of the school year,
      1. accepts a contract for employment as a teacher in the district for a second consecutive school year; and
      2. performs a day of teaching services in the district during that school year.
  5. Notwithstanding (a) of this section, a teacher who has acquired tenure in a school district who moves to a new school district acquires tenure in the new school district on the first instructional day of the third year of employment in the new school district if
    1. the teacher otherwise meets the qualifications for tenure set out in (a) of this section; and
    2. the break in service meets the requirements of (d) of this section.

History. (§ 1 ch 92 SLA 1960; am § 17 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 5 ch 31 SLA 1996; am §§ 1, 2 ch 89 SLA 1999)

Cross references. —

For provision requiring the Department of Administration to present to the legislature no later than June 15, 2015 a proposed salary and benefits schedule for school districts and recommendations for teacher tenure, see sec. 52, ch. 15, SLA 2014 in the 2014 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For employment of professional personnel, see 4 AAC 18.

Editor’s notes. —

Section 15, ch. 31, SLA 1996 provides that the amendments to this section made by ch. 31, SLA 1996 apply only to an individual (1) first hired as a teacher by a school district or regional educational attendance area, including Mt. Edgecumbe High School, on or after August 16, 1996, or (2) rehired as a teacher by a school district or regional educational attendance area, including Mt. Edgecumbe High School, on or after August 16, 1996 and following an interruption in continuous service and the interruption resulted either in a loss of tenure rights under AS 14.20.160 or in a failure to acquire tenure rights under AS 14.20.150 .

Notes to Decisions

Purpose of tenure laws. —

Tenure laws are intended to give job security to experienced teachers and to ensure that they will not be discharged for inadequate reasons. State v. Redman, 491 P.2d 157 (Alaska 1971).

A system of tenure has as its objective the retention of able personnel after they have undergone an adequate period of probation with the concomitant result that more talented personnel will be attracted to enter the teaching profession. State v. Redman, 491 P.2d 157 (Alaska 1971).

The law does not require that teachers shall teach every day, or every hour of every day. State v. Redman, 491 P.2d 157 (Alaska 1971).

There is no provision of Alaska statutes concerning education which requires, and no persuasive policy reasons why, a teacher must work full days throughout the school year in order to attain tenure rights. No legislative intent to exclude a teacher who works less than full days is manifest from a study of the applicable statutes. State v. Redman, 491 P.2d 157 (Alaska 1971).

Duties regular and substantial enough to afford intelligent evaluation are sufficient. —

When a teacher’s duties are regular and substantial enough to afford intelligent evaluation, there is little in the way of persuasive policy considerations for excluding such service from the ambit of Alaska tenure laws. State v. Redman, 491 P.2d 157 (Alaska 1971).

“Sequential fractions” regulation, adopted by the department of education for the purpose of protecting teachers who had taught in a particular school district for various fractions of the school year and entitling teachers who had taught for periods totaling more than the equivalent of two regular school terms to tenure, conflicted with the unambiguous language of this section. Fairbanks N. Star Borough Sch. Dist. v. Nea-Alaska, Inc, 817 P.2d 923 (Alaska 1991).

Use of the word “full” in this section indicates the legislature’s intent to preclude a teacher from counting a portion of a year toward the two-year probationary period required for tenure. Fairbanks N. Star Borough Sch. Dist. v. Nea-Alaska, Inc, 817 P.2d 923 (Alaska 1991).

Cited in

Skagway City Sch. Bd. v. Davis, 543 P.2d 218 (Alaska 1975); Crisp v. Kenai Peninsula Borough Sch. Dist., 587 P.2d 1168 (Alaska 1978).

Collateral references. —

Construction and effect of tenure provisions of contract or statute governing employment of faculty member by college or university. 66 ALR3d 1018.

Who is “teacher” for purposes of tenure statute. 94 ALR3d 141.

Sec. 14.20.155. Effect of tenure rights.

  1. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a teacher who has acquired tenure rights has the right to employment within the district during continuous service.
  2. A teacher who has acquired tenure rights may agree to a new contract at any time.  However, if the teacher fails to agree to a new contract, the provisions of the previous contract are continued subject to AS 14.20.158 .

History. (§ 18 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 6 ch 31 SLA 1996)

Sec. 14.20.158. Continued contract provisions.

Continuation of the provisions of a teacher’s contract under AS 14.20.145 or 14.20.155 does not

  1. affect the alteration of the teacher’s salary in accordance with the salary schedule prescribed by state law, or in accordance with a local salary schedule applicable to all teachers in the district and adopted by bylaws;
  2. limit the right of the employer to assign the teacher to any teaching, administrative, or counseling position for which the teacher is qualified; or
  3. limit the right of the employer to assign the teacher, as is reasonably necessary, to any school in the district.

History. (§ 19 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Notes to Decisions

This section puts the reemployed teacher in the same salary position he would have been in had his employment not been interrupted, regardless of his salary under his last contract. Redman v. Department of Educ., 519 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1974).

It further allows flexibility in the manner of reemployment where adherence to the strict terms of the prior contract would put an unreasonable burden on the employer. Redman v. Department of Educ., 519 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1974).

Limited interpretation of section would defeat legislative intent. —

A limited interpretation of this section as representing an exclusive list of the ways in which an improperly nonretained teacher’s prior contract may be varied would defeat the general intent of the legislature that an improperly nonretained teacher be returned to substantially the same position as before nonretention. Redman v. Department of Educ., 519 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1974).

Ways prior contract may be varied. —

In assessing damages due to improper nonretention, the strict terms of a teacher’s prior contract may be varied in ways not specifically enumerated in this section where such modifications are necessary to protect the reasonable expectations of the parties. Redman v. Department of Educ., 519 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1974).

AS 14.20.145 is expressly made subject to this section. Redman v. Department of Educ., 519 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1974).

Cited in

Kleven v. Yukon-Koyukuk Sch. Dist., 853 P.2d 518 (Alaska Ct. App. 1993).

Sec. 14.20.160. Loss of tenure rights.

Tenure rights are lost when the teacher’s employment in the district is interrupted or terminated. However, a teacher on layoff status does not lose tenure rights during the period of layoff except as provided under AS 14.20.177 .

History. (§ 1 ch 92 SLA 1960; am § 1 ch 104 SLA 1965; am § 20 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 22 ch 37 SLA 1986; am § 7 ch 31 SLA 1996)

Notes to Decisions

Lapse in certification. —

Where a teacher was in substantial compliance with the requirements for renewal of certification, she did not lose her tenured status due to a temporary lapse in her certification, and the doctrine of substantial compliance protected her from having to repay the salary earned during such period. Nenana City Sch. Dist. v. Coghill, 898 P.2d 929 (Alaska 1995).

Sec. 14.20.165. Restoration of tenure rights.

A teacher who held tenure rights and who was retired due to disability under AS 14.25.130 , but whose disability (1) has been removed, and the removal of that disability is certified by a competent physician following a physical or mental examination, or (2) has been compensated for by rehabilitation or other appropriate restorative education or training, and that rehabilitation or restoration to health has been certified by the division of vocational rehabilitation of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, shall be restored to full tenure rights in the district from which the teacher was retired, at such time as an opening for which the teacher is qualified becomes available.

History. (§ 1 ch 71 SLA 1975; am § 5 ch 58 SLA 1999)

Sec. 14.20.170. Dismissal.

  1. A teacher, including a teacher who has acquired tenure rights, may be dismissed at any time only for the following causes:
    1. incompetency, which is defined as the inability or the unintentional or intentional failure to perform the teacher’s customary teaching duties in a satisfactory manner;
    2. immorality, which is defined as the commission of an act that, under the laws of the state, constitutes a crime involving moral turpitude; or
    3. substantial noncompliance with the school laws of the state, the regulations or bylaws of the department, the bylaws of the district, or the written rules of the superintendent.
  2. A teacher may be suspended temporarily with regular compensation during a period of investigation to determine whether or not cause exists for the issuance of a notification of dismissal according to AS 14.20.180 .
  3. A teacher who is dismissed under this section is not entitled to a plan of improvement under AS 14.20.149 .

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1960; am § 21 ch 98 SLA 1966; am §§ 1, 2 ch 104 SLA 1966; am § 8 ch 31 SLA 1996)

Notes to Decisions

Lapse in certification. —

Where a teacher was in substantial compliance with the requirements for renewal of certification, she did not lose her tenured status due to a temporary lapse in her certification, and the doctrine of substantial compliance protected her from having to repay the salary earned during such period. Nenana City Sch. Dist. v. Coghill, 898 P.2d 929 (Alaska 1995).

AS 14.20.095 was not enacted to be retrospective. Watts v. Seward Sch. Bd., 454 P.2d 732 (Alaska 1969), cert. denied, 397 U.S. 921, 90 S. Ct. 899, 25 L. Ed. 2d 101 (U.S. 1970).

AS 14.20.095 applies to activities conducted outside school hours. Watts v. Seward Sch. Bd., 454 P.2d 732 (Alaska 1969), cert. denied, 397 U.S. 921, 90 S. Ct. 899, 25 L. Ed. 2d 101 (U.S. 1970).

AS 14.20.095 is directed at rules or regulations which would restrict criticism of school officials. —

AS 14.20.095 is directed at the rules or regulations of a commissioner, a local school board, or a local administrator. Watts v. Seward Sch. Bd., 454 P.2d 732 (Alaska 1969), cert. denied, 397 U.S. 921, 90 S. Ct. 899, 25 L. Ed. 2d 101 (U.S. 1970).

Subsection (b) of this section is in a permissive form and allows temporary suspension during the investigation. Nichols v. Eckert, 504 P.2d 1359 (Alaska 1973).

A right of nontenured teachers to a hearing prior to dismissal for cause is not to be found in this section. Nichols v. Eckert, 504 P.2d 1359 (Alaska 1973).

The express language of subsection (b) of this section clearly lacks any indication that the legislature intended to provide a hearing prior to dismissal for cause of a nontenured teacher. Nichols v. Eckert, 504 P.2d 1359 (Alaska 1973).

Despite the reference to AS 14.20.180 . —

The reference to AS 14.20.180 in this section cannot reasonably be interpreted to extend the hearing rights given to tenured teachers under that section to nontenured teachers. Nichols v. Eckert, 504 P.2d 1359 (Alaska 1973).

The distinction in treatment between tenured and nontenured teachers is quite clear from the express terms of AS 14.20.180 . Nichols v. Eckert, 504 P.2d 1359 (Alaska 1973).

Validity of dismissal proceedings. —

When a discharged teacher had not demonstrated any way in which his dismissal was tainted by his temporary suspension with pay under subsection (b), nor any other way in which he was prejudiced by the suspension, his contention that the dismissal proceedings were void as a matter of law was without merit. Renfroe v. Green, 626 P.2d 1068 (Alaska 1980).

Dismissal for immorality. —

In subsection (a)(2), the act must constitute a crime involving moral turpitude; a criminal conviction is not necessary. Kenai Peninsula Borough Bd. of Educ. v. Brown, 691 P.2d 1034 (Alaska 1984).

Although the Board of Education could not dismiss a teacher on an assumption that a violation of AS 42.20.030(a)(7) (wilfully diverting electricity) always constitutes a theft, the board had sufficient evidence to conclude that the teacher had committed theft, and the dismissal for immorality was therefore valid even if the teacher was not convicted under a theft statute. Kenai Peninsula Borough Bd. of Educ. v. Brown, 691 P.2d 1034 (Alaska 1984).

So long as a school district has sufficient evidence to conclude that a teacher committed an act or acts which constituted a crime of moral turpitude, a dismissal is valid, even in the absence of a conviction, and even though the act or acts occurred over 10 years ago, prior to the current employment. Toney v. Fairbanks N. Star Borough Sch. Dist., Bd. of Educ., 881 P.2d 1112 (Alaska 1994).

Instructions. —

There was no error in the court’s inclusion of an instruction on provisions of the Professional Teaching Practices Commission Code of Ethics, although there had been no determination by the Commission that a dismissed teacher had violated the code. Fair minded jurors, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, could differ on whether certain actions by the dismissed teacher were unethical or otherwise constituted substantial noncompliance under subsection (a) of this section. Renfroe v. Green, 626 P.2d 1068 (Alaska 1980).

Directed verdict. —

When there was evidence that a dismissed teacher had verbally and physically abused another member of the teaching profession in front of students, and fair minded jurors, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, could differ on whether those actions violated provisions of the code of ethics of the Professional Teaching Practices Commission or otherwise constituted incompetency or substantial noncompliance under subsection (a) of this section, the superior court did not err in failing to direct a verdict in the dismissed teacher’s favor. Renfroe v. Green, 626 P.2d 1068 (Alaska 1980).

Cited in

Skagway City Sch. Bd. v. Davis, 543 P.2d 218 (Alaska 1975); Kilmer v. Dillingham City Sch. Dist., 932 P.2d 757 (Alaska 1997).

Collateral references. —

Assertion of immunity as ground for discharge of teacher. 44 ALR2d 799.

Right to dismiss public school teacher on ground that services are no longer needed. 100 ALR2d 1141.

What constitutes “incompetency” or “inefficiency” as a ground for dismissal or demotion of public school teacher. 4 ALR3d 1090.

Elements and measure of damages in action by schoolteacher for wrongful discharge. 22 ALR3d 1047.

Use of illegal drugs as ground for dismissal of teacher, or denial or cancellation of teacher’s certificate. 47 ALR3d 754.

Dismissal of, or disciplinary action against, public school teachers for violation of regulation as to dress or personal appearances of teachers. 58 ALR3d 1227.

Sexual conduct as ground for dismissal of teacher or denial or revocation of teaching certificate. 78 ALR3d 19.

What constitutes “insubordination” as ground for dismissal of public school teacher. 78 ALR3d 83.

Dismissal of public school teacher because of unauthorized absence or tardiness. 78 ALR3d 117.

Sufficiency of notice of intention to discharge or not to rehire teacher under statutes requiring such notice. 52 ALR4th 301.

Preemption of state law wrongful discharge claim, not arising from whistleblowing, by § 541(a) of Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C.A. § 1144(a)). 176 ALR Fed. 433; 184 ALR Fed. 241.

Preemption of state-law wrongful discharge claim, not arising from whistleblowing, by § 301(a) of Labor-Management Act of 1947 (29 U.S.C.A. § 185(a)). 184 ALR Fed. 241.

Sec. 14.20.175. Nonretention.

  1. A teacher who has not acquired tenure rights is subject to nonretention for the school year following the expiration of the teacher’s contract for any cause that the employer determines to be adequate.  However, at the teacher’s request, the teacher is entitled to a written statement of the cause for nonretention.  The boards of city and borough school districts and regional educational attendance areas shall provide by regulation or bylaw a procedure under which a nonretained teacher may request and receive an informal hearing by the board.
  2. A teacher who has acquired tenure rights is subject to nonretention for the following school year only for the following causes:
    1. the school district demonstrates that
      1. the district has fully complied with the requirements of AS 14.20.149 with respect to the tenured teacher;
      2. the teacher’s performance, after completion of the plan of improvement, failed to meet the performance objectives set out in the plan; and
      3. the evaluation of the teacher established that the teacher does not meet the district performance standards;
    2. immorality, which is defined as the commission of an act that, under the laws of the state, constitutes a crime involving moral turpitude; or
    3. substantial noncompliance with the school laws of the state, the regulations or bylaws of the department, the bylaws of the district, or the written rules of the superintendent.

History. (§ 22 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 11 SLA 1968; am § 13 ch 46 SLA 1970; am § 15 ch 124 SLA 1975; am § 9 ch 31 SLA 1996)

Notes to Decisions

Section exceeds federal constitutional requirements. —

This section, in requiring a statement of cause and an opportunity to be heard, exceeds federal constitutional requirements. Shatting v. Dillingham City Sch. Dist., 617 P.2d 9 (Alaska 1980).

Discretion of school boards. —

4 AAC 19.010, which provides that formal evaluations shall serve as a method for gathering data relevant to subsequent employment status decisions pertaining to the person evaluated, cannot operate to limit the broad discretion that was intentionally given to local school boards by the legislature, and a school board’s decision not to renew the contract of a nontenured teacher may be “for any cause which the employer determines to be adequate.” Shatting v. Dillingham City Sch. Dist., 617 P.2d 9 (Alaska 1980).

Despite the broad language of subsection (a), the board’s discretion is subject to certain limitations; for example, a school board may not deny continued employment to a teacher because of the teacher’s exercise of first amendment rights, nor may a school board deny continued employment to a teacher if to do so would deprive the teacher of other rights that are guaranteed by constitution or statute. Shatting v. Dillingham City Sch. Dist., 617 P.2d 9 (Alaska 1980).

Rights of nonretained, nontenured teachers are limited. —

The rights of a nontenured teacher who is simply not retained at the end of his period of employment are relatively limited. A non-retained, nontenured teacher has no constitutionally protected interest in public employment. Van Gorder v. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Sch. Dist., 513 P.2d 1094 (Alaska 1973); Shatting v. Dillingham City Sch. Dist., 617 P.2d 9 (Alaska 1980).

Probationary employees who are otherwise lawfully discharged cannot obtain permanent status through grievance procedures which do not purport to modify the statutory provisions concerning tenure and termination of employees. Van Gorder v. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Sch. Dist., 513 P.2d 1094 (Alaska 1973).

The grievance procedure may be of value to a nontenured teacher in attempting to persuade the hiring authority that he should be retained. The process might on occasion bring forth evidence and argument by which the termination of the nontenured teacher might be reconsidered. Van Gorder v. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Sch. Dist., 513 P.2d 1094 (Alaska 1973).

But any such results and action would be a matter within the discretion of the hiring authority, and thereby a matter of grace rather than legal right. Van Gorder v. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Sch. Dist., 513 P.2d 1094 (Alaska 1973).

Nonretention of teacher for incompetence affirmed. —

Trial court’s finding that teacher “never was able to deal effectively or appropriately with behavior management problems even after substantial assistance” was sufficient to support teacher’s discharge for incompetence. Linstad v. Sitka Sch. Dist., 963 P.2d 246 (Alaska 1998).

Nonretention of tenured teacher for substantial noncompliance with district regulations affirmed. —

See Fisher v. Fairbanks N. Star Borough Sch. Dist., 704 P.2d 213 (Alaska 1985).

Submission of alleged breach of collective bargaining agreement to arbitration. —

Where procedures concerning the nonretention of teachers are negotiated by a school district and a teachers’ union and are included within a collective bargaining agreement, a nontenured teacher who is not retained by the school district can submit an alleged breach of the collective bargaining agreement to arbitration, though the arbitrator’s latitude in fashioning an appropriate remedy is restricted by the language of subsection (a). Jones v. Wrangell Sch. Dist., 696 P.2d 677 (Alaska 1985).

Quoted in

Matanuska-Susitna Borough v. Lum, 538 P.2d 994 (Alaska 1975); Jerrel v. Kenai Peninsula Borough Sch. Dist., 567 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1977).

Collateral references. —

Right to dismiss public school teacher on ground that services are no longer needed. 100 ALR2d 1141.

Sec. 14.20.177. Reductions in force.

  1. A school district may implement a layoff plan under this section if it is necessary for the district to reduce the number of tenured teachers because
    1. school attendance in the district has decreased; or
    2. the basic need of the school district determined under AS 14.17.410(b)(1) decreases by three percent or more from the previous year.
  2. Before a school district lays off any tenured teacher, the school board shall adopt a layoff plan. The plan must identify academic and other programs that the district intends to maintain in implementing the layoff plan. The plan must also include procedures for layoff and recall of tenured teachers consistent with this section.
  3. Except as provided in this subsection, a school district may place a tenured teacher on layoff status only after the district has given notice of nonretention to all nontenured teachers. However, a school district may retain a nontenured teacher and place on layoff status a tenured teacher if there is no tenured teacher in the district who is qualified to replace the nontenured teacher. The school district shall comply with the notice requirements set out in AS 14.20.140 in placing a tenured or nontenured teacher on layoff status.
  4. For purposes of this section, a tenured teacher is considered qualified for a position if the position is in
    1. grades K — 8 and the teacher has an elementary endorsement;
    2. an established middle school and the teacher has
      1. an elementary endorsement;
      2. a middle school endorsement; or
      3. a secondary certificate with a subject area endorsement in the area of assignment in which the teacher filling the position will spend at least 40 percent of the teacher’s time or the teacher has, within the five years immediately preceding the last date on which the teacher performed teaching services in the district before being laid off, received an evaluation stating that the teacher’s performance in the subject or subjects meets the district performance standards; or
    3. grades 9 — 12 and the teacher has an endorsement for each subject area in which the teacher filling the position will spend at least 40 percent of the teacher’s time or the teacher has, within the five years immediately preceding the last date on which the teacher performed teaching services in the district before being laid off, received an evaluation stating that the teacher’s performance in the subject or subjects meets the district performance standards.
  5. For a period of three years after layoff, a teacher is on layoff status and is entitled to a hiring preference in the district where the teacher had been employed. The hiring preference applies only to vacant teaching positions for which the teacher is qualified. If a teacher is offered a teaching position under this subsection and the teacher declines the offer or fails to accept it within 30 days, the teacher is no longer considered to be on layoff status and is no longer entitled to a hiring preference under this section unless the teacher declines the offer because the teacher is contractually obligated to provide professional services to another private or public educational program.
  6. Notwithstanding any provision of AS 23.40, the terms of a collective bargaining agreement entered into between a school district and a bargaining organization representing teachers on or after August 16, 1996, may not be in conflict with the provisions of this section.
  7. A teacher on layoff status is not entitled to be reemployed under AS 14.20.145 and does not accrue leave. However, layoff status does not constitute a break in service for retaining tenure rights and accrued sick leave.
  8. In this section, “school district” or “district” means a city or borough school district or a regional educational attendance area.

History. (§ 10 ch 31 SLA 1996; am § 15 ch 32 SLA 1997; am § 28 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Sec. 14.20.180. Procedures upon notice of dismissal or nonretention.

  1. Before a teacher is dismissed, the employer shall give the teacher written notice of the proposed dismissal and a pretermination hearing. A pretermination hearing under this section must comport with the minimum requirements of due process, including an explanation of the employer’s evidence and basis for the proposed dismissal and an opportunity for the teacher to respond. If, following a pretermination hearing, an employer determines that dismissal is appropriate, the employer shall provide written notice, including a statement of cause and a complete bill of particulars, of the decision. The dismissal is effective when the notice is delivered to the teacher.
  2. An employer that has decided to nonretain a tenured teacher shall provide the teacher with written notice, including a statement of cause and a complete bill of particulars. The notice must comply with AS 14.20.140(a) .
  3. Within 15 days after receipt of a decision of dismissal under (a) of this section or nonretention under (b) of this section, a teacher may notify the employer in writing that the teacher is requesting a hearing before the school board under (d) of this section or that the teacher is invoking the grievance procedures under (e) of this section.
  4. Upon receipt of a request for a hearing, the employer shall immediately schedule a hearing and notify the teacher in writing of the date, time, and place of the hearing. The teacher may elect to have either a public or a private hearing, and to have the hearing under oath or affirmation. The parties have a right to be represented by counsel and to cross-examine witnesses. The teacher has the right to subpoena a person who has made statements that are used as a basis for the employer’s decision to dismiss or nonretain. A written transcript, tape, or similar recording of the proceedings shall be kept. A copy of the recording shall be furnished to the teacher, for cost, upon request of the teacher. A decision of the school board requires a majority vote of the membership, by roll call. The board’s decision shall be in writing and must contain specific findings of fact and conclusions of law. A copy of the decision shall be furnished to the teacher within 10 days after the date of the decision. If the school board sustains the dismissal or nonretention, the teacher may appeal the decision to the superior court for judicial review based on the administrative record.
  5. Upon receipt of a notice invoking the grievance procedures, the school board shall immediately schedule an informal hearing and notify the teacher in writing of the date, time, and place of the hearing. The hearing is for the purpose of reviewing the statement of cause and bill of particulars and not for the purpose of taking evidence. The teacher may choose whether the informal hearing is held in public or in private. A decision of the school board requires a majority vote of the membership, by roll call. The board’s decision shall be in writing. The board shall promptly furnish a copy of the decision to the teacher. If the board sustains the dismissal or nonretention, the teacher may, within 15 days after receipt of the decision, give written notice to the school board and submit the matter to arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The decision of the arbitrator is final and binding on the school board, the teacher, and the bargaining organization representing the teacher, if any. If the school board and the teacher agree, they may waive the informal hearing under this subsection and submit the matter directly to arbitration.

History. (§ 3a ch 92 SLA 1960; am § 23 ch 98 SLA 1966; am §§ 2, 3 ch 11 SLA 1968; am § 14 ch 46 SLA 1970; am §§ 16, 17 ch 124 SLA 1975; am § 11 ch 31 SLA 1996)

Notes to Decisions

Annotator’s notes. —

Prior to August 16, 1996, under repealed AS 14.20.205 , if a school board reached a decision unfavorable to a teacher, that teacher was entitled to a de novo trial. Some cases below refer to this prior law.

Section describes procedure. —

This section describes the administrative procedure, which includes a hearing, when a tenured teacher has been given a notice of dismissal or nonretention. Corso v. Commissioner of Educ., 563 P.2d 246 (Alaska 1977).

Reference to section in AS 14.20.170 does not extend hearing rights to nontenured teachers. —

The reference to this section in AS 14.20.170 cannot reasonably be interpreted to extend the hearing rights given to tenured teachers under this section to nontenured teachers. Nichols v. Eckert, 504 P.2d 1359 (Alaska 1973).

But constitutional due process requirements overcome any statutory rule. —

Even though a hearing is not accorded to nontenured teachers by statute, the constitutional requirements of due process overcome any statutory rule. Nichols v. Eckert, 504 P.2d 1359 (Alaska 1973).

And nontenured teachers are entitled to hearing upon dismissal. —

Where a mid-year dismissal is at issue, clearly the teachers have been deprived of an interest in property, namely, their present teaching post. This is an interest protected by the 14th amendment to the United States Constitution and by the first article of the Alaska Constitution, and thus they are entitled to a hearing. Nichols v. Eckert, 504 P.2d 1359 (Alaska 1973).

When dismissal effective. —

The “notification of dismissal” is a notice that the board has voted in favor of dismissal, but the dismissal cannot be effective until the teacher has had an opportunity to request a hearing if one is desired. Kenai Peninsula Borough Bd. of Educ. v. Brown, 691 P.2d 1034 (Alaska 1984).

Since this section gives the teacher 15 days in which to request a hearing, the termination is not effective until at least 15 days following the notification of dismissal. Kenai Peninsula Borough Bd. of Educ. v. Brown, 691 P.2d 1034 (Alaska 1984).

If the teacher does not request a hearing, the dismissal becomes effective immediately following the expiration of the 15 day period; if the teacher does request a hearing, the dismissal can only be effective after a final majority vote following the hearing. Kenai Peninsula Borough Bd. of Educ. v. Brown, 691 P.2d 1034 (Alaska 1984).

Meeting resulted in a dismissal prior to a hearing in violation of teacher’s due process rights where the teacher was notified that the Board of Education had approved a recommendation for his immediate dismissal and that his pay was terminated effective the day of the meeting, and he was told that he could request a hearing, but the dismissal was nonetheless effective prior to the hearing. Kenai Peninsula Borough Bd. of Educ. v. Brown, 691 P.2d 1034 (Alaska 1984).

A hearing is the procedure most likely to lead to a fair determination regarding the dismissal of a nontenured teacher. The stigma which attaches to a discharge for incompetence is sufficiently injurious to call for this type of safeguard. Nichols v. Eckert, 504 P.2d 1359 (Alaska 1973).

A full judicial hearing is not necessary, but a hearing that allows the administrative authority to examine both sides of the controversy will protect the interests and rights of all who are involved. Nichols v. Eckert, 504 P.2d 1359 (Alaska 1973).

But nontenured teachers must be given opportunity to present defense by testimony. Nichols v. Eckert, 504 P.2d 1359 (Alaska 1973).

Hearing complied with section and teacher’s due process rights. —

Where tenured teacher was convicted of diverting electricity and was dismissed by the school board, his conviction under paragraph (a)(7) of this section constituted a crime of moral turpitude. Kenai Peninsula Borough Bd. of Educ. v. Brown, 691 P.2d 1034 (Alaska 1984).

Bill of particulars applicable to judicial review. —

The bill of particulars provision of this section operates as a limitation on the scope of the de novo trial guaranteed by former AS 14.20.205 . Thus, a school district may not deviate from the original bill of particulars and show other grounds during a de novo review. Linstad v. Sitka Sch. Dist., 863 P.2d 838 (Alaska 1993).

When time for appeal begins to run. —

In light of the provision in subsection (c) (now (d)) of this section that the final decision of the school board must be “written and contain specific findings of fact and conclusions of law,” the time for appeal from the board’s determination did not begin to run until the written decision was mailed or delivered to the teacher. Jerrel v. Kenai Peninsula Borough Sch. Dist., 567 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1977).

A policy factor militating in favor of a full application of this section is that a tenured teacher against whose favor a decision has been reached is faced with the loss of a very important right: his source of income. In this connection, it is not necessary to indulge in such classificatory labels as “vested right” or “property right,” for it is enough that the right be recognized as important for it to act as a guide to decision in the interpretation of this section. Matanuska-Susitna Borough v. Lum, 538 P.2d 994 (Alaska 1975) (decided under former AS 14.20.205 ).

De novo trial required, not mere appellate review. —

The superior court erred in making the teacher choose between a de novo trial and an appellate review of the record. The statute provides tenured teachers the right to a de novo trial, and makes no mention of other available levels of review. Further, the de novo requirement is not satisfied by a de novo mere review on the evidence presented in the administrative hearing. Linstad v. Sitka Sch. Dist., 863 P.2d 838 (Alaska 1993) (decided under former AS 14.20.205 ).

Probationary employees who are otherwise lawfully discharged cannot obtain permanent status through grievance procedures which do not purport to modify the statutory provisions concerning tenure and termination of employees. Van Gorder v. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Sch. Dist., 513 P.2d 1094 (Alaska 1973) (decided under former AS 14.20.205 ).

The grievance procedure may be of value to a nontenured teacher in attempting to persuade the hiring authority that he should be retained. The process might on occasion bring forth evidence and argument by which the termination of the nontenured teacher might be reconsidered. Van Gorder v. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Sch. Dist., 513 P.2d 1094 (Alaska 1973) (decided under former AS 14.20.205 ).

But any such results and action would be a matter within the discretion of the hiring authority, and thereby a matter of grace rather than legal right. Van Gorder v. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Sch. Dist., 513 P.2d 1094 (Alaska 1973) (decided under former AS 14.20.205 ).

Sufficiency of bill of particulars. —

Bill of particulars and responses to a request for a more definite statement that fairly apprised the teacher of the basis of her dismissal was sufficient. Linstad v. Sitka Sch. Dist., 963 P.2d 246 (Alaska 1998).

Right of nontenured teacher to judicial review. —

While this section does not extend the tenured teacher’s right to a trial de novo to a nontenured teacher, neither does it preclude a more limited form of judicial review of the school board decision; therefore a nontenured teacher has a right to judicial review, on the record, of a school board’s nonretention, and although a review on the record is all that is required, in its discretion the superior court may grant a trial de novo. Shatting v. Dillingham City Sch. Dist., 617 P.2d 9 (Alaska 1980) (decided under former AS 14.20.205 ).

No jury trial. —

A dismissed tenured school teacher is not entitled, either explicitly or impliedly, to a jury trial under either former AS 14.20.205 or the Constitution of Alaska. Fairbanks N. Star Borough Sch. Dist. v. Duncan, 878 P.2d 641 (Alaska 1994) (decided under former AS 14.20.205 ).

Applied in

Renfroe v. Green, 626 P.2d 1068 (Alaska 1980).

Collateral references. —

Request for hearing, sufficiency under statute requiring hearing on request before discharge. 89 ALR2d 1018.

Elements and measure of damages in action by schoolteacher for wrongful discharge. 22 ALR3d 1047.

Sufficiency of notice of intention to discharge or not to rehire teacher under statutes requiring such notice. 52 ALR4th 301.

Secs. 14.20.185 — 14.20.200. Procedure and hearing; appeals. [Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Sec. 14.20.205. Judicial review. [Repealed, § 14 ch 31 SLA 1996.]

Sec. 14.20.207. [Renumbered as AS 14.20.215.]

Sec. 14.20.210. Authority of school board or department to adopt bylaws.

A school board or the department may adopt teacher tenure bylaws not in conflict with the regulations of the department or state law.

History. (§ 4 ch 92 SLA 1960; am § 26 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.20.215. Definitions.

In AS 14.20.010 14.20.215 ,

  1. “continuous employment” means employment that is without interruption except for temporary absences approved by the employer or its designee, or except for the interval between consecutive school terms if the teacher is employed only for the months of the school term;
  2. “dismissal” means termination by the employer of the contract services of the teacher during the time a teacher’s contract is in force, and termination of the right to the balance of the compensation due the teacher under the contract;
  3. “district performance standards” means evaluation criteria for the district’s teachers and administrators that are adopted by a school district under AS 14.20.149 and that are based on the professional performance standards adopted by the department;
  4. “employer” means the school board or superintendent that appoints the teacher;
  5. “nonretention” means the election by an employer not to reemploy a teacher for the school year or school term immediately following the expiration of the teacher’s current contract;
  6. “school year” includes “school term” if the teacher is employed only for the period of the school term;
  7. “teacher” means an individual who, for compensation, has primary responsibility to plan, instruct, and evaluate learning of elementary or secondary school students in the classroom or an equivalent setting and also includes individuals holding other positions as determined by the department by regulation.

History. (§ 25 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 15 ch 46 SLA 1970; am § 19, ch 124 SLA 1975; am § 9 ch 151 SLA 1990; am § 3 ch 76 SLA 1992; am § 12 ch 31 SLA 1996; am § 42 ch 12 SLA 2006)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.20.207 . Renumbered and reorganized to alphabetize the defined terms in 1987. Paragraph (3) was enacted as (8); renumbered in 1996, at which time former (3) — (7) were renumbered as (4) — (8).

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

Griffin v. Galena City Sch. Dist., 640 P.2d 829 (Alaska 1982).

Quoted in

Begich v. Jefferson, 441 P.2d 27 (Alaska 1968); State v. Redman, 491 P.2d 157 (Alaska 1971); Shatting v. Dillingham City Sch. Dist., 617 P.2d 9 (Alaska 1980); Nenana City Sch. Dist. v. Coghill, 898 P.2d 929 (Alaska 1995).

Cited in

Alaska State-Operated Sch. Sys. v. Mueller, 536 P.2d 99 (Alaska 1975); Skagway City Sch. Bd. v. Davis, 543 P.2d 218 (Alaska 1975); Northwest Arctic Regional Educ. Attendance Area v. Alaska Pub. Serv. Employees, 591 P.2d 1292 (Alaska 1979).

Collateral references. —

Who is “teacher” for purposes of tenure statutes. 94 ALR3d 141.

Article 3. Salary Scales.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, §§ 170-175.

78 C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 315 et seq.

Services included in computing period of service for purpose of. 2 ALR2d 1033.

Sec. 14.20.220. School experience for salary scales.

  1. [Repealed, § 52 ch 6 SLA 1984.]
  2. [Repealed, § 52 ch 6 SLA 1984.]
  3. [Repealed, § 52 ch 6 SLA 1984.]
  4. [Repealed, § 35 ch 46 SLA 1970.]
  5. For teachers holding bachelors’ degrees, not more than six years of school experience outside the state may be substituted for a like period of school experience in the state when a teacher’s position on the salary scale is established, and, for teachers holding masters’ degrees, not more than eight years of school experience outside the state may be substituted for a like period of school experience in the state when a teacher’s position on the salary scale is established.
  6. [Repealed, § 23 ch 37 SLA 1986.]
  7. In this section, “school experience” means a full-time elementary or secondary teacher in a public or nonpublic school as defined in AS 14.25.220 .

History. (§ 37-6-1 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 69 SLA 1949; am § 1 ch 104 SLA 1951; am § 1 ch 104 SLA 1953; am § 1 ch 176 SLA 1955; am § 1 ch 179 SLA 1957; am § 1 ch 51 SLA 1961; am § 1 ch 54 SLA 1963; am § 1 ch 160 SLA 1966; am §§ 1 — 3 ch 208 SLA 1968; am §§ 1, 2 ch 209 SLA 1968; am §§ 16, 35 ch 46 SLA 1970; am § 1 ch 229 SLA 1970; am § 52 ch 6 SLA 1984; am § 23 ch 37 SLA 1986)

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

Griffin v. Galena City Sch. Dist., 640 P.2d 829 (Alaska 1982).

Sec. 14.20.230. Administrators’ salaries. [Repealed, § 52 ch 6 SLA 1984.]

Secs. 14.20.240 — 14.20.270. Salaries; reimbursement by state to school districts; limitation on higher salaries not prohibited; determination of number of teachers, superintendents, principals and vice principals for which district entitled to reimbursement. [Repealed, § 6 ch 229 SLA 1970.]

Sec. 14.20.275. Definitions. [Repealed, § 52 ch 6 SLA 1984.]

Article 4. Sabbatical Leave.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 177.

78 C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 329.

Sec. 14.20.280. Basis of leave.

A teacher who has rendered active service for seven or more years in a district is eligible for sabbatical leave. Sabbatical leave may be taken for educational purposes only, and for not more than one school year.

History. (§ 1 ch 134 SLA 1962; am § 1 ch 62 SLA 1964; am § 2 ch 104 SLA 1965; am § 27 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 168 SLA 1968)

Sec. 14.20.290. Application.

A teacher who wishes to take sabbatical leave shall apply to the governing body of the school district. The teacher shall submit information showing qualifications for sabbatical leave and a plan for education during the leave.

History. (§ 2 ch 134 SLA 1962; am § 28 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.20.300. Selection of teachers.

  1. The governing body of the school district has the responsibility for selection of the teachers to be granted sabbatical leave.
  2. In selecting teachers for sabbatical leave, the governing body shall consider the benefit that the school district will derive from the proposed plan of the teacher for educational purposes, the field of study of the teacher, the contributions of the teacher to education in the state, and the seniority of the teacher.

History. (§ 3 ch 134 SLA 1962; am § 29 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.20.310. Number of teachers on sabbatical leave; compensation.

  1. The number of teachers eligible for sabbatical leave that may be allowed under AS 14.20.280 14.20.350 is as follows:
    1. not more than one-half of one percent of the total number of teachers from all borough and city school districts and regional educational attendance areas may be on state-supported sabbatical leave in any year;
    2. any number of teachers may be on sabbatical leave at school district or personal expense.
  2. A teacher on state-supported sabbatical leave is entitled to one-half of base salary to be paid by the department.
  3. A teacher on sabbatical leave at district expense is entitled to an amount of salary to be determined by the school board.

History. (§ 4 ch 134 SLA 1962; am § 3 ch 104 SLA 1965; am § 30 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 168 SLA 1968; am § 53 ch 6 SLA 1984; am § 7 ch 9 SLA 2013)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective May 10, 2013, in (a)(1), substituted “regional educational attendance areas” for “regional education attendance areas”.

Sec. 14.20.320. Responsibility of teacher.

Upon the return of a teacher to the teaching position, the teacher shall make a report to the governing body concerning educational accomplishments. A teacher who does not serve for at least a full year after returning shall refund to the school board money paid to the teacher under AS 14.20.310 unless the failure to serve a full year after return is attributable to sickness, injury, or death.

History. (§ 5 ch 134 SLA 1962; am § 4 ch 104 SLA 1965; am § 31 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 20 ch 46 SLA 1970; am § 54 ch 6 SLA 1984)

Sec. 14.20.330. Position, tenure, and retirement.

  1. Unless it is otherwise agreed, a teacher returning from sabbatical leave shall return to the position occupied by that teacher when the sabbatical leave began.
  2. A sabbatical leave is not an interruption of the continuous service necessary to attain or retain tenure under AS 14.20.150 , 14.20.155 , or 14.20.160 . However, the time spent on sabbatical leave may not be counted in determining when a teacher has sufficient service to enable the teacher to acquire tenure rights.
  3. A sabbatical leave is not a break in service for retirement purposes.  Payment into the retirement fund shall be made on the basis of full salary.

History. (§ 6 ch 134 SLA 1962; am § 32 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.20.340. Military service and previous leaves of absence.

To determine eligibility for sabbatical leave, tours of military service and leaves of absence granted before July 1, 1963, are not considered years of active service.

History. (§ 7 ch 134 SLA 1962; am § 2 ch 62 SLA 1964)

Sec. 14.20.345. Leave of absence without pay.

  1. A teacher may be granted a leave of absence without pay for the purposes which may be approved by the governing body of the district if
    1. the teacher’s application is approved by the governing body of the district; and
    2. the teacher agrees to return to employment in a public school not later than the beginning of the school year following termination of the period for which the leave of absence was granted.
  2. A leave of absence is not an interruption of the continuous service necessary to attain or retain retirement or tenure rights under AS 14.20.150 , 14.20.155 , or 14.20.160 . However, the time spent on leave of absence may not be counted in determining when a teacher has sufficient service to enable the teacher to acquire retirement or tenure rights.
  3. The leave of absence is not a break in service for retirement purposes.
  4. The governing body of the district may agree to continue the teacher’s retirement contributions if the teacher agrees to pay the percent required under AS 14.25.050 of the salary the teacher would have received during the leave of absence and reimburse the district for the district’s required retirement contribution. Each year of leave of absence then would count as a year of retirement service.
  5. The governing body of the district may advance the teacher on the district salary schedule when the teacher returns to employment if the governing body determines that the teacher’s leave of absence was educationally or professionally beneficial to the teacher or the district.
  6. A teacher may make contributions to the retirement fund for each year or portion of a year of leave of absence taken.  The contribution shall include the required percent of the salary the teacher would have received had the leave of absence not been taken, plus the required employer and state contributions that would have been made.  Compound interest at the rate prescribed by regulation shall be added as computed from the beginning date of the leave of absence to the date the teacher pays the contribution.

History. (§ 5 ch 104 SLA 1965; am §§ 33, 34 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 44 SLA 1971; am § 1 ch 184 SLA 1972; am § 2 ch 99 SLA 1974; am § 1 ch 6 SLA 1993)

Administrative Code. —

For service under the defined benefits plan (AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 4.

Sec. 14.20.350. Definition.

In AS 14.20.280 14.20.350 , “teacher” means a certificated member of the teaching, supervisory, or administrative corps in the public schools of the state.

History. (§ 8 ch 134 SLA 1962)

Article 5. Professional Teaching Practices Act.

Administrative Code. —

For professional teaching practices commission, see 20 AAC 10.

Sec. 14.20.370. Teaching profession.

Teachers required by state law to be certificated, instructors in institutions of higher learning, school administrators, school program administrators, and school counselors are within the teaching profession.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Administrative Code. —

For professional standards, see 20 AAC 10, art. 1.

Opinions of attorney general. —

Unless the duties of an employee of the department of education can be characterized as falling within one of the five categories of this section, that employee cannot be said to fall within the teaching profession for purposes of the Professional Teaching Practices Act. July 15, 1977 Op. Att’y Gen.

The only employees of the department of education who might fit into one of the categories of this section are those who are employed by the department at the Alaska Skill Center or in its centralized correspondence study program. July 15, 1977 Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 14.20.380. Creation of a commission.

There is a commission of professional educators known as the Professional Teaching Practices Commission.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.20.390. Appointment and qualifications.

The commission consists of nine members appointed by the governor and confirmed by a majority of the members of the legislature in joint session. Each member, in addition to having been actively engaged in the teaching profession for at least five years immediately preceding appointment, shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the state.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.20.400. Composition of the commission.

The commission consists of the following members:

  1. five classroom teachers;
  2. one principal;
  3. one superintendent;
  4. one representative of the office of the commissioner;
  5. one representative of an Alaska institution of higher learning.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.20.410. Selection of members.

  1. Members of the commission shall be selected as follows:
    1. the five classroom teachers from lists of names submitted by recognized Alaska teachers’ organizations, each list not to exceed 12 names; however, in lieu of one of the five, one classroom teacher may be selected from a list of not more than four names signed and submitted by not less than 25 teachers who have no affiliation with any organization qualified to submit nomination lists, with the limitation that no teacher may sign more than one list in any year;
    2. the principal from a list of three names submitted by the Alaska Principals Association;
    3. the superintendent from a list of three names submitted by the Superintendents Advisory Commission;
    4. the representative of the office of the commissioner from a list of three names submitted by the commissioner;
    5. the representative of an Alaska institution of higher learning from lists of names submitted by Alaska institutions of higher learning, each list not to exceed three names.
  2. The lists shall be submitted to the commissioner who shall submit them as a group to the governor’s office.
  3. At least 30 days before a position on the commission is due to become vacant, the chairman shall cause notice of the impending vacancy to be published and to be conveyed to each organized group eligible to submit a list of nominees.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.20.420. Term of office.

  1. The term of office for each member of the commission is three years and, except as provided in AS 39.05.080 (4), each member serves until a successor is appointed.
  2. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the governor and, except as provided in AS 39.05.080 (4), an appointment to fill a vacancy is for the unexpired term.
  3. An individual may not serve more than a total of two 3-year terms.
  4. The commission shall select a chairman from among its members.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 23 ch 14 SLA 1987; am §§ 5, 6 ch 80 SLA 1996)

Sec. 14.20.430. Dismissal.

Any member may be removed by the governor for misconduct, malfeasance or nonfeasance in office, or incapacity.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.20.440. Reimbursement.

Members of the commission shall receive per diem according to law and are to be granted administrative leave with full pay by their employer for time spent in the performance of official duties under AS 14.20.370 14.20.510 . If a member is required to spend more than 15 days in a fiscal year in the performance of official duties under AS 14.20.370 14.20.510 , the state shall reimburse the employer for costs incurred after the 15th day.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 4 SLA 1975)

Sec. 14.20.450. Responsibilities of commission.

The commission shall have the initial responsibility of developing, through the teaching profession, criteria of professional practices in areas including

  1. ethical and professional performance;
  2. preparation for and continuance in professional services; and
  3. contractual obligations.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 15 ch 3 SLA 2017)

Administrative Code. —

For professional standards, see 20 AAC 10, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2017 amendment, effective July 1, 2017, deleted “, but not limited to:” at the end of the introductory language.

Sec. 14.20.460. Duties of commission.

The commission shall

  1. establish procedures, and adopt regulations to implement the purposes of AS 14.20.370 14.20.510 ;
  2. conduct investigations and hearings on alleged violations of ethical or professional teaching performance, contractual obligations, and professional teaching misconduct;
  3. review the regulations of the department as they relate to teacher certification and recommend necessary changes;
  4. review the decisions of the department regarding the issuance or denial of certificates and in its discretion recommend reversal of decisions.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Administrative Code. —

For professional standards, see 20 AAC 10, art. 1.

For complaints and investigations, see 20 AAC 10, art. 3.

Sec. 14.20.470. Powers of commission.

  1. The commission may
    1. study proposals developed by regular committees of any existing professional organization whose members are within the teaching profession;
    2. subpoena witnesses, place them under oath, and maintain written records;
    3. warn or reprimand members of the teaching profession, if in the judgment of the commission such action is warranted;
    4. suspend or revoke the certificate of a member of the teaching profession for one of the reasons set out in AS 14.20.030 except that in the case of an administrator, the commissioner must concur;
    5. make any recommendation to the board or to school boards that will promote an improvement in the teaching profession;
    6. request assistance through any of the investigative processes of any existing professional teaching organizations when analyzing charges of breach of ethical or professional teaching practices;
    7. appoint an executive secretary, delegate those ministerial functions to the executive secretary as the commission may decide and set the executive secretary’s compensation with a starting salary not exceeding range 26, step B of the pay plan for state employees in AS 39.27.011(a) .
  2. A decision issued by the commission with the approval of the commissioner under (a)(4) of this section is final.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 77 SLA 1972; am §§ 3, 4 ch 9 SLA 1975; am § 2 ch 103 SLA 1976; am § 13 ch 94 SLA 1980)

Administrative Code. —

For professional standards, see 20 AAC 10, art. 1.

For complaints and investigations, see 20 AAC 10, art. 3.

Collateral references. —

Bias of members of license revocation board. 97 ALR2d 1210.

Sec. 14.20.475. Applicability of the Administrative Procedure Act.

AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) applies to regulations and proceedings under AS 14.20.370 14.20.510 .

History. (§ 5 ch 9 SLA 1975)

Sec. 14.20.480. Effect of standards.

Members of the teaching profession are obligated to abide by the professional teaching standards adopted by the commission.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Administrative Code. —

For professional standards, see 20 AAC 10, art. 1.

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

Renfroe v. Green, 626 P.2d 1068 (Alaska 1980).

Sec. 14.20.500. Support.

In addition to available state funds, the commission shall also be financed by members of the profession in accordance with regulations adopted by the department including, if necessary, an increase in the fees for certificates.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 73 SLA 1973)

Sec. 14.20.510. Short title.

AS 14.20.370 14.20.510 shall be known as the Professional Teaching Practices Act.

History. (§ 35 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Secs. 14.20.550 — 14.20.610. Negotiation and mediation. [Repealed, § 10 ch 1 SLA 1992. For current provisions on teacher negotiations, see AS 23.40.]

Article 6. Interstate Agreement on Qualification of Educational Personnel.

Sec. 14.20.620. Entry into agreement.

The interstate Agreement on Qualification of Educational Personnel is enacted into law and entered into in behalf of the State of Alaska with all other states and jurisdictions legally joining in it in a form substantially as contained in AS 14.20.630 .

History. (§ 1 ch 83 SLA 1970)

Sec. 14.20.630. Terms and provisions of agreement.

The terms and provisions of the agreement referred to in AS 14.20.620 are as follows:

History. (§ 1 ch 83 SLA 1970)

INTERSTATE AGREEMENT ON QUALIFICATION OF EDUCATIONAL PERSONNEL.

Article I. Purpose, Findings, and Policy.

  1. The states party to this agreement, desiring by common action to improve their respective school systems by utilizing the teacher or other professional educational person wherever educated, declare that it is the policy of each of them, on the basis of cooperation with one another, to take advantage of the preparation and experience of such persons wherever gained, thereby serving the best interests of society, of education, and of the teaching profession. It is the purpose of this agreement to provide for the development and execution of such programs of cooperation as will facilitate the movement of teachers and other professional educational personnel among the states party to it, and to authorize specific interstate educational personnel contracts to achieve that end.
  2. The party states find that included in the large movement of population among all sections of the nation are many qualified educational personnel who move for family and other personal reasons but who are hindered in using their professional skill and experience in their new locations. Variations from state to state in requirements for qualifying educational personnel discourage such personnel from taking the steps necessary to qualify in other states. As a consequence, a significant number of professionally prepared and experienced educators is lost to our school systems. Facilitating the employment of qualified educational personnel, without reference to their states of origin, can increase the available educational resources.  Participation in this compact can increase the availability of educational manpower.

Article II. Definitions.

As used in this agreement and contracts made pursuant to it, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

  1. “Educational personnel” means persons who must meet requirements pursuant to state law as a condition of employment in educational programs.
  2. “Designated state official” means the education official of a state selected by that state to negotiate and enter into, on behalf of the state, contracts pursuant to this agreement.
  3. “Accept,” or any variant thereof, means to recognize and give effect to one or more determinations of another state relating to the qualifications of educational personnel in lieu of making or requiring a like determination that would otherwise be required by or pursuant to the laws of a receiving state.
  4. “State” means a state, territory, or possession of the United States; the District of Columbia; or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
  5. “Originating state” means a state (and the subdivisions thereof, if any) whose determination that certain educational personnel are qualified to be employed for specific duties in schools is acceptable in accordance with the terms of a contract made pursuant to Article III.
  6. “Receiving state” means a state (and the subdivisions thereof) which accept educational personnel in accordance with the terms of a contract made pursuant to Article III.

Article III. Interstate Educational Personnel Contracts.

  1. The designated state official of a party state may make one or more contracts on behalf of that state with one or more other party states providing for the acceptance of educational personnel. Any such contract for the period of its duration shall be applicable to and binding on the states whose designated state officials enter into it, and the subdivisions of those states, with the same force and effect as if incorporated in this agreement. A designated state official may enter into a contract pursuant to this article only with states in which the state official finds that there are programs of education, certification standards or other acceptable qualifications that assure preparation or qualification of educational personnel on a basis sufficiently comparable, even though not identical to that prevailing in the official’s state.
  2. Any such contract shall provide for:
  1. Its duration.
  2. The criteria to be applied by an originating state in qualifying educational personnel for acceptance by a receiving state.
  3. Such waivers, substitutions, and conditional acceptances as shall aid the practical effectuation of the contract without sacrifice of basic educational standards.
  4. Any other necessary matters.

(3) No contract made pursuant to this agreement shall be for a term longer than five years but any such contract may be renewed for like or lesser periods.

(4) Any contract dealing with acceptance of educational personnel on the basis of their having completed an educational program shall specify the earliest date or dates on which originating state approval of the program or programs involved can have occurred. No contract made pursuant to this agreement shall require acceptance by a receiving state of any persons qualified because of successful completion of a program prior to January 1, 1954.

(5) The certification or other acceptance of a person who has been accepted pursuant to the terms of a contract shall not be revoked or otherwise impaired because the contract has expired or been terminated. However, any certificate or other qualifying document may be revoked or suspended on any ground which would be sufficient for revocation or suspension of a certificate or other qualifying document initially granted or approved in the receiving state.

(6) A contract committee composed of the designated state officials of the contracting states or their representatives shall keep the contract under continuous review, study means of improving its administration, and report no less frequently than once a year to the heads of the appropriate education agencies of the contracting states.

Article IV. Approved and Accepted Programs.

  1. Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to repeal or otherwise modify any law or regulation of a party state relating to the approval of programs of educational preparation having effect solely on the qualification of educational personnel within that state.
  2. To the extent that contracts made pursuant to this agreement deal with the educational requirements for the proper qualification of educational personnel, acceptance of a program of educational preparation shall be in accordance with such procedures and requirements as may be provided in the applicable contract.

Article V. Interstate Cooperation.

The party states agree that:

  1. They will, so far as practicable, prefer the making of multilateral contracts pursuant to Article III of this agreement.
  2. They will facilitate and strengthen cooperation in interstate certification and other elements of educational personnel qualification and for this purpose shall cooperate with agencies, organizations, and associations interested in certification and other elements of educational personnel qualification.

Article VI. Agreement Evaluation.

The designated state officials of any party states may meet from time to time as a group to evaluate progress under the agreement, and to formulate recommendations for changes.

Article VII. Other Arrangements.

Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to prevent or inhibit other arrangements or practices of any party state or states to facilitate the interchange of educational personnel.

Article VIII. Effect and Withdrawal.

  1. This agreement shall become effective when enacted into law by two states. Thereafter it shall become effective as to any state upon its enactment of this agreement.
  2. Any party state may withdraw from this agreement by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the governors of all other party states.
  3. No withdrawal shall relieve the withdrawing state of any obligation imposed upon it by a contract to which it is a party. The duration of contracts and the methods and conditions of withdrawal therefrom shall be those specified in their terms.

Article IX. Construction and Severability.

This agreement shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this agreement shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this agreement is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any state or of the United States, or the application thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstances is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this agreement and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this agreement shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the agreement shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.

Sec. 14.20.640. Designated state official to make contracts.

The designated state official to make contracts on behalf of the state under Article III of the agreement shall be the commissioner.

History. (§ 1 ch 83 SLA 1970)

Sec. 14.20.650. Filing and publishing of contracts.

True copies of all contracts made on behalf of this state under the agreement shall be kept on file in the office of the commissioner and in the office of the lieutenant governor. The department shall publish all the contracts in convenient form.

History. (§ 1 ch 83 SLA 1970)

Article 7. Required Training.

Sec. 14.20.680. Required alcohol and drug related disabilities training.

  1. A school district or regional educational attendance area shall train each teacher, administrator, counselor, and specialist on the needs of individual students who have alcohol or drug related disabilities.  The training must utilize the best available educational technology and include an overview of medical and psychological characteristics associated with alcohol or drug related disabilities, family issues, and the specific educational needs of students with alcohol or drug related disabilities.
  2. A school district or regional educational attendance area shall provide the training required under (a) of this section on a schedule adopted by the governing body of a school district or regional educational attendance area.

History. (§ 1 ch 152 SLA 1990; am § 12 ch 2 SSSLA 2015)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective October 7, 2015, rewrote (b), which read, “A newly hired teacher, administrator, counselor, or specialist who has not previously received the training required under (a) of this section shall receive the required training within 45 days after the first day the teacher, administrator, counselor, or specialist begins to work.”

Chapter 25. Teachers’ Retirement.

Administrative Code. —

For teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36.

For major medical insurance, see 2 AAC 39, art. 3.

For appeals from denials of medical claims under the medical coverage provided by the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 39, art. 5.

Editor’s notes. —

In general, a person’s right to benefits under the state’s public employee retirement systems vests when the person joins the system. Hammond v. Hoffbeck, 627 P.2d 1052 (Alaska 1981). Therefore, former law may govern the benefits of some members of the teachers’ retirement system. The user is advised to ascertain which version of a particular statute is applicable. Earlier versions of the statutes can be found in prior editions of the Alaska Statutes or in the published Session Laws of Alaska.

Legislative history reports. —

For governor’s transmittal letter for ch. 92, SLA 2004 (SB 232), making a series of amendments to this chapter to ensure compliance with federal Internal Revenue Service changes that maintain the retirement system as a qualified plan, see 2003 Senate Journal 1722 - 1723.

Opinions of attorney general. —

There is a strong probability that the Alaska courts would find a diversion of retirement funds for other purposes to be violative of the Alaska constitution and would in addition find the governor bound by statute to include employer contributions in his budget. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that any budget submitted by the governor contain the prescribed funds. December 2, 1992 Op. Att’y Gen.

Collateral references. —

60A Am. Jur. 2d Pensions and Retirement Funds, §§ 13-32.

78 C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 338 et seq.

Article 1. Administration of the Teachers’ Retirement System.

Sec. 14.25.001. Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to encourage qualified teachers to enter and remain in service with participating employers by establishing plans for the payment of retirement, disability, and death benefits to or on behalf of the members.

History. (§ 1 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.002. Attorney general.

The attorney general of the state is the legal counsel for the system and shall advise the administrator and represent the system in a legal proceeding.

History. (§ 1 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.003. Administrator.

  1. The commissioner of administration or the commissioner’s designee is the administrator of the system.
  2. The commissioner of administration shall adopt regulations to govern the operation of the system.

History. (§ 1 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

For service under the defined benefits plan (AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 4.

For employment-related benefits for same-sex partners of state employees and retirees under the state’s retirement systems, see 2 AAC 38.

Sec. 14.25.004. Powers and duties of the administrator.

  1. The administrator shall
    1. establish and maintain an adequate system of accounts;
    2. transmit the funds deposited in the system to the retirement fund established and maintained by the Alaska Retirement Management Board;
    3. approve or disapprove claims for retirement benefits;
    4. make payments for the various purposes specified;
    5. submit periodic reports or statements of account that are needed;
    6. issue a statement of account to an employee not less than once each year showing the amount of the employee’s contributions to the applicable plan in the system;
    7. formulate and recommend to the commissioner of administration regulations to govern the operation of the system;
    8. as soon as possible after the close of each fiscal year, and not later than six months after the close of each fiscal year, send to the governor and the legislature an annual statement on the operations of each of the plans in the system containing
      1. a balance sheet;
      2. a statement of income and expenditures for the previous fiscal year;
      3. a report on valuation of trust fund assets;
      4. a summary of assets held in the trust fund listed by the categories of investment, as provided by the Alaska Retirement Management Board;
      5. other statistical financial data that are necessary for proper understanding of the financial condition of the system as a whole and each plan in the system and the result of its operations;
    9. engage an independent certified public accountant to conduct an annual audit of each plan’s accounts and the annual report of the system’s financial condition and activity;
    10. report to the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee concerning the condition and administration of each plan and distribute the report to the members of each plan in the system;
    11. publish an information handbook for each plan in the system at intervals that the administrator considers appropriate;
    12. meet at least annually with the board to review the condition and management of the retirement systems and to review significant changes to policies, regulations, or benefits; and
    13. do whatever else may be necessary to carry out the purposes of each plan in the system.
  2. The administrator is authorized to charge fees necessary to members’ accounts to cover the ongoing cost of operating each plan in the system.
  3. The administrator is authorized to contract with public and private entities to provide record keeping, benefits payments, and other functions necessary for the administration of each plan in the system.

History. (§ 1 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.005. Regulations.

  1. Regulations adopted by the commissioner of administration under this chapter relate to the internal management of a state agency, and the adoption of the regulations is not subject to AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act).
  2. Notwithstanding (a) of this section, a regulation adopted under this chapter shall be published in the Alaska Administrative Register and Code for informational purposes.
  3. Each regulation adopted under this chapter must conform to the style and format requirements of the drafting manual for administrative regulations that is published under AS 44.62.050 .
  4. At least 30 days before the adoption, amendment, or repeal of a regulation under this chapter, the commissioner of administration shall provide notice of the action that is being considered. The notice shall be
    1. posted in public buildings throughout the state;
    2. published in one or more newspapers of general circulation in each judicial district of the state;
    3. mailed to each person or group that has filed a request for notice of proposed action with the commissioner of administration; and
    4. furnished to each member of the legislature and to the Legislative Affairs Agency.
  5. Failure to mail notice to a person as required under (d)(3) of this section does not invalidate an action taken by the commissioner of administration.
  6. The commissioner of administration may hold a hearing on a proposed regulation.
  7. A regulation adopted under this chapter takes effect 30 days after adoption by the commissioner of administration.
  8. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, a regulation may be adopted, amended, or repealed, effective immediately, as an emergency regulation by the commissioner of administration. For an emergency regulation to be effective, the commissioner must find that the adoption, amendment, or repeal of the regulation is necessary for the immediate preservation of the orderly operation of the system. The commissioner shall, within 10 days after adoption of an emergency regulation, give notice of the adoption under (d) of this section.
  9. In this section, “regulation” has the meaning given in AS 44.62.640(a) .

History. (§ 1 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Administrative Code. —

For employment-related benefits for same-sex partners of state employees and retirees under the state’s retirement systems, see 2 AAC 38.

Sec. 14.25.006. Appeals.

An employer, member, annuitant, or beneficiary may appeal a decision made by the administrator to the office of administrative hearings established under AS 44.64. An aggrieved party may appeal a final decision to the superior court.

History. (§ 1 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.007. Investment management of retirement system funds.

The Alaska Retirement Management Board established under AS 37.10.210 is the fiduciary of the system funds.

History. (§ 1 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.008. Definitions.

In AS 14.25.001 14.25.008 ,

  1. “plan” means a retirement plan established in AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 or the retirement plan established in AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 ;
  2. “system” means all retirement plans established under the teachers’ retirement system.

History. (§§ 1, 2 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Article 2. Teachers’ Defined Benefit Retirement Plan.

Editor’s notes. —

Section 4, ch. 52, SLA 2014 requires the Alaska Retirement Management Board to “reinitialize the amortization of the past service liability” of the defined benefit retirement plan under this article “for a term beginning July 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2039”.

Legislative history reports. —

For governor’s transmittal letter for ch. 20, SLA 2007 (SB 123), proposing needed corrections and clarifications of statutes enacted as part of the 2005 legislation establishing defined contributions retirement plans and making related amendments to defined benefit retirement plans, see 2007 Senate Journal 567 — 570.

Sec. 14.25.009. Applicability of AS 14.25.009 — 14.25.220.

The provisions of AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 apply only to members first hired before July 1, 2006.

History. (§ 3 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.010. Retirement plan established; federal qualification requirements.

  1. A joint-contributory retirement plan for teachers of the state is created.
  2. The retirement plan established by AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 is intended to qualify under 26 U.S.C. 401(a) and 414(d) (Internal Revenue Code) as a qualified retirement plan established and maintained by the state for its employees, for the employees of school districts and regional educational attendance areas in the state, and for the employees of other employers whose participation is authorized by AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 and who participate in this plan.
  3. An amendment to AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 does not provide a person with a vested right to a benefit if the Internal Revenue Service determines that the amendment will result in disqualification of the plan under the Internal Revenue Code.

History. (§ 1 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 1 ch 89 SLA 1960; am § 1 ch 59 SLA 2002; am § 2 ch 92 SLA 2004; am § 4 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Notes to Decisions

Applicability of benefits to same-sex couples. —

Employee benefits programs, which included the benefits for retired teachers described in this article, were held violative of the rights of same-sex couples under Alaska Const. art. XII, § 6, where programs covered married public employees but not domestic partners. Alaska Civ. Liberties Union v. State, 122 P.3d 781 (Alaska 2005).

Cited in

Duncan v. Retired Pub. Emples. of Alaska, Inc., 71 P.3d 882 (Alaska 2003).

Sec. 14.25.012. Purpose and effective date.

  1. [Repealed, § 132 ch 9 FSSLA 2005.]
  2. The plan created in AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 became effective as of July 1, 1955, at which time contributions by the participating employers and members began.
  3. Employees first hired after June 30, 2006, are not eligible to participate in the plan established in AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 .

History. (§ 1 ch 13 SLA 1980; am §§ 5, 6, 132 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

Pub. Emples. Ret. Sys. v. Gallant, 153 P.3d 346 (Alaska 2007).

Secs. 14.25.015 — 14.25.037. Administrator; Powers of the administrator; Regulations; Duties of the administrator; Teachers’ Retirement Board; Hearings. [Repealed, § 132 ch 9 FSSLA 2005.]

Sec. 14.25.040. Membership; credited service.

  1. Unless a teacher or member participates in a university retirement program under AS 14.40.661 14.40.799 or has elected under AS 14.25.540 to participate in the plan established in AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 , a teacher or member contracting for service with a participating employer is subject to AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 .
  2. A state legislator who was an active member of this plan under other sections of AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 within the 12 months immediately preceding election to office may elect to be an active member of this plan for as long as the state legislator serves continuously as a state legislator subject to the requirements of (c) of this section, if, within 90 days after taking the oath of office,
    1. the state legislator directs the employer in writing to
      1. pay into this plan the employer contributions required for a member under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ; and
      2. deduct from the state legislator’s salary and pay into this plan
        1. the employee contributions required for a member under AS 14.25.009 — 14.25.220; and
        2. an amount equal to the difference between the total employer and state contributions required for a member under AS 14.25.009 — 14.25.220 and the employer contributions which would be required under the public employees’ retirement system (AS 39.35) if the legislator were covered under that system; and
    2. notice is given the administrator in writing.
  3. A state legislator is not entitled to elect membership under (b) of this section if the state legislator is covered for the same period of service under the public employees’ retirement system (AS 39.35). An election of membership under (b) of this section is retroactive to the date the state legislator took the oath of office. A state legislator may not receive membership credit under (b) of this section for legislative service performed before the legislative session during which the state legislator elected membership under (b) of this section. In order to continue in membership service under (b) of this section, the state legislator must earn at least 0.3 years of membership service under other sections of AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 during each five-year period. A state legislator may not receive membership credit under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 for legislative service on or after the date the legislator commits a criminal offense from which a pension forfeiture under AS 37.10.310 results.
  4. A person who is employed at least half-time in the plan during the same period that the person is employed at least half-time in a position in the public employees’ retirement plan under AS 39.35.095 39.35.680 shall receive credited service under each plan for half-time employment. However, the amount of credited service a person receives under the public employees’ retirement plan during a school year may not exceed the amount necessary, when added to the amount of credited service earned during the school year under the plan, to equal one year of credited service. A person who was employed at least half-time in a position in the public employees’ retirement plan under AS 39.35.095 39.35.680 in the same period that the person was employed at least half-time in a position in this plan may claim credited service in both plans for employment before May 31, 1989. To obtain this credited service, the person shall claim the service and verify the period of half-time employment. When eligibility for half-time service credit has been established, an indebtedness shall be determined to the retirement plan in which the person did not participate. The amount of the indebtedness is the full actuarial cost of providing benefits for the credited service claimed. Interest as prescribed by regulation accrues on that indebtedness beginning on the later of July 1, 1989, or the date on which the member is first eligible to claim the service. Any outstanding indebtedness existing at the time the person retires will require an actuarial adjustment to the benefits payable based on that service.
  5. A teacher who is assaulted while on the job, who files for benefits under AS 23.30, and who, as a result of a physical injury from the assault, is placed on leave without pay, whether or not the teacher is receiving benefits under AS 23.30 for the injury, is entitled to accrue credited service while the teacher, because of the injury, is on leave-without-pay status or is receiving workers’ compensation benefits under AS 23.30. Entitlement to earn credited service under this subsection ends when the teacher is eligible to receive benefits under AS 14.25.110(a) or 14.25.130(a) .

History. (§ 5 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 1 ch 86 SLA 1963; am § 1 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 85 SLA 1971; am § 1 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 1 ch 169 SLA 1976; am § 1 ch 82 SLA 1979; am § 1 ch 58 SLA 1989; am § 1 ch 104 SLA 1989; am § 1 ch 52 SLA 2000; am §§ 2, 3 ch 57 SLA 2001; am § 4 ch 58 SLA 2001; am §§ 7 — 9 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am § 3 ch 47 SLA 2007)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, in this section “AS 14.25.009 - 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” and “plan” was substituted for “system”.

Sec. 14.25.043. Reemployment of retired members.

  1. Except as provided in (f) of this section, if a retired member again becomes an active member, benefit payments may not be made during the period of reemployment. During the period of reemployment, deductions from the member’s salary will be made in accordance with AS 14.25.050 .
  2. [Repealed, § 12 ch 57 SLA 2001 as amended by § 6 ch 15 SLA 2003 and § 10 ch 50 SLA 2005.]
  3. Except as provided in (f) of this section, upon subsequent retirement, the retired member is entitled to receive an additional benefit based on the credited service and the average base salary during the period of reemployment in accordance with AS 14.25.110 . If the initial benefit payments to which the retired member is eligible have been actuarially reduced because the member retired early under AS 14.25.110(b) , the member shall also receive an incremental benefit based on the amount of the actuarial reduction imposed by AS 14.25.110(j) on the first benefit and the length of time that the employee was reemployed and not receiving retirement benefits. The amount of the incremental benefit is equal to the difference between the normal retirement benefit to which the member would have been entitled had the member taken a normal retirement and the early retirement benefit that the member has been receiving based on the member’s initial period of employment multiplied by the total number of months that the member did not receive retirement benefits because of reemployment and that amount actuarially adjusted to be paid over the expected lifetime of the member.
  4. A member who retired under AS 14.25.110(a) and participated in a retirement incentive program under ch. 26, SLA 1986; ch. 89, SLA 1989; ch. 65, SLA 1996; ch. 4, FSSLA 1996; or ch. 92, SLA 1997, who is subsequently reemployed as a commissioner may become an active member without losing the incentive credit provided under the applicable retirement incentive plan and is not subject to any related reemployment indebtedness.
  5. [Repealed, § 6 ch 15 SLA 2003 as amended by § 10 ch 50 SLA 2005.]
  6. If a member who retired under AS 14.25.110(a) is reemployed by a school district under AS 14.20.136 ,
    1. the member does not become an active member;
    2. the member shall continue to receive retirement benefits from the plan as though the member were not reemployed by the school district;
    3. deductions from the member’s salary may not be made under AS 14.25.050 ; and
    4. the member may not receive credited service in the plan during the period of reemployment.
  7. Notwithstanding (f) of this section, a member who is retired under AS 14.25.110(a) and reemployed by a school district under AS 14.20.136 is eligible to receive the group health plan coverage provided to active members employed by that school district.

History. (§ 4 ch 13 SLA 1980; am § 6 ch 68 SLA 2000; am §§ 4, 5, 12 ch 57 SLA 2001; am § 6 ch 58 SLA 2001; am §§ 2, 3, 6 ch 15 SLA 2003; am §§ 3 — 5, 10 ch 50 SLA 2005; am §§ 2 — 4 ch 81 SLA 2018)

Cross references. —

For provision applicable to a retired teacher who was rehired and made an election under AS 14.25.043(b) or (e) before November 3, 2004, see § 14(a) and (c), ch. 50, SLA 2005, in the 2005 Temporary and Special Acts. For provision applicable to a retired teacher who was rehired and made an election under AS 14.25.043(b) or (e) on or after November 3, 2004, see § 14(b) and (c), ch. 50, SLA 2005, in the Temporary and Special Acts.

For provision providing that the 2018 changes to this section apply “to contracts made on or after November 8, 2018”, see sec. 6, ch. 81, SLA 2018, in the 2018 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2001 amendment by §§ 5, 12, and 15, ch. 57, SLA 2001, as amended by § 6, ch. 15, SLA 2003, §§ 10 and 17, ch. 50, SLA 2005, and §§ 3, 19, and 21, ch. 50, SLA 2005, effective July 1, 2009, in (a), deleted the end of the first sentence, which read, “unless the teacher makes an election under (b) or (e) of this section”, and in the third sentence, following “During the period of reemployment,” deleted “the member is subject to AS 14.25.050 , and”; and repealed subsections (b) and (e). Sections 7, 9, and 13, ch. 58, SLA 2001, which also repealed or amended provisions of this section in the same manner effective July 1, 2005, were repealed by §§ 13 and 18, ch. 50, SLA 2005.

The 2003 amendment, effective July 31, 2003, inserted “or (e)” in the first sentence in subsection (a) and added subsections (d) and (e).

The 2005 amendment, effective July 1, 2005, added the fourth through sixth sentences in subsection (b) and added the third through fifth sentences in subsection (e).

The 2005 amendment, effective July 1, 2009, in subsection (a) deleted “unless the teacher makes an election under (b) or (e) of this section” from the end of the first sentence and “the member is subject to AS 14.25.050 , and” preceding “deductions” in the last sentence.

The 2018 amendment, effective November 8, 2018, in (a), added “Except as provided in (f) of this section,” and made a related change, at the beginning of the first sentence, deleted the former second sentence, which read, “The retirement benefit must be suspended for the entire school year if the teacher is reemployed as an active teacher for a period equivalent to a year of service.”; in (c), added “Except as provided in (f) of this section,” and made a related change; added (f) and (g).

Sec. 14.25.045. Participation by National Education Association employees. [Repealed, § 116(a) ch 20 SLA 2007.]

Sec. 14.25.047. Participation by Special Education Service Agency employees.

An employee of the Special Education Service Agency may participate in the plan under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 if

  1. the employee possesses or is eligible to possess a teacher certificate under AS 14.20.020 ; and
  2. the employee pays all retroactive contributions required to be made under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 .

History. (§ 3 ch 112 SLA 1986)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1992, “system” was substituted for “retirement fund” to correct an error of omission in ch. 106, SLA 1988.

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, in this section “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” and “plan” was substituted for “system”.

Sec. 14.25.048. Teachers of Alaska Native language and culture.

  1. Except as provided in (d) of this section, an employee employed by a participating employer on or after June 5, 1988, shall participate in the plan under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 if the employee
    1. teaches Alaska Native language or culture in a permanent full-time or permanent part-time position;
    2. learned about the subject to be taught by living in the culture or using the language in daily life; and
    3. is qualified to teach the subject to elementary or secondary students as required by regulations adopted by the Department of Education and Early Development.
  2. An employee or former employee may receive credit for retroactive membership service for employment before June 5, 1988 if the employee or former employee met the requirements listed in (a) of this section at the time of the employment. To receive credit for the retroactive membership service, the employee or former employee shall claim the service and pay the retroactive contributions required under AS 14.25.061 . However, an employee or former employee may not receive retroactive credit under this subsection if the employee received credited service under AS 39.35 for the employment.
  3. An employee or former employee who received credit under AS 39.35 for service that qualifies under (a) of this section may elect to transfer those periods of employment to the plan. To receive credit for retroactive membership service under this subsection, the employee or former employee shall claim the service and pay the retroactive contributions required under AS 14.25.061 .
  4. Notwithstanding (a) of this section, an employee employed as a teacher of Alaska Native language and culture and participating in the Public Employees’ Retirement System under AS 39.35 on the day before June 5, 1988 shall remain a member under AS 39.35 unless the employee elects to become a member of the Teachers’ Retirement System on or before September 3, 1988.

History. (§ 4 ch 106 SLA 1988)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, in (a) of this section, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, SLA 2005, and, consistent with AS 14.25.009 , to correct a manifest error, in (a) of this section, “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” and in (a) and (c) of this section “system” was substituted for “plan”.

Sec. 14.25.050. Contributions by members.

  1. Except as provided in (c) of this section, beginning January 1, 1991, each member shall contribute to the plan an amount equal to 8.65 percent of the member’s base salary accrued from July 1 to the following June 30. The employer shall deduct the contribution from the member’s salary at the end of each payroll period, and the contribution shall be credited by the plan to the member contribution account. The contributions shall be deducted from employee compensation before the computation of applicable federal taxes and shall be treated as employer contributions under 26 U.S.C. 414(h)(2). A member may not have the option of making the payroll deduction directly in cash instead of having the contribution picked up by the employer.
  2. Each teacher is entitled to receive credit for unrefunded contributions paid into the retirement fund of 1945.
  3. The employer of a teacher who, because of a physical injury caused by an on-the-job assault, is on unpaid leave of absence or is receiving benefits under AS 23.30 shall pay the teacher’s contributions required by this section while the teacher is on unpaid leave or receiving the workers’ compensation benefits.
  4. A teacher who is placed on leave of absence without pay because the teacher is unable to work due to an on-the-job injury or occupational illness for which the teacher is receiving benefits under AS 23.30 and for which the teacher is not entitled to credited service under AS 14.25.040(e) may elect to receive credited service for the time on leave of absence without pay status. When a teacher elects to receive credited service under this subsection, an indebtedness is established. The amount of the indebtedness is equal to the contributions that the teacher would have made if the teacher had been working. Interest as prescribed by regulation accrues on the indebtedness beginning on the date that the teacher returns to work or terminates employment. If there is an outstanding indebtedness at the time the teacher is appointed to retirement, benefits shall be actuarially adjusted.

History. (§ 6 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 4 ch 89 SLA 1960; am § 3 ch 78 SLA 1962; am § 1 ch 84 SLA 1969; am § 1 ch 138 SLA 1970; am § 1 ch 128 SLA 1977; am § 5 ch 106 SLA 1988; am § 1 ch 97 SLA 1990; am §§ 2, 3 ch 52 SLA 2000; am § 3 ch 59 SLA 2002; am § 3 ch 92 SLA 2004)

Revisor’s notes. —

Section 5, ch. 106, SLA 1988 amended (b) of this section to substitute “retirement system of 1945” for “retirement fund of 1945.” The amendment was erroneous and inconsistent with other references in this chapter to the fund. That amendment is not, therefore, shown in the text of the subsection.

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Opinions of attorney general. —

PERS and TRS contribution rates may be increased for individuals who became members of the systems before the effective date of the rate increases, if the increases are accompanied by comparable enhancements to benefits. April 20, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

Casperson v. Alaska Teachers' Retirement Bd., 664 P.2d 583 (Alaska 1983); Bartley v. State, 110 P.3d 1254 (Alaska 2005).

Sec. 14.25.055. Supplemental contributions by teachers.

If a teacher first joined the plan before July 1, 1982, and is married or has a minor child and wishes to make a spouse or minor child eligible for a spouse’s pension or a survivor’s allowance, the teacher may elect to make a supplemental contribution of an additional one percent of the teacher’s base salary within 90 days of the teacher’s entry into participation in the plan, or within 90 days of marriage, or within 90 days of the birth or adoption of a child dependent upon the teacher. Once an election is made under this section, supplemental contributions must be made whenever contributions are required under AS 14.25.050 unless the teacher executes a written waiver with the administrator. The execution of a waiver relinquishes all rights and benefits previously accrued under AS 14.25.162 and 14.25.164 .

History. (§ 2 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 45 SLA 1967; am § 2 ch 84 SLA 1969; am § 2 ch 138 SLA 1970; am § 2 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 2 ch 128 SLA 1977; am § 5 ch 13 SLA 1980; am § 4 ch 137 SLA 1982)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Sec. 14.25.060. Arrearage indebtedness.

  1. If a member first joined the plan before July 1, 1990, and has military service or Alaska Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) service, or if a member joined the plan before July 1, 1978, and has creditable outside service, the member may claim this service. If the member claims the service, the member is indebted to the plan as follows:
    1. at the time of first becoming a member of the plan, the arrearage indebtedness is seven percent of the base salary multiplied by the total number of years of creditable outside, military, and Alaska BIA service; the administrator shall add compound interest at the rate prescribed by regulation to the arrearage indebtedness beginning July 1, 1963, or at the time the member first becomes eligible to claim the service, whichever is later, to the date of payment or the date of retirement, whichever occurs first;
    2. if a member terminates from the plan and is subsequently reemployed as a member, the arrearage indebtedness to the plan for outside, military, or Alaska BIA service accumulated in the interim is seven percent of the base salary upon reentering membership service, multiplied by the number of years of interim outside, military, and Alaska BIA service; compound interest at the rate prescribed by regulation shall be added to the arrearage indebtedness beginning July 1, 1963, or the date of reemployment as a member, whichever is later, to the date of payment or the date of retirement, whichever occurs first.
  2. If a member joins the plan on or after July 1, 1978, and has creditable outside service, the member may claim this service.  If claimed, the member is indebted to the plan as follows:
    1. The arrearage indebtedness is the full actuarial cost of providing benefits for the service being claimed.  Compound interest at the rate prescribed by regulation shall be added to the arrearage indebtedness beginning the date the actuarial cost is established to the date of payment or the date of retirement, whichever occurs first.
    2. If a member terminates from the plan and is subsequently reemployed as a member, the arrearage indebtedness for outside service during the interim is the full actuarial cost of providing benefits for the interim service being claimed. Compound interest at the rate prescribed by regulation shall be added to the arrearage indebtedness beginning the date the actuarial cost is established to the date of payment or the date of retirement, whichever occurs first.
  3. The total military service claimed may not exceed five years. The combined total of outside and military service may not exceed 10 years, except that, if entry into the armed forces is immediately preceded by membership service and within one year after discharge is continued by membership service, that service may not be counted for purposes of determining the applicability of the 10-year limitation on the combined total of outside and military service.
  4. If a member first joined the plan on or after July 1, 1990, and has military service or Alaska BIA service, the member’s indebtedness shall be determined under (a) of this section except that the percentage multiplier is 8.65 percent.

History. (§ 7 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 3 ch 142 SLA 1957; am § 5 ch 89 SLA 1960; am § 2 ch 86 SLA 1963; am § 11 ch 70 SLA 1964; am §§ 3, 4 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 76 SLA 1968; am §§ 3, 4 ch 138 SLA 1970; am § 3 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 3 ch 128 SLA 1977; am § 14 ch 136 SLA 1978; am §§ 6, 7 ch 13 SLA 1980; am §§ 5, 75 ch 137 SLA 1982; am § 1 ch 82 SLA 1986; am §§ 6, 7 ch 106 SLA 1988; am §§ 2, 3 ch 97 SLA 1990; am § 4 ch 92 SLA 2004)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Cross references. —

For conversion of claimed BIA contract school service to BIA service, see § 2, ch. 44, SLA 1992.

Opinions of attorney general. —

In computing the amount of contributions for arrearages, teaching service in Alaska with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a federal agency, is not “creditable membership service” such as will excuse the payment of arrearages for service prior to June 30, 1955, for participation in the teachers’ retirement plan. 1960 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 11.

Bureau of Indian Affairs teaching service should be treated as “outside service” for the purposes of computing “arrearages” and “creditable service” under provisions of the Teachers’ Retirement Act. 1960 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 11.

Regulations promulgated by the territorial or State Board of Education governing salaries are not germane to calculations of arrearage forgiveness or creditable service under the Teachers’ Retirement System. 1960 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 11.

Notes to Decisions

Calculation of arrearages. —

Plain language of subsection (a) requires the same multiplier to be used in calculating arrearages for all creditable non-Teachers’ Retirement System service. Bartley v. State, 110 P.3d 1254 (Alaska 2005).

Sec. 14.25.061. Retroactive indebtedness.

  1. A member who was not subject to the provisions of AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 , but who becomes subject to them because of a legislative change, may elect to receive credit for retroactive membership service by contributing to the plan an amount equal to the contributions the member would have made had the member been subject to the provisions of AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 for those years of retroactive service after June 30, 1955.  Retroactive contributions are not required for retroactive membership service before July 1, 1955. Compound interest at the rate prescribed by regulation shall be added to the retroactive indebtedness from July 1, 1966, or the time of first becoming eligible under AS 14.25.009 — 14.25.220, whichever is later, to the date of payment or the date of retirement, whichever occurs first.
  2. If retroactive indebtedness contributions have been made for retroactive service before July 1, 1955, the member is entitled to a refund of those retroactive membership indebtedness contributions.
  3. [Repealed, § 133 ch 9 FSSLA 2005.]

History. (§ 4 ch 128 SLA 1977; am §§ 8, 9 ch 13 SLA 1980; am § 8 ch 106 SLA 1988; am § 133 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, in this section “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” and “plan” was substituted for “system”.

Sec. 14.25.062. Reinstatement indebtedness. [Repealed, § 133, ch 9 FSSLA 2005.]

Sec. 14.25.063. Payment of indebtedness.

  1. In AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 , a member does not have to be reemployed under this plan in order to make indebtedness payments.  However, except as provided in (d) of this section, a former member must be reemployed under this plan in order to make indebtedness payments.  Payments apply first to accrued interest and then to principal.
  2. Any outstanding indebtedness that exists at the time a member is appointed to retirement will necessitate an actuarial adjustment to the benefits payable based on the member’s corresponding service.
  3. If, as a result of service credit claimed for which there is a corresponding indebtedness existing at retirement, the member’s retirement benefit is actuarially reduced and the resulting benefit is less than it would have been if the service credit had not been claimed, the retirement benefit shall be equal to the amount it would have been had the service credit never been claimed.
  4. A former member who received a total refund of the member’s contribution account balance because of a levy under AS 09.38.065 or a federal tax levy may make indebtedness payments under this section.

History. (§ 11 ch 13 SLA 1980; am §§ 6, 7 ch 137 SLA 1982; am §§ 1, 2 ch 89 SLA 1988)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, in this section “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” and “plan” was substituted for “system”.

Sec. 14.25.065. Transmittal of contributions; claims against funds of an employer.

  1. All contributions deducted in accordance with AS 14.25.050 and 14.25.055 shall be transmitted to the plan for deposit in the retirement fund no later than 15 days following the close of the payroll period, with the final contributions due for any school year transmitted no later than July 15.
  2. The contributions of employers under AS 14.25.070 must be transmitted to the plan for deposit in the retirement fund and the Alaska retiree health care trust at the close of each pay period. If the contributions are not submitted within the prescribed time limit, interest must be assessed on the outstanding contributions at one and one-half times the most recent actuarially determined rate of earnings for the plan from the date that contributions were originally due. Amounts due from an employer and interest as prescribed in this section may be claimed by the administrator from any agency of the state or political subdivision that has in its possession funds of the employer or that is authorized to disburse funds to the employer that are not restricted by statute or appropriation to a specific purpose. The amount claimed shall be certified by the administrator as sufficient to pay the contributions and interest due from the employer. The amount claimed shall be submitted to the administrator for deposit in the retirement fund and the Alaska retiree health care trust.

History. (§ 3 ch 84 SLA 1969; am § 4 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 12 ch 13 SLA 1980; am § 10 ch 106 SLA 1988; am § 1 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, in (b) of this section, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, in this section “plan” was substituted for “system”.

Sec. 14.25.070. Contributions by employers.

  1. Each employer shall contribute to the system every payroll period an amount calculated by applying a rate of 12.56 percent to the total of all base salaries paid by the employer to active members of the system and to members who are retired from the plan and reemployed under AS 14.20.136 , including any adjustments to contributions required by AS 14.25.173(a) .
  2. The employer shall transmit the contributions calculated in (a) of this section to the administrator in accordance with AS 14.25.065 . The administrator shall allocate contributions received for full payment of
    1. the actuarially determined employer normal cost for the plan; and
    2. all contributions required by AS 14.25.350 and AS 39.30.370 for the fiscal year.
  3. If, after allocation of contributions under (b) of this section, a portion of the employer contributions remains, the administrator shall apply that remaining portion toward payment of the past service liability of the plan.
  4. Notwithstanding (a) of this section, the annual employer contribution rate may not be less than the rate sufficient to allow payment of the employer normal cost and the employer contributions required under AS 14.25.350 and AS 39.30.370 .
  5. [Repealed, §§ 83, 84, and 86, ch. 41, SLA 2009.]
  6. All or a portion of the employer’s share of any accrued actuarial liability to the plan may be prepaid in a lump sum. The commissioner of administration may, by regulation, establish a minimum amount for the lump sum payment of a portion. The administrator shall charge to the employer appropriate and reasonable administrative costs to the plan attributable to a lump sum payment that are not greater than administrative costs applied to other employer contributions. If an employer is grouped with any other employer in accounting for contributions, the lump sum payment for the employer shall be accounted for separately in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner. The regulations must provide for crediting to each lump sum payment account all earnings and losses received from investment of that payment. The lump sum payment shall be used solely to offset contributions under this section required of the employer for which the payment was made, taking into account earnings and losses from its investment. A lump sum payment made by or on behalf of an employer under this subsection, together with all earnings and losses from investment of that payment, may not be considered in calculating that employer’s share of any discretionary payment authorized by the state that benefits multiple employers.
  7. If all or a portion of an employer’s share of any accrued actuarial liability to the plan is prepaid in a lump sum under (f) of this section, the administrator shall calculate a revised employer contribution rate for that employer in recognition of that prepayment not more than 30 days following the prepayment.
  8. In this section, “normal cost” means the cost of providing the benefits expected to be credited, with respect to service, to all active members of the plan during the year beginning after the last valuation date.

History. (§ 8 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 5 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 5 ch 138 SLA 1970; am § 5 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 22 ch 91 SLA 1987; am § 11 ch 106 SLA 1988; am § 4 ch 59 SLA 2002; am § 6 ch 92 SLA 2004; am §§ 10, 11 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am §§ 6, 12 ch 50 SLA 2005; am §§ 2, 3 ch 20 SLA 2007; am § 3 ch 13 SLA 2008; am § 1 ch 35 SLA 2008; am §§ 81, 83 ch 41 SLA 2009; am § 5 ch 81 SLA 2018)

Revisor’s notes. —

Former subsection (c) was enacted as (b) and relettered in 2005, at which time “plan” was substituted for “system” in former subsection (c) in accordance with sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005. Subsections (f) and (g) were enacted as (d) and (e) and relettered in 2008, at which time an internal reference in (g) was conformed and subsection (h), which had been enacted as (f), was relettered.

Subsection (e) was repealed July 1, 2009, by § 83, ch. 41, SLA 2009. Under § 84, ch. 41, SLA 2009, the repeal was contingent on the repeal of AS 14.20.135 under §§ 12 and 15, ch. 57, SLA 2001, as amended by § 6, ch. 15, SLA 2003, and by §§ 10 and 17, ch. 50, SLA 2005. Under § 86, ch. 41, SLA 2009, the repeal took effect on the date of the repeal of AS 14.20.135 , which occurred on July 1, 2009.

Cross references. —

For provision providing that the 2018 amendment to subsection (a) “applies to contracts made on or after November 8, 2018”, see sec. 6, ch. 81, SLA 2018, in the 2018 Temporary and Special Acts.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2009 amendment, effective July 1, 2009, repealed subsection (e).

The 2018 amendment, effective November 8, 2018, in (a), added “and to members who are retired from the plan and reemployed under AS 14.20.136 ” following “active members of the system”.

Sec. 14.25.075. Purchase of credited service.

  1. An employee who is eligible to purchase credited service under AS 14.25.047 or 14.25.048 , a member who is eligible to purchase credited service under AS 14.25.048 , 14.25.050 , 14.25.060 , 14.25.061 , 14.25.100 , or 14.25.107 , or a teacher who is eligible to purchase credited service under AS 14.20.345 , AS 14.25.050 , or 14.25.105 , in lieu of making payments directly to the plan, may elect to have the member’s employer make payments as provided in this section.
  2. A member may elect to have the employer make payments for all or any portion of the amounts payable for the member’s purchase of credited service through a salary reduction program as follows:
    1. the amounts paid under a salary reduction program are in lieu of contributions by the member making the election; the electing member’s salary or other compensation shall be reduced by the amount paid by the employer under this subsection;
    2. the member shall make an irrevocable election under this subsection to purchase credited service as permitted in AS 14.20.345 , AS 14.25.047 , 14.25.048 , 14.25.050 , 14.25.060 , 14.25.061 , 14.25.100 , 14.25.105 , or 14.25.107 before the member’s termination of employment; the irrevocable election must specify the number of payroll periods that deductions will be made from the member’s compensation and the dollar amount of deductions for each payroll period during the specified number of payroll periods; the deductions made under this paragraph cease upon the earlier of the member’s termination of employment with the employer or the member’s death; amounts paid by an employer under (f) of this section may not be applied toward the payment of the dollar amount of the deductions representing the portion of the credited service that is being purchased by the member through payroll deduction in accordance with the member’s irrevocable election under this paragraph;
    3. amounts paid by an employer under this subsection shall be treated as employer contributions for the purpose of determining tax treatment under 26 U.S.C. (Internal Revenue Code); the amounts paid by the employer under this section may not be included in the member’s gross income for income tax purposes until those amounts are distributed by refund or retirement benefit payments.
  3. Unless otherwise provided, member contributions paid by the employer under this section are treated for all other purposes under the plan in the same manner and to the same extent as member contributions that are not paid by an employer under this section and AS 14.25.050 . The plan may assess interest or administrative charges attributable to any salary reduction election made under this section. The interest or administrative charges shall be added to the contribution that is made to the plan by the member each payroll period, and that is paid by the employer. The interest or administrative charges may not be treated as member contributions for any purposes under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 , and a member or a member’s beneficiary does not have a right to the return of the interest or administrative charges under any other provision of this section. Interest assessed under this section shall be at the rate specified by regulations adopted by the administrator.
  4. For plan fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 2001, the requirements of AS 14.25.110(k) may not be applied to reduce the amount of credited service that may be purchased under this section by a member who first becomes an employee of the plan before July 1, 2001, to an amount that is less than the amount of credited service allowed to be purchased with the application of any of the limits prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 415.
  5. Contributions to the plan to purchase credited service under this section do not qualify for treatment under this section if recognition of that service would cause a member to receive a retirement benefit for the same service from the plan and from one or more other retirement plans or systems of the state.
  6. The administrator may accept rollover contributions from a member. Contributions made under this subsection may not be applied to purchase service being paid under (b) of this section. A rollover contribution as described in this subsection shall be treated as employer contributions for the purpose of determining tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code and may be made by any one or a combination of the following methods:
    1. subject to the limitations prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 402(c), accepting eligible rollover distributions directly from one or more eligible retirement plans as defined by 26 U.S.C. 402(c)(8)(B);
    2. subject to the limitations prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 403(b)(13), accepting direct trustee-to-trustee transfers of all or a portion of the accounts of the member, on or after January 1, 2002, from a tax sheltered annuity described in 26 U.S.C. 403(b);
    3. subject to the limitations prescribed in 26 U.S.C. 457(e)(17), accepting direct trustee-to-trustee transfers of all or a portion of the accounts of the member, on or after January 1, 2002, from an eligible deferred compensation plan of a tax-exempt organization or a state or local government described in 26 U.S.C. 457(b);
    4. accepting direct trustee-to-trustee transfer from an account established for the benefit of the member in AS 39.30.150 39.30.180 (Alaska Supplemental Annuity Plan).
  7. Payments made under this section shall be applied to reduce the member’s outstanding indebtedness described in AS 14.25.063 at the time that the contributions are received by the plan.
  8. If a member retires before all payments are made under this section, the plan shall calculate the member’s benefits based only on the payments actually made with respect to the credited service purchased.
  9. On satisfaction of the eligibility requirements of AS 14.20.345 , AS 14.25.047 , 14.25.048 , 14.25.050 , 14.25.060 , 14.25.061 , 14.25.100 , 14.25.105 , or 14.25.107 , the requirements of this section, and the administrative filing requirements specified by the administrator, the plan shall adjust the member’s credited service history and add any additional service credits acquired.
  10. After an election is made under this section, the election is binding on and irrevocable for the member and the member’s employer during the member’s remaining period of current employment. After a member makes an irrevocable election under this section, the member does not have the option of choosing to receive the contributed amounts directly in cash.

History. (§ 5 ch 59 SLA 2002; am §§ 7 — 10, 32 ch 92 SLA 2004; am §§ 12 — 14, 16 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am §§ 4, 5 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, in this section “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter”, “administrator” was substituted for “board”, and “plan” was substituted for “system”. Also in 2005, in (a) of this section, “system” was substituted for “plan” to correct a manifest error, consistent with AS 14.25.009 .

Sec. 14.25.080. Contributions by the state. [Repealed, § 25 ch 91 SLA 1987.]

Sec. 14.25.085. Additional state contributions.

In addition to the contributions that the state is required to make under AS 14.25.070 as an employer, the state shall contribute to the plan each July 1 or, if funds are not available on July 1, as soon after July 1 as funds become available, an amount for the ensuing fiscal year that, when combined with the total employer contributions that the administrator estimates will be allocated under AS 14.25.070 (c), is sufficient to pay the plan’s past service liability at the contribution rate adopted by the board under AS 37.10.220 for that fiscal year.

History. (§ 4 ch 13 SLA 2008)

Cross references. —

For protection of damage awards from reduction on account of contributions under this section, see AS 09.17.070(f) .

Effective dates. —

Section 27, ch. 13, SLA 2008 makes this section effective July 1, 2008.

Sec. 14.25.087. Contributions for medical benefits.

Contributions made by an employer under AS 14.25.070 and 14.25.085 shall be separately computed for benefits provided by AS 14.25.168 and shall be deposited in the Alaska retiree health care trust established under AS 39.30.097(a) .

History. (§ 5 ch 13 SLA 2008)

Sec. 14.25.090. Contributions by the state for arrearages. [Repealed, § 7 ch 66 SLA 1973.]

Sec. 14.25.100. Credit for service in the armed forces.

  1. A member who served as an active member of the armed forces of the United States may receive credited service under this plan up to a maximum of five years if the member received a discharge under other than dishonorable conditions and is not entitled to receive retirement benefits from the United States government for the same service.  Each 12 months of military service equals one school year, and lesser military periods will be determined for credit purposes in a proportionate ratio to a year.   Credit for service in the armed forces shall be granted only if the member makes contributions for the service in the same manner as required for outside service under  AS 14.25.060 .  The military service credited under this section shall be included in the 10-year limitation of outside service as specified in  AS 14.25.060 , except if entry into the armed forces is immediately preceded by Alaska membership service and following discharge is continued by Alaska membership service within one year thereafter, service may not be counted for purposes of determining the applicability of the 10-year limitation on outside service.
  2. Where a member is unable to resume teaching in a public school within one year following discharge because of hospitalization, rehabilitation training, a disability derived while in the armed forces, or other like circumstances, the administrator shall determine the allowance or disallowance of any service in the armed forces.
  3. [Repealed, § 7 ch 155 SLA 1976.]
  4. [Repealed, § 7 ch 155 SLA 1976.]
  5. A member may not be credited with the same period of service in the armed forces under this section if credit for that military service was granted under the public employees’ retirement system (  AS 39.35).  The combined period of military service claimed under this section and  AS 39.35 may not exceed five years.

History. (§ 11 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 8 ch 89 SLA 1960; am § 1 ch 57 SLA 1974; am §§ 5, 7 ch 155 SLA 1976; am § 5 ch 128 SLA 1977; am § 13 ch 13 SLA 1980; am § 4 ch 97 SLA 1990)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “plan” was substituted for “system” in subsection (a).

Administrative Code. —

For service under the defined benefits plan (AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 4.

Sec. 14.25.105. Credit for service as an employee of the Territory of Alaska.

  1. A teacher who completes 15 years of membership service under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 may elect to receive credited service for employment rendered to the Territory of Alaska before January 3, 1959, regardless of the office, department, division or agency of the territory in which employed. Credited service allowed under this section may not exceed five years.
  2. A teacher may not be credited with service under this section if credit for service as an employee of the Territory of Alaska was granted for the same period under AS 39.35 (public employees’ retirement system).
  3. A teacher who elects to receive credited service under this section for service to the Territory of Alaska shall make a retroactive contribution under this plan for the period of territorial employment following June 30, 1955.

History. (§ 1 ch 146 SLA 1980)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, in this section “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” and in subsection (c), “plan” was substituted for “system”.

Administrative Code. —

For service under the defined benefits plan (AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 4.

Sec. 14.25.107. Credit for Alaska BIA service.

A member who joins the plan on or after July 1, 1978, who has Alaska BIA service may claim all of that service as credited service. A retirement benefit payable under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 for Alaska BIA service shall be reduced by an amount equal to the retirement benefits paid to the member by the United States government for the same service.

History. (§ 8 ch 137 SLA 1982)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, in this section “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” and “plan” was substituted for “system”.

Cross references. —

For conversion of claimed BIA contract school service to BIA service, see § 2, ch. 44, SLA 1992.

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Sec. 14.25.110. Retirement benefits.

  1. Subject to  AS 14.25.167 , a member is eligible for a normal retirement benefit if the member
    1. was first hired before July 1, 1975, has attained the age of 55 years, and has at least 15 years of credited service, the last five of which have been membership service, or is otherwise vested in the plan;
    2. has attained the age of 60 years and has at least eight years of membership service;
    3. has attained the age of 60 years, has at least five years of membership service, and has Alaska BIA service which, when added to the membership service, will equal at least eight years;
    4. has at least 25 years of credited service, the last five of which have been membership service;
    5. has at least 20 years of membership service;
    6. has at least 20 years of combined membership service and Alaska BIA service, the last five of which have been membership service; or
    7. has, for each of 20 school years,
      1. at least one-half year of membership service as a part-time teacher;
      2. one full year of membership service as a full-time teacher; or
      3. any combination of service qualified under this paragraph.
  2. Subject to  AS 14.25.167 , a member is eligible for an early retirement benefit upon completing the service requirements in (a)(1) of this section and attaining the age of 50 years or upon completing the service requirements in (a)(2) or (3) of this section and attaining the age of 55 years.
  3. The burden is on the applicant to prove eligibility for retirement benefits to the full satisfaction of the administrator.
  4. The monthly amount of a retirement benefit for a member who has paid the full amount of any indebtedness is one-twelfth of the member’s average base salary during any three school years of membership service multiplied by
    1. two percent of the years of credited service earned before June 30, 1990, including credited fractional years, and the years of credited service through a total of 20 years; plus
    2. two and one-half percent of the years of credited service earned after June 30, 1990, that are more than 20 years of total credited service.
  5. The monthly amount of a retirement benefit must be determined in accordance with (d) of this section as it is in effect on the date of termination of the retiring member’s last segment of employment.
  6. [Repealed, § 47 ch 59 SLA 2002.]
  7. [Repealed, § 47 ch 59 SLA 2002.]
  8. [Repealed, § 47 ch 59 SLA 2002.]
  9. Benefits payable under this section accrue from the first day of the month after which all of the following requirements are met: (1) the member meets the eligibility requirements of this section; (2) the member terminates employment; and (3) the member applies for retirement.  Benefits are not payable under this section during a school year in which credit for a full year of service is granted.  The benefits are payable the last day of the month.  If payment is delayed, a retroactive payment must be made for the month in which a benefit is payable under this section.  The last payment shall be for the month in which the member dies or is no longer eligible for a benefit under this section.
  10. An actuarial adjustment must be made to benefits payable under (d) of this section for early retirement.
  11. For plan fiscal years beginning after December 31, 1975, and notwithstanding any other provision of  AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 , the projected annual benefit provided by  AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 and the benefit from all other defined benefit plans required to be aggregated with the benefits from this plan under the provisions of  26 U.S.C. 415 may not increase to an amount in excess of the amount permitted under  26 U.S.C. 415 at any time. In the event that any projected annual benefit of a member exceeds the limitation of  26 U.S.C. 415 for a limitation year, the plan shall take any necessary remedial action to correct an excess accrued annual benefit. The provisions of  26 U.S.C. 415, and the regulations adopted under that statute, as applied to qualified defined benefit plans of governmental employers are incorporated as part of the terms and conditions of the plan. This subsection applies to any member of this plan.
  12. Notwithstanding (d) of this section,
    1. for the plan fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 1996, the base salary of a member who joined the plan after the first day of the first plan fiscal year beginning after December 31, 1995, that is used to calculate the member’s average base salary may not exceed $150,000, as adjusted for the cost of living in accordance with  26 U.S.C. 401(a)(17)(B); and
    2. for plan fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2002, the base salary of a member that is used to calculate the member’s average base salary may not exceed $200,000, as adjusted for the cost of living in accordance with  26 U.S.C. 401(a)(17)(B).
  13. Notwithstanding the definition of “base salary” in  AS 14.25.220 , in (  l) of this section, for plan fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 1998, and for purposes of  26 U.S.C. 415(b)(3) and the regulations adopted under that statute,
    1. “base salary”
      1. includes any amount that is contributed by the employer under a salary reduction agreement and that is not includable in the member’s gross income under  26 U.S.C. 125,  132(f)(4),  402(e)(3),  402(h), or  403(b); and
      2. is limited to compensation that is actually paid to a member during the determination period;
    2. “determination period” means the plan fiscal year.

History. (§ 12 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 4 ch 142 SLA 1957; am § 9 ch 89 SLA 1960; am § 4 ch 86 SLA 1963; am § 6 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 85 SLA 1971; am § 8 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 1 ch 77 SLA 1973; am § 2 ch 57 SLA 1974; am §§ 1 — 3 ch 173 SLA 1975; am § 5 ch 169 SLA 1976; am § 14 ch 13 SLA 1980; am § 2 ch 146 SLA 1980; am § 9 ch 137 SLA 1982; am § 1 ch 81 SLA 1986; am §§ 1, 2 ch 117 SLA 1986; am § 22 ch 85 SLA 1988; am § 1 ch 79 SLA 1990; am §§ 5 — 8 ch 97 SLA 1990; am § 7 ch 68 SLA 2000; am §§ 6, 47 ch 59 SLA 2002; am § 11 ch 92 SLA 2004)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, in this section “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” and “plan” was substituted for “system”.

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

For employment of professional personnel, see 4 AAC 18.

Editor’s notes. —

In general, a person’s right to benefits under the state’s public employee retirement systems vests when the person joins the system. Hammond v. Hoffbeck, 627 P.2d 1052 (Alaska 1981). Therefore, former law may govern the benefits of some members of the teachers’ retirement system. The user is advised to ascertain which version of the statute is applicable. Earlier versions of the statutes can be found in prior editions of the Alaska Statutes or in the published Session Laws of Alaska.

Opinions of attorney general. —

The legislature did not intend such a strict interpretation as to require a teacher to work the last 5 school years for the full 140-day year. 1966 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 2.

A teacher satisfies the requirement of subsection (a) by working any five creditable years or combination of fractional years totalling 5 years, as long as they are the last 5 years she worked and they are in membership service. 1966 Op. Att’y Gen. No. 2, issued prior to the 1975 amendment.

Notes to Decisions

Calculation of benefits pursuant to law of year of enrollment. —

Retiree who first enrolled in the teachers’ retirement system in 1969 was entitled to have his benefits calculated according to 1969 law and should have been allowed to include the lump-sum he received for accrual of unused leave during the three years used to calculate his average base salary. Flisock v. State, Div. of Ret. & Benefits, 818 P.2d 640 (Alaska 1991).

Constitutionality of cost-of-living allowance. —

Limiting cost-of-living allowance (COLA) payments to resident retirees does not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Alaska Constitution. Pub. Emples. Ret. Sys. v. Gallant, 153 P.3d 346 (Alaska 2007).

Two teachers were not entitled to normal retirement based on their hire date by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which was creditable non-Alaska Teachers’ Retirement System (ATR) service, because the correct date for purposes of calculating retirement is the date of hire into the ATR. Bartley v. State, 110 P.3d 1254 (Alaska 2005).

Applied in

Casperson v. Alaska Teachers' Retirement Bd., 664 P.2d 583 (Alaska 1983).

Cited in

Johnson v. Public Employees Retirement Bd., 848 P.2d 263 (Alaska 1993).

Collateral references. —

What constitutes “salary,” “wages,” “pay,” or the like, within pension law basing benefits thereon. 91 ALR5th 225.

Sec. 14.25.115. Unused sick leave credit.

  1. A teacher in membership service on or after July 1, 1977, who is appointed to retirement on or after July 1, 1978, may elect to apply unused sick leave credit in computing the total number of years of credited service under AS 14.25.110(d) except for sick leave earned while participating in a university retirement program under AS 14.40.661 14.40.799 . To obtain service credit for unused sick leave, a teacher must apply to the administrator not later than one year after appointment to retirement. Unused sick leave shall be credited on a day-for-day basis in accordance with the table for service after July 1, 1969, contained in AS 14.25.220 (47). Teacher contributions may not be required for credited unused sick leave.
  2. A teacher appointed to retirement before July 1, 1978, who returns to membership service on or after July 1, 1978, and is subsequently reappointed to retirement is eligible for unused sick leave credit only with respect to sick leave accrued during membership service on or after July 1, 1978.
  3. Benefits payable under this section accrue from the first day of the month after which all the following requirements are met: (1) the teacher meets the eligibility requirements of this section; (2) the teacher’s written application for unused sick leave credit is received and verified by the administrator; and (3) a period of time has elapsed since the date of appointment to retirement equal to the amount of verified unused sick leave.  Benefits are payable on the last day of the month.

History. (§ 13 ch 136 SLA 1978; am § 29 ch 59 SLA 1982; am § 10 ch 137 SLA 1982; am § 2 ch 104 SLA 1989; am § 17 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2002, in subsection (a), “AS 14.25.220 (45)” was substituted for “AS 14.25.220 (43)” to reflect the 2002 renumbering of paragraphs in AS 14.25.220.

In 2014, in subsection (a), “AS 14.25.220 (47)” was substituted for “AS 14.25.220 (45)” to reflect the 2008 renumbering of paragraphs in AS 14.25.220.

Administrative Code. —

For service under the defined benefits plan (AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 4.

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

Casperson v. Alaska Teachers' Retirement Bd., 664 P.2d 583 (Alaska 1983).

Sec. 14.25.120. Manner of computing service retirement salary. [Repealed, § 50 ch 13 SLA 1980.]

Sec. 14.25.125. Conditional service retirement benefits.

  1. Subject to AS 14.25.167 , a member is eligible for a normal retirement salary at age 60 with at least
    1. two years membership service if the member also is eligible for a normal retirement benefit under the public employees’ retirement system (AS 39.35); or
    2. one year of membership service if the member is a retired member of the public employees’ retirement system.
  2. Subject to AS 14.25.167 , a member is eligible for an early retirement salary at age 55 with at least
    1. two years of membership service if the member also is eligible for an early retirement benefit under the public employees’ retirement system (AS 39.35);
    2. one year of membership service if the member is a retired member of the public employees’ retirement system.
  3. Membership service for which contributions were refunded is not creditable under this section.
  4. The monthly amount of a conditional service retirement benefit shall be calculated on the years of credited service in accordance with AS 14.25.110(d) , except that a member may irrevocably elect to substitute “average monthly compensation” as defined in AS 39.35.680 in place of the member’s average base salary divided by 12.
  5. Benefits payable under this section accrue from the first day of the month (1) in which the member meets the eligibility requirements of this section, (2) following the date of termination, and (3) following application for retirement, and are payable the last day of the month.  If payment is delayed, a retroactive payment shall be made to cover the period of deferment.  The last payment shall be made for the month in which the member dies or is no longer eligible for a benefit under this section.

History. (§ 2 ch 174 SLA 1978; am § 15 ch 13 SLA 1980; am § 11 ch 137 SLA 1982; am §§ 3, 4 ch 117 SLA 1986; am §§ 9, 10 ch 97 SLA 1990; am §§ 7, 8 ch 59 SLA 2002; am § 6 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, in this section “plan” was substituted for “system” in subsection (c).

Sec. 14.25.130. Disability benefits.

  1. A member who has five or more years of membership service is eligible for a disability pension if, after July 1, 1966, and before the member’s normal retirement date, the member’s employment is terminated because of a permanent disability as defined in AS 14.25.220 .
  2. [Repealed, § 16 ch 13 SLA 1980.]
  3. Once each year during the first five years following appointment to disability under this section, and once every three-year period thereafter, the administrator may require a disabled member who has not attained eligibility for normal retirement to undergo a medical or mental examination by a competent physician.  The administrator shall suspend any disability benefit for a disabled member who refuses to undergo a physical or mental examination when requested under this section.
  4. The amount of the disability benefit is equal to 50 percent of the member’s base salary immediately before becoming disabled. The disability benefit is increased by 10 percent of the member’s base salary immediately before becoming disabled for each dependent child, up to a maximum of four dependent children.
  5. Benefits payable under this section accrue from the first day of the month after which the following requirements are met: (1) the member meets the eligibility requirements of this section; and (2) the member terminates employment.  The benefits are payable the last day of the month.  If payment is delayed, a retroactive payment must be made to cover the period of deferment.  The last payment for a dependent child shall be for the month in which the child ceases to be a dependent child.  The last payment for the disabled member shall be made for the month in which the disabled member recovers from the disability, dies, or is eligible for normal retirement.
  6. A member is not entitled to a disability benefit under this section unless the member files a timely application for the benefit with the administrator. The application is timely if it is filed by the later of six months after the date that the member’s disability began or 90 days after the termination of the member’s employment. The administrator may waive a filing deadline under this subsection if there are extraordinary circumstances that resulted in the inability to meet the filing deadline. The administrator may delegate the authority to waive a filing deadline under this subsection to the administrator.

History. (§ 14 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 12 ch 89 SLA 1960; am § 5 ch 86 SLA 1963; am § 8 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 15 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 7 ch 173 SLA 1975; am § 2 ch 169 SLA 1976; am § 16 ch 13 SLA 1980; am § 12 ch 137 SLA 1982; am §§ 8, 9 ch 68 SLA 2000)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “administrator” was substituted for “board” in this section.

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Editor’s notes. —

In general, a person’s right to benefits under the state’s public employee retirement systems vests when the person joins the system. Hammond v. Hoffbeck, 627 P.2d 1052 (Alaska 1981). Therefore, former law may govern the benefits of some members of the teachers’ retirement system. The user is advised to ascertain which version of the statute is applicable. Earlier versions of the statutes can be found in prior editions of the Alaska Statutes or in the published Session Laws of Alaska.

Opinions of attorney general. —

The disability retirement provisions of the Public Employees Retirement System and the Teachers’ Retirement System are consistent with the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended (29 U.S.C. §§ 621 - 634), and with the implementing regulations of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. December 10, 1992 Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

“Membership years.” —

Teachers’ Retirement Board erred when it interpreted the term “membership years” in subsection (a) as being the equivalent of “years of service” as defined in AS 14.25.220 . Casperson v. Alaska Teachers' Retirement Bd., 664 P.2d 583 (Alaska 1983).

Secs. 14.25.135 — 14.25.140. Deferred retirement benefits; notification of intent to retire; manner of computing disability retirement salary. [Repealed, § 50 ch 13 SLA 1980.]

Sec. 14.25.142. Cost-of-living allowance.

  1. While residing in the state, a person receiving a benefit under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 who is at least 65 years of age or who is receiving a disability benefit under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 is entitled to receive a monthly cost-of-living allowance in addition to the basic benefit. The amount of this allowance is 10 percent of the basic benefit.
  2. A person receiving a cost-of-living allowance under this section shall notify the administrator when the person expects to be absent from the state for a continuous period that exceeds 90 days.  After that notification, the person is no longer entitled to receive the monthly cost-of-living allowance, except that a person may be absent from the state for not more than six months without loss of the cost-of-living allowance if the absence is the result of illness and required by order of a licensed physician.  Upon return to the state, and upon notification to the administrator, the person is again entitled to receive the monthly cost-of-living allowance, commencing with the first monthly benefit payment made after notification of the person’s return.
  3. In this section, “residing in the state” means domiciled and physically present in the State of Alaska. A person’s status as “residing in the state” does not change if the person is absent from the state for a continuous period of
    1. 90 days or less;
    2. six months or less, when ordered by a physician to be absent from the state; or
    3. any length of time while the person is a member of a reserve or auxiliary component of the armed forces of the United States, including the organized militia of Alaska consisting of the Alaska National Guard, the Alaska Naval Militia, and the Alaska State Defense Force, and is called to active duty by the appropriate state or federal authority.

History. (§ 10 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 18 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 6 ch 128 SLA 1977; am §§ 2, 3 ch 82 SLA 1979; am § 11 ch 97 SLA 1990; am § 1 ch 70 SLA 2003)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” in this section.

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Editor’s notes. —

Section 17, ch. 82, SLA 1979 provides §A person receiving benefits under AS 14.25 on July 1, 1979 is eligible for any increase in benefits resulting from the amendments to AS 14.25 enacted in §§ 2 and 3 of ch. 82, SLA 1979.”

Opinions of attorney general. —

Regulation 2 AAC 36.210 is consistent with this statute. However, we also understand that the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) has, prior to the adoption of the regulation, paid the COLA to benefit recipients whom TRS considered to be residents but who would not have met the 93/183 days test. In light of that, we conclude that the regulation should only be applied to those joining TRS after its adoption. March 15, 1995 Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

Constitutionality. —

Limiting cost-of-living allowance (COLA) payments to resident retirees does not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Alaska Constitution; the small payments were fairly and substantially related to their purpose, and they did not substantially infringe on the right of retirees to live elsewhere. Pub. Emples. Ret. Sys. v. Gallant, 153 P.3d 346 (Alaska 2007).

Sec. 14.25.143. Post retirement pension adjustment.

  1. Once each year, the administrator shall increase benefit payments to eligible disabled members, to persons age 60 or older receiving benefits under this plan in the preceding calendar year, and to persons who have received benefits under this plan for at least eight years who are not otherwise eligible for an increase under this section.
  2. The increase in benefit payments applies to total benefit payments except for the cost-of-living allowance under AS 14.25.142 . The amount of the increase is a percentage of the current benefit equal to
    1. the lesser of 75 percent of the increase in the cost of living in the preceding calendar year or nine percent, for recipients who on July 1 are at least 65 years old and for members receiving disability benefits; and
    2. the lesser of 50 percent of the increase in the cost of living in the preceding calendar year or six percent, for recipients who on July 1 are at least 60 but less than 65 years old or for recipients who on July 1 are less than 60 years old but who have received benefits from the plan for at least eight years.
  3. If a recipient was not receiving benefits during the entire preceding calendar year, the increase in benefits under this section shall be adjusted by multiplying it by the fraction whose numerator is the number of months for which benefits were received in the preceding calendar year and whose denominator is 12.
  4. If at the time of first receiving a retirement benefit, a member was receiving a disability benefit under this plan, the administrator shall, at the time the member is appointed to retirement, increase the retirement benefit by a percentage equal to the total cumulative percentage increase that has been applied to the member’s disability benefit under this section.
  5. When computing a death benefit under AS 14.25.155 , 14.25.157 , or 14.25.160 or a survivor’s benefit under AS 14.25.162 , 14.25.164 , or 14.25.167 , adjustments granted to the deceased member or survivor under this section shall be included in the computation.
  6. An increase in benefit payments under this section is effective July 1 of each year and is based on the percentage increase in the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers for Anchorage, Alaska during the previous calendar year as determined by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

History. (§ 11 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 5 ch 86 SLA 1971; am § 19 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 3 ch 99 SLA 1974; am § 7 ch 128 SLA 1977; am § 17 ch 13 SLA 1980; am §§ 3 — 6 ch 146 SLA 1980; am § 13 ch 137 SLA 1982; am § 12 ch 106 SLA 1988; am § 12 ch 97 SLA 1990; am §§ 18, 19 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

For service under the defined benefits plan (AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 4.

Editor’s notes. —

In general, a person’s right to benefits under the state’s public employee retirement systems vests when the person joins the system. Hammond v. Hoffbeck, 627 P.2d 1052 (Alaska 1981). Therefore, former law may govern the benefits of some members of the teachers’ retirement system. The user is advised to ascertain which version of a particular statute is applicable. The version of this statute that was in effect immediately after the 1980 amendments read as follows:

“Sec. 14.25.143. POST RETIREMENT PENSION ADJUSTMENT. (a) When the administrator determines that the cost of living has increased and that the financial condition of the retirement fund permits, the administrator shall increase benefit payments to persons receiving benefits under this system.

“(b) The amount of the increase in benefit payments may not exceed the greater of

“(1) the increase in the cost of living since the date of retirement; or

“(2) four percent of the retirement benefit compounded for each year of retirement.

“(c) The administrator shall implement this section by regulation.

“(d) A person receiving benefits under this chapter shall be granted a 10 percent increase in the current base benefit if the person was receiving benefits on July 1, 1976. The increase shall be effective July 1, 1977.

“(e) If at the time of first receiving a retirement benefit a member was receiving a disability benefit, the administrator shall include the time during which the member received the disability benefit in determining the number of years of retirement under this section.

“(f) An increase in benefit payments under this section is effective July 1 of the year for which the increase in granted.”

Section 48, ch. 146, SLA 1980 provides: “The retirement benefit payable to a member of the teachers’ retirement system who is receiving a normal retirement benefit under AS 14.25.110 on July 1, 1980, and who at the time of his retirement was receiving a disability benefit under the teachers’ retirement system, shall be increased by a percentage equal to the percentage of all post-retirement pension adjustments payable under AS 14.25.143 during the period that the member was receiving a disability benefit.”

Under §§ 18 and 19, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, following amendment by sec. 3, ch. 146, SLA 1980, and until amended by sec. 12, ch. 97, SLA 1990, (a) of this section read: “(a) When the administrator determines that the cost of living has increased and that the financial condition of the retirement fund permits, the administrator shall increase benefit payments to persons receiving benefits under this plan. For purposes of this subsection, the financial condition of the fund would only permit an increase in benefits when the ratio of total fund assets to the accrued liability meets or exceeds 105 percent. In this subsection, “accrued liability” means the present value of all member benefits accrued by member service in this plan.”

Opinions of attorney general. —

If the financial condition of the funds does not permit payment of the PRPA, it is allowable to prospectively not pay existing members new [or additional] ad hoc PRPAs. However, a new statutory provision cannot reduce the existing number of members who retain a vested right to a PRPA if one is awarded, unless the new statutory provision includes comparable enhancements to benefits. April 20, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

Legislation that limits the administrator’s discretion and allows an award of an ad hoc PRPA only if a retirement fund is actuarially funded at over 100 percent and employer contribution rates are set at less than eight percent would be subject to challenge under existing case law. The constitutional rights of members regarding the ad hoc PRPA include the right to consideration of an award of a PRPA based on the discretion existing under the repealed statutes. April 20, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 14.25.145. Interest on individual accounts.

Interest shall be credited to each teacher’s account at the end of each school year at the rate prescribed by the board for that year.

History. (§ 16 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 6 ch 142 SLA 1957; am § 4 ch 78 SLA 1962; am § 7 ch 138 SLA 1970; am § 20 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 20 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.150. Refund upon termination.

  1. Except as provided in (b) of this section, a terminated member is entitled to a refund of the balance of the member contribution account.  A member is not entitled to a refund of supplemental contributions except as provided in AS 14.25.160(a) .
  2. A member who is terminated and is a vested member, deferred vested member, or who is entitled to benefits under AS 14.25.125 , and who is married at the time of application for a refund or whose rights to a refund are subject to a qualified domestic relations order is entitled to receive a refund of the balance of the member contribution account only if the member’s present spouse and each person entitled under the order consent to the refund in writing on a form provided by the administrator.  The administrator may waive written consent from the person entitled under the order if the administrator determines that the person cannot be located or for other reasons established by regulation.  The administrator may waive written consent from the spouse if the administrator determines that
    1. the member was not married to the spouse during any period of the member’s employment with an employer;
    2. the spouse has no rights to benefits under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 because of the terms of a qualified domestic relations order;
    3. the spouse cannot be located;
    4. the member and spouse have been married for less than two years and the member establishes that they are not cohabiting; or
    5. another reason established by regulation exists.
  3. A member who has received a refund of contributions in accordance with this section forfeits corresponding credited service under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 .

History. (§ 16 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 6 ch 142 SLA 1957; am § 4 ch 78 SLA 1962; am § 7 ch 86 SLA 1963; am § 12 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 5 ch 84 SLA 1969; am §§ 21 — 23 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 8 ch 128 SLA 1977; am § 14 ch 137 SLA 1982; am §§ 5, 6 ch 117 SLA 1986; am § 21 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” in this section.

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

Metcalfe v. State, 484 P.3d 93 (Alaska 2021).

Sec. 14.25.153. Rights under qualified domestic relations order.

A former spouse shall be treated as a spouse or surviving spouse under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 to the extent required by a qualified domestic relations order. Rights under the order do not take effect until the order is filed with the administrator.

History. (§ 7 ch 117 SLA 1986)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” in this section.

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

Laing v. Laing, 741 P.2d 649 (Alaska 1987).

Sec. 14.25.155. Nonoccupational death benefits.

  1. If the death of a member occurs after completing less than one year of membership service and the proximate cause of death is not a bodily injury sustained or hazard undergone while in the performance and within the scope of the member’s duties of employment, the member’s designated beneficiary shall be paid the balance of the member contribution account.
  2. If the death of a member occurs after completing at least one year of membership service but before becoming a vested member, and the proximate cause of death is not a bodily injury sustained or hazard undergone while in the performance and within the scope of the member’s duties of employment, the lump-sum death benefit described in AS 14.25.160(b) and (c) shall be paid to the designated beneficiary of the member.
  3. If the death of a vested member or deferred vested member occurs and the proximate cause of death is not a bodily injury sustained or hazard undergone while in the performance and within the scope of the member’s duties of employment, the surviving spouse may elect to receive either the benefits described in (b) of this section or a 50 percent joint and survivor option as provided under AS 14.25.167(a)(2) based on credited service to the date of the member’s termination.  If no spouse survives a vested or deferred vested member, or if a person other than the spouse is designated as beneficiary in accordance with AS 14.25.166 , the administrator shall pay the designated beneficiary the benefits described in AS 14.25.160(b) and (c).  Benefits accrue from the first day of the month following the member’s death and are payable the last day of the month.
  4. Benefits are not payable under this section if benefits are payable under AS 14.25.157 , 14.25.160 , 14.25.162 , 14.25.164 , or 14.25.167 .

History. (§ 15 ch 137 SLA 1982; am § 8 ch 117 SLA 1986)

Sec. 14.25.157. Occupational death benefits.

  1. If (1) the death of a member occurs before the member first attains eligibility for normal retirement, and (2) the proximate cause of death is a bodily injury sustained or hazard undergone while in the performance and within the scope of the member’s duties of employment, and (3) the injury or hazard is not the proximate result of wilful negligence on the part of the member, the administrator shall pay a monthly survivor’s pension equal to 40 percent of the member’s base salary at the time of termination of employment, divided by 12, to the member’s surviving spouse.  If there is no surviving spouse, the administrator shall pay the monthly survivor’s pension in equal parts to the dependent children of the member.  On the date the normal retirement of the member would have occurred if the member had lived, monthly payments must equal the monthly amount of the normal retirement benefit to which the member, had the member lived and continued employment until the member’s normal retirement date, would have been entitled with an average base salary as existed at the member’s death and the credited service to which the member would have been entitled.  If the member does not have a spouse or dependent children at the time of death or if the member designates as beneficiary under AS 14.25.166 someone other than the surviving spouse or dependent children, the administrator shall pay the member’s designated beneficiary those benefits available to a beneficiary under AS 14.25.160(b) and (c) and may not pay a benefit to the surviving spouse or dependent children.
  2. The first payment of the surviving spouse’s pension or of a dependent child’s pension shall accrue from the first day of the month following the member’s death and is payable the last day of the month.  The last payment shall be made for the last month in which there is an eligible surviving spouse or dependent child.
  3. Benefits are not payable under this section if benefits are payable under AS 14.25.155 , 14.25.160 , 14.25.162 , 14.25.164 , or 14.25.167 .
  4. If a member’s death is caused by an act of assault, assassination, or terrorism directly related to the person’s status as a member, whether the act occurs on or off the member’s job site, the death shall be considered to have occurred in the performance of and within the scope of the member’s duties for purposes of (a)(2) of this section. If the expressed or apparent motive and intent of the perpetrator of the harm inflicted upon the member was due to the performance of the member’s job duties or employment as a member, the death shall be considered to be directly related to the member’s status as a member. A member’s job duties are those performed within the course and scope of the member’s employment with an employer.

History. (§ 15 ch 137 SLA 1982; am § 9 ch 117 SLA 1986; am § 1 ch 40 SLA 2002)

Sec. 14.25.160. Death benefits.

  1. A death benefit shall be paid and any supplemental contributions shall be refunded to the designated beneficiary, upon receipt of a valid claim and proof of the death of a member who
    1. is not retired and is not eligible for benefits under AS 14.25.162 or 14.25.164 ; and
    2. either
      1. has made supplemental contributions under AS 14.25.055 since the date one year immediately preceding the member’s death or since July 1, 1983, whichever is later; or
      2. is making supplemental contributions under AS 14.25.055 but has made them for less than one year.
  2. Upon the death of an active member who meets the conditions specified in (a) of this section, the amount of the death benefit is the sum of the following less any retirement benefit previously received by the member:
    1. the member contribution account;
    2. $100 times the years of membership service;
    3. $1,000; and
    4. $500 if the deceased member is survived by one or more dependent children at the time of death and if the designated beneficiary is a dependent child of the member or is the parent or guardian of the dependent child of the member.
  3. If the sum of (b)(2) and (3) of this section exceeds $3,000, only $3,000 may be added to amounts under (b)(1) and (4) in calculating the death benefit under (b) of this section.
  4. Upon the death of an inactive member who meets the conditions specified in (a) of this section, the death benefit is the amount determined in (b)(1) of this section.
  5. Upon the death of a disabled member who is not eligible for normal retirement and who meets the conditions specified in (a) of this section, the death benefit is the amount determined in (b) of this section.
  6. Upon the death of a retired member who meets the conditions specified in (a) of this section, the death benefit is the amount determined in (b)(1) of this section less all retirement benefits paid to the deceased member.
  7. If supplemental contributions have been made under AS 14.25.055 , benefits may be payable under AS 14.25.162 or 14.25.164 if the deceased member meets the eligibility requirements of one of those sections.
  8. Payment made to a beneficiary under this section is in place of any other benefit under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 .

History. (§ 17 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 7 ch 142 SLA 1957; am § 13 ch 89 SLA 1960; am § 5 ch 78 SLA 1962; am §§ 13 — 15 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 6 ch 84 SLA 1969; am § 18 ch 13 SLA 1980; am §§ 16, 17 ch 137 SLA 1982; am § 13 ch 106 SLA 1988)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” in this section.

Sec. 14.25.162. Survivor’s allowance.

  1. If an active or disabled member dies and leaves a dependent child, and supplemental contributions have been made under AS 14.25.055 for at least one year of credited service, a survivor’s allowance is payable under (b) of this section.  If a retired member or a deferred vested member dies and leaves a dependent child, and supplemental contributions have been made under AS 14.25.055 for at least five years of credited service, a survivor’s allowance is payable under (b) of this section. Application for the survivor’s allowance must be made in writing to the administrator.
  2. A survivor’s allowance is payable under this section as follows:
    1. an allowance of 10 percent of the member’s base salary immediately before the member’s death, retirement, or disability shall be paid for each dependent child; if there are four or more dependent children, the total amount paid to those children is 40 percent of the member’s base salary before the member’s death, retirement, or disability, paid in equal amounts to each child; the allowance shall be recomputed for the month in which the number of dependent children is less than four and the benefits shall be decreased accordingly; the adoption of a dependent child does not terminate the survivor’s allowance payable under this section;
    2. an allowance of 35 percent of the member’s base salary shall be paid to the member’s surviving spouse as long as there is an eligible dependent child, as determined under (b)(1) of this section, for whom the surviving spouse is legally responsible; if there is no surviving spouse, an allowance of 10 percent of the member’s base salary shall be paid to each court-appointed guardian, not to exceed one allowance for each child or for each group of children who have the same guardian or joint guardians;
    3. when no further benefits are payable under this section, the difference between the amount that would have been paid under AS 14.25.160 and any payments made to the member, spouse, guardian, or dependent children under this section shall be paid to those beneficiaries described in AS 14.25.166 ;
    4. benefits are not payable under this section if benefits are payable under AS 14.25.155 , 14.25.157 , 14.25.164 , or 14.25.167 .
  3. The survivor’s allowance accrues from the first day of the month following the death of a member and is payable on the last day of the month.  If payment is delayed, a retroactive payment must be made for the month in which a benefit is payable under this section.  The last payment is for the month in which a benefit is payable under this section.

History. (§ 16 ch 151 SLA 1966; am §§ 7 — 9 ch 84 SLA 1969; am §§ 11, 12 ch 138 SLA 1970; am § 15 ch 32 SLA 1971; am § 1 ch 52 SLA 1972; am §§ 24, 25 ch 66 SLA 1973; am §§ 9, 10, 55 ch 128 SLA 1977; am § 19 ch 13 SLA 1980; am §§ 18, 19 ch 137 SLA 1982; am § 14 ch 106 SLA 1988)

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Editor’s notes. —

In general, a person’s right to benefits under the state’s public employee retirement systems vests when the person joins the system. Hammond v. Hoffbeck, 627 P.2d 1052 (Alaska 1981). Therefore, former law may govern the benefits of some members of the teachers’ retirement system. The user is advised to ascertain which version of the statute is applicable. Earlier versions of the statutes can be found in prior editions of the Alaska Statutes or in the published Session Laws of Alaska.

Sec. 14.25.163. Rollover distributions and rollover contributions.

  1. A distributee may elect, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the administrator, to have all or part of an eligible rollover distribution paid directly to an eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee in the direct rollover.
  2. Except as provided by AS 14.25.075(f) , the plan does not accept contributions of eligible rollover distributions.
  3. In this section,
    1. “direct rollover” means the payment of an eligible rollover distribution by the plan to an eligible retirement plan specified by a distributee who is eligible to elect a direct rollover;
    2. “distributee” means a member or a beneficiary who is the surviving spouse of the member or an alternate payee;
    3. “eligible retirement plan” means
      1. an individual retirement account described in 26 U.S.C. 408(a);
      2. an individual retirement annuity defined in 26 U.S.C. 408(b);
      3. an annuity plan described in 26 U.S.C. 403(a);
      4. a qualified trust described in 26 U.S.C. 401(a);
      5. on and after January 1, 2002, an annuity plan described in 26 U.S.C. 403(b);
      6. on or after January 1, 2002, a governmental plan described in 26 U.S.C. 457(b); or
      7. on or after January 1, 2008, a Roth IRA described in 26 U.S.C. 408A;
    4. “eligible rollover distribution” means a distribution of all or part of a total account to a distributee, except for
      1. a distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal installments payable not less frequently than annually over the life expectancy of the distributee or the joint and last survivor life expectancy of the distributee and the distributee’s designated beneficiary, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(9);
      2. a distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal installments payable not less frequently than annually over a specified period of 10 years or more;
      3. a distribution that is required under 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(9);
      4. the portion of any distribution that is not includable in gross income; however, a portion under this subparagraph may be transferred only to an individual retirement account or annuity described in 26 U.S.C. 408(a) or (b), to a qualified plan described in 26 U.S.C. 401(a) or 403(a), or to an annuity contract described in 26 U.S.C. 403(b), that agrees to separately account for amounts transferred, including separately accounting for the portion of the distribution that is includable in gross income and the portion of the distribution that is not includable in gross income; and
      5. other distributions that are reasonably expected to total less than $200 during a year.

History. (§ 9 ch 59 SLA 2002; am §§ 7 — 10 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Sec. 14.25.164. Spouse’s pension.

  1. If an active or disabled member dies, a pension is payable to the member’s spouse if the member made supplemental contributions under AS 14.25.055 for at least one year of credited service. If a retired member or deferred vested member dies, a pension is payable to the member’s spouse if the member made supplemental contributions under AS 14.25.055 for at least five years of credited service. Application for the spouse’s pension must be made in writing to the administrator.
  2. A spouse’s pension is payable under this section as follows:
    1. a spouse’s pension is equal to 50 percent of the retirement benefit that the deceased member was receiving; if the member was not receiving a retirement benefit, the spouse’s pension is equal to 50 percent of the amount the member would have received, based on the member’s average base salary and credited service to the date of the member’s death and assuming that the member would have been eligible for a normal retirement benefit as of that date;
    2. in the event of the death of a member’s spouse who is receiving a spouse’s pension, the difference between the amount that would have been paid under AS 14.25.160 and any payments made to the member, spouse, guardian, or dependent children shall be paid to those beneficiaries described in AS 14.25.166 ;
    3. benefits are not payable under this section if benefits are payable under AS 14.25.155 , 14.25.157 , 14.25.162 , or 14.25.167 .
  3. The spouse’s pension accrues from the first day of the month following the death of a member and is payable on the last day of the month.  If payment is delayed, a retroactive payment must be made for the month in which a benefit is payable under this section.  The last payment is for the month in which the spouse dies.

History. (§ 17 ch 151 SLA 1966; am §§ 10 — 12 ch 84 SLA 1969; am § 19 ch 69 SLA 1970; am §§ 26 — 28 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 11 ch 173 SLA 1975; am § 11 ch 128 SLA 1977; am § 20 ch 13 SLA 1980; am § 20 ch 13 SLA 1982; am § 15 ch 106 SLA 1988)

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Editor’s notes. —

In general, a person’s right to benefits under the state’s public employee retirement systems vests when the person joins the system. Hammond v. Hoffbeck, 627 P.2d 1052 (Alaska 1981). Therefore, former law may govern the benefits of some members of the teachers’ retirement system. The user is advised to ascertain which version of the statute is applicable. Earlier versions of the statutes can be found in prior editions of the Alaska Statutes or in the published Session Laws of Alaska.

Sec. 14.25.165. Distribution requirements.

  1. The entire interest of a member must be distributed or must begin to be distributed not later than the member’s required beginning date.
  2. If a member dies after the distribution of the member’s interest has begun but before the distribution has been completed, the remaining portion of the interest shall continue to be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used before the member’s death.
  3. If a member has made a distribution election and dies before the distribution of the member’s interest begins, distribution of the member’s entire interest shall be completed by December 31 of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the member’s death. However, if any portion of the member’s interest is payable to a designated beneficiary, distributions may be made over the life of the designated beneficiary or over a period certain not greater than the life expectancy of the designated beneficiary, commencing on or before December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the member died, and, if the designated beneficiary is the member’s surviving spouse, the date distributions are required to begin may not be earlier than the later of December 31 of the calendar year (1) immediately following the calendar year in which the member died, or (2) in which the member would have attained 70 1/2 years of age, whichever is earlier. If the surviving spouse dies after the member but before payments to the spouse have begun, the provisions of this subsection apply as if the surviving spouse were the member. An amount paid to a child of the member will be treated as if it were paid to the surviving spouse if the amount becomes payable to the surviving spouse when the child reaches the age of majority.
  4. If a member has not made a distribution election before the member’s death, the member’s designated beneficiary must elect the method of distribution not later than December 31 of the calendar year (1) in which distributions would be required to begin under this section, or (2) that contains the fifth anniversary of the date of death of the member, whichever is earlier. If the member does not have a designated beneficiary or if the designated beneficiary does not elect a method of distribution, distribution of the member’s entire interest must be completed by December 31 of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the member’s death.
  5. For purposes of (c) of this section, distribution of a member’s interest is considered to begin (1) on the member’s required beginning date, or (2) if the designated beneficiary is the member’s surviving spouse and the surviving spouse dies after the member but before payments to the spouse have begun, on the date distribution is required to begin to the surviving spouse. If distribution in the form of an annuity irrevocably commences to the member before the required beginning date, the date distribution is considered to begin is the date that the distribution actually commences.
  6. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 , the requirements of this section apply to all distributions of a member’s interest and take precedence over any inconsistent provisions of AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 .
  7. All distributions required under this section are determined and made in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(9) and regulations adopted under that statute, including any minimum distribution incidental benefit requirement.
  8. Unless otherwise specified, the provisions of this section apply to calendar years beginning on or after January 1, 1983.
  9. In this section,
    1. “designated beneficiary” means the individual who is designated as the beneficiary under the plan in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(9) and regulations adopted under that statute;
    2. “required beginning date” means the first day of April of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the member either attains 70 1/2 years of age or actually retires, whichever is later.

History. (§ 10 ch 59 SLA 2002; am § 12 ch 92 SLA 2004)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” and “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Sec. 14.25.166. Designation of beneficiary.

  1. Each member shall designate the beneficiary or beneficiaries to whom the administrator shall distribute benefits payable under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 as a consequence of the member’s death. Notwithstanding a previous designation of beneficiary, a person who is the spouse of a member at the time of the member’s death automatically becomes the designated beneficiary if the spouse was married to the member during part of the member’s employment for an employer
    1. except to the extent a qualified domestic relations order filed with the administrator provides for payment to a former spouse or other dependent of the member; or
    2. unless the member filed a revocation of beneficiary accompanied by a written consent to the revocation from the present spouse and each person entitled under the order; however, consent of the present spouse is not required if the member and the present spouse had been married for less than two years on the date of the member’s death and if the member established when filing the revocation that the member and the present spouse were not cohabiting.
  2. Except as provided in (a) of this section, the member may change or revoke the designation without notice to the beneficiary or beneficiaries at any time.  If a member designates more than one beneficiary, each shares equally unless the member specifies a different allocation or preference.  The designation of a beneficiary, a change or revocation of a beneficiary, and a consent to revocation of a beneficiary shall be made on a form provided by the administrator and is not effective until filed with the administrator.
  3. If a member fails to designate a beneficiary, or if no designated beneficiary survives the member, the death benefit shall be paid
    1. to the surviving spouse or, if there is none surviving,
    2. to the surviving children in equal parts or, if there are none surviving,
    3. to the surviving parents in equal parts or, if there are none surviving,
    4. to the estate.
  4. A person claiming entitlement to benefits payable under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 as a consequence of a member’s death shall provide the administrator with a marriage certificate, divorce or dissolution judgment, or other evidence of entitlement. Documents establishing entitlement may be filed with the administrator immediately after a change in the member’s marital status.  If the administrator does not receive notification of a claim before the date 10 days after the member’s death, the person claiming entitlement is not entitled to receive from the division of retirement and benefits any benefit already paid by the administrator.

History. (§ 21 ch 137 SLA 1982; am §§ 10 — 12 ch 117 SLA 1986)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” in this section.

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Sec. 14.25.167. Joint and survivor option.

  1. Benefits payable under this section are in place of benefits payable under AS 14.25.110 , 14.25.125 , 14.25.155 , 14.25.157 , 14.25.160 , 14.25.162 , or 14.25.164 . Upon filing an application for retirement with the administrator, or when a disabled member becomes eligible for normal retirement under AS 14.25.130(e) , the member shall designate the person who is the member’s spouse at the time of appointment to retirement as the contingent beneficiary. However, if the designation of the spouse is revoked under (c) of this section, the member may designate a dependent approved by the administrator as the contingent beneficiary or may take normal or early retirement under AS 14.25.110 or 14.25.125 . The administrator shall pay benefits under the option elected by the member. The member may elect an option that provides that
    1. the member is entitled to receive a reduced benefit payable for life, and, after the member’s death, the contingent beneficiary is entitled to receive payments in the amount of 75 percent of the reduced benefit for life;
    2. the member is entitled to receive a reduced benefit payable for life, and, after the member’s death, the contingent beneficiary is entitled to receive payments in the amount of 50 percent of the reduced benefit for life; or
    3. the member is entitled to receive a reduced benefit payable during the joint lifetime of the member and the contingent beneficiary, and, after the death of either the member or the contingent beneficiary, the survivor is entitled to receive payments in the amount of 66-2/3 percent of the reduced benefit for life.
  2. The aggregate of the pension payments expected to be paid to a member and the member’s contingent beneficiary under the options set out in (a) of this section shall be the actuarial equivalent of the pension that the member is otherwise entitled to receive upon retirement.
  3. A member may elect or change an option without the approval of the administrator if the member’s election or change is filed in writing with the administrator before the effective date of the member’s retirement. A member may revoke a joint and survivor option if the member files with the administrator before the effective date of the member’s retirement a revocation and a consent to the revocation signed by the member’s present spouse and each person entitled to benefits under a qualified domestic relations order on forms provided by the administrator. The administrator may waive the requirement for written consent from
    1. a person entitled under the order if the person cannot be located or for another reason established by regulation; or
    2. the spouse if
      1. the member is not married;
      2. the member was not married to the spouse during any period of the member’s employment with an employer;
      3. the spouse has no rights to the option because of the terms of a qualified domestic relations order;
      4. the spouse cannot be located;
      5. the member and spouse have been married for less than two years and the member establishes that they are not cohabiting; or
      6. another reason is established under regulations of the administrator.
  4. A member, including a deferred vested member, may, regardless of age, elect a joint and survivor option any time before appointment to receive a retirement benefit.
  5. If either the member or contingent beneficiary dies before the member is appointed to retirement, the election becomes inoperative.  Once the member is appointed to retirement, the election is irrevocable, even if the retired member is reemployed.  Any additional retirement benefit to which the reemployed member may become entitled will be paid in accordance with the initial election made under this section, unless the contingent beneficiary is deceased.  If the contingent beneficiary is deceased, the benefits earned during the period of reemployment are subject to AS 14.25.110 , or this section if another contingent beneficiary was designated during the period of reemployment.  All other benefits earned during previous periods of employment are subject to the election at the time the member was appointed to retirement. If death occurs during the period of reemployment and the proximate cause of death is not a bodily injury sustained or hazard undergone while in the performance and within the scope of the member’s duties of employment, those benefits earned while reemployed are subject to AS 14.25.155(c) .  All other benefits earned during previous periods of employment are subject to the election at the time the member was appointed to retirement.  If death occurs during the period of reemployment and the proximate cause of death is a bodily injury sustained or hazard undergone while in the performance and within the scope of the member’s duties of employment and the injury or hazard is not the proximate result of wilful negligence on the part of the member, all benefits earned during all periods of employment are subject to AS 14.25.157 .
  6. The member and any person claiming to be a contingent beneficiary shall file with the administrator a marriage certificate, divorce or dissolution judgment, or other evidence necessary to determine the applicability of this section and the identity of any contingent beneficiary.
  7. If the administrator determines, based on the affidavit of the member and other evidence, that a member is eligible to elect a form of payment other than a joint and survivor option under this section, and no contrary evidence is presented to the administrator within 60 days after the effective date of the member’s retirement, no claim under this section, made by a spouse or former spouse of the member, may be paid if payment would result in an increase in actuarial liability to the plan.
  8. If a member fails to elect an option under (a) of this section and no effective revocation is filed with the administrator, the member is considered to have elected the option provided in (a)(2) of this section.

History. (§ 21 ch 137 SLA 1982; am §§ 13 — 15 ch 117 SLA 1986)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Sec. 14.25.168. Medical benefits.

  1. Except as provided in (c) of this section, the following persons are entitled to major medical insurance coverage under this section:
    1. for teachers first hired before July 1, 1990,
      1. a teacher who is receiving a monthly benefit from the plan and who has elected coverage;
      2. the spouse and dependent children of the teacher described in (A) of this paragraph;
      3. the surviving spouse of a deceased teacher who is receiving a monthly benefit from the plan and who has elected coverage;
      4. the dependent children of a deceased teacher who are dependent on the surviving spouse described in (C) of this paragraph;
    2. for teachers first hired on or after July 1, 1990,
      1. a teacher who is receiving a monthly benefit from the plan and who has elected coverage for the teacher;
      2. the spouse of the teacher described in (A) of this paragraph if the teacher elected coverage for the spouse;
      3. the dependent children of the teacher described in (A) of this paragraph if the teacher elected coverage for the dependent children;
      4. the surviving spouse of a deceased teacher who is receiving a monthly benefit from the plan and who has elected coverage;
      5. the dependent children of a deceased teacher who are dependent on the surviving spouse described in (D) of this paragraph if the surviving spouse has elected coverage for the dependent children.
  2. After an election of coverage under this section, major medical insurance coverage takes effect on the same date as retirement benefits begin and stops when the member or survivor is no longer eligible to receive a monthly benefit. The coverage for persons age 65 or older is the same as that available for persons under age 65. The benefits payable to those persons age 65 or older supplement any benefits provided under the federal old age, survivors and disability insurance program. The medical premium and optional insurance premiums owed by a member or survivor shall be deducted from the benefit owed to the member or survivor before payment of the benefit.
  3. Receipt under a qualified domestic relations order of a monthly benefit from the plan does not entitle a person or the person’s spouse or child to insurance coverage under (a) of this section. However, a member’s former spouse who receives a monthly benefit under a qualified domestic relations order is entitled to receive major medical insurance coverage if the former spouse
    1. elects the coverage within 60 days after the first monthly benefit paid under the order is mailed first class or otherwise delivered; and
    2. pays the premium established by the administrator for the coverage.
  4. A benefit recipient may elect major medical insurance coverage in accordance with regulations and under the following conditions:
    1. a person who has less than 25 years of membership service and who is younger than 60 years of age must pay an amount equal to the full monthly group premium for retiree major medical insurance coverage;
    2. a disabled member, a disabled member who is appointed to normal retirement, a person 60 years of age or older, or a person who has at least 25 years of membership service is not required to make premium payments.
  5. The administrator shall inform members who have requested appointment to retirement that the health insurance coverage available to retired members may be different from the health insurance coverage provided to employees. The administrator shall also notify those members of time limits for selecting optional health insurance coverage and whether the election is irrevocable. A member who has requested appointment to retirement shall indicate in writing on a form provided by the administrator that the member has received the information required by this subsection and whether the member has chosen to receive optional health insurance coverage.
  6. On and after July 1, 2007, benefits under this section shall be provided in part by the Alaska retiree health care trust established under AS 39.30.097(a) .

History. (§ 18 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 200 SLA 1975; am § 22 ch 137 SLA 1982; §§ 16, 17 ch 117 SLA 1986; am §§ 13 — 15 ch 97 SLA 1990; am § 1 ch 14 SLA 1992; am § 10 ch 68 SLA 2000; am § 6 ch 57 SLA 2001; am § 8 ch 58 SLA 2001; am § 22 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am § 11 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1984, the word “under” was inserted in the last sentence of subsection (b) to correct a manifest error of omission in § 22, ch. 137, SLA 1982.

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Administrative Code. —

For major medical insurance, see 2 AAC 39, art. 3.

For appeals from denials of medical claims under the medical coverage provided by the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 39, art. 5.

Editor’s notes. —

In general, a person’s right to benefits under the state’s public employee retirement systems vests when the person joins the system. Hammond v. Hoffbeck, 627 P.2d 1052 (Alaska 1981). Therefore, former law may govern the benefits of some members of the teachers’ retirement system. The user is advised to ascertain which version of the statute is applicable. Earlier versions of the statutes can be found in prior editions of the Alaska Statutes or in the published Session Laws of Alaska.

Opinions of attorney general. —

Pre-funding of the medical component of PERS and TRS benefits, to the extent that pre-funding would be considered an accrued benefit, may not be discontinued for members who were employed during the period that statutes required pre-funding. Funding of medical benefits may be set at less than 100% funding for new members. April 20, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

Health benefits provided by the state’s retirement system statutes are part of the retirement benefit package that becomes part of the contract of employment when the public employee is hired. As such, retiree health benefits are among the benefits that must be included in the PERS and TRS employer contribution rates under AS 14.25.070 , AS 39.30.095 , and AS 39.35.250 39.35.290 . Consistent with these statutes, employer contribution rates have historically been set to fully fund retiree health benefits. April 20, 2005 Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

University of Alaska v. Tumeo, 933 P.2d 1147 (Alaska 1997).

Sec. 14.25.169. Duplicate benefits.

If payments from this retirement plan are due to a teacher or to the teacher’s spouse under more than one provision of this plan, the teacher or spouse shall elect under which provision and which benefit the teacher or spouse wishes to receive and no payments may be made under any other provision. However, benefits under AS 14.25.155 , 14.25.157 , 14.25.160 , 14.25.162 , 14.25.164 , and 14.25.167 shall be paid in addition to those benefits or that service credit a person is entitled to receive because of the person’s own membership in the retirement plan. A teacher may not receive (1) duplicate credit under this plan for the same period of service, (2) more than one year of service credit in the course of a school year, or (3) a benefit while accruing service credit under this plan, except as provided in this section.

History. (§ 19 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 184 SLA 1972; am § 23 ch 137 SLA 1982)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Sec. 14.25.170. Administration. [Repealed, § 132 ch 9 FSSLA 2005.]

Sec. 14.25.173. Adjustments.

  1. When a change or error is made in the records maintained by the plan or in the contributions made on behalf of an employee or an error is made in computing a benefit, and, as a result, a teacher or member or beneficiary is entitled to receive from the plan more or less than the teacher or member or beneficiary would have been entitled to receive had the records or contributions been correct or had the error not been made, (1) the records, contributions, or error shall be corrected, and (2) as far as practicable, future payments or benefit entitlement shall be adjusted so that the actuarial equivalent of the pension or benefit to which the teacher or member or beneficiary was correctly entitled will be paid. An adjustment to contributions shall be picked up by the employer in accordance with AS 14.25.050 or treated as an adjustment to the employer’s contributions in accordance with this section, depending upon the nature of the adjustment. If no future benefit payments are due, a person who was paid any amount to which the person was not entitled is liable for repayment of that amount, and a person who was not paid the full amount to which the person was entitled shall be paid that amount.
  2. An adjustment that requires the recovery of benefits may not be made under this section if
    1. the incorrect benefit was first paid two years or more before the member or beneficiary was notified of the error;
    2. the error was not the result of erroneous information supplied by the member or beneficiary; and
    3. the member or beneficiary did not have reasonable grounds to believe that the amount of the benefit was in error.
  3. At least quarterly, the administrator shall report to the commissioner of administration on all situations since the administrator’s last report in which an adjustment has been prohibited under (b) of this section. If the commissioner of administration finds that there is reason to believe that one or more of the conditions set out in (b) of this section have not been met, the administrator shall notify the member or beneficiary that an adjustment will be made to recover the overpayment. A member or beneficiary who receives notice of adjustment under this subsection may file a request with the commissioner of administration for a waiver of the adjustment under AS 14.25.175 . An adjustment that requires the repayment of benefits may not be required while the waiver request is pending.
  4. The plan shall pay interest on amounts owed to a member or beneficiary. Interest shall be charged on amounts owed to the plan by a member or beneficiary if the amount owed is the result of erroneous information supplied by the member or beneficiary, or the member or beneficiary had reasonable grounds to believe the amount of the benefit was in error. The interest paid under this subsection is at the rate established by regulation for indebtedness contributions owed. Interest accrues from the date on which the correct payment was due and continues until an actuarial adjustment to the benefit is effective or the amount owed is paid. Accrued interest for periods less than 60 days or in amounts less than the limit established in regulation for writing off small indebtedness and refund balances may not be collected or paid under this subsection.

History. (§ 4 ch 169 SLA 1976; am § 1 ch 15 SLA 1984; am § 2 ch 82 SLA 1986; am § 11 ch 59 SLA 2002; am § 23 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Sec. 14.25.175. Waiver of adjustments.

  1. Upon request by an affected member or beneficiary under (b) of this section, the commissioner of administration may waive an adjustment or a portion of an adjustment made under AS 14.25.173 if, in the opinion of the commissioner of administration,
    1. the adjustment or portion of the adjustment will cause undue hardship to the member or beneficiary;
    2. the adjustment was not the result of erroneous information supplied by the member or beneficiary;
    3. before the adjustment was made, the member or beneficiary received confirmation from the administrator that the member’s or beneficiary’s records were correct; and
    4. the member or beneficiary had no reasonable grounds to believe the records were incorrect before the adjustment was made.
  2. In order to obtain consideration of a waiver under this section, the affected member or beneficiary shall file a request with the commissioner of administration in writing within 30 days after receipt of notice that the records have been adjusted. The ruling of the commissioner of administration shall be in writing.
  3. A ruling of the commissioner of administration to deny a waiver under (b) of this section may be appealed to the office of administrative hearings.
  4. The office of administrative hearings may reverse the commissioner of administration’s decision to deny a waiver and may impose conditions on granting a waiver that it considers equitable. These conditions may include requiring the member or beneficiary to make additional contributions to the plan.
  5. [Repealed, § 132 ch 9 FSSLA 2005.]
  6. [Repealed, § 57 ch 68 SLA 2000.]
  7. [Repealed, § 57 ch 68 SLA 2000.]

History. (§ 1 ch 81 SLA 1979; am § 24 ch 137 SLA 1982; am §§ 11, 12, 57 ch 68 SLA 2000; am §§ 24 — 27, 132 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2005 amendment, effective July 28, 2005, substituted “commissioner of education” for “board” in two places in the introductory language of subsection (a) and two places in subsection (b); substituted “request” for “appeal” at the beginning of subsection (a); substituted “shall file a request with” for “must appeal to” in subsection (b); rewrote subsection (c); in subsection (d) rewrote the first sentence and substituted “plan” for “system” in the second sentence; and repealed subsection (e).

Sec. 14.25.177. Effect of amendments; determination of benefits upon termination.

  1. An amendment to AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 is not retroactive unless its retroactivity is expressly stated in the amendment.
  2. The monthly amount of a benefit payable under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 in effect on the date of termination of the member’s last segment of employment.

History. (§ 4 ch 169 SLA 1976; am § 21 ch 13 SLA 1980)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” in this section.

Cross references. —

For general rule on retroactivity of legislation, which (a) of this section restates, see AS 01.10.090 .

Editor’s notes. —

In general, a person’s right to benefits under the state’s public employee retirement systems vests when the person joins the system. Hammond v. Hoffbeck, 627 P.2d 1052 (Alaska 1981). Therefore, former law may govern the benefits of some members of the teachers’ retirement system. The user is advised to ascertain which version of a particular statute is applicable. Earlier versions of the statutes can be found in prior editions of the Alaska Statutes or in the published Session Laws of Alaska.

Sec. 14.25.180. Management and investment of fund. [Repealed, § 132 ch 9 FSSLA 2005.]

Sec. 14.25.181. Exclusive benefit; use of forfeitures; limitations.

  1. The corpus or income of the assets held in trust as required by the plan may not be diverted to or used for other than the exclusive benefit of the members or their beneficiaries.
  2. If, upon termination of the plan, all liabilities are satisfied, any excess assets shall be deposited in the general fund, subject to the approval of the termination by the Internal Revenue Service.
  3. The administrator shall use forfeitures that arise for any reason, including from termination of employment or death, to reduce employer contributions. Forfeitures may not be applied to increase the benefits of any member.
  4. The administrator shall determine the amount of any benefit that is determined on the basis of actuarial tables using assumptions approved by the commissioner of administration. The amount of benefits is not subject to employer discretion.
  5. Employee contributions paid to, and retirement benefits paid from, the plan may not exceed the annual limits on contributions and benefits, respectively, allowed by 26 U.S.C. 415. Notwithstanding any contrary provision of law, the administrator may modify a request by a member to make a contribution to the plan if the amount of the contribution would exceed the limits provided in 26 U.S.C. 415 by using the following methods:
    1. if the law requires a lump sum payment for the purchase of service credit, the administrator may establish a periodic payment plan for the member to avoid a contribution in excess of the limits under 26 U.S.C. 415(c) or (n);
    2. if a periodic payment plan under (1) of this subsection will not avoid a contribution in excess of the limits imposed by 26 U.S.C. 415(c), the administrator may either reduce the member’s contribution to an amount within the limits of that section or refuse the member’s contribution.

History. (§ 12 ch 59 SLA 2002; am §§ 12, 13 ch 20 SLA 2007; am § 1 ch 52 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective June 24, 2014, in (b), substituted “be deposited in the general fund,” for “revert to the employers as determined by the administrator”.

Sec. 14.25.190. Management and investment of fund. [Repealed, § 132 ch 9 FSSLA 2005.]

Sec. 14.25.195. Special rules for treatment of qualified military service.

  1. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 , with respect to qualified military service, contributions shall be made and benefits and service credit shall be provided in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 414(u).
  2. To the extent required by 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(37), if a member dies while performing qualified military service, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 43, the survivors of the member are entitled to any additional benefits that would have been provided to the survivors under the plan had the member resumed employment and then terminated employment on account of death. For purposes of this subsection, periods of qualified military service are not included in calculations of credited service.
  3. Consistent with and to the extent required by 26 U.S.C. 414(u)(12), a member receiving differential wage payments from an employer shall be treated as employed by that employer, and the differential wage payment shall be treated as compensation for purposes of applying the limits on annual additions under 26 U.S.C. 415(b). For purposes of this subsection, “differential wage payment” means any payment that
    1. is made by an employer to an individual with respect to any period during which the individual is performing service in the uniformed services, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 43, while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days; and
    2. represents all or a portion of the wages the individual would have received from the employer if the individual were performing service for the employer.

History. (§ 13 ch 59 SLA 2002; am § 1 ch 102 SLA 2014)

Revisor's notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” in this section.

Cross references. —

For governor’s transmittal letter for ch. 102, SLA 2014, adding subsections (b) and (c) to this section, see 2014 Senate Journal 1469 — 1470.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 29, 2014, added (b), retroactive to January 1, 2007, and (c), retroactive to January 1, 2009.

Editor's notes. —

Under sec. 11, ch. 102, SLA 2014, subsection (b) is retroactive to January 1, 2007, and subsection (c) is retroactive to January 1, 2009.

Subsections (b) and (c) of this section, as introduced by the governor and passed by the legislature, refer to 38 U.S.C. 43 but this statute does not exist. It is possible that this reference was intended to refer to 38 U.S.C. 4301 - 4335.

Sec. 14.25.200. Exemption from taxation and process.

  1. Except as provided in AS 29.45.030(a)(1) or in (c) of this section, member contributions and other amounts held in the plan on behalf of a member or other person who is or may become eligible for benefits under the plan are exempt from Alaska state and municipal taxes and are not subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, or charge of any kind, either voluntary or involuntary, before they are received by the person entitled to the amount under the terms of the plan. Any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber, charge, or otherwise dispose of any right to amounts accrued in the plan is void. However, a member’s right to receive benefits or the member contribution account may be assigned
    1. under a qualified domestic relations order;
    2. to a trust or similar legal device that meets the requirements for a Medicaid-qualifying trust under AS 47.07.020(f) and 42 U.S.C. 1396p(d)(4); or
    3. as provided in (c) of this section.
  2. Member contributions and other amounts held in the plan and benefits payable under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 are exempt from garnishment, execution, or levy as provided in AS 09.38 (exemptions).
  3. An inactive member may elect to have the taxable portion of the member contribution account transferred directly to another plan or an individual retirement arrangement that is qualified under the federal Internal Revenue Code and that accepts the transfer.

History. (§ 22 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 17 ch 89 SLA 1960; am § 13 ch 84 SLA 1969; am § 22 ch 13 SLA 1980; am § 3 ch 62 SLA 1982; am § 3 ch 82 SLA 1986; am § 18 ch 117 SLA 1986; am § 17 ch 106 SLA 1988; am § 5 ch 31 SLA 1992; am § 2 ch 102 SLA 1994; am §§ 13, 14 ch 68 SLA 2000)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” and “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

Gutterman v. First Nat'l Bank, 597 P.2d 969 (Alaska 1979).

Sec. 14.25.205. Time limit for application.

If an application for benefits or for refund has not been filed with the administrator by July 1 following the date on which an inactive member (except a member on leave of absence without pay) would attain age 75, or if an application for benefits or for refund has not been filed with the administrator within the 50 years following the most recent date on which the person was an active member, benefits or refunds may not be paid under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 and the member’s records may be destroyed.

History. (§ 14 ch 84 SLA 1969; am § 23 ch 13 SLA 1980)

Revisor’s notes. —

Under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” in this section.

Sec. 14.25.210. Penalty for false statements.

  1. A person who knowingly makes a false statement, or falsifies or permits to be falsified any record of this plan, in an attempt to defraud this plan, is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
  2. In this section, “knowingly” has the meaning given in AS 11.81.900(a) .

History. (§ 20 ch 145 SLA 1955; am §§ 15, 16 ch 68 SLA 2000; am § 28 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Cross references. —

For penalties for class A misdemeanors, see 12.55.035 for fines and 12.55.135 for imprisonment.

Sec. 14.25.212. Pension forfeiture.

The provisions of AS 37.10.310 apply to pension benefits under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 .

History. (§ 4 ch 47 SLA 2007)

Sec. 14.25.220. Definitions.

In AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 , unless the context requires otherwise,

  1. “active member” means a member who is employed by an employer, is receiving compensation on a full-time or part-time basis and is making contributions to the plan, or a member making contributions under AS 14.20.330 or 14.20.345 ;
  2. “actuarial adjustment” means the adjustment necessary to obtain equality in value of the aggregate expected payments under two different forms of pension payments, considering expected mortality and interest earnings on the basis of assumptions, factors, and methods specified in regulations issued under the plan that are formally adopted by the board and that clearly preclude employer discretion in the determination of the amount of any member’s benefit;
  3. “administrator” means the commissioner of administration or the commissioner’s designee under AS 14.25.003 ;
  4. “annuitant” means a retired member or a disabled member who is receiving a benefit under this plan;
  5. “average base salary” means the result obtained by dividing the sum of the member’s three highest years’ base salary by three, or if a member does not have three years base salary, then by dividing the sum of all base salaries by the number of years of base salary; the base salary for a year in which credit is granted for disability totaling more than one-third of a year may not be used in the computation of the average base salary; the base salary in a school year for which the member receives compensation for less than two-thirds of a year may not be used in the computation of the average base salary; if compensation is received for more than two-thirds of a year, the full base salary for that school year shall be used in the computation of the average base salary;
  6. “base salary”
    1. means the total remuneration payable under contract for a full year of membership service, including addenda to the contract but, for a member first hired on or after July 1, 1996, does not include remuneration in excess of the limitations set out in 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(17);
    2. has the same meaning as “compensation” under AS 39.35.680 (9) when applied to a state legislator who elects membership under AS 14.25.040(b) ;
  7. “beneficiary” means a person designated by a member to receive benefits that may be due from the plan upon the member’s death;
  8. “BIA service” means service, including partial years, as a teacher, a certificated person employed in a full-time position requiring a teaching certificate as a condition of employment, or a Bureau of Indian Affairs professional educator in a school or school system contracted or operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Alaska;
  9. “board” means the Alaska Retirement Management Board established under AS 37.10.210 ;
  10. “compensation” means the total remuneration paid under contract to a member for services rendered during a school year, including cost-of-living differentials, payments for leave that is actually used by the member, the amount by which the member’s wages are reduced under AS 39.30.150(c) , an amount that is contributed by the employer under a salary reduction agreement and that is not includable in the gross income of the employee under 26 U.S.C. 125 or 132(f)(4), and the amount deferred under an employer-sponsored deferred compensation plan or the tax shelter annuity plan approved by the Department of Education and Early Development, but does not include retirement benefits, welfare benefits, per diem, expense allowances, workers’ compensation payments, or payments for leave not used by the member, whether those leave payments are scheduled payments, lump-sum payments, donations, or cash-ins; for purposes of AS 14.25.050 , compensation paid includes any payment made after June 30 of a school year for services rendered before the end of the school year;
  11. “credited service” means
    1. all membership service as defined in this section, territorial employment as defined in this section, plus outside, military, and Alaska BIA service, with outside and military service limited to 10 years except under the conditions set out in AS 14.25.100 ;
    2. for purposes of eligibility for benefits under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 , service for which no indebtedness is owed;
  12. “deferred vested member” means an inactive member who meets the service requirements of a vested member;
  13. “dependent child” means an unmarried child of a member, including an adopted child, who is dependent upon the member for support and who is either (A) less than 19 years old, or (B) less than 23 years old and registered at and attending on a full-time basis an accredited educational or technical institution recognized by the Department of Education and Early Development; the age limits set out in this paragraph do not apply to a child who is totally and permanently disabled;
  14. “disabled member” means a member who is terminated, who has not received a refund from the plan, and who is receiving a disability benefit from the plan;
  15. “early retirement” means retirement under AS 14.25.110(b) ;
  16. “employer” means a public school district, the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska, the Department of Education and Early Development, the Regional Resource Centers, or the state legislature with respect to a state legislator who elects membership under AS 14.25.040(b) ;
  17. “fiscal year” means the period beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30 of the following calendar year;
  18. “former member” means a member who is terminated and who received a total refund of the balance of the mandatory contribution account, or who has requested in writing a refund of the balance of the mandatory contribution account;
  19. “full-time teacher” means a teacher occupying a position requiring teaching on a regular basis for the normal work period per day or week at a teaching assignment, excluding teaching as an assistant or graduate assistant or teaching on a substitute, temporary, or per diem basis;
  20. “inactive teacher or member” means a member who is terminated and who has not received a refund from the plan or a member who is on leave of absence and who is not making contributions under AS 14.20.345 ;
  21. “Internal Revenue Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;
  22. “member contribution account” means the total maintained by the plan of the member’s mandatory contributions, indebtedness principal and interest payments, interest credited to each of those accounts, and adjustments to the account in accordance with AS 14.25.173 ;
  23. “membership service” means
    1. full or part-time service as a teacher in a public school in the Territory or State of Alaska, or both, under the supervision and control of the Territorial Board of Education or the Department of Education and Early Development or the school board of a city, regional educational attendance area, or borough school district;
    2. full-time or part-time teaching at the University of Alaska or a full-time administrative position at the University of Alaska that requires academic standing and that has been approved for inclusion in the plan by the administrator;
    3. any period during which the teacher receives a disability benefit under this plan or is on an approved sabbatical leave granted in accordance with AS 14.20.310 ;
    4. continuous service as a state legislator when performed by a state legislator who elects membership under AS 14.25.040(b) , subject to the requirements of AS 14.25.040(c) ;
    5. full-time or part-time service as an employee of the Special Education Service Agency, subject to the requirements of AS 14.25.047 ; or
    6. full-time or part-time service as an Alaska Native language or culture expert, subject to the requirements of AS 14.25.048 ;
  24. “military service” means active duty in the armed forces of the United States;
  25. “nonpublic school” means a school established by an agency other than a state that is primarily supported by other than public funds, and operation of whose program rests with other than publicly elected or appointed officials, and is state approved or accredited;
  26. “non-vested member” means an active or inactive member who does not meet the requirements of a vested member or deferred vested member;
  27. “normal retirement” means retirement under AS 14.25.110(a) ;
  28. “outside service” means service for full years as defined by 47(A)(x) and 47(B)(xi) of this section
    1. as a certificated full-time elementary or secondary teacher or a certificated person in a full-time position requiring a teaching certificate as a condition of employment in an out-of-state public school within the United States, or in a school outside the United States supported by funds of the United States;
    2. as a certificated full-time elementary or secondary teacher or a certificated person in a full-time position requiring a teaching certificate as a condition of employment in an approved or accredited nonpublic school within the United States, or in a school outside the United States supported by funds of the United States;
    3. in a full-time position requiring academic standing in an out-of-state institution of higher learning accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency as listed in the Education Directory  —  Colleges and Universities by the National Center for Education Statistics;
    4. as a full-time teacher in an approved or accredited nonpublic institution of higher learning in Alaska;
  29. “part-time teacher” means a teacher occupying a position requiring teaching on a regular basis for at least 50 percent of the normal workweek at a teaching assignment, excluding teaching as an assistant or graduate assistant, or teaching on a substitute, temporary, or per diem basis;
  30. “past service liability” means the actuarially determined excess of the accrued liability of the plan over the value of the plan’s assets, as of the date of the last actuarial valuation;
  31. “permanent disability” means a physical or mental condition that, in the judgment of the administrator, based upon medical reports and other evidence satisfactory to the administrator, presumably prevents a member from satisfactorily performing the member’s usual duties for the member’s employer or the duties of another position or job that an employer makes available for which the member is qualified by training or education;
  32. “plan” means the retirement benefit plan established under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ;
  33. “prescribed rate of interest” means the rate of interest used for computing employer contributions, for preparing actuarial tables used by the plan, for crediting interest to members’ contributions, and for charging interest on members’ indebtedness accounts;
  34. “public school” means a school operated by publicly elected or appointed school officials in which the program and activities are under the control of those officials and that is supported by public funds;
  35. “qualified domestic relations order” means a divorce or dissolution judgment under AS 25.24, including an order approving a property settlement, that
    1. creates or recognizes the existence of an alternate payee’s right to, or assigns to an alternate payee the right to, receive all or a portion of the member contribution account or benefits payable with respect to a member;
    2. sets out the name and last known mailing address, if any, of the member and of each alternate payee covered by the order;
    3. sets out the amount or percentage of the member’s benefit, or of any survivor’s benefit, to be paid to the alternate payee, or sets out the manner in which that amount or percentage is to be determined;
    4. sets out the number of payments or period to which the order applies;
    5. sets out the plan to which the order applies;
    6. does not require any type or form of benefit or any option not otherwise provided by AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ;
    7. does not require an increase of benefits in excess of the amount provided by AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 , determined on the basis of actuarial value; and
    8. does not require the payment, to an alternate payee, of benefits that are required to be paid to another alternate payee under another order previously determined to be a qualified domestic relations order;
  36. “retired teacher or member” means a member who is terminated, who has not received a refund from the plan, and who is receiving a benefit, other than disability, from the plan;
  37. “retirement” means that period of time from the first day of the month following
    1. the date of termination; and
    2. application for retirement in which a person is appointed to receive a retirement benefit, other than a disability benefit;
  38. “retirement benefit” means the annuity received by a retired member from the plan;
  39. “retirement fund” or “fund” means the fund in which the assets of the plan, including income and interest derived from the investment of money, are deposited and held;
  40. “Retirement System of 1945” and “Retirement Fund of 1945” or like terms mean the system and fund established in sections 37-5-21  —  37-5-35, ACLA 1949;
  41. “school year” means the 12-month period beginning July 1 of each year and ending June 30 of the following year;
  42. “supplemental contribution account” means the account maintained by the plan to record the supplemental contributions of each member, including interest and adjustments to the account;
  43. “system” means all retirement plans established under the teachers’ retirement system;
  44. “teacher” and “member” are used interchangeably under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 and mean a person eligible to participate in the plan and who is covered by the plan, limited to
    1. a certificated full-time or part-time elementary or secondary teacher, a certificated school nurse, or a certificated person in a position requiring a teaching certificate as a condition of employment in a public school of the state, the Department of Education and Early Development, or the Department of Labor and Workforce Development;
    2. a full-time or part-time teacher of the University of Alaska or a person occupying a full-time administrative position at the University of Alaska that requires academic standing; the approval of the administrator must be obtained before an administrative position qualifies for membership in the plan; however, a teacher or administrative person at the university who is participating in a university retirement program under AS 14.40.661 14.40.799 is not a member under this plan;
    3. a state legislator who elects membership under AS 14.25.040(b) ;
  45. “territorial employment” means non-teaching employment with the Territory of Alaska as provided under AS 14.25.105 ; territorial employment is not membership service;
  46. “vested member” or “vested teacher” means an active member who has completed either
    1. 15 years of service, the last five of which have been membership service, for a member first hired before July 1, 1975;
    2. eight years of membership service;
    3. five years of membership and three years of BIA service; or
    4. 12 school years of part-time membership service or 12 school years in each of which the member earned either part-time or full-time membership service;
  47. “year of service” means service, except for military and territorial service, during the dates set for a school year; partial-year service credit is given for membership and BIA service as follows:
    1. before July 1, 1969, during any school year,
      1. less than 20 days, no credit;
      2. 20 days or more but less than 35 days, 0.2 years;
      3. 35 days or more but less than 49 days, 0.3 years;
      4. 49 days or more but less than 63 days, 0.4 years;
      5. 63 days or more but less than 77 days, 0.5 years;
      6. 77 days or more but less than 91 days, 0.6 years;
      7. 91 days or more but less than 105 days, 0.7 years;
      8. 105 days or more but less than 119 days, 0.8 years;
      9. 119 days or more but less than 133 days, 0.9 years;
      10. 133 days or more, 1.0 years;
    2. on or after July 1, 1969, during any school year,
      1. less than nine days, no credit;
      2. nine days or more but less than 27 days, 0.1 years;
      3. 27 days or more but less than 45 days, 0.2 years;
      4. 45 days or more but less than 63 days, 0.3 years;
      5. 63 days or more but less than 81 days, 0.4 years;
      6. 81 days or more but less than 100 days, 0.5 years;
      7. 100 days or more but less than 118 days, 0.6 years;
      8. 118 days or more but less than 136 days, 0.7 years;
      9. 136 days or more but less than 154 days, 0.8 years;
      10. 154 days or more but less than 172 days, 0.9 years;
      11. 172 days or more, 1.0 years;
    3. service performed on a part-time basis will be credited in proportion to the amount of credit that would have been received for service performed on a full-time basis.

History. (§ 2 ch 145 SLA 1955; am § 1 ch 142 SLA 1957; am § 2 ch 89 SLA 1960; am § 7 ch 179 SLA 1960; am §§ 1, 2 ch 78 SLA 1962; am §§ 8 — 12 ch 86 SLA 1963; am § 1 ch 111 SLA 1965; am §§ 20 — 22 ch 151 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 76 SLA 1968; am §§ 15 — 19 ch 84 SLA 1969; am § 21 ch 46 SLA 1970; am §§ 13 — 18 ch 138 SLA 1970; am §§ 3 — 5 ch 229 SLA 1970; am §§ 16 — 18 ch 32 SLA 1971; am §§ 6 — 8 ch 86 SLA 1971; am §§ 30 — 33 ch 66 SLA 1973; am § 3 ch 57 SLA 1974; am § 21 ch 127 SLA 1974; am §§ 12, 13 ch 173 SLA 1975; am §§ 1, 6 ch 155 SLA 1976; am § 5 ch 169 SLA 1976; am §§ 12, 13 ch 128 SLA 1977; am §§ 4, 5 ch 174 SLA 1978; am §§ 4 — 7 ch 82 SLA 1979; am § 24 ch 13 SLA 1980; am §§ 25 — 28 ch 137 SLA 1982; am § 1 ch 55 SLA 1985; am §§ 4 — 7 ch 82 SLA 1986; am § 4 ch 112 SLA 1986; am § 19 ch 117 SLA 1986; am §§ 18, 19 ch 106 SLA 1988; am § 31 ch 50 SLA 1989; am § 3 ch 104 SLA 1989; am § 16 ch 97 SLA 1990; am § 1 ch 44 SLA 1992; am § 1 ch 53 SLA 2000; am §§ 17 — 20 ch 68 SLA 2000; am §§ 14 — 16 ch 59 SLA 2002; am § 1 ch 49 SLA 2003; am §§ 13, 14 ch 92 SLA 2004; am §§ 29 — 34, 132 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am §§ 14, 15 ch 20 SLA 2007; am § 6 ch 13 SLA 2008)

Revisor’s notes. —

Reorganized in 1987, 2002, 2005, and 2008 to alphabetize the defined terms.

In 1999, in various paragraphs of this section, “commissioner of education” was changed to “commissioner of education and early development” and “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

In 2005, in (6)(B) of this section, “AS 39.35.680 (9)” was substituted for “AS 39.35.680 (8)” to reflect the 2005 renumbering of AS 39.35.680(8). Also in 2005, under sec. 144, ch. 9, FSSLA 2005, “AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ” was substituted for “this chapter” and “plan” was substituted for “system” in this section.

Administrative Code. —

For benefits under the defined benefits plan of the teachers’ retirement system, see 2 AAC 36, art. 3.

For service under the defined benefits plan (AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 4.

Editor’s notes. —

In general, a person’s right to benefits under the state’s public employee retirement systems vests when the person joins the system. Hammond v. Hoffbeck, 627 P.2d 1052 (Alaska 1981). Therefore, former law may govern the benefits of some members of the teachers’ retirement system. The user is advised to ascertain which version of the statute is applicable. Earlier versions of the statutes can be found in prior editions of the Alaska Statutes or in the published Session Laws of Alaska.

Opinions of attorney general. —

Amounts paid by the Anchorage School District to the Anchorage Education Association for dues for the association’s representation of teachers in the district should not be included in base salary either for payment of contributions or for computation of benefits. July 25, 1989 Op. Att’y Gen.

Notes to Decisions

“Membership years” in AS 14.25.130(a) . —

Teachers’ Retirement Board erred when it interpreted the term “membership years” in AS 14.25.130(a) as being the equivalent of “years of service” as defined in this section. Casperson v. Alaska Teachers' Retirement Bd., 664 P.2d 583 (Alaska 1983).

Quoted in

Flisock v. State, Div. of Ret. & Benefits, 818 P.2d 640 (Alaska 1991).

Stated in

Metcalfe v. State, 484 P.3d 93 (Alaska 2021).

Cited in

Laing v. Laing, 741 P.2d 649 (Alaska 1987).

Collateral references. —

What constitutes “salary,” “wages,” “pay,” or the like, within pension law basing benefits thereon. 91 ALR5th 225.

Article 3. Teachers First Hired on or after July 1, 2006.

Legislative history reports. —

For governor’s transmittal letter for ch. 20, SLA 2007 (SB 123), proposing needed corrections and clarifications of statutes enacted as part of the 2005 legislation establishing defined contributions retirement plans and making related amendments to defined benefit retirement plans, see 2007 Senate Journal 567 — 570.

Sec. 14.25.310. Applicability of AS 14.25.310 — 14.25.590.

The provisions of AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 apply only to teachers who first become members on or after July 1, 2006, to members who are employed by employers that do not participate in the defined benefit retirement plan established under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 , to former members under AS 14.25.220 , or to members who transfer into the defined contribution retirement plan under AS 14.25.540 .

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am §§ 16, 17 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Sec. 14.25.320. Defined contribution retirement plan established.

  1. A defined contribution retirement plan for teachers of the state is created.
  2. The defined contribution retirement plan includes a plan in which savings are accumulated in an individual account for the exclusive benefit of the member or beneficiaries. The plan is established effective July 1, 2006, at which time contributions by employers and members begin.
  3. The defined contribution retirement plan is intended to qualify under 26 U.S.C. 401(a), 414(d), and 414(k) (Internal Revenue Code) as a qualified retirement plan established and maintained by the state for its employees and for the employees of school districts and regional educational attendance areas in the state. Benefits under AS 14.25.480 are not provided by the defined contribution retirement plan.
  4. An amendment to the defined contribution retirement plan does not provide a person with a vested right to a benefit if the Internal Revenue Service determines that the amendment will result in disqualification of the plan under the Internal Revenue Code.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am § 18 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

Sec. 14.25.330. Membership.

  1. A teacher who first becomes a member on or after July 1, 2006, shall participate in the plan as a member of the defined contribution retirement plan.
  2. A teacher who is participating in a university retirement program under AS 14.40.661 14.40.799 may not participate as a member of the defined contribution retirement plan.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.340. Contributions by members.

  1. Each member shall contribute to the member’s individual account an amount equal to eight percent of the member’s compensation from July 1 to the following June 30.
  2. [Repealed, § 116 ch 20 SLA 2007.]
  3. The employer shall deduct the contribution from the member’s compensation at the end of each payroll period, and the contribution shall be credited by the administrator to the member’s individual account. The contributions shall be deducted from the member’s compensation before the computation of applicable federal taxes and shall be treated as employer contributions under 26 U.S.C. 414(h)(2). A member may not have the option of making the payroll deduction directly in cash instead of having the contribution picked up by the employer.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am § 116 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

Sec. 14.25.345. Employment contributions mandatory.

  1. Contributions of members shall be made by payroll deductions. Each member shall be considered to consent to payroll deductions. It is of no consequence that a payroll deduction may cause the compensation paid in cash to a member to be reduced below the minimum required by law.
  2. Payment of a member’s compensation, less payroll deductions, is a full and complete discharge and satisfaction of all claims and demands by the member relating to remuneration of services during the period covered by the payment, except with respect to the benefits provided under the plan.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.350. Contributions by employers.

  1. An employer shall contribute to each member’s individual account an amount equal to seven percent of the member’s compensation from July 1 to the following June 30.
  2. An employer shall also contribute an amount equal to a percentage, as approved by the board, of each member’s compensation from July 1 to the following June 30 to pay for retiree major medical insurance. This contribution shall be paid into the Alaska retiree health care trust established by the commissioner of administration under AS 39.30.097(b) and shall be accounted for in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner.
  3. Notwithstanding (b) of this section, the employer contribution for retiree major medical insurance for fiscal year 2007 shall be 1.75 percent of each member’s compensation from July 1 to the following June 30.
  4. An employer shall also make contributions to the health reimbursement arrangement plan under AS 39.30.370 .
  5. An employer shall make annual contributions to a trust account in the plan, applied as a percentage of each member’s compensation from July 1 to the following June 30, in an amount determined by the board to be actuarially required to fully fund the cost of providing occupational disability and occupational death benefits under AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 .

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am §§ 19, 20 ch 20 SLA 2007; am § 7 ch 13 SLA 2008)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

Sec. 14.25.360. Rollover contributions and distributions.

  1. A teacher entering the plan may elect, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the administrator, to have all or part of a direct rollover distribution from an eligible retirement plan owned by the member paid directly into the member’s individual account.
  2. Rollover contributions do not count as a purchase of membership service for the purpose of determining years of service.
  3. A distributee may elect, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the administrator, to have all or part of a direct rollover distribution paid directly to an eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee in the direct rollover.
  4. In this section,
    1. “direct rollover” means the payment of an eligible rollover distribution by the plan to an eligible retirement plan specified by a distributee who is eligible to elect a direct rollover;
    2. “distributee” means a member, or a beneficiary who is the surviving spouse of the member, or an alternate payee;
    3. “eligible retirement plan” means
      1. an individual retirement account described in 26 U.S.C. 408(d)(3)(A);
      2. an annuity plan described in 26 U.S.C. 403(a);
      3. a qualified trust described in 26 U.S.C. 401(a);
      4. an annuity plan described in 26 U.S.C. 403(b);
      5. a governmental plan described in 26 U.S.C. 457(b);
      6. an individual retirement annuity described in 26 U.S.C. 408(b); or
      7. on or after January 1, 2008, a Roth IRA described in 26 U.S.C. 408A;
    4. “eligible rollover distribution” means a distribution of all or part of a total account to a distributee, except for
      1. a distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal installments payable not less frequently than annually over the life expectancy of the distributee or the joint and last survivor life expectancy of the distributee and the distributee’s designated beneficiary, as defined in 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(9);
      2. a distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal installments payable not less frequently than annually over a specified period of 10 years or more;
      3. a distribution that is required under 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(9);
      4. the portion of any distribution that is not includable in gross income; however, a portion under this subparagraph may be transferred only to an individual retirement account or annuity described in 26 U.S.C. 408(a) or (b), to a qualified plan described in 26 U.S.C. 401(a) or 403(a), or to an annuity contract described in 26 U.S.C. 403(b), that agrees to separately account for amounts transferred, including separately accounting for the portion of the distribution that is includable in gross income and the portion of the distribution that is not includable in gross income; and
      5. other distributions that are reasonably expected to total less than $200 during a year.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am §§ 21, 22 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Sec. 14.25.370. Transmittal of contributions; claims against funds of an employer; use of contributions.

  1. All contributions deducted in accordance with AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 shall be transmitted to the plan for deposit in the appropriate account or trusts as soon as administratively feasible, but in no event later than 15 days following the close of the payroll period, with the final contributions due for any school year transmitted no later than July 15.
  2. If contributions are not transmitted within the prescribed time limit, interest shall be assessed on the outstanding contributions at the rate established under AS 14.25.065 from the date that contributions were originally due. Amounts due from an employer and interest as prescribed in this subsection may be claimed by the administrator from any agency of the state or political subdivision that has in its possession funds of the employer or that is authorized to disburse funds to the employer that are not restricted by statute or appropriation to a specific purpose. The amount claimed shall be certified by the administrator as sufficient to pay the contributions and interest due from the employer. The amount claimed shall be submitted to the administrator for deposit in the appropriate account or trusts.
  3. An employer is responsible for administrative fees, investment fees, and investment losses charged to accounts established under AS 14.25.340 resulting from contribution adjustments because the employer enrolled a member in the plan before the member was eligible for membership. Contributions made by an employee shall be returned to the employer by reducing future employee contributions due. Contributions, net of fees and investment losses, made by an employer shall be used to reduce future employer contributions due.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am §§ 23, 24 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Sec. 14.25.380. Limitations on contributions and benefits.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this plan, the annual additions to each member’s individual account under this plan and under all defined contribution plans of the employer required to be aggregated with the contributions from this plan under the provisions of 26 U.S.C. 415 may not exceed, for any limitation year, the amount permitted under 26 U.S.C. 415(c) at any time. If the amount of a member’s individual account contributions exceeds the limitation of 26 U.S.C. 415(c) for any limitation year, the administrator shall take any necessary remedial action to correct an excess contribution. A fixed benefit provided under this plan may not exceed, for or during a limitation year, the amount permitted under 26 U.S.C. 415(b). If a fixed benefit provided under this plan exceeds, for or during a limitation year, the amount permitted under 26 U.S.C. 415(b), the administrator shall take remedial action necessary to comply with the limits on the benefit amount in 26 U.S.C. 415(b). The provisions of 26 U.S.C. 415, and the regulations adopted under that statute, as applied to qualified plans of governmental employers are incorporated as part of the terms and conditions of the plan.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am § 25 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

Sec. 14.25.390. Vesting.

  1. A participating member is immediately and fully vested in that member’s contributions and related earnings.
  2. A member is fully vested in the employer contributions made on that member’s behalf, and related earnings, after five years of service. A member is partially vested in the employer contributions made on that member’s behalf, and the related earnings, in the ratio of
    1. 25 percent with two years of service;
    2. 50 percent with three years of service; and
    3. 75 percent with four years of service.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

Sec. 14.25.400. Investment of individual accounts.

  1. The board shall provide a range of investment options and permit a participant to exercise investment control over the participant’s assets in the member’s individual account as provided in this section. If a participant exercises control over the assets in the individual account, the participant is not considered a fiduciary for any reason on the basis of exercising that control.
  2. A participant may direct investment of plan funds held in an account among available investment funds in accordance with rules established by the board.
  3. A participant may elect to change or transfer all or a portion of the participant’s existing account balance among available investment funds not more often than once each day in accordance with the rules established by the administrator. Only the last election received by the administrator before the transmittal of contributions to the trust fund for allocation to the individual account will be used to direct the investment of the contributions received.
  4. Except to the extent clearly set out in the terms of the investment plans offered by the employer to the employee, the employer is not liable to the participant for investment losses if the prudent investment standard has been met.
  5. The employer, administrator, state, board, or a person or entity who is otherwise a fiduciary is not liable by reason for any participant’s investment loss that results from the participant’s directing the investment of plan assets allocated to the participant’s account.
  6. To the extent that a member’s individual account has been divided as provided in a qualified domestic relations order between participants, each participant shall be treated as the holder of a separate individual account for purposes of investment yields, decisions, transfers, and time limitations imposed by this section.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.410. Distribution election at termination.

  1. A member is eligible to elect distribution of the member’s account in accordance with this section 60 days after termination of employment.
  2. Notwithstanding (a) of this section, distribution of all or a portion of the individual account of a member may take place before the 60th day after the termination of employment with the approval of the administrator if the member makes a written request for a distribution under this subsection. The member’s spouse must consent to the request in writing if the member is married. Distribution of an individual account may only be made on account of an immediate and heavy financial need of the member for the following reasons and in the amount the need is demonstrated for
    1. medical care described in 26 U.S.C. 213(d) incurred by the member, the member’s spouse, or the member’s dependent, or necessary to obtain that medical care;
    2. the purchase of a principal residence for the member;
    3. postsecondary education tuition and related educational fees for the next 12-month period for the member, the member’s spouse, or a dependent of the member; in this paragraph, “dependent” has the meaning given in 26 U.S.C. 152;
    4. prevention of the eviction of the member from the member’s principal residence or foreclosure on the mortgage of the member’s principal residence; or
    5. any need prescribed by the United States Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, in a revenue ruling, notice, or other document of general applicability that satisfies the safe harbor definition of hardship under regulations adopted under 26 U.S.C. 401(k).
  3. If a member dies before benefits commence, the member’s beneficiary is immediately eligible to elect distribution of the member’s share of the member’s individual account.
  4. Distributions are payable to an alternate payee in accordance with the terms and conditions of a qualified domestic relations order that is received and approved by the administrator as specified in AS 14.25.460 .
  5. Distributions that are being paid to a member may not be affected by the member’s subsequent reemployment with the employer. Upon reemployment, a new individual account shall be established for the member to which any future contributions shall be allocated. Upon subsequent termination of employment, the member’s new individual account shall be distributed in accordance with this section.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

Sec. 14.25.420. Forms of distribution.

  1. A participant may elect to receive distribution of the participant’s share of the individual account in a
    1. lump sum payment, which is a single payment of the entire balance in the account;
    2. periodic lump sum payment, which is a payment of a portion of the balance in the account, not more than twice each year;
    3. period certain annuity payment, which is an annuity payable in a fixed number of monthly installments for a duration of 60, 120, or 180 months;
    4. life annuity with a period certain payment, which is an annuity payable until the later of the first day of the month in which the annuitant’s death occurs, or the date on which the payment of a fixed number of monthly installments is completed; the period certain for installments is 120 or 180 months;
    5. single life annuity payment, which is an annuity payable monthly until the first of the month in which the annuitant’s death occurs;
    6. joint and survivor annuity payment, which is an annuity payable monthly to the member until the first of the month in which the member’s death occurs; after the member’s death, a survivor annuity equal to 50 percent or 100 percent of the member’s benefit, as previously elected by the member, shall be paid monthly to the joint annuitant for the remainder of the survivor’s lifetime; or
    7. payment as authorized by a regulation adopted by the commissioner of administration.
  2. Upon the death of an annuitant whose payments have commenced, an annuitant’s beneficiary shall receive further payments only to the extent provided in accordance with the form of payment that was being made to the annuitant. The remaining portion of the interest shall continue to be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used before the annuitant’s death.
  3. If a participant dies before the distribution commencement date, distribution of the participant’s entire interest to a beneficiary shall be payable in any form other than a joint and survivor annuity.
  4. If an unmarried member or other participant fails to elect a form of payment before the distribution commencement date, the account shall be paid to a beneficiary in the form of a lump sum to the extent required by the minimum distribution requirements set out in the Internal Revenue Code. If a married member fails to elect a form of payment before the distribution commencement date, the account shall be paid in the form of a 50 percent joint and survivor annuity, with the member’s spouse as the joint annuitant.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am § 1 ch 30 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective September 16, 2018, added (a)(7), and made related changes.

Legislative history reports. —

For governor's transmittal letter for ch. 30, SLA 2018 (HB 306), which added paragraph (a)(7), see 2018 House Journal 2243 — 2244.

Sec. 14.25.430. Manner of electing distributions.

  1. Any election or any alteration or revocation of a prior election by a participant for any purpose under this plan shall be on forms or made in a manner prescribed for that purpose by the plan administrator. To be effective, the forms required or the required action for any purpose under this plan must be completed and received in accordance with regulations adopted by the commissioner of administration.
  2. At any time, but not less than seven days before the distribution commencement date, a member, alternate payee, or beneficiary may change
    1. the form of payment election;
    2. an election to commence benefits; or
    3. the joint annuitant designation.
  3. Changes in elections are not allowed on or after seven days before the distribution commencement date.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

Sec. 14.25.440. Distribution requirements.

  1. Payments to a participant shall commence as soon as administratively feasible following the distribution commencement date. The distribution commencement date is the first date on which one of the following occurs:
    1. a member meets the requirements of AS 14.25.410 and has made a complete application for payment under AS 14.25.430 ;
    2. a participant has elected to defer receipt of the account to a date specified, the date has been attained, and the participant has made a complete application for payment;
    3. a member attains normal retirement age and has not made an application for payment or elected to defer receipt of the account to a date later than normal retirement age;
    4. a member’s beneficiary does not make an application for benefits, and five years have elapsed since the member’s death;
    5. notwithstanding (1) — (4) of this subsection, a participant whose account has a balance of $1,000 or less meets the requirements of AS 14.25.410 , at which time the participant must take payment of the participant’s account.
  2. The entire interest of a participant must be distributed or must begin to be distributed not later than the member’s required beginning date.
  3. If a member dies after the distribution of the member’s interest has begun but before the distribution has been completed, the remaining portion of the interest shall continue to be distributed at least as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used before the member’s death.
  4. If a member has made a distribution election and dies before the distribution of the member’s interest begins, distribution of the member’s entire interest shall be completed by December 31 of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the member’s death. However, if any portion of the member’s interest is payable to a designated beneficiary, distributions may be made over the life of the designated beneficiary or over a period certain not greater than the life expectancy of the designated beneficiary, commencing on or before December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the member died, and, if the designated beneficiary is the member’s surviving spouse, the date distributions are required to begin may not be earlier than the later of December 31 of the calendar year (1) immediately following the calendar year in which the member died, or (2) in which the member would have attained 70 1/2 years of age, whichever is earlier. If the surviving spouse dies after the member but before payments to the spouse have begun, the provisions of this subsection apply as if the surviving spouse were the member. An amount paid to a child of the member shall be treated as if it were paid to the surviving spouse if the amount becomes payable to the surviving spouse when the child reaches the age of majority.
  5. If a member has not made a distribution election before the member’s death, the member’s designated beneficiary must elect the method of distribution not later than December 31 of the calendar year (1) in which distributions would be required to begin under this section, or (2) that contains the fifth anniversary of the date of death of the member, whichever is earlier. If the member does not have a designated beneficiary or if the designated beneficiary does not elect a method of distribution, distribution of the member’s entire interest must be completed by December 31 of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the member’s death.
  6. For purposes of (b) of this section, distribution of a member’s interest is considered to begin (1) on the member’s required beginning date, or (2) if the designated beneficiary is the member’s surviving spouse and the surviving spouse dies after the member but before payments to the spouse have begun, on the date distribution is required to begin to the surviving spouse. If distribution in the form of an annuity irrevocably commences to the member before the required beginning date, the date distribution is considered to begin is the date that the distribution actually commences.
  7. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 , the requirements of this section apply to all distributions of a member’s interest and take precedence over any inconsistent provisions of AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 .
  8. All distributions required under this section are determined and made in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(9) and regulations adopted under that statute, including any minimum distribution incidental benefit requirement.
  9. In this section,
    1. “designated beneficiary” means the individual who is designated as the beneficiary under the plan in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(9) and regulations adopted under that statute;
    2. “required beginning date” means the first day of April of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the member either attains 70 1/2 years of age or actually terminates employment, whichever is later.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.450. Designation of beneficiary.

  1. Each participant shall have the right to designate a beneficiary and shall have the right, at any time, to revoke the designation or to substitute another beneficiary, subject to the following limitation: if a married member elects a nonspouse beneficiary, the value of the benefit payable to the beneficiary may not exceed 50 percent of the member’s portion of the account balance, and the member’s spouse shall automatically be considered the beneficiary for the remaining 50 percent of the account balance, unless the spouse consents to the beneficiary designation in a writing that is notarized or witnessed by the administrator. If the spouse consents in this manner, a married member may designate a nonspouse beneficiary for the entire benefit or any portion of the benefit as part of an available form of payment contained in this plan,
    1. except to the extent a qualified domestic relations order filed with the administrator provides for payment to a former spouse or other dependent of the member; or
    2. unless the member filed a revocation of beneficiary accompanied by a written consent to the revocation from the present spouse and each person entitled under the order; however, consent of the present spouse is not required if the member and the present spouse had been married for less than one year on the date of the member’s death and if the member established when filing the revocation that the member and the present spouse were not cohabiting.
  2. Except as provided in (a) of this section, the member may change or revoke the designation without notice to the beneficiary or beneficiaries at any time. If a member designates more than one beneficiary, each shares equally unless the member specifies a different allocation or preference. The designation of a beneficiary, a change or revocation of a beneficiary, and a consent to revocation of a beneficiary shall be made on a form provided by the administrator and is not effective until filed with the administrator.
  3. If a member fails to designate a beneficiary, or if no designated beneficiary survives the member, the death benefit shall be paid
    1. to the surviving spouse or, if there is none surviving;
    2. to the surviving children of the member in equal parts or, if there are none surviving;
    3. to the surviving parents in equal parts or, if there are none surviving;
    4. to the estate.
  4. A person claiming entitlement to benefits payable under AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 as a consequence of a member’s death shall provide the administrator with a marriage certificate, divorce or dissolution judgment, or other evidence of entitlement. Documents establishing entitlement may be filed with the administrator immediately after a change in the member’s marital status. If the administrator does not receive notification of a claim before the date 10 days after the member’s death, the person claiming entitlement is not entitled to receive from the division of retirement and benefits any benefit already paid by the administrator.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.460. Rights under qualified domestic relations order.

  1. Notwithstanding the nonalienation provisions in AS 14.25.500(a) , the administrator may direct that benefits be paid to someone other than a member or beneficiary under a valid qualified domestic relations order that is executed by the judge of a competent court in accordance with applicable state law and that has been accepted by the administrator.
  2. The administrator shall determine whether an order meets the requirements of this section within a reasonable period after receiving an order. The administrator shall notify the member and any alternate payee that an order has been received and indicate to the member and any alternate payee when the order is accepted. A separate account for the alternate payee portion shall be established as soon as administratively feasible after the order has been accepted by the administrator.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.470. Eligibility for retirement and medical benefits.

  1. In order to obtain medical benefits under AS 14.25.480 , a member must retire directly from the plan. A member is eligible to retire from the plan if the member has been an active member for at least 12 months before application for retirement and
    1. the member has at least 30 years of service; or
    2. the member reaches the normal retirement age and has at least 10 years of service.
  2. The normal retirement age is the age set for Medicare eligibility at the time the member retires.
  3. A member’s surviving spouse is eligible to elect medical benefits under AS 14.25.480 if the member had retired, or was eligible for retirement and medical benefits at the time of the member’s death.
  4. A member shall apply for retirement and medical benefits on the forms and in the manner prescribed by the administrator.
  5. Participation in the retiree major medical insurance plan is not required in order to participate in the health reimbursement arrangement.
  6. A person eligible for retirement and medical benefits is not required to participate in the health reimbursement arrangement in order to elect participation in the retiree major medical insurance plan.
  7. An eligible person shall make the irrevocable election to participate or not participate in the retiree major medical insurance plan by reaching 70 1/2 years of age, or upon application for retirement and medical benefits, whichever is later.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.480. Medical benefits.

  1. The medical benefits available to eligible persons are access to the retiree major medical insurance plan and to the health reimbursement arrangement under AS 39.30.300 . Access to the retiree major medical insurance plan means that an eligible person may not be denied insurance coverage except for failure to pay the required premium.
  2. Retiree major medical insurance plan coverage elected by an eligible member under this section covers the eligible member, the spouse of the eligible member, and the dependent children of the eligible member.
  3. Retiree major medical insurance plan coverage elected by a surviving spouse of an eligible member under this section covers the surviving spouse and the dependent children of the eligible member who are dependent on the surviving spouse.
  4. Major medical insurance coverage takes effect on the first day of the month following the date of the administrator’s approval of the election and stops when the person who elects coverage dies or fails to make a required premium payment.
  5. The coverage for persons 65 years of age or older is the same as that available for persons under 65 years of age. The benefits payable to those persons 65 years of age or older supplement any benefits provided under the federal old age, survivors and disability insurance program.
  6. The medical and optional insurance premiums owed by the person who elects coverage may be deducted from the health reimbursement arrangement. If the amount of the health reimbursement arrangement becomes insufficient to pay the premiums, the person who elects coverage under (a) of this section shall pay the premiums directly.
  7. The cost of premiums for retiree major medical insurance coverage for an eligible member or surviving spouse who is
    1. not eligible for Medicare is an amount equal to the full monthly group premiums for retiree major medical insurance coverage;
    2. eligible for Medicare is the following percentage of the premium amounts established for retirees who are eligible for Medicare:
      1. 30 percent if the member had 10 or more, but less than 15, years of service;
      2. 25 percent if the member had 15 or more, but less than 20, years of service;
      3. 20 percent if the member had 20 or more, but less than 25, years of service;
      4. 15 percent if the member had 25 or more, but less than 30, years of service;
      5. 10 percent if the member had 30 or more years of service.
  8. The eligibility for retiree major medical insurance coverage for an alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order shall be determined based on the eligibility of the member to elect coverage. The alternate payee shall pay the full monthly premium for retiree major medical insurance coverage.
  9. A person who is entitled to retiree major medical insurance coverage shall
    1. be informed by the administrator in writing
      1. that the health insurance coverage available to retired members may be different from the health insurance coverage provided to employees;
      2. of time limits for selecting optional health insurance coverage and whether the election is irrevocable; and
    2. indicate in writing on a form provided by the administrator that the person has received the information required by this subsection and whether the person has chosen to receive optional health insurance coverage.
  10. The monthly group premiums for retiree major medical insurance coverage are established by the administrator in accordance with AS 39.30.095 . Nothing in AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 guarantees a person who elects coverage under (a) of this section a monthly group premium rate for retiree major medical insurance coverage other than the premium in effect for the month in which the premium is due for coverage for that month.
  11. In this section, “health reimbursement arrangement” means the plan established in AS 39.30.300 .

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.485. Occupational disability benefits and reemployment of disabled members.

  1. A member is eligible for an occupational disability benefit if employment is terminated because of a total and apparently permanent occupational disability before the member’s normal retirement date.
  2. The occupational disability benefits accrue beginning the first day of the month following termination of employment as a result of the disability and are payable the last day of the month. If a final determination granting the benefit is not made in time to pay the benefit when due, a retroactive payment shall be made to cover the period of deferment. The last payment shall be for the first month in which the disabled member
    1. dies;
    2. recovers from the disability;
    3. fails to meet the requirements under (f), (h), or (k) of this section; or
    4. reaches normal retirement age.
  3. If the disabled member becomes ineligible to receive occupational disability benefits before the normal retirement date, the disabled member shall then be entitled to receive retirement benefits if the member would have been eligible for the benefit had employment continued during the period of disability. The period of disability constitutes membership service in regard to determining eligibility for retirement.
  4. The monthly amount of an occupational disability benefit is 40 percent of the disabled member’s gross monthly compensation at the time of termination due to disability. Notwithstanding AS 14.25.390(b) , at the time a member is appointed to disability, the member becomes fully vested in the employer contributions made under AS 14.25.350 (a). A disabled member is fully vested in the contributions to the member’s individual account made under this subsection. A member is not entitled to elect distributions from the member’s individual contribution account under AS 14.25.410 while the member is receiving disability benefits under this section. While a member is receiving disability benefits, based on the disabled member’s gross monthly compensation at the time of termination due to disability, the employer shall make contributions to the
    1. member’s individual account under AS 14.25.340 on behalf of the member, without deduction from the member’s disability payments; and
    2. appropriate accounts and funds on behalf of the member under AS 14.25.350 .
  5. A member is not entitled to an occupational disability benefit unless the member files an application for an occupational disability benefit with the administrator within 90 days after the date of terminating employment. If the member is unable to meet a filing requirement of this subsection, the filing requirement may be waived by the administrator if there are extraordinary circumstances that resulted in the member’s inability to meet the filing requirement.
  6. A disabled member receiving an occupational disability benefit shall undergo a medical examination as often as the administrator considers advisable, but not more frequently than once each year. The administrator shall determine the place of the examination and engage the physician or physicians. If, in the judgment of the administrator, the examination indicates that the disabled member is no longer incapacitated because of a total and apparently permanent occupational disability, the administrator may not issue further disability benefits to the member.
  7. A disabled member’s occupational disability benefit terminates the last day of the month in which the disabled member first qualifies for normal retirement. At that time, the member’s retirement benefit shall be determined under the provisions of AS 14.25.420 14.25.440 , 14.25.470 , and 14.25.480 . A member whose occupational disability benefit terminates under this subsection shall be considered to have retired directly from the plan.
  8. A member appointed to disability benefits shall apply to the division of vocational rehabilitation of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development within 30 days after the date disability benefits commence. The member shall be enrolled in a rehabilitation program if the member meets the eligibility requirements of the division of vocational rehabilitation. Unless the member demonstrates cause, benefits shall terminate at the end of the first month in which a disabled member
    1. fails to report to the division of vocational rehabilitation;
    2. is certified by the division of vocational rehabilitation as failing to cooperate in a vocational rehabilitation program;
    3. fails to interview for a job; or
    4. fails to accept a position offered.
  9. Upon the death of a disabled member who is receiving or is entitled to receive an occupational disability benefit, the administrator shall pay the surviving spouse a surviving spouse’s pension, equal to 40 percent of the member’s monthly compensation at the time of termination of employment because of occupational disability. If there is no surviving spouse, the administrator shall pay the survivor’s pension in equal parts to the dependent children of the member. While the monthly survivor’s pension is being paid, the survivor is not entitled to elect distributions from the member’s individual contribution account under AS 14.25.410 . The first payment of the surviving spouse’s pension or of a dependent child’s pension shall accrue from the first day of the month following the member’s death and is payable the last day of the month. The last payment shall be made the last day of the last month in which there is an eligible surviving spouse or dependent child, or the last day of the month in which the member would have first qualified for normal retirement if the member had survived, whichever day is sooner. A retirement benefit shall be determined under the provisions of AS 14.25.420 14.25.440 , 14.25.470 , and 14.25.480 based on the date the member would have first qualified for normal retirement if the member had survived. In addition to the payment of the member’s individual account, the surviving spouse or, if there is no surviving spouse, the surviving dependent children of the member, shall receive an additional benefit in an amount equal to the accumulated contributions that would have been made to the deceased member’s individual account under AS 14.25.340(a) and 14.25.350(a) , based on the deceased member’s gross monthly compensation at the time of occupational disability, from the time of the member’s death to the date the member would have first qualified for normal retirement if the member had survived. Earnings shall be allocated to the additional benefit calculated under this subsection based on the actual rate of return, net of expenses, of the trust account established under AS 14.25.350(e) over the period that the contributions would have been made. This additional amount and allocated earnings shall be paid in the same manner as determined for the member’s individual account under AS 14.25.420 14.25.460 to the extent permitted by the Internal Revenue Service. For the purpose of determining eligibility of a survivor who is receiving a benefit under this subsection for medical benefits under AS 14.25.470 and 14.25.480 , a member who died while receiving disability benefits shall be considered to have retired directly from the plan on the date the member would have first qualified for normal retirement if the member had survived. The period during which the member was eligible for a disability benefit and the period during which a survivor’s pension is paid to a survivor under this subsection each constitute membership service for the purposes of determining eligibility for medical benefits under AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 and AS 39.30.300 39.30.495 .
  10. While a survivor under (i) of this section is receiving a survivor’s pension, the employer of the deceased member shall make contributions with respect to the survivor based on the deceased member’s gross monthly compensation at the time of termination due to disability
    1. that would have been paid to the member’s individual account under AS 14.25.340 and 14.25.350(a) to the trust account established under AS 14.25.350(e) , without deduction from the survivor’s pension; and
    2. to the appropriate accounts and funds under AS 14.25.350(b) — (e).
  11. In this section, “occupational disability” means a physical or mental condition that the administrator determines presumably permanently prevents an employee from satisfactorily performing the employee’s usual duties or the duties of another comparable position or job available to the employee and for which the employee is qualified by training or education; however, the proximate cause of the condition must be a bodily injury sustained, or a hazard undergone, while in the performance and within the scope of the employee’s duties and not the proximate result of the wilful negligence of the employee.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am §§ 26 — 31 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Revisor’s notes. —

Subsection (j) was enacted as (k); relettered in 2007, at which time former subsection (j) was relettered as (k) and the reference in (b)(3) was conformed.

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

Sec. 14.25.486. Disability benefit adjustment.

  1. Once each year, the administrator shall increase disability benefits. The amount of the increase is a percentage of the current disability benefit equal to the lesser of 75 percent of the increase in the cost of living in the preceding calendar year or nine percent.
  2. If a disabled member was not receiving a benefit during the entire preceding calendar year, the increase in the benefit under this section shall be adjusted by multiplying it by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months for which the benefit was received in the preceding calendar year and the denominator of which is 12.
  3. An increase in benefit payments under this section is effective July 1 of each year and is based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers for Anchorage, Alaska, during the previous calendar year, as determined by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  4. Benefit adjustments under this section shall terminate the last day of the month following the date on which a disabled member is no longer receiving a disability benefit under AS 14.25.485 .

History. (§ 32 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Sec. 14.25.487. Occupational death benefit.

  1. If (1) the death of a member occurs before the member’s retirement and before the member’s normal retirement date, (2) the proximate cause of death is a bodily injury sustained or a hazard undergone while in the performance and within the scope of the member’s duties, and (3) the injury or hazard is not the proximate result of wilful negligence of the member, a monthly survivor’s pension shall be paid to the surviving spouse. If there is no surviving spouse or if the spouse later dies, the monthly survivor’s pension shall be paid in equal parts to the dependent children of the member.
  2. The first payment of the surviving spouse’s pension or of a dependent child’s pension shall be made for the month following the month in which the member dies. Payments shall cease on the last day of the month in which there is no longer an eligible spouse or eligible dependent child, or the last day of the month following the earliest date the member would have first qualified for normal retirement if the member had survived, whichever day is sooner.
  3. The monthly survivor’s pension in (b) of this section for survivors of members is 40 percent of the member’s monthly compensation in the month in which the member dies. While the monthly survivor’s pension is being paid, the survivor is not entitled to elect distributions from the member’s individual contribution account under AS 14.25.410 , except as required by AS 14.25.440 . While the monthly survivor’s pension is being paid, the employer shall make contributions with respect to the member’s surviving spouse and member’s surviving dependent children based on the deceased member’s gross monthly compensation at the time of occupational death
    1. that would have been paid to the member’s individual account under AS 14.25.340 and 14.25.350(a) , to the trust account established under AS 14.25.350(e) , without deduction from the survivor’s pension; and
    2. to the appropriate accounts and funds under AS 14.25.350(b) — (e).
  4. If a member’s death is caused by an act of assault, assassination, or terrorism directly related to the person’s status as a member, whether the act occurs on or off the member’s job site, the death shall be considered to have occurred in the performance of and within the scope of the member’s duties for purposes of (a)(2) of this section. If the expressed or apparent motive and intent of the perpetrator of the harm inflicted upon the member was due to the performance of the member’s job duties or employment, the death shall be considered to be directly related to the member’s status as a member. A member’s job duties are those performed within the course and scope of the person’s employment with an employer.
  5. On the date the member would have first qualified for normal retirement if the member had survived, the retirement benefit shall be determined under the provisions of AS 14.25.420 14.25.440 , 14.25.470 , and 14.25.480 . In addition to payment of the member’s individual account, the surviving spouse or, if there is no surviving spouse, the surviving dependent children of the member, shall receive an additional benefit in an amount equal to the accumulated contributions that would have been made to the deceased member’s individual account under AS 14.25.340(a) and 14.25.350(a) , based on the deceased member’s gross monthly compensation at the time of the member’s occupational death, from the time of the member’s death to the date the member would have first qualified for normal retirement if the member had survived. Earnings shall be allocated to the additional benefit calculated under this subsection based on the actual rate of return, net of expenses, of the trust account established under AS 14.25.350(e) over the period that the contributions would have been made. This additional amount and allocated earnings shall be paid in the same manner as determined for the member’s individual account under AS 14.25.420 14.25.460 to the extent permitted by the Internal Revenue Service. A member who died and whose survivors receive occupational death benefits under this section shall be considered to have retired directly from the plan on the date the member would have first qualified for normal retirement if the member had survived. The period during which a survivor’s pension is paid under this subsection constitutes membership service for the purposes of determining vesting in employer contributions under AS 14.25.390(b) and eligibility for medical benefits under AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 and AS 39.30.300 39.30.495 .

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am §§ 33 — 35 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

Sec. 14.25.488. Survivors’ pension adjustment.

  1. Once each year, the administrator shall increase payments to a person 60 years of age or older receiving a survivor’s pension under AS 14.25.485(i) or 14.25.487(c) and to a person who has received a survivor’s pension under AS 14.25.485(i) or 14.25.487(c) for at least eight years, who is not otherwise eligible for an increase under this section.
  2. The amount of the increase is a percentage of the current survivor’s pension equal to the lesser of 50 percent of the increase in the cost of living in the preceding calendar year or six percent.
  3. If a survivor was not receiving a pension during the entire preceding calendar year, the increase in the survivor’s pension under this section shall be adjusted by multiplying it by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months for which the pension was received in the preceding calendar year and the denominator of which is 12.
  4. The administrator shall increase the initial survivor’s pension paid to a survivor of a member who died while receiving disability benefits by a percentage equal to the total cumulative percentage that has been applied to the member’s disability benefit under AS 14.25.486 .
  5. An increase in benefit payments under this section is effective July 1 of each year and is based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers for Anchorage, Alaska, during the previous calendar year, as determined by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  6. Pension adjustments under this section shall terminate the last day of the month following the date on which a survivor is no longer receiving a survivor’s pension under AS 14.25.485(i) or 14.25.487(c) .

History. (§ 36 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Sec. 14.25.489. Premiums for retiree major medical insurance coverage upon termination of disability benefits or survivor’s pension.

The premium for retiree major medical insurance coverage payable by a member whose disability benefit is terminated under AS 14.25.485(g) or by an eligible survivor whose survivor pension is terminated under AS 14.25.485(i) or 14.25.487(e) when the member would have been eligible for normal retirement if the member had survived shall be determined under AS 14.25.480(g)(2) as if the member or survivor were eligible for Medicare.

History. (§ 36 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Sec. 14.25.490. Amendment and termination of plan.

  1. The state has the right to amend the plan at any time and from time to time, in whole or in part, including the right to make retroactive amendments referred to in 26 U.S.C. 401(b).
  2. The plan administrator may not modify or amend the plan retroactively in such a manner as to reduce the benefits of any member accrued to date under the plan by reason of contributions made before the modification or amendment except to the extent that the reduction is permitted by the Internal Revenue Code.
  3. The state may, in its discretion, terminate the plan in whole or part at any time without liability for the termination. If the plan is terminated, all investments remain in force until all individual accounts have been completely distributed under the plan, and, after all plan liabilities are satisfied, excess assets revert to the employer.
  4. Any contribution made by an employer to the plan because of a mistake of fact must be returned to the employer by the administrator within one year after the contribution or discovery, whichever is later.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.500. Exclusive benefit.

  1. The corpus or income of the assets held in trust as required by the plan may not be diverted or used for other than the exclusive benefit of the participants.
  2. If plan benefits are provided through the distribution of annuity or insurance contracts, any refunds or credits in excess of plan benefits due to dividends, earnings, or other experience rating credits, or surrender or cancellation credits, shall be paid to the trust fund.
  3. The assets of the plan may not be used to pay premiums or contributions of the employer under another plan maintained by the employer.
  4. The administrator shall use forfeitures in the fixed benefit account of the plan that arise for any reason, including from termination of employment or death, to reduce employer contributions. Forfeitures may not be applied to increase the benefits of any member.
  5. The administrator shall determine the amount of any fixed benefit that is determined on the basis of actuarial tables using assumptions approved by the commissioner. The amount of benefits is not subject to employer discretion.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am § 37 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2007 amendment, effective June 7, 2007, added subsections (d) and (e).

Sec. 14.25.510. Nonguarantee of returns, rates, or benefit amounts.

The plan created by AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 is, with respect to individual accounts, treated as a defined contribution plan, and not a defined benefit plan. The amount of money in the individual account of a participant depends on the amount of contributions and the rate of return from investments of the account that varies over time. If benefits are paid in the form of an annuity, the benefit amount payable is dependent on the amount of money in the account and the interest rates applied and service fees charged by the annuity payor at the time the annuity is purchased from the carrier and benefits are first paid. Nothing in this plan guarantees a participant

  1. a rate of return or interest rate other than that actually earned by the account of the participant, less applicable administrative expenses; or
  2. an annuity based on interest rates or service charges other than interest rates available from and service charges by the annuity payor in effect at the time the annuity is paid.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am § 38 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2007 amendment, effective June 7, 2007, inserted “with respect to individual accounts, treated as” and “and” in the first sentence, inserted “individual” in the second sentence, and inserted “the annuity is purchased from the carrier and” in the third sentence.

Sec. 14.25.520. Nonguarantee of employment.

The provisions of AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 are not a contract of employment between an employer and an employee, nor do they confer a right of an employee to be continued in the employment of an employer, nor are they a limitation of the right of an employer to discharge an employee with or without cause.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.530. Fraud.

  1. A person who knowingly makes a false statement or falsifies or permits to be falsified a record of this plan in an attempt to defraud the plan is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
  2. In this section, “knowingly” has the meaning given in AS 11.81.900(a) .

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.532. Pension forfeiture.

The provisions of AS 37.10.310 apply to pension benefits under AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 .

History. (§ 5 ch 47 SLA 2007)

Sec. 14.25.540. Transfer into defined contribution retirement plan by nonvested members of defined benefit retirement plan.

  1. Subject to (i) of this section, an active member of the defined benefit retirement plan of the teachers’ retirement system is eligible to participate in the defined contribution retirement plan established under AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 if that member has not vested. Participation in the defined contribution retirement plan is in lieu of participation in the defined benefit retirement plan established under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 .
  2. A member who has vested in a defined benefit retirement plan is not eligible to transfer under this section.
  3. Each eligible member who elects to participate in the defined contribution retirement plan shall have transferred to a new account the member contribution account balance held in trust for the member under the defined benefit retirement plan of the teachers’ retirement system. A matching employer contribution shall be made on behalf of that employee to the new account. The employer shall make the matching contribution from funds other than the trust funds of the defined benefit retirement plan. The amount of the matching employer contribution is subject to, and may not exceed, the limitation of 26 U.S.C. 415(c) during the applicable limitation year as defined in AS 14.25.590 . If the matching employer contribution would exceed the limits during the limitation year in which the transfer occurs, the remaining amount of the matching employer contribution shall be made in the next limitation year, if the limits would not be exceeded.
  4. Upon a transfer, all membership service previously earned under the defined benefit retirement plan shall be nullified for purposes of entitlement to a future benefit under the defined benefit retirement plan but shall be credited for purposes of determining vesting in employer contributions under AS 14.25.390(b) and eligibility to elect medical benefits under AS 14.25.470 . Membership service allowed for credit toward medical benefits does not include any service credit purchased under AS 14.25.075 for employment by an employer who is not a participating employer in this chapter.
  5. An eligible member whose accounts are subject to a qualified domestic relations order may not make an election to participate in the defined contribution retirement plan under this subsection unless the qualified domestic relations order is amended or vacated and court-certified copies of the order are received by the administrator.
  6. As directed by the participant, the board shall transfer or cause to be transferred the appropriate amounts to the designated account. The board shall establish transfer procedures by regulation, but the actual transfer may not be later than 30 days after the effective date of the member’s participation in the defined contribution retirement plan unless the major financial markets for securities available for a transfer are seriously disrupted by an unforeseen event that also causes the suspension of trading on any national securities exchange in the country where the securities were issued. In that event, the 30-day period of time may be extended by a resolution of the board of trustees. Transfers are not commissionable or subject to other fees and may be in the form of securities or cash as determined by the board. Securities shall be valued as of the date of receipt in the participant’s account.
  7. If the board or the administrator receives notification from the United States Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, that this section or a portion of this section will cause the retirement system under this chapter, or a portion of the retirement system under this chapter, to be disqualified for tax purposes under the Internal Revenue Code, the portion that will cause the disqualification does not apply, and the board and the administrator shall notify the presiding officers of the legislature.
  8. A member who is eligible to elect transfer to the defined contribution retirement plan must make the election not later than 12 months after the first day of the month following the administrator’s receipt of the notification that the member’s employer consents to transfers of its members under (i) of this section. The election to participate in the defined contribution retirement plan must be made in writing on forms and in the manner prescribed by the administrator. Before accepting an election to participate in the defined contribution retirement plan, the administrator must provide the employee planning on making an election to participate in the defined contribution retirement plan with information, including calculations to illustrate the effect of moving the employee’s retirement plan from the defined benefit retirement plan to the defined contribution retirement plan as well as other information to clearly inform the employee of the potential consequences of the employee’s election. An election made under this subsection to participate in the defined contribution retirement plan is irrevocable. Upon making the election, the participant shall be enrolled as a member of the defined contribution retirement plan, the member’s participation in the plan shall be governed by the provisions of AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 , and the member’s participation in the defined benefit retirement plan under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 shall terminate. The participant’s enrollment in the defined contribution retirement plan shall be effective the first day of the month after the administrator receives the completed enrollment forms. An election made by an eligible member who is married is not effective unless the election is signed by the individual’s spouse.
  9. A member may make an election under this section only if the member’s employer participates in both the defined benefit retirement plan and the defined contribution retirement plan and consents to transfers under this section. The employer shall notify the administrator if the employer consents to allowing the employer’s members to choose to transfer from the defined benefit retirement plan to the defined contribution retirement plan under this section. An employer’s notice to allow transfers is irrevocable and applicable to all eligible employees of the employer.
  10. In this section,
    1. “defined benefit retirement plan” means the retirement plan established in AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ;
    2. “defined contribution retirement plan” means the retirement plan established in AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 .

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am §§ 39 — 41 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

Sec. 14.25.550. Membership in teachers’ and public employees’ retirement systems.

A person who is employed at least half-time in the public employees’ defined contribution retirement plan (AS 39.35.700 39.35.990 ) during the same period that the person is employed at least half-time in a position in the teachers’ defined contribution retirement plan (AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 ) shall receive credited service under each plan for half-time employment. However, the amount of credited service a person receives under the public employees’ defined contribution retirement plan during a school year may not exceed the amount necessary, when added to the amount of credited service earned during the school year under the teachers’ defined contribution retirement plan, to equal one year of credited service.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.560. Legislators who have been teachers.

  1. A state legislator who was an active member of the defined contribution plan under other sections of AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 within the 12 months immediately preceding election to office may, subject to the requirements of (b) of this section, elect to be an active member of the teachers’ defined contribution retirement plan for as long as the state legislator serves continuously as a state legislator if, within 90 days after taking the oath of office,
    1. the state legislator directs the employer in writing to
      1. pay into this plan the employer contributions required for a member under AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 ; and
      2. deduct from the state legislator’s salary and pay into this plan
        1. the employee contributions required for a member under AS 14.25.310 — 14.25.590; and
        2. an amount equal to the difference between the total employer and state contributions required for a member under AS 14.25.310 — 14.25.590 and the employer contributions that would be required under the public employees’ defined contribution retirement plan (AS 39.35.700 39.35.990 ) if the legislator were covered under that plan; and
    2. notice is given the administrator in writing.
  2. A state legislator is not entitled to elect membership under (a) of this section if the state legislator is covered for the same period of service under the public employees’ defined contribution retirement plan (AS 39.35.700 39.35.990 ). An election of membership under (a) of this section is retroactive to the date the state legislator took the oath of office. A state legislator may not receive membership credit under (a) of this section for legislative service performed before the legislative session during which the state legislator elected membership under (a) of this section. In order to continue in membership service under (a) of this section, the state legislator must earn at least 0.3 years of membership service under other sections of AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 during each five-year period.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.570. Participation by National Education Association employees. [Repealed, § 116(a) ch 20 SLA 2007.]

Sec. 14.25.580. Participation by Special Education Service Agency employees.

An employee of the Special Education Service Agency may participate in the system under this chapter if the employee possesses or is eligible to possess a teacher certificate under AS 14.20.020 .

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.25.582. Special rules for treatment of qualified military service.

  1. Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 , with respect to qualified military service, contributions shall be made and benefits and service credit shall be provided in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 414(u).
  2. To the extent required by 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(37), if a member dies while performing qualified military service, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 43, the survivors of the member are entitled to any additional benefits that would have been provided to the survivors under the plan had the member resumed employment and then terminated employment on account of death. For purposes of this section, periods of qualified military service are not included in calculations of credited service.
  3. Consistent with and to the extent required by 26 U.S.C. 414(u)(12), a member receiving differential wage payments from an employer shall be treated as employed by that employer, and the differential wage payment shall be treated as compensation for purposes of applying the limits on annual additions under 26 U.S.C. 415(c). For purposes of this subsection, “differential wage payment” means any payment that
    1. is made by an employer to an individual with respect to any period during which the individual is performing service in the uniformed services, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 43, while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days; and
    2. represents all or a portion of the wages the individual would have received from the employer if the individual were performing service for the employer.

History. (§ 42 ch 20 SLA 2007; am § 2 ch 102 SLA 2014)

Cross references. —

For governor's transmittal letter for ch. 102, SLA 2014, adding subsections (b) and (c) to this section, see 2014 Senate Journal 1469 — 1470.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 29, 2014, added (b), retroactive to January 1, 2007, and (c), retroactive to January 1, 2009.

Editor's notes. —

Under sec. 11, ch. 102, SLA 2014, subsection (b) is retroactive to January 1, 2007, and subsection (c) is retroactive to January 1, 2009.

Subsections (b) and (c) of this section, as introduced by the governor and passed by the legislature, refer to 38 U.S.C. 43 but this statute does not exist. It is possible that this reference was intended to refer to 38 U.S.C. 4301 — 4335.

Sec. 14.25.590. Definitions.

In AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 , unless the context requires otherwise,

  1. “administrator” has the meaning given in AS 14.25.220 ;
  2. “alternate payee” means a person entitled to a portion of the distribution from an individual account under a qualified domestic relations order;
  3. “annuitant” means a member, beneficiary, or alternate payee who is receiving a benefit under this plan;
  4. “beneficiary” means the person or persons entitled to receive benefits that may be due from the plan upon the death of the member or alternate payee;
  5. “board” has the meaning given in AS 14.25.220 ;
  6. “calendar year” has the meaning given in AS 39.35.680 ;
  7. “compensation”
    1. means
      1. the total remuneration earned by an employee for personal services rendered, including cost-of-living differentials, as reported on the employee’s Federal Income Tax Withholding Statement (Form W-2) from the employer for the calendar year;
      2. the member contribution to the teachers’ retirement system under AS 14.25.340 ;
    2. does not include retirement benefits, severance pay or other separation bonuses, welfare benefits, per diem, expense allowances, workers’ compensation payments, payments for leave not used whether those leave payments are scheduled payments, lump-sum payments, donations, or cash-ins, any remuneration contributed by the employer for or on account of the employee under this plan or under any other qualified or nonqualified employee benefit plan, or any remuneration not specifically included above that would have been excluded under 26 U.S.C. 3121(a) (Internal Revenue Code) if the employer had remained in the Federal Social Security System;
    3. notwithstanding (B) of this paragraph, includes any amount that is contributed by the employer under a salary reduction agreement and that is not includible in the gross income of the employee under 26 U.S.C. 125, 132(f)(4), 402(e)(3), 402(h)(1)(B), or 403(b) (Internal Revenue Code); the annual compensation limitation for the member, which is so taken into account for those purposes, may not exceed $200,000, as adjusted for the cost of living in accordance with 26 U.S.C. 401(a)(17)(B) (Internal Revenue Code), with the limitation for a fiscal year being the limitation in effect for the calendar year within which the fiscal year begins;
  8. “dependent child” has the meaning given in AS 14.25.220 ;
  9. “distribution commencement date” has the meaning given in AS 14.25.440(a) ;
  10. “employer” means a public school district, the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska, the Department of Education and Early Development, or the regional resource centers;
  11. “fund” means the assets of the plan;
  12. “individual account” means the total maintained by the plan in an investment account within the trust fund, established for each member for the purposes of allocation of the member’s contributions, employer contributions on behalf of the member, and earnings credited to each of those contributions, investment gains and losses, and expenses, as well as reporting of the member’s benefit under the plan;
  13. “Internal Revenue Code” has the meaning given in AS 14.25.220 ;
  14. “investment funds” means those separate funds that are provided within and that make up the trust fund and that are established for the purpose of directing investment through the exercise of the sole control of a member, beneficiary, or alternate payee under the terms of the plan and trust agreement;
  15. “limitation year” means the year for which contributions are made to a member’s individual account as reported to the Internal Revenue Service under the limits described in 26 U.S.C. 415(c);
  16. “member” means an employee of an employer or a former employee of an employer who retains a right to benefits under the plan;
  17. “membership service” means full-time or part-time employment with an employer in the plan;
  18. “normal retirement age” means the age set for Medicare eligibility at the time the member retires;
  19. “participant” means the person who has a vested right to an individual account, such as a member, an alternate payee if the account is subject to a qualified domestic relations order, the member’s beneficiary if the member is deceased, or an alternate payee’s beneficiary if the alternate payee is deceased;
  20. “plan” means the retirement benefit plan established under AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 ;
  21. “prudent investment standard” means the degree of care, skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent person acting in a like capacity and familiar with such matters would use in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with like aims;
  22. “qualified domestic relations order” means a divorce or dissolution judgment under AS 25.24, including an order approving a property settlement, that
    1. creates or recognizes the existence of an alternate payee’s right to, or assigns to an alternate payee the right to, receive all or a portion of the individual account, or the benefits payable with respect to a member;
    2. sets out the name and last known mailing address, if any, of the member and of each alternate payee covered by the order;
    3. sets out the amount or percentage of the member’s benefit, or of any survivor’s benefit, to be paid to the alternate payee, or sets out the manner in which that amount or percentage is to be determined;
    4. sets out the number of payments or period to which the order applies;
    5. sets out the retirement plan to which the order applies;
    6. does not require any type or form of benefit or any option not otherwise provided by AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 ;
    7. does not require an increase of benefits in excess of the amount provided by AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 ; and
    8. does not require the payment, to an alternate payee, of benefits that are required to be paid to another alternate payee under another order previously determined to be a qualified domestic relations order;
  23. “retiree” means an eligible person who has elected to receive the medical benefits under AS 14.25.480 ;
  24. “retirement fund” or “fund” means the fund in which the assets of the plan, including income and interest derived from the investment of money, are deposited and held;
  25. “school year” has the meaning given in AS 14.25.220 ;
  26. “system” has the meaning given in AS 14.25.220 ;
  27. “teacher” and “member” are used interchangeably under AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 and mean a person eligible to participate in the plan and who is covered by the plan, limited to
    1. a certificated full-time or part-time elementary or secondary teacher, a certificated school nurse, or a certificated person in a position requiring a teaching certificate as a condition of employment in a public school of the state, the Department of Education and Early Development, or the Department of Labor and Workforce Development;
    2. a full-time or part-time teacher of the University of Alaska or a person occupying a full-time administrative position at the University of Alaska that requires academic standing; the approval of the administrator must be obtained before an administrative position qualifies for membership in the plan; however, a teacher or administrative person at the university who is participating in a university retirement program under AS 14.40.661 14.40.799 is not a member under this plan;
    3. a full-time or part-time instructor of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development;
  28. “year of service” means service during the dates set for the school year; partial-year service credit is given for membership service as follows:
    1. during any school year,
      1. less than nine days, no credit;
      2. nine days or more but less than 27 days, 0.1 years;
      3. 27 days or more but less than 45 days, 0.2 years;
      4. 45 days or more but less than 63 days, 0.3 years;
      5. 63 days or more but less than 81 days, 0.4 years;
      6. 81 days or more but less than 100 days, 0.5 years;
      7. 100 days or more but less than 118 days, 0.6 years;
      8. 118 days or more but less than 136 days, 0.7 years;
      9. 136 days or more but less than 154 days, 0.8 years;
      10. 154 days or more but less than 172 days, 0.9 years;
      11. 172 days or more, 1.0 years;
    2. service performed on a part-time basis of half time or more shall be credited in proportion to the amount of credit that would have been received for service performed on a full-time basis.

History. (§ 35 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am § 43 ch 20 SLA 2007)

Administrative Code. —

For administration of the defined benefits plan ( AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 ), see 2 AAC 36, art. 2.

Chapter 30. Pupils and Educational Programs for Pupils.

Article 1. Compulsory Education.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 253 et seq.

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, §§ 734-739.

Teacher’s civil liability for administering corporal punishment. 43 ALR2d 469.

Regulations as to fraternities and similar associations connected with educational institution. 10 ALR3d 389.

Student organization registration statement, filed with public school or state university or college, as open to inspection by public. 37 ALR3d 1311.

What constitutes a private, parochial, or denominational school within statute making attendant at such school a compliance with compulsory school attendance law. 65 ALR3d 1222.

Student’s right to compel school officials to issue degree, diploma, or the like. 11 ALR4th 1182.

Sec. 14.30.010. When attendance compulsory.

  1. Every child between seven and 16 years of age shall attend school at the public school in the district in which the child resides during each school term.  Every parent, guardian or other person having the responsibility for or control of a child between seven and 16 years of age shall maintain the child in attendance at a public school in the district in which the child resides during the entire school term, except as provided in (b) of this section.
  2. This section does not apply if a child
    1. is provided an academic education comparable to that offered by the public schools in the area, either by
      1. attendance at a private school in which the teachers are certificated according to AS 14.20.020 ;
      2. tutoring by personnel certificated according to AS 14.20.020 ; or
      3. attendance at an educational program operated in compliance with AS 14.45.100 14.45.200 by a religious or other private school;
    2. attends a school operated by the federal government;
    3. has a physical or mental condition that a competent medical authority determines will make attendance impractical;
    4. is in the custody of a court or law enforcement authorities;
    5. is temporarily ill or injured;
    6. has been suspended or expelled under AS 14.03.160 or suspended or denied admittance under AS 14.30.045 ;
    7. resides more than two miles from either a public school or a route on which transportation is provided by the school authorities, except that this paragraph does not apply if the child resides within two miles of a federal or private school that the child is eligible and able to attend;
    8. is excused by action of the school board of the district at a regular meeting or by the district superintendent subject to approval by the school board of the district at the next regular meeting;
    9. has completed the 12th grade;
    10. is enrolled in
      1. a state boarding school established under AS 14.16; or
      2. a full-time program of correspondence study approved by the department; in those school districts providing an approved correspondence study program, a student may be enrolled either in the district correspondence program or in the centralized correspondence study program;
    11. is equally well-served by an educational experience approved by the school board as serving the child’s educational interests despite an absence from school, and the request for excuse is made in writing by the child’s parents or guardian and approved by the principal or administrator of the school that the child attends;
    12. is being educated in the child’s home by a parent or legal guardian.
  3. If a parent, legal guardian, or other person having the responsibility for or control of the child elects to enroll a child who is six years of age in first grade at a public school, after enrollment, the child is subject to the provisions of (a) and (b) of this section. If the parent or guardian of a child who is six years of age and is enrolled in first grade at a public school determines, within 60 days after the child is enrolled, that the best interests of the child are not being served by enrollment in the first grade, the child may be withdrawn from school, and the provisions of (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to the child until the child is seven years of age.

History. (§ 37-7-1 ACLA 1949; am § 36 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 5 ch 71 SLA 1972; am § 5 ch 190 SLA 1975; am § 1 ch 30 SLA 1976; am § 1 ch 10 SLA 1977; am § 4 ch 126 SLA 1978; am § 3 ch 11 SLA 1984; am § 1 ch 78 SLA 1987; am § 4 ch 73 SLA 1988; am § 16 ch 32 SLA 1997; am § 1 ch 68 SLA 1997; am § 16 ch 113 SLA 1997; am § 1 ch 57 SLA 2002)

Cross references. —

For provisions related to part-time school attendance, see AS 14.03.095 .

Administrative Code. —

For local education, see 4 AAC 5.

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

L. A. M. v. State, 547 P.2d 827 (Alaska 1976).

Stated in

In re S. D., 549 P.2d 1190 (Alaska 1976).

Cited in

Matthews v. Quinton, 362 P.2d 932 (Alaska 1961); D.R.C. v. State, 646 P.2d 252 (Alaska Ct. App. 1982).

Collateral references. —

Religious beliefs of parents as defense to prosecution for failure to comply with compulsory attendance law. 3 ALR2d 1401.

Applicability of compulsory attendance law covering children of a specified age, with respect to a child who has passed the anniversary date of such age. 73 ALR2d 874.

Power of public school authorities to set minimum or maximum age requirements for pupils in absence of specific statutory authority. 78 ALR2d 1021.

Residence for purpose of admission to public school. 83 ALR2d 497, 56 ALR3d 641.

What constitutes a private, parochial, or denominational school within statute making attendance at such school a compliance with compulsory school attendance law. 65 ALR3d 1222.

Sec. 14.30.020. Violations.

A person who knowingly fails to comply with AS 14.30.010 is guilty of a violation. Each five days of unlawful absence under AS 14.30.010 is a separate violation.

History. (§ 37-7-2 ACLA 1949; am § 37 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 78 SLA 1987)

Cross references. —

For fines for violations, see AS 12.55.035 .

Sec. 14.30.030. Prevention and reduction of truancy.

The governing body of a school district, including a regional educational attendance area, shall establish procedures to prevent and reduce truancy.

History. (§ 37-7-3 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 32 SLA 1949; am § 38 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 55 ch 6 SLA 1984; am § 23 ch 85 SLA 1988; am § 3 ch 59 SLA 1996)

Sec. 14.30.040. Extension of provisions to United States public schools for aborigines. [Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Sec. 14.30.045. Grounds for suspension or denial of admission.

A school age child may be suspended from or denied admission to the public school that the child is otherwise entitled to attend only for the following causes:

  1. continued wilful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of reasonable school authority;
  2. behavior that is inimicable to the welfare, safety, or morals of other pupils or a person employed or volunteering at the school;
  3. a physical or mental condition that in the opinion of a competent medical authority will render the child unable to reasonably benefit from the programs available;
  4. a physical or mental condition that in the opinion of a competent medical authority will cause the attendance of the child to be inimicable to the welfare of other pupils;
  5. conviction of a felony that the governing body of the district determines will cause the attendance of the child to be inimicable to the welfare or education of other pupils.

History. (§ 39 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 19 SLA 1995)

Cross references. —

For suspension for weapons possession, see AS 14.03.160 .

Administrative Code. —

For physical examination of school children, see 7 AAC 27, art. 5.

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

Breese v. Smith, 501 P.2d 159 (Alaska 1972).

Collateral references. —

Right of student to hearing on charges before suspension or expulsion from educational institution. 58 ALR2d 903.

Regulations as to fraternities and similar associations connected with educational institution. 10 ALR3d 389.

Marriage or pregnancy of public school student as ground for expulsion or exclusion, or of restriction of activities. 11 ALR3d 996.

Validity of regulation by public school authorities as to clothes or personal appearance of pupils. 14 ALR3d 1201.

Participation of student in demonstration on or near campus as warranting imposition of criminal liability for breach of peace, disorderly conduct, trespass, unlawful assembly, or similar offense. 32 ALR3d 551.

Participation of student in demonstration on or near campus as warranting expulsion or suspension from school or college. 32 ALR3d 864.

Right to discipline pupil for conduct away from school grounds or not immediately connected with school activities. 53 ALR3d 1124.

Truancy as indicative of delinquency or incorrigibility, justifying commitment of infant or juvenile. 5 ALR4th 1212.

Admissibility of hearsay evidence at disciplinary proceedings. 23 ALR4th 935.

Sec. 14.30.047. Admission or readmission when cause no longer exists.

  1. A child who has been suspended from or denied admittance to a school under AS 14.30.045 (3) or (4) shall be permitted to attend school when the child is obviously recovered or presents to the governing body a statement in writing from a competent medical authority that the child is no longer afflicted with, or suffering from, the physical or mental condition to the extent that it is a cause for suspension or denial of admission under AS 14.30.045 (3) or (4).
  2. A child who has been suspended from or denied admittance to a school for any other cause provided by AS 14.30.045 shall be permitted to attend school when it reasonably appears that the cause has been remedied.

History. (§ 40 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.30.050. Truant officers. [Repealed, § 3 ch 78 SLA 1987.]

Article 2. Physical Examinations and Screening Examinations.

Administrative Code. —

For physical examination of school children and school employees, see 7 AAC 27, art. 5.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, §§ 311-317.

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, §§ 722-725.

Sec. 14.30.060. Purpose of AS 14.30.070 — 14.30.110. [Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Sec. 14.30.065. Supervision.

The program of physical examination and immunizations prescribed by AS 14.30.065 14.30.127 shall be under the general supervision and in accordance with regulations of the Department of Health and Social Services.

History. (§ 42 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 131 SLA 1967; am § 6 ch 104 SLA 1971)

Administrative Code. —

For physical examination of school children, see 7 AAC 27, art. 5.

Collateral references. —

Power of court or other public agency to order vaccination over parental religious objection. 94 ALR5th 613.

Sec. 14.30.070. Physical examination required.

  1. [Repealed, §§ 25, 29 ch 2 SSSLA 2015.]
  2. The Department of Health and Social Services may require the district to conduct physical examinations that it considers necessary, and may reimburse the district for the examinations on the basis and to the extent the commissioner of health and social services prescribes by regulation.
  3. Examinations shall be made by a competent physician or, within the scope of chiropractic practice, by a chiropractor, except that if the services of a physician or chiropractor cannot be obtained or if authorized by the commissioner of health and social services examinations may be made by a nurse.

History. (§ 37-7-11 ACLA 1949; am § 10 ch 118 SLA 1949; am § 1 ch 72 SLA 1953; am § 43 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 6 ch 104 SLA 1971; am § 11 ch 60 SLA 1988; am § 32 ch 50 SLA 1989; am § 13 ch 2 SSSLA 2015)

Administrative Code. —

For pre-elementary (early childhood) school, see 4 AAC 60.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective October 7, 2015, in (b) twice deleted “additional” preceding “physical examinations” and “examinations”.

The 2015 amendment, effective June 30, 2016, repealed (a).

Sec. 14.30.075. Physical examinations for teachers.

  1. A school district may require physical examinations of teachers as a condition of employment. A school district is not required to pay the cost of physical examinations for teachers. This section does not affect the coverage of any health insurance benefits that a school district provides to teachers.
  2. In this section, “school district” has the meaning given in AS 14.30.350 .

History. (§ 17 ch 54 SLA 2016)

Effective dates. —

Section 17, ch. 54, SLA 2016, which enacted this section, took effective October 26, 2016.

Secs. 14.30.080 — 14.30.110. Exclusion from attendance; vaccinations; supervision and expenditures for physical examinations; exemptions from examinations or vaccinations. [Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Sec. 14.30.120. Certificate of physical examination. [Repealed, § 25 ch 2 SLA 2015.]

Sec. 14.30.125. Immunization.

If in the judgment of the commissioner of health and social services it is necessary for the welfare of the children or the general public in an area, the governing body of the school district shall require the children attending school in that area to be immunized against the diseases the commissioner of health and social services may specify.

History. (§ 45 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 131 SLA 1967; am § 6 ch 104 SLA 1971)

Collateral references. —

Power of court or other public agency to order vaccination over parental religious objection. 94 ALR5th 613.

Sec. 14.30.127. Vision and hearing screening examinations.

  1. A vision and hearing screening examination shall be given to each child attending school in the state.  The examination shall be made when the child enters school or as soon thereafter as is practicable, and at regular intervals specified by regulation by the governing body of the district.
  2. The Department of Health and Social Services shall
    1. set standards for the performance of vision and hearing screening;
    2. train and certify public health nurses and school district employees to conduct hearing and vision screening tests;
    3. assist with referral and follow-up of children needing professional examination or treatment; and
    4. assist with maintenance and repair of screening equipment.

History. (§ 6 ch 138 SLA 1982)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as AS 14.30.075 . Renumbered in 1982.

Secs. 14.30.130 — 14.30.140. Readmission of child excluded on account of communicable disease; examination and treatment by municipal health officers. [Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Article 3. Pupil Health.

Sec. 14.30.141. Self-administration and documentation of medication.

  1. A public school shall permit the self-administration of medication by a pupil for asthma or anaphylaxis if, during the current school year, the pupil’s parent or guardian provides the school
    1. written authorization for the self-administration of the medication;
    2. written certification from the pupil’s health care provider that the pupil
      1. has asthma or a condition that may lead to anaphylaxis;
      2. has received instruction in the proper method of self-administration of the medication; and
      3. has demonstrated to the health care provider the skill level necessary to use the medication and any device that is necessary to administer the medication as prescribed;
    3. a release of liability for the school and its employees or agents for injury arising from the self-administration or storage of the medication;
    4. an agreement to indemnify and hold harmless the school and its employees or agents for any claims arising out the self-administration or storage of the medication;
    5. a written treatment plan for the pupil that is signed by the pupil’s health care provider for managing asthma or anaphylaxis episodes, a list and dosage of medications needed during school hours, and permission for and instruction on storage of the medication at school; and
    6. any other documentation required by the school that is consistent with this section.
  2. The public school shall provide written notification to the pupil’s parent or guardian of the school’s absence of liability related to the self-administration of medication under this section.
  3. A pupil who is permitted to self-administer medication under this section shall be permitted to carry and to store with the school nurse or other designated school official an inhaler or autoinjectable epinephrine, or both, at all times.
  4. If a student uses the student’s prescribed medication in a manner other than as prescribed, disciplinary action according to school codes may be imposed upon the student. The imposed disciplinary action may not limit or restrict the student’s immediate access to the student’s prescribed medication.
  5. In this section, “health care provider” means a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, physician assistant, village health aide, or pharmacist operating within the scope of the health care provider’s authority.

History. (§ 1 ch 71 SLA 2005; am § 28 ch 33 SLA 2016)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2016 amendment, effective July 7, 2016, in (e), substituted “advanced practice registered nurse” for “nurse practitioner”.

Sec. 14.30.142. Concussions in student athletes: prevention and reporting.

  1. The governing body of a school district shall consult with the Alaska School Activities Association to develop and publish guidelines and other information to educate coaches, student athletes, and parents of student athletes regarding the nature and risks of concussions. Guidelines developed under this section must include a description of the risks of return to play and standards for return to play, including the procedures required under (c) and (d) of this section.
  2. A school shall annually provide to a student and the parent or guardian of a student who is under 18 years of age written information on the nature and risks of concussions. A student may not participate in school athletic activities unless the student and the parent or guardian of a student who is under 18 years of age have signed a verification of receipt of the information required under this subsection.
  3. A student who is suspected of having sustained a concussion during a practice or game shall be immediately removed from the practice or game.
  4. A student who has been removed from participation in a practice or game for suspicion of concussion may not return to participation in practice or game play until the student has been evaluated and cleared for participation in writing by an athletic trainer or other qualified person who has received training, as verified in writing or electronically by the qualified person, in the evaluation and management of concussions. In this subsection, “qualified person” means either a
    1. health care provider who is licensed in the state or exempt from licensure under state law; or
    2. person who is acting at the direction and under the supervision of a physician who is licensed in the state or exempt from licensure under AS 08.64.370 (1), (2), (4), or (6).
  5. A person who conducts an evaluation under (d) of this section and who is not paid for conducting the evaluation may not be held liable for civil damages resulting from an act or omission during the evaluation, except that the person may be held liable for reckless or intentional misconduct and for gross negligence.

History. (§ 2 ch 12 SLA 2011; am § 1 ch 49 SLA 2012; am § 2 ch 28 SLA 2018)

Effect of amendments. —

The amendment effective May 30, 2012, in (d), added “participation in practice or game” after “not return to”, “an athletic trainer or other” following “participation in writing by”; deleted “and is currently certified” following “person who has received training”.

The 2018 amendment, effective September 16, 2018, in (d)(2), added “, or (6)” at the end, and made a related change.

Effective dates. —

Section 2, ch. 12, SLA 2011, which enacted this section, took effect on August 25, 2011.

Sec. 14.30.143. Concussions in student athletes: school district immunity.

  1. A school district may not be held liable for an injury to or the death of a person caused by a concussion and resulting from the action or inaction of a person employed by or under contract with a nonprofit youth organization if
    1. the action or inaction occurred during the delivery of services by the district or organization in compliance with AS 14.30.142 ;
    2. the organization is under contract with the district to provide the services; and
    3. before the provision of services, the organization provided to the district written verification of
      1. a valid insurance policy covering the injury or death in an amount not less than $50,000 for each person and $100,000 for each incident;
      2. compliance with the protocol for prevention and reporting of concussions required in AS 14.30.142 .
  2. This section may not be construed to impair or modify the ability of a person to recover damages for harm caused by the negligent or reckless actions of an employee or contractor of a school district or by the existence of a condition, equipment, program, or structure known by the school district or organization to be unsafe.
  3. In this section, “youth organization” means a public or private entity qualified to do business in the state that provides a program or service to persons under 19 years of age.

History. (§ 2 ch 12 SLA 2011)

Effective dates. —

Section 2, ch. 12, SLA 2011, which enacted this section, took effect on August 25, 2011.

Secs. 14.30.150 — 14.30.170. Scope of article; construction; penalty for false certificates. [Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Article 4. Psychiatric and Behavioral Evaluations and Treatments.

Sec. 14.30.171. Prohibited actions.

  1. Except as provided in AS 14.30.172 14.30.176 , school personnel may not, unless otherwise authorized by law or a specific policy adopted by a governing body of a school district,
    1. recommend to a parent or guardian that a child take or continue to take a psychotropic drug as a condition for attending a public school;
    2. require that a child take or continue to take a psychotropic drug as a condition for attending a public school, except when, in the opinion of the child’s treating physician,
      1. the medication is necessary for the mental health of the child; or
      2. the child poses a risk of harm to self or others without the medication;
    3. conduct a psychiatric evaluation of a child;
    4. recommend a specific licensed physician, psychologist, or other health specialist to a parent or guardian for a child; or
    5. recommend that a parent or guardian seek or use for a child
      1. a psychotropic medication; or
      2. a psychiatric or psychological treatment.
  2. As used in this section, “school personnel” means persons employed by a public school or school district to work in a public school, except for a person who holds a special services type C certificate issued under AS 14.20 that qualifies the person to be employed to provide related services to students, as described in regulations adopted by the board.

History. (§ 1 ch 76 SLA 2006)

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Sec. 14.30.172. Communication not prohibited.

  1. Nothing in AS 14.30.171 may be construed to prohibit school personnel from
    1. consulting or sharing classroom-based observations with parents or guardians regarding a student’s academic and functional performance, behavior in the classroom or school, or the need for evaluation for special education or related services as long as school personnel do not make an assertion or recommendation that violates AS 14.30.171 ; or
    2. exercising their authority relating to the placement within the school or readmission of a child who may be or has been suspended or expelled for a violation of a school disciplinary and safety program adopted under AS 14.03.160 , AS 14.30.045 , or AS 14.33.110 14.33.140 .
  2. Nothing in AS 14.30.171 may be construed to prevent teachers or other school personnel from complying with the requirements of AS 47.17.020(a) or (b) or from filing a report to authorities if a child poses a serious and imminent risk to the child’s or another person’s safety.

History. (§ 1 ch 76 SLA 2006)

Sec. 14.30.174. Compliance with federal education law.

  1. Notwithstanding AS 14.30.171(a)(3) and (5), a behavioral or mental health professional working within a public school system may, in compliance with federal education law or applicable state law,
    1. recommend, but not require, a psychiatric or behavioral health evaluation of a child; and
    2. recommend, but not require, psychiatric, psychological, or behavioral treatment for a child.
  2. In this section,
    1. “behavioral health professional” means a person who has a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field with specialization or experience in working with children experiencing behavioral, physical, and emotional disabilities, and is working within the scope of the person’s training and experience;
    2. “federal education law” means 20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1482 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), 20 U.S.C. 7101 — 7143 (Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1994), 29 U.S.C. 794 (nondiscrimination under federal grants and programs), and 42 U.S.C. 12101 — 12213 (equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities);
    3. “mental health professional” has the meaning given in AS 47.30.915 .

History. (§ 1 ch 76 SLA 2006; am § 19 ch 40 SLA 2008)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2008 amendment, effective May 23, 2008, substituted “20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1482” for “20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1487” in paragraph (b)(2).

Sec. 14.30.176. List of community resources.

  1. Notwithstanding AS 14.30.171(a)(4) , a school district may make available to an interested parent or guardian a list of community resources, including mental health services if the list conspicuously states the following: “This list is provided as a resource to you. The school neither recommends nor requires that you use this list or any of the services provided by individuals or entities on the list. It is for you to decide what services, if any, to use and from whom you wish to obtain them.”
  2. A list provided under (a) of this section must include the name, specialty, and credential of each mental health service provider listed.

History. (§ 1 ch 76 SLA 2006)

Sec. 14.30.177. Violations.

Each school board shall adopt a policy that provides that an employee violating AS 14.30.171 14.30.176 may be subject to disciplinary action.

History. (§ 1 ch 76 SLA 2006)

Sec. 14.30.179. Definition.

In AS 14.30.171 14.30.179 , “public school” means a school operated by publicly elected or appointed school officials in which the program and activities are under the control of those officials and that is supported by public funds.

History. (§ 1 ch 76 SLA 2006)

Article 5. Education for Children With Disabilities.

Administrative Code. —

For education for children with disabilities and gifted children, see 4 AAC 52.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 337 et seq.

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 700 et seq.

Tort liability for misclassification or wrongful placement of student in special education program. 33 ALR4th 1166.

Sec. 14.30.180. Purpose.

It is the purpose of AS 14.30.180 14.30.350 to

  1. provide an appropriate public education for each child with a disability in the state who is at least three years of age but less than 22 years of age;
  2. allow procedures and actions necessary to comply with the requirements of federal law, including 20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1482 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

History. (§ 1 ch 120 SLA 1959; am § 1 ch 144 SLA 1970; am § 1 ch 79 SLA 1974; am § 1 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 1 ch 77 SLA 1993; am § 2 ch 67 SLA 2001; am § 20 ch 40 SLA 2008)

Administrative Code. —

For program establishment, see 4 AAC 52, art. 1.

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

For program administration: gifted children, see 4 AAC 52, art. 3.

For pre-elementary (early childhood) school, see 4 AAC 60.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2008 amendment, effective May 23, 2008, substituted “20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1482” for “20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1487” in paragraph (2).

Notes to Decisions

Damage claims. —

Nothing in the so-called Education for Exceptional Children Act (AS 14.30.180 14.30.350 ) either expressly or impliedly authorizes a damage claim based on a school district’s alleged negligent classification, placement or teaching of a student. D.S.W. v. Fairbanks N. Star Borough Sch. Dist., 628 P.2d 554 (Alaska 1981).

Collateral references. —

Availability of damages in action to remedy violations of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 et seq.). 165 ALR Fed. 463.

Sec. 14.30.185. Programs shall be established. [Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Sec. 14.30.186. Coverage; regulations.

  1. Special education and related services shall be provided by
    1. a borough or city school district for a child with a disability residing within the district;
    2. the board of a regional educational attendance area operating a school in the area for a child with a disability residing in the area served by the school;
    3. the borough, city school district, or regional educational attendance area in which a treatment institution, as that term is defined in AS 47.14.990 , juvenile detention facility or juvenile treatment facility, as those terms are defined in AS 47.12.990 , or a correctional facility is located for a child with a disability placed at the facility;
    4. a state boarding school established under AS 14.16 for a child with a disability enrolled at a state boarding school; or
    5. a school district that provides a statewide correspondence study program for a child with a disability who is enrolled in the program.
  2. [Repealed, § 41 ch 67 SLA 2001.]
  3. [Repealed, § 19 ch 147 SLA 1984.]
  4. [Repealed, § 19 ch 147 SLA 1984.]
  5. If the parent of a child with a disability elects to educate the child as allowed under AS 14.30.010(b) , the child may not be compelled to receive the special education and related services provided under AS 14.30.180 14.30.350 .
  6. The department shall, by regulation, establish standards for the allocation of financial responsibilities and the coordination of the provision of special education and related services among the educational agencies listed in (a) of this section when more than one educational agency is responsible for providing those services.

History. (§ 2 ch 81 SLA 1965; am § 1 ch 46 SLA 1966; am § 46 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 22 ch 46 SLA 1970; am §§ 2, 3 ch 144 SLA 1970; am §§ 23, 24 ch 124 SLA 1975; am §§ 2, 3, 19 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 2 ch 77 SLA 1993; am §§ 3 — 5, 41 ch 67 SLA 2001; am § 10 ch 16 SLA 2021)

Administrative Code. —

For correspondence study programs, see 4 AAC 33, art. 4.

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2021 amendment, effective July 9, 2021, in (a)(3), substituted “a treatment institution, as that term is defined in AS 47.14.990 , juvenile detention facility or juvenile treatment facility as those terms are defined in AS 47.12.990 , or a correctional facility” for “a treatment facility or a correctional or youth detention facility” following “area in which”.

Editor’s notes. —

Section 57(b), ch. 16, SLA 2021, provides that the 2021 amendment of (a) of this section applies to minors subject to AS 47.12.030(a) , as amended by sec. 22, ch. 16, SLA 2021, and AS 47.12.100 “who are held in a facility operated by the Department of Corrections or a facility operated by the Department of Health and Social Services on or after July 9, 2021.”

Legislative history reports. —

For governor’s transmittal letter for ch. 16, SLA 2021 (HB 105), which amended (a) of this section, see 2021 House Journal 181 — 182.

Sec. 14.30.190. Establishment of standards by Department of Health and Social Services. [Repealed, § 4 ch 144 SLA 1970.]

Sec. 14.30.191. Educational evaluation and placement.

  1. A school district shall obtain the written informed consent of the child’s parent before an initial evaluation or placement of a child with a disability in a program of special education and related services.
  2. After initial placement in a program of special education and related services and not less than once every three years for as long as the child is assigned to the program, a child with a disability shall receive an educational evaluation.
  3. Before a school district initiates or refuses a change in the placement or educational program of a child with a disability, the district shall notify the child’s parent.
  4. Upon completion of an evaluation or reevaluation under this section, the school district shall provide to the parent of each child evaluated under this section an opportunity to participate in the determination of the
    1. child’s eligibility for special education and related services; and
    2. educational placement of the child if the child is determined to be eligible for special education and related services.
  5. A parent may obtain an independent educational evaluation by choosing a person from a list provided by the district or by choosing a person by agreement between the parent and the school district, at the expense of the school district, if the parent disagrees with an evaluation obtained by the school district. The school district may initiate a hearing to show that its evaluation is appropriate. If the hearing officer determines that the evaluation is appropriate, the school district may not be required to pay for the independent educational evaluation.
  6. If the parent obtains an independent educational evaluation at private expense, the results of the evaluation
    1. must be considered by the school district in a decision made with respect to the provision of an appropriate public education to the child;
    2. may be presented as evidence at a hearing regarding the child.
  7. If a hearing officer requests an independent educational evaluation as part of a hearing, the school district shall pay for the evaluation.
  8. A school district shall provide written notice of its decision under this section to the parent of the child. The notice must include a description of the procedural safeguards available to the parent and child under federal law.
  9. In this section, “hearing” means a due process hearing under AS 14.30.193 .

History. (§ 5 ch 144 SLA 1970; am § 6 ch 104 SLA 1971; am § 2 ch 79 SLA 1974; am § 4 ch 147 SLA 1984; am §§ 3 — 7 ch 77 SLA 1993; am §§ 6 — 10 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

D.S.W. v. Fairbanks N. Star Borough Sch. Dist., 628 P.2d 554 (Alaska 1981).

Sec. 14.30.193. Due process hearing.

  1. A school district or a parent of a child with a disability may request a due process hearing on any issue related to identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child, or the provision of a free, appropriate, public education to the child. A request is made by providing written notice to the other party to the hearing. A parent shall make a request for a due process hearing under this section not later than 12 months after the date that the school district provides the parent with written notice of the decision with which the parent disagrees. A school district shall make its request for a due process hearing in accordance with the time limit established by the department by regulation.
  2. If a due process hearing is requested by either a school district or a parent, the school district shall contact the department to request appointment of a hearing officer. The department shall select a hearing officer through a random selection process, from a list maintained by the department under (g) of this section. Within five working days after receipt of the request, the department shall provide to the school district and the parent a notice of appointment, including the name and a statement of qualifications, of the hearing officer that the department determines is available to conduct the hearing.
  3. The school district and the parent each have the right to reject, without stating a reason, one hearing officer appointed under this section. The rejecting party shall notify the department of that rejection in writing within five days after receipt of the department’s notice of appointment. If a hearing officer is rejected under this subsection, the department shall, within five working days after receipt of the written rejection, provide a notice of appointment, including the name and a statement of qualifications, of another hearing officer that the department determines is available to conduct the hearing. Each appointment is subject to a right of rejection under this subsection by a party who has not previously rejected an appointment.
  4. After a hearing officer is appointed and the time for rejection under (c) of this section has expired, the hearing officer shall immediately inform the parent and the school district of the availability of the mediation process provided under AS 14.30.194 and encourage use of that process to attempt to resolve the disagreement between the parent and the school district. If the mediation process does not result in settlement of all of the issues, the hearing officer shall conduct a hearing in conformance with the requirements of federal law, including 34 C.F.R. 300.511 — 513. After the hearing is completed, the hearing officer shall issue a written decision that
    1. upholds the school district’s decision; or
    2. overturns the school district’s decision with specific instructions for modification of the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or provision of the education program by the district.
  5. A hearing officer’s decision under this section is final and binding on the school district and parent unless appealed under (f) of this section. Notwithstanding a decision by the hearing officer, a child may not be evaluated, placed, transferred, or compelled to receive special education or related services from the school district until the period for filing an appeal under (f) of this section has expired or, if an appeal is filed, until the appellate review process has been completed.
  6. A hearing officer’s decision under this section is a final administrative order, subject to appeal to the superior court for review in the manner provided under AS 44.62.560 .
  7. The department shall maintain a list of qualified hearing officers and shall provide for qualification of hearing officers through a training program that is open to all individuals who meet the criteria set by the department by regulation. The list of qualified hearing officers shall be maintained as a public record.
  8. For purposes of this section, a student with a disability aged 18 — 21 has the same rights and obligations under this section as a parent of a child with a disability.

History. (§ 8 ch 77 SLA 1993; am § 11 ch 67 SLA 2001; am § 21 ch 40 SLA 2008)

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2008 amendment, effective May 23, 2008, substituted “34 C.F.R. 300.511 — 513” for “34 C.F.R. 300.507 — 509” in the second sentence of subsection (d).

Notes to Decisions

Clarity required in complaint. —

Department of Education properly returned a complaint to the mother for clarification where the complaint raised issues beyond the department’s jurisdiction and failed to specify whether the mother meant to file it as a civil action, a request for a due process hearing under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C.S. § 1400 et seq., or an IDEA administrative complaint. Bickford v. State Dep't of Educ., 155 P.3d 302 (Alaska), modified, — P.3d — (Alaska 2007), cert. denied, 552 U.S. 889, 128 S. Ct. 284, 169 L. Ed. 2d 150 (U.S. 2007).

Applicable limitations period. —

In an action under 20 U.S.C.S. § 1415(i) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C.S. § 1400 et seq., the district court determined that a hearing officer equitably applied the federal two-year statute of limitations rather than the 12-month statute of limitations under this section because the parents of a disabled student were never formally informed of the 12-month limitations period. Anchorage Sch. Dist. v. D.S., 688 F. Supp. 2d 883 (D. Alaska 2009).

Quoted in

Madeline P. v. Anchorage Sch. Dist., 265 P.3d 308 (Alaska 2011).

Sec. 14.30.194. Mediation.

  1. The department shall, by regulation, establish and implement a voluntary mediation process in conformance with the requirements of federal law, including 34 C.F.R. 300.506. The department shall encourage the use of mediation for settlement of disputes under AS 14.30.180 14.30.350 .
  2. The department shall
    1. maintain a list of individuals who are qualified mediators knowledgeable in the federal and state statutes and regulations relating to the provision of special education and related services; and
    2. provide for qualification of mediators through a training program that is open to all individuals who meet the criteria set by the department by regulation.

History. (§ 12 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Sec. 14.30.195. Hearings. [Repealed, § 41 ch 67 SLA 2001.]

Secs. 14.30.200 — 14.30.220. Eligibility; budget; forfeiture of right to reimbursement. [Repealed, § 5 ch 70 SLA 1963.]

Sec. 14.30.230. Special education. [Repealed, § 6 ch 144 SLA 1970.]

Sec. 14.30.231. Advisory panel.

The Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education established under AS 47.80 shall serve as the state advisory panel, the function of which is to provide information and guidance for the development of appropriate programs of special education and related services for children with disabilities.

History. (§ 7 ch 144 SLA 1970; am § 6 ch 104 SLA 1971; am § 6 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 13 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1992, under § 6, ch. 13, SLA 1992, and AS 01.05.031 , “Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education” was substituted for “Governor’s Council for the Handicapped and Gifted.”

Administrative Code. —

For program establishment, see 4 AAC 52, art. 1.

Sec. 14.30.235. Withdrawal of consent.

If under a provision of this chapter the consent of the parent is required, the parent may withdraw the parent’s consent.

History. (§ 11 ch 77 SLA 1993)

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Sec. 14.30.240. Supervisor. [Repealed, § 5 ch 70 SLA 1963.]

Sec. 14.30.250. Teacher qualifications.

A person may not be employed as a teacher of children with disabilities unless that person possesses a valid teacher certificate and, in addition, the training that the department requires by regulation.

History. (§ 9 ch 120 SLA 1959; am § 47 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 7 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 14 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For certification of professional teachers, see 4 AAC 12.

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Sec. 14.30.255. Administrator qualifications.

A person may not be employed as an administrator of a program of special education and related services unless that person possesses a valid administrative certificate and, in addition, such training as the department may require by regulation.

History. (§ 8 ch 147 SLA 1984)

Administrative Code. —

For certification of professional teachers, see 4 AAC 12.

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Sec. 14.30.260. Exception to qualifications. [Repealed, § 19 ch 147 SLA 1984.]

Sec. 14.30.270. Substitutes.

AS 14.30.250 does not prohibit the employment of a person, otherwise qualified to serve as a substitute teacher, to serve as a substitute teacher of children with disabilities.

History. (§ 12 ch 120 SLA 1959; am § 49 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 9 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 15 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Sec. 14.30.272. Procedural safeguards.

  1. A school district shall inform the parent of a child with a disability of the right
    1. to review the child’s educational record;
    2. to review evaluation tests and procedures;
    3. to refuse to permit evaluation or a change in the child’s educational placement;
    4. to be informed of the results of evaluation;
    5. to obtain an independent evaluation by choosing a person from a list provided by the school district or by choosing a person by agreement between the parent and school district;
    6. to request a due process hearing;
    7. to appeal a hearing officer’s decision; and
    8. to give consent or deny access to others to the child’s educational record.
  2. The department shall establish, by regulation, impartial procedures for a school district to follow for due process hearings to comply with requirements necessary to participate in federal grant-in-aid programs, including 20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1482 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

History. (§ 10 ch 147 SLA 1984; am §§ 12, 13 ch 77 SLA 1993; am § 16 ch 67 SLA 2001; am § 22 ch 40 SLA 2008)

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2008 amendment, effective May 23, 2008, substituted “20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1482” for “20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1487” in subsection (b).

Notes to Decisions

Stated in

Madeline P. v. Anchorage Sch. Dist., 265 P.3d 308 (Alaska 2011).

Sec. 14.30.274. Identification of children with disabilities.

Each school district shall establish and implement written procedures to ensure that all children with disabilities under the age of 22 for whom the agency is responsible under AS 14.30.186 to provide special education and related services are identified and located for the purpose of establishing their need for special education and related services.

History. (§ 10 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 17 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Sec. 14.30.276. Least restrictive environment.

Each school district shall ensure that, to the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are not children with disabilities and that special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the child’s disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

History. (§ 10 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 18 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Sec. 14.30.278. Individualized education program; transition services.

  1. A school district shall develop an individualized education program for special education and related services for each eligible child with a disability. The plan must be completed not later than 30 days after the determination of the child’s eligibility. Each individualized education program shall be developed and periodically reviewed and revised as necessary in conformance with federal requirements, including 34 C.F.R. 300.320 — 328.
  2. When providing transition services as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1401(34) to a child with a disability who is over 15 years of age as part of a program of special education and related services under AS 14.30.180 14.30.350 , a school district’s primary objective and preferred outcome is to help the child become gainfully employed in an integrated workplace where individuals with disabilities work with and alongside of individuals without disabilities, or become enrolled in postsecondary education.
  3. In this section, “gainfully employed” means employed full time or part time within one year of leaving high school.

History. (§ 10 ch 147 SLA 1984; am §§ 14, 15 ch 77 SLA 1993; am § 19 ch 67 SLA 2001; am § 23 ch 40 SLA 2008; am § 2 ch 19 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2008 amendment, effective May 23, 2008, substituted “34 C.F.R. 300.320 — 328” for “34 C.F.R. 300.340 — 350” at the end of the section.

The 2014 amendment, effective August 27, 2014, added (b) and (c).

Sec. 14.30.280. Psychologist qualifications. [Repealed, § 19 ch 147 SLA 1984.]

Sec. 14.30.285. Transfers of children with disabilities.

  1. The department shall institute a statewide program for the education of children with disabilities to ensure that whenever possible children are educated in the state at locations in or near their resident school district.
  2. An identified child with a disability may be sent to an educational program or residential school outside the child’s community or school district if the child resides in a community or school district where an appropriate educational program cannot reasonably be made available and if the school district determines that provision of special education and related services in another educational program or residential school is appropriate. If the school district approves the enrollment of a child with a disability in another educational program or residential school outside the child’s community or school district and the child is enrolled, the child’s education expenses shall be paid as follows:
    1. except as otherwise provided by (2) of this subsection, the sending district shall pay all costs associated with the transfer;
    2. the department may provide financial assistance to the school district for a child’s education provided for in (1) of this subsection under regulations adopted by the department.
  3. [Repealed, § 19 ch 147 SLA 1984.]
  4. For the purposes of this section a child’s education expenses are limited to the actual cost of necessary care, transportation, and special education and related services, including room and board.
  5. The educational assessment of a child with a disability that indicates that the educational program that is locally available is inappropriate for the needs of the child must conform to the standards set out in AS 14.30.191 .
  6. A school district shall obtain informed consent of the child’s parent before a child may be transferred to a school outside the district in which the child resides.
  7. The withholding of informed consent by a parent for the transfer of a child with a disability under this section does not relieve a school district of the obligation to provide special education and related services to the child.
  8. The department shall make available to school districts an electronic system for managing student information and tracking records relating to individualized education programs for children with disabilities. The system must, to the extent permitted by federal law, allow school districts to transfer special education records for a student when the student transfers to a different school district. If the governing body of a school district elects to use the system selected by the department, the department shall provide the school district with the system, including any software necessary to implement the system, at no charge to the school district. The department may not require a school district to use the system selected by the department.

History. (§ 2 ch 46 SLA 1966; am §§ 8, 9 ch 144 SLA 1970; am § 6 ch 71 SLA 1972; am § 3 ch 79 SLA 1974; am §§ 11 — 13, 19 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 1 ch 75 SLA 1986; am §§ 16, 17 ch 77 SLA 1993; am §§ 20 — 24 ch 67 SLA 2001; am § 7 ch 73 SLA 2018)

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective October 28, 2018, added (h).

Sec. 14.30.290. Purposes of appropriations. [Repealed, § 5 ch 70 SLA 1963.]

Sec. 14.30.295. Special education outside state. [Repealed, § 4 ch 79 SLA 1974.]

Sec. 14.30.300. Nonresident apportionment. [Repealed, § 5 ch 70 SLA 1963.]

Sec. 14.30.305. State support of programs for children hospitalized or confined to their homes.

A child who is hospitalized or confined to home and who receives at least 10 hours of special education and related services per week may be counted as a pupil in average daily membership when computing state support under the public school funding program.

History. (§ 2 ch 46 SLA 1966; am § 14 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 29 ch 83 SLA 1998)

Cross references. —

For provisions of the public school funding program, see AS 14.17.

Sec. 14.30.310. Hospitalized and homebound children. [Repealed, § 5 ch 70 SLA 1963.]

Sec. 14.30.315. State support of programs for gifted children. [Repealed, § 39 ch 83 SLA 1998; § 41 ch 67 SLA 2001.]

Sec. 14.30.320. Reimbursement for hospitalized or homebound children. [Repealed, § 5 ch 70 SLA 1963.]

Sec. 14.30.325. Surrogate parents.

  1. The department shall by regulation provide for the appointment of surrogate parents to represent a child with a disability in matters relating to the provision of an appropriate public education.
  2. A surrogate parent is not liable for civil damages as a result of an act or omission committed in the surrogate parent’s official capacity, except that a surrogate parent may be liable for civil damages as a result of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

History. (§ 15 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 25 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Sec. 14.30.330. Application for enrollment. [Repealed, § 19 ch 147 SLA 1984.]

Sec. 14.30.335. Eligibility for federal funds.

Notwithstanding any other provision of AS 14.30.180 14.30.350 , the department may do all things necessary to qualify for federal funds that are available to the state for the education of children with disabilities.

History. (§ 16 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 26 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For program establishment, see 4 AAC 52, art. 1.

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Sec. 14.30.340. Provision of special education in a private school, home, or hospital setting.

  1. If a parent of a child with a disability enrolls the child in a private school, including a religious school, at the parent’s expense or teaches the child at home, the school district in which the child resides shall make special education and related services available in conformance with federal requirements, including 34 C.F.R. 300.130 — 148. A parent teaching the parent’s child at home may refuse special education and related services for the child.
  2. If a physician certifies in writing, and if the child’s individualized education program under AS 14.30.278 provides that a child’s bodily, mental, or emotional condition does not permit attendance at a school and the child’s parents do not elect to teach the child at home as permitted under AS 14.30.010(b) , the school district in which the child is located shall enroll the child in public school and provide the child with special education and related services in conformance with the child’s individualized education program at the child’s home or at a medical treatment facility.

History. (§ 18 ch 120 SLA 1959; am § 6 ch 125 SLA 1961; am § 18 ch 77 SLA 1993; am § 27 ch 67 SLA 2001; am § 24 ch 40 SLA 2008)

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2008 amendment, effective May 23, 2008, substituted “34 C.F.R. 300.130 — 148” for “34 C.F.R. 300.450 — 462” in the second sentence of subsection (a).

Sec. 14.30.345. Regulations. [Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Sec. 14.30.347. Transportation of children with disabilities.

When transportation is required to be provided as a related service, a child with a disability shall be transported with children who are not children with disabilities if the district provides transportation to children in the district, except when the nature of the physical or mental disability is such that it is in the best interest of the child with a disability, as provided in the child’s individualized education program, that the child be transported separately. State reimbursement for transportation of children with disabilities shall be as provided for transportation of all other pupils except that eligibility for reimbursement is not subject to restriction based on the minimum distance between the school and the residence of the child with a disability.

History. (§ 1 ch 105 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 52 SLA 1976; am § 17 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 19 ch 77 SLA 1993; am § 30 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 28 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2001, in the last sentence, “exceptional” was deleted to correct a manifest error in § 28, ch. 67, SLA 2001.

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Sec. 14.30.350. Definitions.

In AS 14.30.180 14.30.350 ,

  1. “appropriate education” means personalized instruction with sufficient support services to permit a child to benefit educationally from the instruction;
  2. “child with a disability” means a child with one or more of the following:
    1. intellectual disability;
    2. learning disabilities;
    3. emotional disturbance;
    4. deafness;
    5. deaf-blindness;
    6. hearing impairment;
    7. orthopedic impairment;
    8. other health impairment;
    9. speech or language impairment;
    10. visual impairment;
    11. multiple disabilities;
    12. early childhood development delay;
    13. autism;
    14. traumatic brain injury;
    15. developmental disability;
  3. “due process hearing” means a hearing conducted under AS 14.30.193 ;
  4. “educational records” means those files, documents, records, and other material that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained by a school district or a person acting for a school district; the term “educational records” does not include the personnel records of the school district, maintained in the normal course of business, that relate exclusively to a person’s capacity as an employee, or other records as designated by the department in regulation;
  5. “informed consent” means that
    1. a child’s parent has been fully informed, in the parent’s native language or other mode of communication, of all information relevant to the activity for which consent is sought;
    2. the parent understands and agrees in writing to the carrying out of the activity for which the parent’s consent is sought;
    3. the consent describes that activity and lists any records that will be released and to whom; and
    4. the parent understands that the granting of consent is voluntary on the part of the parent and may be revoked at any time;
  6. “parent” means a
    1. child’s natural or adoptive parent;
    2. child’s guardian, but not the state if the child is in the legal custody of the state;
    3. person who is acting in the place of a child’s natural or adoptive parent, such as a grandparent or stepparent with whom the child lives, or a person who is legally responsible for the child’s welfare; and
    4. child’s surrogate parent who has been appointed under AS 14.30.325 ;
  7. “related services” means services described in 34 C.F.R. 300.34;
  8. “school district” means a borough school district, a city school district, a regional educational attendance area, a state boarding school, and the state centralized correspondence study program;
  9. “special education” means an educational program described in 34 C.F.R. 300.39.

History. (§ 2 ch 120 SLA 1959; am §§ 5, 6 ch 81 SLA 1965; am §§ 13, 14 ch 144 SLA 1970; am § 2 ch 119 SLA 1981; am § 18 ch 147 SLA 1984; am § 38 ch 30 SLA 1992; am §§ 20 — 24 ch 77 SLA 1993; am §§ 29 — 34, 41 ch 67 SLA 2001; am §§ 25, 26 ch 40 SLA 2008; am § 3 ch 42 SLA 2013)

Revisor’s notes. —

Renumbered in 1992, 1993, and 2001 to maintain alphabetical order.

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: children with disabilities, see 4 AAC 52, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2008 amendment, effective May 23, 2008, substituted “34 C.F.R. 300.34” for “34 C.F.R. 300.24” in paragraph (7) and “34 C.F.R. 300.39” for “34 C.F.R. 300.26” in paragraph (9).

The 2013 amendment, effective September 1, 2013, in (2)(A), substituted “intellectual disability” for “mental retardation”; added (2)(O).

Article 6. Education for Gifted Children.

Sec. 14.30.352. Programs for gifted children.

  1. Every school district shall establish educational services for gifted children that provide for student identification, student eligibility, student learning plans, and parental and student participation, including an appropriate review process, consistent with regulations adopted by the department.
  2. State reimbursement for transportation of gifted children shall be as provided for transportation of all other pupils, except that eligibility for reimbursement is not limited to transportation between the child’s residence and the school, but shall also include transportation between a school and another location of instruction as routinely required by the gifted education program of the district.

History. (§ 35 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Cross references. —

For provision giving continuing effect, until amended or repealed, to certain regulations adopted by the State Board of Education and Early Development and in effect on July 1, 2001, that are not inconsistent with the 2001 addition of AS 14.30.352 , see § 42(b), ch. 67, SLA 2001, in the 2001 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For program administration: gifted children, see 4 AAC 52, art. 3.

Article 7 Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention

Sec. 14.30.355. Sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention.

  1. The governing body of each school district shall adopt and implement a policy, establish a training program for employees and students, and provide parent notices relating to sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention for students enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12.
  2. The policy, training, and notices adopted under this section must include
    1. age-appropriate information;
    2. warning signs of sexual abuse of a child;
    3. referral and resource information;
    4. available student counseling and educational support;
    5. methods for increasing teacher, student, and parent awareness of issues regarding sexual abuse of children;
    6. actions that a child may take to prevent and report sexual abuse or sexual assault; and
    7. a procedure allowing a student to be excused from participating in training or from receiving notices under this section at the written request of a parent or guardian of the student, or of the student if the student is emancipated or 18 years of age or older.
  3. The training required for teachers under this section may be provided as a part of the continuing education required under AS 18.66.310 .
  4. In this section,
    1. “school district” has the meaning given in AS 14.30.350 ;
    2. “sexual abuse” or “sexual assault” has the meaning given to “sexual abuse” in AS 47.10.990 .

History. (§ 14 ch 2 SSSLA 2015)

Effective dates. —

Section 28, ch. 2, SSSLA 2015 made this section effective June 30, 2017.

Sec. 14.30.356. Teen dating violence and abuse awareness and prevention program; training and notices.

  1. The department, in consultation with school districts, shall develop and approve a program relating to teen dating violence and abuse awareness and prevention for grades seven through 12. The program must
    1. include training for employees and students;
    2. provide parent notices; and
    3. be reviewed periodically by a qualified individual or committee for consistency with generally accepted standards for a teen dating violence and abuse awareness and prevention program.
  2. The training, notices, and instruction adopted under this section must include
    1. age-appropriate information;
    2. the warning signs of dating violence and abusive behavior;
    3. characteristics of healthy relationships;
    4. measures to prevent and stop dating violence and abuse;
    5. community resources available to victims of dating violence and abuse; and
    6. a procedure allowing a student to be excused from participating in training or from receiving notices under this section at the written request of a parent or guardian of the student, or of the student if the student is emancipated or 18 years of age or older.
  3. The training required for teachers under this section may be provided as a part of the continuing education required under AS 18.66.310 .
  4. In this section,
    1. “dating violence and abuse” means a pattern of behavior in which one person threatens to use, or actually uses, physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse to control the person’s dating partner;
    2. “school district” has the meaning given in AS 14.30.350 .

History. (§ 14 ch 2 SSSLA 2015; am §§ 1, 2 ch 51 SLA 2018)

Cross references. —

For provision providing that a program approved under this section be known as the “Bree Moore Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Program”, see sec. 4, ch. 51, SLA 2018, in the 2018 Temporary and Special Acts.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective October 9, 2018, rewrote (a); in the introductory language in (b), deleted “policy,” preceding “training”.

Effective dates. —

Section 28, ch. 2, SSSLA 2015 made this section effective June 30, 2017.

Article 8. Health, Safety, and Physical Education.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 311 et seq.

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 778 et seq.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for accidents occurring in physical education classes. 36 ALR3d 361.

Validity of sex education programs in public schools. 82 ALR3d 579.

Sec. 14.30.360. Health education curriculum; physical activity guidelines.

  1. Each district in the state public school system shall be encouraged to initiate and conduct a program in health education for kindergarten through grade 12. The program should include instruction in physical health and personal safety including alcohol and drug abuse education, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early cancer prevention and detection, dental health, family health including infant care, environmental health, the identification and prevention of child abuse, child abduction, neglect, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, and appropriate use of health services.
  2. The state board shall establish guidelines for a health and personal safety education program.  Personal safety guidelines shall be developed in consultation with the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Upon request, the Department of Education and Early Development, the Department of Health and Social Services, and the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault shall provide technical assistance to school districts in the development of personal safety curricula. A school health education specialist position shall be established and funded in the department to coordinate the program statewide. Adequate funds to enable curriculum and resource development, adequate consultation to school districts, and a program of teacher training in health and personal safety education shall be provided.
  3. In addition to the health education program encouraged under (a) of this section, a school district shall establish guidelines for schools in the district to provide opportunities during each full school day for students in grades kindergarten through eight for a minimum of 90 percent of the daily amount of physical activity recommended for children and adolescents in the physical activity guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States Department of Health and Human Services. The time provided for physical activity under this subsection may include physical education classes and opportunities for unstructured physical activity, such as recess. A school district shall adopt guidelines under this subsection that
    1. allow a student to be excused from the physical activity opportunities if the student is unable to participate for a medical reason; and
    2. provide an exemption from the physical activity opportunities under this subsection for health and safety reasons, such as inclement weather.
  4. In this section, “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 .

History. (§ 1 ch 188 SLA 1976; am § 1 ch 106 SLA 1978; am § 1 ch 87 SLA 1984; am § 1 ch 24 SLA 1986; am § 1 ch 4 SLA 1998; am § 1 ch 40 SLA 2016)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, in (b) of this section, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2016 amendment, effective October 16, 2016, added (c) and (d).

Sec. 14.30.361. Sex education, human reproductive education, and human sexuality education.

  1. A person may only teach a class or program in sex education, human reproduction education, or human sexuality education if the person
    1. possesses a valid teacher certificate issued under AS 14.20 and is employed under a contract with the school; or
    2. is supervised by a person who meets the requirements under (1) of this subsection.
  2. Before curriculum, literature, or materials related to sex education, human reproduction education, or human sexuality education may be used in a class or program or distributed in a school, the curriculum, literature, or materials must be
    1. approved by the school board; and
    2. available for parents to review.
  3. Before a person teaches a class or program under (a)(2) of this section,
    1. the person must be approved by the school board; and
    2. the person’s credentials must be available for parents to review.
  4. The requirements under (a) of this section do not apply to
    1. sexual abuse and sexual assault awareness and prevention training required under AS 14.30.355 ; or
    2. dating violence and abuse awareness and prevention training required under AS 14.30.356 .

History. (§§ 18, 19 ch 54 SLA 2016)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2016 amendment, effective October 26, 2016, added (d).

Effective dates. —

Section 18, ch. 54, SLA 2016, which enacted this section, took effect on October 26, 2016.

Sec. 14.30.362. Suicide awareness and prevention training.

  1. A school district and the department shall provide youth suicide awareness and prevention training approved by the commissioner to each teacher, administrator, counselor, and specialist who is employed by the district or department to provide services to students in a public school in the state at no cost to the teacher, administrator, counselor, or specialist.
  2. The commissioner shall approve youth suicide awareness and prevention training provided under this section if the training meets standards for professional continuing education credit in the state and is periodically reviewed by a qualified person or committee for consistency with generally accepted principles of youth suicide awareness and prevention. The training may be offered through videoconferencing or an individual program of study of designated materials.
  3. A person may not bring a civil action for damages against the state or a school district, or an officer, agent, or employee of the state or a school district, for a death, personal injury, or property damage that results from an act or omission in performing or failing to perform activities or duties authorized under this section. This subsection does not apply to a civil action for damages as a result of intentional misconduct with complete disregard for the safety and property of others.
  4. The training under this section shall be provided according to the schedule adopted by the governing body of a school district.
  5. The training provided or the failure to provide training under this section may not be construed to impose a specific duty of care on any person.

History. (§ 15 ch 2 SSSLA 2015; am § 20 ch 54 SLA 2016)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2016 amendment, effective October 26, 2016, in (a), deleted “in grades seven through 12” following “services to students”.

Effective dates. —

Section 30, ch. 2, SSSLA 2015 made this section effective July 1, 2016.

Sec. 14.30.365. Interscholastic activities; eligibility.

  1. A full-time student who is eligible under (b) of this section who is enrolled in grades nine through 12 in an alternative education program that is located in the state and that does not offer interscholastic activities is eligible to participate in any interscholastic activities program available in a public school
    1. that, based on the residence of the parent or legal guardian, the student would be eligible to attend were the student not enrolled in an alternative education program; or
    2. at which the student requests to participate, if
      1. the student shows good cause; and
      2. the governing body of the school approves.
  2. A student is eligible to participate in interscholastic activities under this section if the student
    1. is otherwise eligible to participate in interscholastic activities under requirements established by the school, the school district, and the statewide interscholastic activities governing body;
    2. provides documentation, including academic transcripts, proof of full-time enrollment, and applicable disciplinary records, and, if required for participation in an activity by the school, requested medical records, to the school providing the interscholastic activities program; and
    3. claims the same school for interscholastic activities eligibility purposes during a school year.
  3. In this section,
    1. “alternative education program” means a public secondary school that provides a nontraditional education program, including the Alaska Military Youth Academy; a public vocational, remedial, or theme-based program; a home school program that is accredited by a recognized accrediting body; a charter school authorized under AS 14.03.250 14.03.290 ; and a statewide correspondence school that enrolls students who reside outside of the district in which the student resides and provides less than three hours a week of scheduled face-to-face student interactions in the same location with a teacher who is certified under AS 14.20.020 ;
    2. “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 ;
    3. “full-time student” means a student who
      1. is enrolled in not less than five classes in grades nine through 11 and not less than four classes in grade 12; and
      2. is on track to graduate from secondary school in not more than four years of attendance in secondary school;
    4. “interscholastic activities” means preparation for and participation in events or competitions involving another school when the preparation or participation
      1. is sanctioned or supported by the statewide interscholastic activities governing body;
      2. is conducted outside of the regular school curriculum; and
      3. does not involve participation in student government at a school;
    5. “located in the state” means that the alternative education program is accessed by a student who is located in the state and provides for all instructional hours to take place at a site in the state.

History. (§ 2 ch 49 SLA 2012; am §§ 1, 2 ch 62 SLA 2013)

Cross references. —

For provisions relating to participation in interscholastic activities available in a religious or other private school regulated under AS 14.45, see AS 14.45.150 .

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective July 1, 2013, in (a), deleted “entirely” following “alternative education program that is located”; added (c)(5).

Effective dates. —

Section 4, ch. 49, SLA 2012 makes this section effective July 1, 2013.

Sec. 14.30.370. Evaluation.

Health education programs conducted under AS 14.30.360 shall be evaluated by the department in the same manner as other curriculum programs are evaluated, except that the evaluation shall also include changes in the health status of the pupils as determined by physical and dental examinations conducted under AS 14.30.070 .

History. (§ 1 ch 188 SLA 1976; am § 16 ch 2 SSSLA 2015)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective October 7, 2015, deleted “and 14.30.120” at the end.

Sec. 14.30.375. School gardens, greenhouses, and farms. [Repealed, § 5 ch 11 SLA 2010.]

Article 9. Environmental Education.

Sec. 14.30.380. Environmental education.

The board shall encourage each school board to initiate and conduct a program of environmental education for kindergarten through grade 12. The program should include, but is not limited to, education regarding the need to balance resource development with environmental safeguards, the dependence of the state on resource development, and the opportunity for pollution prevention, waste reduction, and recycling. A school board may implement environmental education as a part of regular classroom studies.

History. (§ 2 ch 63 SLA 1992)

Article 10. Bilingual-Bicultural Education.

Administrative Code. —

For bilingual-bicultural education, see 4 AAC 34.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 333 et seq.

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 778 et seq.

Sec. 14.30.400. Bilingual-bicultural education.

City or borough district school boards and regional educational attendance area boards shall provide a bilingual-bicultural education program for each school in a city or borough school district or regional educational attendance area that is attended by at least eight pupils of limited English-speaking ability and whose primary language is other than English. A bilingual-bicultural education program shall be provided under a plan of service that has been developed in accordance with regulations adopted by the department. Nothing in this section precludes a bilingual-bicultural education program from being provided for less than eight pupils in a school.

History. (§ 26 ch 124 SLA 1975)

Sec. 14.30.410. Bilingual-bicultural education funds.

  1. [Repealed, § 12 ch 42 SLA 1997.]
  2. The department shall adopt regulations for the determination of entitlement and the distribution of bilingual-bicultural funds to city and borough school districts and regional educational attendance areas.

History. (§ 26 ch 124 SLA 1975; am § 9 ch 115 SLA 1978; am § 11 ch 30 SLA 1992; am § 12 ch 42 SLA 1997)

Administrative Code. —

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 4.

For bilingual-bicultural education, see 4 AAC 34.

Sec. 14.30.420. Native language education.

  1. A school board shall establish a local Native language curriculum advisory board for each school in the district in which a majority of the students are Alaska Natives and any school district with Alaska Native students may establish a local Native language curriculum advisory board for each school with Alaska Native students in their district. If the local Native language curriculum advisory board recommends the establishment of a Native language education curriculum for a school, the school board may initiate and conduct a Native language education curriculum within grades K through 12 at that school. The program, if established, must include Native languages traditionally spoken in the community in which the school is located. Each school board conducting a program of Native language education shall implement the program as a part of regular classroom studies and shall use
    1. instructors who are certified under AS 14.20.020 or 14.20.025 ; and
    2. to the maximum extent possible
      1. instructors and instructional materials available through the University of Alaska; and
      2. audio-visual, computer, and satellite technology.
  2. In this section,
    1. “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 ;
    2. “Native” means a person of one-fourth degree or more Alaskan Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut blood.

History. (§ 4 ch 29 SLA 2000)

Article 11. Adventure-Based Education.

Collateral references. —

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 778 et seq.

Sec. 14.30.500. Adventure-based education program.

An adventure-based education program is a program designed to bring adventure-based education to high school students and appropriate juvenile offenders. A program shall include provisions for the following phases:

  1. Phase I: Basic Skills Learning
    1. physical conditioning: running, hiking, swimming, and other related activities;
    2. technical training: the use of specialized tools and equipment, camping, cooking, map reading, navigation, life saving, drown proofing, and solo survival;
    3. safety training: first aid skills, emergency care, preventive medicine, nutrition, health, and personal hygiene care;
    4. team training: rescue techniques, evacuation exercises, and fire fighting;
    5. solo: solitary living for a short period with minimal equipment;
    6. interpersonal skills training: coping skills, individual and group problem solving, and societal communication skills;
    7. culturally relevant activities: traditional modes of subsistence living, traveling and surviving in wilderness areas and communities in Alaska, and cross-cultural experiences.
  2. Phase II: Skills Generalization
    1. vocational counseling and placement;
    2. family and interpersonal counseling;
    3. community systems utilization:
      1. transportation,
      2. community services systems,
      3. community problem solving.

History. (§ 2 ch 86 SLA 1979)

Cross references. —

For responsibility of Department of Health and Social Services to establish an adventure-based education program, see AS 47.21.

Sec. 14.30.510. Alaska student leadership development fund. [Repealed, § 12 ch 42 SLA 1997.]

Article 12. Special Education Service Agency.

Sec. 14.30.600. Agency established.

There is established, as a public organization, the special education service agency.

History. (§ 2 ch 112 SLA 1986)

Sec. 14.30.610. Governing board.

The agency shall be governed by the Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education (AS 47.80.030 ).

History. (§ 2 ch 112 SLA 1986)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1992, under § 6, ch. 13, SLA 1992, and AS 01.05.031 , “Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education” was substituted for “Governor’s Council for the Handicapped and Gifted.”

Sec. 14.30.620. Employees.

Employees of the agency are not in the state service and are not subject to AS 39.25 (State Personnel Act). However, employees of the agency shall be members of either the Teachers’ Retirement System (AS 14.25) or the Public Employees’ Retirement System (AS 39.35).

History. (§ 2 ch 112 SLA 1986)

Sec. 14.30.630. Powers and duties.

  1. The agency may
    1. receive and expend public and private funds to carry out the purposes of the agency;
    2. contract with the department and other public or private agencies for the provision of special education or related services;
    3. do whatever is necessary to carry out the purposes of AS 14.30.600 14.30.660 .
  2. The agency shall
    1. provide special education services including
      1. itinerant outreach services to students who are deaf, deaf-blind, intellectually disabled, developmentally disabled, hearing impaired, blind and visually impaired, orthopedically disabled, health-impaired in other ways, and severely emotionally disturbed, and to students with multiple disabilities;
      2. special education instructional support and training of local school district special education personnel; and
      3. other services appropriate to special education needs;
    2. provide for an annual audit of the agency;
    3. provide the department with a two-year plan of operation including a description of the services to be offered by the agency, the method by which the services will be evaluated, information on the number of students and school district personnel to be served, a schedule of funds available to the agency from all sources, and other information that may be required by the department by regulation;
    4. present an annual budget to the department.

History. (§ 2 ch 112 SLA 1986; am § 1 ch 25 SLA 2006; am § 4 ch 42 SLA 2013)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2006 amendment, effective May 10, 2006, inserted “students who are” near the beginning of subparagraph (b)(1)(A), and substituted “disabled, health-impaired in other ways, and severely emotionally disturbed, and to students with multiple disabilities” for “handicapped, other health-impaired, severely emotionally disturbed, and multi-handicapped students” in that subparagraph.

The 2013 amendment, effective September 1, 2013, in (b)(1)(A), substituted “intellectually disabled, developmentally disabled” for “mentally retarded”.

Sec. 14.30.640. Eligibility for service.

The services of the agency shall be available to school districts that serve children whose special education needs occur infrequently, who require specialized services not normally available in the school district, and who cannot be easily served by local school district personnel because of the low number of students in the district in need of the particular service. The agency may provide services to a child with a disability, as that term is defined in AS 14.30.350 .

History. (§ 2 ch 112 SLA 1986; am § 36 ch 67 SLA 2001)

Sec. 14.30.650. Funding.

Each fiscal year, the department shall allocate to the agency not less than $23.13 times the number of students in the state in average daily membership in the preceding fiscal year as determined under AS 14.17.600 . Money to carry out the provisions of this section may be appropriated annually by the legislature. If amounts are insufficient to meet the allocation authorized under this section for a fiscal year, the allocation shall be reduced pro rata.

History. (§ 2 ch 112 SLA 1986; am § 31 ch 83 SLA 1998; am § 1 ch 23 SLA 2013; am § 1 ch 12 SLA 2021)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective May 30, 2013, in the first sentence substituted “$18.65” for “$15.75”, and deleted the last sentence, which read, “The amount allocated to the agency shall be reduced each fiscal year by the amount contributed by the department to the teachers’ retirement system (AS 14.25) or the public employees’ retirement system (AS 39.35) on behalf of employees of the agency.”

The 2021 amendment, effective July 1, 2021, in the first sentence, substituted “$23.13” for “$18.65” following “not less than.”

Legislative history reports. —

For legislative letter of intent relating to the amendment of this section by sec. 1, ch. 23, SLA 2013 (CCS HB 87), see 2013 House Journal 348 — 349.

Sec. 14.30.660. Definition.

In AS 14.30.600 14.30.660 , unless the context otherwise requires, “agency” means the special education service agency.

History. (§ 2 ch 112 SLA 1986)

Article 13. Records of Certain Missing or Transferred Children.

Sec. 14.30.700. Records of missing children.

Upon notification by the Department of Public Safety of a child’s disappearance, a school or school district in which the child is currently or was previously enrolled shall flag the school record of that child in a manner that, when a copy or information regarding the record is requested, the school or school district shall be alerted to the fact that the record is that of a missing child. The school or school district shall immediately report to the Department of Public Safety a request regarding flagged records, including any knowledge as to the whereabouts of the child. Upon notification by the Department of Public Safety that the person who was listed as a missing child has been found, the school or school district shall remove the flag from the person’s record.

History. (§ 1 ch 202 SLA 1990)

Sec. 14.30.710. Required records upon transfer.

Within 14 days after enrolling a child as a transfer student from this or another state in an elementary or secondary school, the school or school district shall request directly from the child’s previous school a certified copy of the child’s record. An elementary or secondary school or a school district in this state requested to forward a copy of a transferring child’s record to another school shall comply with the request within 10 days after receiving the request unless the record has been flagged under AS 14.30.700 . Upon receipt of a request for a record that has been flagged, the school or school district shall immediately notify the Department of Public Safety. Unless directed to do so by the Department of Public Safety, a school or a school district may not forward a copy of a flagged record. In this section, “record” includes information about the child’s commission of an offense that is punishable as a felony or that involved the use of a deadly weapon, as that term is defined in AS 11.81.900(b) .

History. (§ 1 ch 202 SLA 1990; am § 2 ch 36 SLA 1999)

Sec. 14.30.720. Definitions.

In AS 14.30.700 14.30.720 ,

  1. “child” means a person under 18 years of age;
  2. “school district” means a municipal school district or a regional educational attendance area.

History. (§ 1 ch 202 SLA 1990)

Article 14. Alaska Military Youth Academy.

Sec. 14.30.740. Funding for Alaska Challenge Youth Academy program. [Repealed, § 3 ch 72 SLA 2013.]

Sec. 14.30.745. Provision of student information to academy.

  1. Except as provided in (b) of this section, on or before January 15 and July 15 of each year, a school district shall provide to the director of the Alaska Military Youth Academy, operated by the Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs for the purpose of educating and training youth, a biannual report containing the name, last known address, and dates of attendance of a student who
    1. is at least 15 years of age but less than 19 years of age;
    2. was enrolled but is no longer enrolled in a school in the district;
    3. has not provided school transfer or graduation information to a school in the district; and
    4. has not received a high school diploma or general educational development certificate.
  2. At the beginning of each school year, a school district shall provide a written notice to the parent or guardian of the student, or, if the student is at least 18 years of age, to the student, of the disclosure of the information under (a) of this section and provide an opportunity for objection to the disclosure.
  3. The official to whom the information in (a) of this section is provided shall certify in writing to the school district providing the information that the information will not be disclosed to any other party except as necessary to recruit and retain students.
  4. In this section, “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 .

History. (§ 1 ch 108 SLA 2010; am § 1 ch 72 SLA 2013)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective January 1, 2014, in (a), substituted “Alaska Military Youth Academy” for “Alaska Challenge Youth Academy”.

Effective dates. —

Section 1, ch. 108, SLA 2010, which enacted this section, is effective September 23, 2010.

Editor’s notes. —

Section 2, ch. 108, SLA 2010, directs that this section “applies to students who left school on or after September 1, 2010.”

Sec. 14.30.750. Alaska school counseling program grant fund. [Repealed, § 12 ch 42 SLA 1997.]

Chapter 33. School Safety and Discipline.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 270 et seq.

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 789 et seq.

Coverage and exceptions under student accident policy. 74 ALR2d 1253.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for accident occurring during school athletic events. 35 ALR3d 725.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for injuries caused by acts of fellow students. 36 ALR3d 330.

Permitting child to walk to school unattended as contributory negligence of parents in action for injury or death of child. 62 ALR3d 541.

Article 1. School Safety Patrols.

Sec. 14.33.010. Requirements for school safety patrols.

The school board of a borough or city school district or regional educational attendance area, or a private or denominational school may require that school safety patrols be established to assist pupils to cross streets and highways adjacent to schools in safety.

History. (§ 1 ch 68 SLA 1964; am § 53 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 25 ch 46 SLA 1970; am § 27 ch 124 SLA 1975)

Sec. 14.33.020. Organization of a patrol.

  1. If a school board, or a private or denominational school determines that a safety patrol should be established for a school, the principal of the school shall appoint pupils in the school to serve as members of the patrol.
  2. A pupil may not be appointed a patrol member unless the pupil’s parents or guardian give written consent to the pupil’s membership in the patrol.
  3. The principal shall designate a teacher or teachers in the school to supervise the operation of the patrol.
  4. The principal shall consult with the local law enforcement authority to determine those locations adjacent to the school where the patrol may be most advantageously used.

History. (§ 1 ch 68 SLA 1964; am § 26 ch 46 SLA 1970; am § 28 ch 124 SLA 1975)

Sec. 14.33.030. Duties of a patrol.

  1. Patrol members shall
    1. encourage pupils to refrain from crossing streets and highways at other than regular crossings;
    2. direct pupils not to cross streets and highways when the presence of traffic renders crossing unsafe;
    3. when directed, assist pupils to safely board or leave school buses.
  2. A patrol member may not, under any circumstances, be permitted to direct vehicular traffic or be stationed in a street or highway while performing the duties of a patrol member.

History. (§ 1 ch 68 SLA 1964)

Sec. 14.33.040. Guidance for patrols.

The commissioner shall, after consulting with the commissioner of public safety, adopt standards to guide patrol members in the conduct of their duties, and shall specify appropriate insignia to be worn by patrol members while on duty.

History. (§ 1 ch 68 SLA 1964)

Sec. 14.33.050. Cooperation with law-enforcement authorities.

The state troopers or the police department of a political subdivision of the state may, upon request by the department, a school board, or a private or denominational school, assist in the training and control of safety patrols.

History. (§ 1 ch 68 SLA 1964; am § 22 ch 127 SLA 1974)

Sec. 14.33.060. Immunity from liability.

The state or a political subdivision of it, a school board or any individual member of it, a private or denominational school, principal, teacher, patrol member, or parent or guardian of a patrol member is immune from liability that might otherwise be incurred as a result of an injury caused by an act or the failure to act on the part of a patrol member while on duty.

History. (§ 1 ch 68 SLA 1964)

Article 2. Required School Crisis Response Planning.

Sec. 14.33.100. Required school crisis response planning.

  1. Each district shall develop a model school crisis response plan for use by each school in the district. Each school in a district shall develop a school specific crisis response plan. Each school shall form a crisis response team consisting of the principal, one certified and one classified member of the school staff, and one parent whose child attends the school. The crisis response team may include one member of the governing board or advisory school board, a school counselor, a member from local law enforcement authorities, and one student in grade 10 or higher if the school has those grades. The district and each school within the district shall consult with local social services agencies and local law enforcement authorities when developing the school crisis response plan.
  2. A school specific crisis response plan must meet standards as determined by the department by regulation. A school specific crisis response plan must include
    1. the person in charge and a designated substitute;
    2. the names of the crisis response team members and their specific job functions relating to a crisis;
    3. a communication plan;
    4. protocols for responding to immediate physical harm of students, faculty, or staff and to traumatic events, including the period after the events have concluded;
    5. disaster and emergency procedures to respond to earthquakes, fire, flood, explosions, or other events or conditions in which death or serious injury is likely;
    6. crisis procedures for safe entrance to and exit from the school by students, parents, and employees, including an evacuation and lockdown plan; and
    7. policies for enforcing school discipline and maintaining a safe and orderly environment during the crisis.
  3. Each district shall annually review and update as appropriate each school’s crisis response plan. A copy of each school’s crisis response plan, as annually updated, shall be retained by the district and a copy provided to each local agency that has a role in the plan. Notice of completion of the annual review and update and the location of a school’s crisis response plan shall be posted at each school in the district. A school crisis response plan shall be printed and available for inspection by the public.
  4. Each district shall provide to each district employee training in crisis response, including evacuation and lockdown drills. New district employees who have not previously received the training required under this subsection shall receive the required training within two years after the first day of employment and, thereafter, according to the schedule adopted by the governing body of a school district.
  5. In this section,
    1. “crisis” includes a traumatic event or emergency condition that creates distress, hardship, fear, or grief;
    2. “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 .

History. (§ 1 ch 78 SLA 1999; am § 17 ch 2 SSSLA 2015)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2015 amendment, effective October 7, 2015, in (d), deleted “annually” following “Each district shall” in the first sentence, and added the second sentence.

Article 3. Required School Disciplinary and Safety Program.

Sec. 14.33.110. Purpose of school disciplinary and safety program.

The purpose of AS 14.33.110 14.33.140 is to

  1. implement and maintain community-based standards of school behavior that are developed by students, parents, teachers, school administrators, and the community;
  2. facilitate the creation of a standard of school behavior and safety by local communities for the schools in those communities;
  3. protect and support teachers who enforce standards of student behavior and safety in the classroom established under AS 14.33.120 ; and
  4. ensure that all schools and school districts receiving state funds, that may not have already done so, implement and maintain an effective school disciplinary and safety program.

History. (§ 2 ch 114 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.33.120. School disciplinary and safety program.

  1. Each governing body shall adopt a written school disciplinary and safety program. The program required under this subsection must be made available to students, parents, legal guardians, and the public and include written
    1. standards for student behavior and safety that reflect community standards and that include, at a minimum, basic requirements for respect and honesty; standards required under this paragraph must be developed and periodically reviewed with the collaboration of members of each school, parents, legal guardians, teachers, and other persons responsible for the students at a school; a governing body may require that standards developed under this paragraph be consistent for all schools in an attendance area or the district;
    2. standards relating to when a teacher is authorized to remove a student from the classroom for
      1. failure to follow student behavior and safety standards; or
      2. behavior described under AS 14.30.045 (1) or (2);
    3. procedures for notifying teachers of dangerous students consistent with AS 47.12.310(b) ;
    4. standards relating to when a teacher, teacher’s assistant, or other person responsible for students is authorized to use reasonable and appropriate force to maintain classroom safety and discipline as described under AS 11.81.430(a)(2) ;
    5. policies necessary to comply with provisions of state and federal law, including 20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1482 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act);
    6. standards to address needs of students for whom mental health or substance abuse may be a contributing factor to noncompliance with the school disciplinary and safety program;
    7. policies for implementing a student conflict resolution strategy, including the nonviolent resolution or mediation of conflicts and procedures for reporting and resolving conflicts;
    8. procedures for periodic review and revision of the school disciplinary and safety program;
    9. policies and procedures consistent with standards for use of restraint and seclusion of students as described in AS 14.33.125 .
  2. A school shall, on the same day as the incident, provide to the parent or legal guardian of an affected student information relating to an incident involving disruptive or violent behavior by the student that resulted in restraint or seclusion of the student by school personnel.

History. (§ 2 ch 114 SLA 2000; am § 1 ch 50 SLA 2001; am § 27 ch 40 SLA 2008; am §§ 1, 2 ch 95 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For local education, see 4 AAC 5.

For safe schools, see 4 AAC 6, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2008 amendment, effective May 23, 2008, substituted “20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1482” for “20 U.S.C. 1400 — 1485” in paragraph (a)(5).

The 2014 amendment, effective October 14, 2014, in (a), in the introductory language, inserted “be made available to students, parents, legal guardians, and the public and” following “under this subsection must”, in (a)(1), inserted “legal guardians,” following “parents,”, added (a)(9); rewrote (b), which read, “A school district shall report information relating to school district disciplinary and safety programs as required by the department, including incidents of disruptive or violent behavior.”

Sec. 14.33.125. Student restraint or seclusion; limitations.

  1. A public school disciplinary and safety program must
    1. prohibit restraint or seclusion of a student except as provided in (b) of this section;
    2. be annually reviewed with school personnel;
    3. include a written report of each incident that is maintained in the student’s record as described in (d) of this section; and
    4. include a review of each incident in which restraint or seclusion is used as provided in (e) of this section.
  2. A teacher, teacher’s assistant, or other person responsible for students may physically restrain or seclude a student only if
    1. the student’s behavior poses an imminent danger of physical injury to the student or another person;
    2. less restrictive interventions would be ineffective to stop the imminent danger to the student or another person;
    3. the person continuously monitors the student in face-to-face contact or, if face-to-face contact is unsafe, by continuous direct visual contact with the student;
    4. the person has received training in crisis intervention and de-escalation and restraint techniques that has been approved by the department under AS 14.33.127 , unless a trained person is not immediately available and the circumstances are rare and present an unavoidable and unforeseen emergency; and
    5. the restraint or seclusion is discontinued immediately when the student no longer poses an imminent danger of physical injury to the student or another person or when a less restrictive intervention is effective to stop the danger of physical injury.
  3. A teacher, teacher’s assistant, or other person responsible for students may not
    1. use chemical restraint;
    2. use mechanical restraint; or
    3. physically restrain a student by placing the student on the student’s back or stomach or in a manner that restricts the student’s breathing.
  4. School personnel who restrain or seclude a student shall provide a written report of the incident to the school administrator. A school shall provide a copy of the report to the student’s parents or legal guardians. The report must include
    1. the date and time of the incident;
    2. the names and job titles of school personnel who participated in or supervised the incident;
    3. a description of the activity that preceded the incident, including efforts and strategies used with the student before the incident;
    4. a description of the incident, including the type and duration of the intervention used;
    5. a description of how the incident ended, including any further action taken.
  5. A school district shall ensure that a review process is established and conducted for each incident that involves restraint or seclusion of a student. The review must be conducted as soon as practicable after the event and include
    1. staff review of the incident;
    2. follow-up communication with the student and the student’s parent or legal guardian;
    3. review of and recommendations for adjusting or amending procedures, strategies, accommodations, individualized education plans, or other student behavior plans, or for additional staff training.
  6. Each school district shall annually report to the department, on a form acceptable to the department, the total number of incidents involving the restraint or seclusion of a student. The report must specify
    1. the number of incidents that resulted in injury or death of students or personnel;
    2. the number of incidents in which school personnel involved in the restraint or seclusion were not trained in an approved crisis intervention training program as described in AS 14.33.127(b) ; and
    3. the number of incidents involving the restraint or seclusion of a child with a disability under AS 14.30.350 ; the report must also include the category of the disability of the child involved in each incident.
  7. In this section,
    1. “chemical restraint” means a psychopharmacologic drug that is used on a student for discipline or convenience and that is not required to treat a medical symptom;
    2. “mechanical restraint” means the use of a device that is not a medical device or protective equipment prescribed by a qualified health care professional to restrict a student’s freedom of movement;
    3. “physically restrain” or “physical restraint” means a personal restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to move the student’s arms, legs, or head freely;
    4. “restraint” means physical restraint, chemical restraint, mechanical restraint, or other aversive behavioral interventions that compromise health and safety;
    5. “seclusion” means the involuntary confinement of a student alone in a room or area that the student is physically prevented from leaving; “seclusion” does not include a classroom time-out, supervised detention, or suspension from school under AS 14.30.045 .

History. (§ 3 ch 95 SLA 2014)

Effective dates. —

Section 3, ch. 95, SLA 2014, which enacted this section, took effect on October 14, 2014.

Sec. 14.33.127. Crisis intervention training.

  1. The department shall approve crisis intervention training programs for schools, which shall include training in
    1. evidence-based techniques that have been shown to be effective in the prevention of restraint and seclusion of students;
    2. evidence-based techniques shown to be effective in keeping school personnel and students safe when imposing physical restraint or seclusion of students;
    3. evidence-based skills related to positive behavior supports, conflict prevention, understanding antecedents, de-escalation, and conflict management;
    4. first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and
    5. applicable policies and procedures.
  2. The governing body of a school shall ensure that a sufficient number of school employees receives periodic training in an approved crisis intervention program to meet the needs of the school population.
  3. In this section,
    1. “restraint” has the meaning given in AS 14.33.125 ;
    2. “seclusion” has the meaning given in AS 14.33.125 .

History. (§ 3 ch 95 SLA 2014)

Effective dates. —

Section 3, ch. 95, SLA 2014, which enacted this section, took effect on October 14, 2014.

Sec. 14.33.130. Enforcement of approved program; additional safety obligations.

  1. A teacher, a teacher’s assistant, a principal, or another person responsible for students may not be terminated or otherwise subjected to formal disciplinary action for lawful enforcement of an approved school disciplinary and safety program, including behavior standards, adopted under AS 14.33.120 .
  2. A teacher, a teacher’s assistant, a principal, or another person responsible for students who
    1. receives information about a student under AS 47.12.310(b) or receives information that may affect the safety of students or staff shall notify the student’s teacher or a school administrator; and
    2. in the course of employment, observes a student committing a crime shall report the crime to the local law enforcement agency; in this paragraph, “crime” has the meaning given in AS 11.81.900 .

History. (§ 2 ch 114 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.33.140. Civil liability for enforcing disciplinary and safety program.

A teacher, a teacher’s assistant, a principal, or another person responsible for students is not liable for civil damage resulting from an act or omission (1) arising out of enforcement of an approved school disciplinary and safety program adopted under AS 14.33.120 ; and (2) arising out of and in the course of employment unless the act or omission constitutes gross negligence or reckless or intentional misconduct.

History. (§ 2 ch 114 SLA 2000)

Article 4. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying.

Sec. 14.33.200. Harassment, intimidation, and bullying policy.

  1. By July 1, 2007, each school district shall adopt a policy that prohibits the harassment, intimidation, or bullying of any student. Each school district shall share this policy with parents or guardians, students, volunteers, and school employees.
  2. The policy must be adopted through the standard policy-making procedure for each district that includes the opportunity for participation by parents or guardians, school employees, volunteers, students, administrators, and community representatives. The policy must emphasize positive character traits and values, including the importance of civil and respectful speech and conduct, and the responsibility of students to comply with the district’s policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The policy must also include provisions for an appropriate punishment schedule up to and including expulsion and reporting of criminal activity to local law enforcement authorities. School employees, volunteers, students, and administrators shall adhere to this policy.
  3. By January 1, 2007, the department, in consultation with representatives of parents or guardians, school personnel, and other interested parties, may provide to school districts a model harassment, intimidation, and bullying prevention policy and training materials on the components that should be included in a district policy. Training materials may be disseminated in a variety of ways, including workshops and other staff developmental activities, and through the Internet website of the department. Materials included on the Internet website must include the model policy and recommended training and instructional materials. The department may provide a link to the school district’s Internet website for further information.

History. (§ 1 ch 109 SLA 2006)

Sec. 14.33.210. Reporting of incidents of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

Beginning with the 2007 — 2008 school year, each school district shall report to the department by November 30 all incidents resulting in suspension or expulsion for harassment, intimidation, or bullying on school premises or on transportation systems used by schools in the school year preceding the report. The department shall compile the data and report it to the appropriate committees of the Alaska House of Representatives and the Senate.

History. (§ 1 ch 109 SLA 2006)

Sec. 14.33.220. Reporting; no reprisals.

  1. A school employee, student, or volunteer may not engage in reprisal, retaliation, or false accusation against a victim, witness, or person with reliable information about an act of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.
  2. A school employee, student, or volunteer who has witnessed, or has reliable information that a student has been subjected to, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, whether verbal or physical, shall report the incident to an appropriate school official.
  3. This section does not prohibit discipline or other adverse action taken in compliance with school district policies against a person who falsely and in bad faith accuses a person of engaging in harassment, intimidation, or bullying or who intentionally provides false information in connection with an investigation of an alleged incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying.

History. (§ 1 ch 109 SLA 2006)

Sec. 14.33.230. Immunity from suit.

A school employee, student, or volunteer who reports an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying to a school official and who makes this report in good faith is immune from a cause of action for damages arising from a failure to remedy the reported incident or for making the report.

History. (§ 1 ch 109 SLA 2006)

Sec. 14.33.250. Definitions.

In AS 14.33.200 14.33.250 ,

  1. “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 ;
  2. “harassment, intimidation, or bullying” means an intentional written, oral, or physical act, when the act is undertaken with the intent of threatening, intimidating, harassing, or frightening the student, and
    1. physically harms the student or damages the student’s property;
    2. has the effect of substantially interfering with the student’s education;
    3. is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
    4. has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school;
  3. “school official” means an employee of a school, including a teacher, administrator, or noncertificated support staff or paraprofessional.

History. (§ 1 ch 109 SLA 2006)

Chapter 34. Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

Cross references. —

For effect of provisions of the Interstate Compact enacted by AS 14.34.010 on Rules 4 (relating to service of process) and 24(b) (relating to standing to intervene in a judicial proceeding) of the Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure, see §§ 2 and 3, ch. 10, SLA 2009 in the 2009 Temporary and Special Acts.

Effective dates. —

Section 4, ch. 10, SLA 2009 makes this chapter effective May 16, 2009, in accordance with AS 01.10.070(c) .

Sec. 14.34.010. Compact enacted.

The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children as contained in this section is enacted into law and entered into on behalf of the state with all other states and jurisdictions legally joining in it in a form substantially as follows:

INTERSTATE COMPACT ON EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR MILITARY CHILDREN

ARTICLE I

PURPOSE

It is the purpose of this compact to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by

  1. facilitating the timely enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of education records from one or more previous school districts or variations in entrance and age requirements;
  2. facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content, or assessment;
  3. facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs, and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic, and social activities;
  4. facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families;
  5. providing for the promulgation and enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact;
  6. providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools, and military families under this compact;
  7. promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children; and
  8. promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents, and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction,

  1. “active duty” means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders under 10 U.S.C. 1209 and 1211;
  2. “children of military families” means one or more school-aged children, enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade, in the household of an active duty member;
  3. “compact commissioner” means the voting representative of each compacting state appointed under art. VIII of this compact;
  4. “deployment” means the period one month before the service member’s departure from the member’s home station on military orders through six months after return to the member’s home station;
  5. “education records or educational records” means those official records, files, and data directly related to a student and maintained by the school or local education agency, including but not limited to records encompassing all the material kept in the student’s cumulative folder such as general identifying data, records of attendance and of academic work completed, records of achievement and results of evaluative tests, health data, disciplinary status, test protocols, and individualized education programs;
  6. “extracurricular activities”
    1. means a voluntary activity sponsored by the school or local education agency or an organization sanctioned by the local education agency;
    2. include, but are not limited to, preparation for and involvement in public performances, contests, athletic competitions, demonstrations, displays, and club activities;
  7. “Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children” means the commission that is created under art. IX of this compact, which is generally referred to as Interstate Commission;
  8. “local education agency” means a public authority legally constituted by the state as an administrative agency to provide control of and direction for kindergarten through 12th grade public educational institutions;
  9. “member state” means a state that has enacted this compact;
  10. “military installation”
    1. means a base, camp, post, station, yard, center, homeport facility for any ship, or other activity under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense, including any leased facility, which is located within any of the several States, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands and any other United States Territory;
    2. does not include any facility used primarily for civil works, rivers and harbors projects, or flood control projects;
  11. “non-member state” means a state that has not enacted this compact;
  12. “receiving state” means the state to which a child of a military family is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought;
  13. “rule”
    1. means a written statement by the Interstate Commission promulgated under art. XII of this compact that is of general applicability, implements, interprets, or prescribes a policy or provision of the Compact, or an organizational, procedural, or practice requirement of the Interstate Commission, and has the force and effect of statutory law in a member state;
    2. includes the amendment, repeal, or suspension of an existing rule;
  14. “sending state” means the state from which a child of a military family is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought;
  15. “state” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands, and any other United States Territory;
  16. “student” means the child of a military family for whom the local education agency receives public funding and who is formally enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade;
  17. “transition”
    1. means the formal and physical process of transferring from school to school;
    2. the period of time in which a student moves from one school in the sending state to another school in the receiving state;
  18. “uniformed service” means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard as well as the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Public Health Services;
  19. “veteran” means a person who served in the uniformed services and who was discharged or released from the uniformed services under conditions other than dishonorable.

ARTICLE III

APPLICABILITY

  1. Except as otherwise provided in sec. (b) of this article, this compact shall apply to the children of
    1. active duty members of the uniformed services as defined in this compact, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders under 10 U.S.C. 1209 and 1211;
    2. members or veterans of the uniformed services who are severely injured and medically discharged or retired for a period of one year after medical discharge or retirement; and
    3. members of the uniformed services who die on active duty or as a result of injuries sustained on active duty for a period of one year after death.
  2. The provisions of this interstate compact shall only apply to local education agencies as defined in this compact.
  3. The provisions of this compact shall not apply to the children of
    1. inactive members of the national guard and military reserves;
    2. members of the uniformed services now retired, except as provided in sec. (a) of this article;
    3. veterans of the uniformed services, except as provided in sec. (a) of this article; and
    4. other United States Department of Defense personnel and other federal agency civilian and contract employees not defined as active duty members of the uniformed services.

ARTICLE IV

EDUCATIONAL RECORDS AND ENROLLMENT

  1. Unofficial hand-carried education records. In the event that official education records cannot be released to the parents for the purpose of transfer, the custodian of the records in the sending state shall prepare and furnish to the parent a complete set of unofficial educational records containing uniform information as determined by the Interstate Commission. Upon receipt of the unofficial education records by a school in the receiving state, the school shall enroll and appropriately place the student based on the information provided in the unofficial records pending validation by the official records, as quickly as possible.
  2. Official education records and transcripts. Simultaneous with the enrollment and conditional placement of the student, the school in the receiving state shall request the student’s official education record from the school in the sending state. Upon receipt of this request, the school in the sending state will process and furnish the official education records to the school in the receiving state within 10 days or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission.
  3. Immunizations. Compacting states shall give 30 days from the date of enrollment or within such time as is reasonable determined under the rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission, for students to obtain one or more immunizations required by the receiving state. For a series of immunizations, initial vaccinations must be obtained within 30 days or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the Interstate Commission.
  4. Kindergarten and first grade entrance age. Students shall be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the receiving state commensurate with their grade level, including kindergarten, from a local education agency in the sending state at the time of transition, regardless of age. A student that has satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade level in the local education agency in the sending state shall be eligible for enrollment in the next highest grade level in the receiving state, regardless of age. A student transferring after the start of the school year in the receiving state shall enter the school in the receiving state on their validated level from an accredited school in the sending state.

ARTICLE V

PLACEMENT AND ATTENDANCE

  1. Course placement
    1. when the student transfers before or during the school year, the receiving state school shall initially honor placement of the student in educational courses based on the student’s enrollment in the sending state school or educational assessments or both conducted at the school in the sending state if the courses are offered; course placement includes but is not limited to
      1. honors;
      2. international baccalaureate;
      3. advanced placement; and
      4. vocational, technical, and career pathways courses;
    2. continuing the student’s academic program from the previous school and promoting placement in academically and career challenging courses should be paramount when considering placement; this does not preclude the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement and continued enrollment of the student in one or more courses.
  2. Educational program placement
    1. the receiving state school shall initially honor placement of the student in educational programs based on current educational assessments conducted at the school in the sending state or participation and placement in like programs in the sending state; these programs include, but are not limited to
      1. gifted and talented programs; and
      2. English as a second language;
    2. this does not preclude the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student.
  3. Special education services
    1. in compliance with the federal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C.A. 1400 et seq., the receiving state shall initially provide comparable services to a student with disabilities based on the student’s current Individualized Education Program; and
    2. in compliance with the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, 29 U.S.C.A. 794, and with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C.A. 12131 — 12165, the receiving state shall make reasonable accommodations and modifications to address the needs of incoming students with disabilities, subject to an existing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act plan, to provide the student with equal access to education; this does not preclude the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student.
  4. Placement flexibility. Local education agency administrative officials shall have flexibility in waiving course and program prerequisites, or other preconditions for placement in courses and programs offered under the jurisdiction of the local education agency.
  5. Absence as related to deployment activities. A student whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the uniformed services, as defined by the compact, and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, shall be granted additional excused absences at the discretion of the local education agency superintendent to visit with the student’s parent or legal guardian relative to leave or deployment of the parent or guardian.

ARTICLE VI

ELIGIBILITY

  1. Eligibility for enrollment
    1. special power of attorney, relative to the guardianship of a child of a military family and executed under applicable law shall be sufficient for the purposes of enrollment and all other actions requiring parental participation and consent;
    2. a local education agency shall be prohibited from charging local tuition to a transitioning military child placed in the care of a non-custodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent; and
    3. a transitioning military child, placed in the care of a non-custodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent, may continue to attend the school in which the student was enrolled while residing with the custodial parent.
  2. Eligibility for extracurricular participation. State and local education agencies shall facilitate the opportunity for transitioning military children’s inclusion in extracurricular activities, regardless of application deadlines, to the extent they are otherwise qualified.

ARTICLE VII

GRADUATION

In order to facilitate the on-time graduation of children of military families states and local education agencies shall incorporate the following procedures:

  1. Waiver requirements. Local education agency administrative officials shall waive specific courses required for graduation if similar course work has been satisfactorily completed in another local education agency or shall provide reasonable justification for denial; should a waiver not be granted to a student who would qualify to graduate from the sending school, the local education agency shall provide an alternative means of acquiring required coursework so that graduation may occur on time;
  2. Exit exams. States shall accept
    1. exit or end-of-course exams required for graduation from the sending state;
    2. national norm-referenced achievement tests; or
    3. alternative testing, in lieu of testing requirements for graduation in the receiving state.
  3. Other means. If the alternatives described in art. VII, secs. (1) and (2) cannot be accommodated by the receiving state for a student transferring in the student’s senior year, then the provisions of art. VII, sec. (4) shall apply;
  4. Transfers during senior year. Should a military student transferring at the beginning or during the student’s senior year be ineligible to graduate from the receiving local education agency after all alternatives have been considered, the sending and receiving local education agencies shall ensure the receipt of a diploma from the sending local education agency, if the student meets the graduation requirements of the sending local education agency; if one of the states in question is not a member of this compact, the member state shall use best efforts to facilitate the on-time graduation of the student in accordance with art. VII, secs. (1) and (2).

ARTICLE VIII

STATE COORDINATION

  1. Each member state shall, through the creation of a State Council or use of an existing body or board, provide for the coordination among its agencies of government, local education agencies, and military installations concerning the state’s participation in, and compliance with, this compact and Interstate Commission activities. While each member state may determine the membership of its own State Council, its membership must include at least
    1. the state superintendent of education;
    2. the superintendent of a school district with a high concentration of military children;
    3. a representative from a military installation;
    4. one representative each from the legislative and executive branches of government; and
    5. a representative from other offices and stakeholder groups that the State Council considers appropriate.
  2. A member state that does not have a school district considered to contain a high concentration of military children may appoint a superintendent from another school district to represent local education agencies on the State Council.
  3. The State Council of each member state shall appoint or designate a military family education liaison to assist military families and the state in facilitating the implementation of this compact.
  4. The compact commissioner responsible for the administration and management of the state’s participation in the compact shall be appointed by the governor or as otherwise determined by each member state.
  5. The compact commissioner and the military family education liaison designated under the compact shall be ex-officio members of the State Council, unless either is already a full voting member of the State Council.

ARTICLE IX

INTERSTATE COMMISSION ON EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR MILITARY CHILDREN

The member states create the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. The activities of the Interstate Commission are the formation of public policy and are a discretionary state function. The Interstate Commission shall

  1. be a body corporate and joint agency of the member states and shall have all the responsibilities, powers, and duties set out in this compact, and additional powers as may be conferred upon it by a subsequent concurrent action of the respective legislatures of the member states in accordance with the terms of this compact;
  2. consist of one Interstate Commission voting representative from each member state who shall be that state’s compact commissioner;
    1. each member state represented at a meeting of the Interstate Commission is entitled to one vote;
    2. a majority of the total member states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the Interstate Commission;
    3. a representative may not delegate a vote to another member state; if the compact commissioner is unable to attend a meeting of the Interstate Commission, the governor or State Council may delegate voting authority to another person from their state for a specified meeting;
    4. the bylaws may provide for meetings of the Interstate Commission to be conducted by telecommunication or electronic communication;
  3. consist of ex-officio, non-voting representatives who are members of interested organizations; the ex-officio members, as defined in the bylaws, may include but not be limited to
    1. members of the representative organizations of military family advocates;
    2. local education agency officials;
    3. parent and teacher groups;
    4. the United States Department of Defense;
    5. the Education Commission of the States;
    6. the Interstate Agreement on the Qualification of Educational Personnel and other interstate compacts affecting the education of children of military members;
  4. meet at least once each calendar year; the chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of a simple majority of the member states, shall call additional meetings;
  5. establish an executive committee, whose members shall include the officers of the Interstate Commission and the other members of the Interstate Commission as determined by the bylaws; members of the executive committee shall serve a one year term; members of the executive committee shall be entitled to one vote each; the executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission, with the exception of rulemaking, during periods when the Interstate Commission is not in session; the executive committee shall oversee the day-to-day activities of the administration of the compact including enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the compact, its bylaws and rules, and other duties as considered necessary; the United States Department of Defense shall serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of the executive committee;
  6. establish bylaws and rules that provide for conditions and procedures under which the Interstate Commission shall make its information and official records available to the public for inspection or copying; the Interstate Commission may exempt from disclosure information or official records to the extent they would adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests;
  7. give public notice of all meetings and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as set out in the rules or as otherwise provided in the compact; the Interstate Commission and its committees may close a meeting, or portion of an open meeting, if it determines by two-thirds vote that an open meeting would be likely to
    1. relate solely to the Interstate Commission’s internal personnel practices and procedures;
    2. disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal and state statute;
    3. disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information which is privileged or confidential;
    4. involve accusing a person of a crime, or formally censuring a person;
    5. disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
    6. disclose investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes; or
    7. specifically relate to the Interstate Commission’s participation in a civil action or other legal proceeding;
  8. cause its legal counsel or designee to certify that a meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exemptible provision for any meeting, or portion of a meeting, which is closed under this provision; the Interstate Commission shall keep minutes, which shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views expressed and the record of a roll call vote; all documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such minutes; all minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the Interstate Commission;
  9. collect standardized data concerning the educational transition of the children of military families under this compact as directed through its rules which shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection and data exchange and reporting requirements; such methods of data collection, exchange, and reporting shall, in so far as is reasonably possible, conform to current technology and coordinate its information functions with the appropriate custodian of records as identified in the bylaws and rules; and
  10. create a process that permits military officials, education officials, and parents to inform the Interstate Commission if and when there are alleged violations of the compact or its rules or when issues subject to the jurisdiction of the compact or its rules are not addressed by the state or local education agency; this section shall not be construed to create a private right of action against the Interstate Commission or any member state.

ARTICLE X

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

The Interstate Commission shall have the following powers:

  1. to provide for dispute resolution among member states;
  2. to promulgate rules and take all necessary actions to effect the goals, purposes, and obligations as enumerated in this compact; the rules shall have the force and effect of statutory law and shall be binding in the compact states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact;
  3. to issue, upon request of a member state, advisory opinions concerning the meaning or interpretation of the interstate compact, its bylaws, rules, and actions;
  4. to enforce compliance with the compact provisions, the rules, promulgated by the Interstate Commission, and the bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including but not limited to the use of judicial process;
  5. to establish and maintain offices which shall be located within one or more of the member states;
  6. to purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;
  7. to borrow, accept, hire, or contract for services of personnel;
  8. to establish and appoint committees including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by art. IX, sec. 5, which shall have the power to act on behalf of the Interstate Commission in carrying out its powers and duties under the compact;
  9. to elect or appoint such officers, attorneys, employees, agents, or consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their duties, and determine their qualifications; and to establish the Interstate Commission’s personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications of personnel;
  10. to accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of it;
  11. to lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use any property, real, personal, or mixed;
  12. to sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal, or mixed;
  13. to establish a budget and make expenditures;
  14. to adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and operation of the Interstate Commission;
  15. to report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and state councils of the member states concerning the activities of the Interstate Commission during the preceding year; the reports shall also include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the Interstate Commission;
  16. to coordinate education, training, and public awareness regarding the compact, its implementation and operation for officials and parents involved in the activity;
  17. to establish uniform standards for the reporting, collecting, and exchanging of data;
  18. to maintain corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws;
  19. to perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact; and
  20. to provide for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools, and military families under this compact.

ARTICLE XI

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

  1. The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members present and voting, within 12 months after the first Interstate Commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the compact, including, but not limited to
    1. establishing the fiscal year of the Interstate Commission;
    2. establishing an executive committee, and other committees as may be necessary;
    3. providing for the establishment of committees and for governing any general or specific delegation of authority or function of the Interstate Commission;
    4. providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the Interstate Commission, and ensuring reasonable notice of each meeting;
    5. establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers and staff of the Interstate Commission;
    6. providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of the Interstate Commission and the return of surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the compact after the payment and reserving of all its debts and obligations; and
    7. providing start-up rules for initial administration of the compact.
  2. The Interstate Commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect annually from among its members a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and a treasurer, each of whom shall have such authority and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The chairperson or, in the chairperson’s absence or disability, the vice-chairperson, shall preside at all meetings of the Interstate Commission. The officers shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the Interstate Commission; if, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers are reimbursed for ordinary and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their responsibilities as officers of the Interstate Commission.
  3. Executive Committee, Officers, and Personnel
    1. the executive committee shall have such authority and duties as may be set out in the bylaws, including, but not limited to
      1. managing the affairs of the Interstate Commission in a manner consistent with the bylaws and purposes of the Interstate Commission;
      2. overseeing an organizational structure within, and appropriate procedures for the Interstate Commission to provide for the creation of rules, operating procedures, and administrative and technical support functions; and
      3. planning, implementing, and coordinating communications and activities with other state, federal, and local government organizations in order to advance the goals of the Interstate Commission;
    2. the executive committee may, subject to the approval of the Interstate Commission, appoint or retain an executive director for the period, upon the terms and conditions and for such compensation, as the Interstate Commission may consider appropriate; the executive director shall serve as secretary to the Interstate Commission, but shall not be a member of the Interstate Commission; the executive director shall hire and supervise other persons as may be authorized by the Interstate Commission.
  4. The Interstate Commission’s executive director and its employees shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for a claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liberty caused or arising out of or relating to an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred, within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties or responsibilities; if, that person is not protected from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of the person. The following standards apply:
    1. the liability of the Interstate Commission’s executive director and employees or Interstate Commission representatives, acting within the scope of the person’s employment or duties for acts, errors, or omissions occurring within the person’s state may not exceed the limits of liability set out under the Constitution and laws of that state for state officials, employees, and agents; the Interstate Commission is considered to be an instrumentality of the states for the purposes of any such action; nothing in this subsection shall be construed to protect such person from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such person;
    2. the Interstate Commission shall defend the executive director and its employees and, subject to the approval of the attorney general or other appropriate legal counsel of the member state represented by an Interstate Commission representative, shall defend such Interstate Commission representative in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties or responsibilities, or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, if the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such person;
    3. to the extent not covered by the state involved, member state, or the Interstate Commission, the representatives or employees of the Interstate Commission shall be held harmless in the amount of a settlement or judgment, including attorney’s fees and costs, obtained against such persons arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of Interstate Commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such persons.

ARTICLE XII

RULEMAKING FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

  1. Rulemaking authority. The Interstate Commission shall promulgate reasonable rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of this compact. Notwithstanding the provisions of this subsection, if the Interstate Commission exercises its rulemaking authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of this Act, or the powers granted hereunder, then such an action by the Interstate Commission shall be invalid and have no force or effect.
  2. Rulemaking procedure. Rules shall be made under a rulemaking process that substantially conforms to the “Model State Administrative Procedure Act,” of 1981 Act, Uniform Laws Annotated, Vol. 15, p. 1 (2000) as amended, as may be appropriate to the operations of the Interstate Commission.
  3. Not later than 30 days after a rule is promulgated, any person may file a petition for judicial review of the rule; if, that the filing of such a petition shall not stay or otherwise prevent the rule from becoming effective unless the court finds that the petitioner has a substantial likelihood of success. The court shall give deference to the actions of the Interstate Commission consistent with applicable law and shall not find the rule to be unlawful if the rule represents a reasonable exercise of the Interstate Commission’s authority.
  4. If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states rejects a rule by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, then the rule shall have no further force and effect in any compacting state.

ARTICLE XIII

OVERSIGHT, ENFORCEMENT, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

  1. Oversight
    1. the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact’s purposes and intent; the provisions of this compact and the rules promulgated hereunder shall have standing as statutory law;
    2. all courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and the rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the Interstate Commission;
    3. the Interstate Commission shall be entitled to receive all service of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes; failure to provide service of process to the Interstate Commission shall render a judgment or order void as to the Interstate Commission, this compact, or promulgated rules;
  2. Default, technical assistance, suspension, and termination. If the Interstate Commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact, or the bylaws or promulgated rules, the Interstate Commission shall
    1. provide written notice to the defaulting state and other member states, of the nature of the default, the means of curing the default and any action taken by the Interstate Commission; the Interstate Commission shall specify the conditions by which the defaulting state must cure its default;
    2. provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default;
    3. if the defaulting state fails to cure the default, the defaulting state shall be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the member states and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this compact shall be terminated from the effective date of termination; a cure of the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of default;
    4. suspension or termination of membership in the compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted; notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be given by the Interstate Commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state’s legislature, and each of the member states;
    5. the state that has been suspended or terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of suspension or termination including obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of suspension or termination;
    6. the Interstate Commission does not bear any costs relating to any state that has been found to be in default or which has been suspended or terminated from the compact, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing between the Interstate Commission and the defaulting state;
    7. the defaulting state may appeal the action of the Interstate Commission by petitioning the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the Interstate Commission has its principal offices; the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorney’s fees.
  3. Dispute resolution
    1. the Interstate Commission shall attempt, upon the request of a member state, to resolve disputes which are subject to the compact and which may arise among member states and between member and non-member states;
    2. the Interstate Commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.
  4. Enforcement
    1. the Interstate Commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact;
    2. the Interstate Commission, may by majority vote of the members, initiate legal action in the United State District Court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the Interstate Commission, in the federal district where the Interstate Commission has its principal offices, to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact, its promulgated rules and bylaws, against a member state in default; the relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. If judicial enforcement is necessary the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorney’s fees;
    3. the remedies in this compact are not the exclusive remedies of the Interstate Commission; the Interstate Commission may avail itself of any other remedies available under state law or the regulation of a profession.

ARTICLE XIV

FINANCING OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION

  1. The Interstate Commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.
  2. The Interstate Commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the Interstate Commission and its staff which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the Interstate Commission’s annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the Interstate Commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all member states.
  3. The Interstate Commission may not incur obligations of any kind before securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the Interstate Commission pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state.
  4. The Interstate Commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the Interstate Commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the Interstate Commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the Interstate Commission.

ARTICLE XV

MEMBER STATES, EFFECTIVE DATE, AND AMENDMENT

  1. A state is eligible to become a member state.
  2. The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less than 10 of the states. The effective date shall be no earlier than December 1, 2007; thereafter it shall become effective and binding as to any other member state upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of non-member states or their designees shall be invited to participate in the activities of the Interstate Commission on a non-voting basis prior to adoption of the compact by all states.
  3. The Interstate Commission may propose amendments to the compact for enactment by the member states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the Interstate Commission and the member states unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the member states.

ARTICLE XVI

WITHDRAWAL AND DISSOLUTION

  1. Withdrawal
    1. once effective, the compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every member state; provided that a member state may withdraw from the compact by specifically repealing the statute, which enacted the compact into law;
    2. withdrawal from this compact shall be by the enactment of a statute repealing the same, but shall not take effect until one year after the effective date of the statute and until written notice of the withdrawal has been given by the withdrawing state to the governor of each other member jurisdiction;
    3. the withdrawing state shall immediately notify the chairperson of the Interstate Commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this compact in the withdrawing state; the Interstate Commission shall notify the other member states of the withdrawing state’s intent to withdraw within 60 days of its receipt of the intent to withdraw;
    4. the withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal;
    5. reinstatement following withdrawal of a member state shall occur upon the withdrawing state reenacting the compact or upon such later date as determined by the Interstate Commission.
  2. Dissolution of compact
    1. this compact shall dissolve effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the member state which reduces the membership in the compact to one member state;
    2. upon the dissolution of this compact, the compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the Interstate Commission shall be concluded and surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the bylaws.

ARTICLE XVII

SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION

  1. The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the compact shall be enforceable.
  2. The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.
  3. Nothing in this compact shall be construed to prohibit the applicability of other interstate compacts to which the states are members.

ARTICLE XVIII

BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS

  1. Other laws
    1. Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with this compact;
    2. All member states’ laws conflicting with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict;
  2. Binding effect of the compact
    1. All lawful actions of the Interstate Commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the Interstate Commission, are binding upon the member states;
    2. All agreements between the Interstate Commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms;
    3. If any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any member state, the provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member state.

History. (§ 1 ch 10 SLA 2009)

Sec. 14.34.020. Compact administrator.

Under the compact established under AS 14.34.010 , the commissioner may designate an officer as the compact administrator. The compact administrator shall cooperate with all departments, agencies, and officers of and in the government of this state and its subdivisions in facilitating the proper administration of the compact or of a supplementary agreement entered into by this state.

History. (§ 1 ch 10 SLA 2009)

Sec. 14.34.030. State council.

The board shall designate a subcommittee of its membership to serve as the state council under AS 14.34.010 . Consistent with state law, the board shall designate other persons to serve on the subcommittee to complete the representation required by the compact established under AS 14.34.010 .

History. (§ 1 ch 10 SLA 2009)

Sec. 14.34.040. Regulations.

The board may adopt regulations to implement this chapter.

History. (§ 1 ch 10 SLA 2009)

Sec. 14.34.090. Short title.

This chapter may be cited as the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children.

History. (§ 1 ch 10 SLA 2009)

Chapter 35. Vocational Education.

Administrative Code. —

For vocational education, see 4 AAC 51.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 334 et seq.

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 778 et seq.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for accidents associated with chemistry experiments, shopwork and manual or vocational training. 35 ALR3d 758.

Liability of cosmetology school for injury to patron. 81 ALR4th 444.

Liability of private vocational or trade school for fraud or misrepresentations inducing student to enroll or pay fees. 85 ALR4th 1079.

Sec. 14.35.010. Acceptance of Act of Congress for vocational education.

The State of Alaska accepts together with the benefits of all respective funds appropriated thereunder, all of the provisions of the Act of Congress approved February 23, 1917, Public Law 347, 64th Congress, entitled: “An Act to provide for the promotion of vocational education; to provide for cooperation with the states in the promotion of such education in agriculture, home economics and trades and industries; to provide for the cooperation of the states in the preparation of teachers of vocational subjects; and to appropriate money and regulate its expenditures,” and Acts amending or supplementing it.

History. (§ 37-9-1 ACLA 1949)

Cross references. —

For Public Law 347, see former 20 U.S.C. §§ 11-28. 20 U.S.C. 11-14, 16, and 18-27 were repealed by Public Law 105-33 (August 5, 1997). 20 U.S.C. 15 was repealed by Public Law 90-576 (October 16, 1968). 20 U.S.C. 17 was repealed by Public Law 89-554 (September 6, 1966). 20 U.S.C. 28 was repealed by Public Law 104-66 (December 21, 1995).

Opinions of attorney general. —

The Board of Education has all powers in the area of vocational education and vocational rehabilitation required to be vested therein by the Smith-Hughes Act, [former] 20 U.S.C. §§ 11-28, any acts amendatory or supplementary thereto and any rules or regulations or requirements thereunder. 1959 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 16.

Sec. 14.35.020. Duties of state Board of Education and Early Development.

  1. The state Board of Education and Early Development serves as the state board for the purposes of any of the Acts described in AS 14.35.010 .
  2. When required by any of the Acts described in AS 14.35.010 , the board shall
    1. prepare, submit, and supervise the administration of the plans for vocational education;
    2. select a state director of vocational education;
    3. establish the minimum qualifications for teachers, supervisors, or directors;
    4. determine the prorated basis on which money shall be available for the salary and necessary travel expenses of the state director of vocational education;
    5. consider the advice of the Alaska Workforce Investment Board established by AS 23.15.550 regarding employment training needs and advise that board in the development of vocational education programs.
  3. Nothing in this section shall be construed to repeal or modify any existing statute.

History. (§ 37-9-3 ACLA 1949; am § 54 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 61 SLA 1995; am § 6 ch 58 SLA 1999; am § 1 ch 86 SLA 2002)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2000, “state Board of Education and Early Development” was substituted for “state Board of Education” in accordance with sec. 104, ch. 21, SLA 2000.

Administrative Code. —

For certification of professional teachers, see 4 AAC 12.

For secondary vocational educational programs, see 4 AAC 51, art. 3.

Sec. 14.35.025. Duties of the Department of Education and Early Development.

When required by any of the Acts described in AS 14.35.010 , the department shall

  1. cooperate with the appropriate federal agency in the administration of the Act;
  2. do everything necessary to entitle the state to receive money available according to the Act;
  3. represent the state in all matters related to the administration of the Act;
  4. expend and disburse money received according to the Act;
  5. designate the districts, schools, departments, or classes to participate in the benefits of money received according to the Act.

History. (§ 55 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 18 ch 41 SLA 2009)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2009 amendment, effective June 21, 2009, in (1) substituted “appropriate federal agency” for “United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare”.

Sec. 14.35.030. Commissioner of administration as custodian of federal funds.

The commissioner of administration is designated custodian of appropriations made under any of the Acts described in AS 14.35.010 . The commissioner of administration shall receive and provide for the proper custody and disbursement of all money paid to the state according to any of the Acts.

History. (§ 37-9-2 ACLA 1949; am § 56 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Sec. 14.35.040. Payment of expenses of administration. [Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Chapter 36. Community Schools.

[Repealed, § 2, ch. 99, SLA 2003.]

Chapter 37. Licensure of Child Care Facilities.

[Repealed, E.O. No. 108 § 88 (2003). For current law, see AS 47.32.]

Chapter 38. Head Start.

Cross references. —

For temporary “Parents as Teachers” program in effect 2012 — 2015, see sec. 10, ch. 19, SLA 2012, in the 2012 Temporary and Special Acts.

Sec. 14.38.010. Operation of Head Start programs.

The Department of Education and Early Development shall operate the head start funding program governed by 42 U.S.C. 9835.

History. (§ 8 ch 58 SLA 1999)

Secs. 14.38.100 — 14.38.199. Day Care Assistance and Child Care Grants. [Repealed, E.O. No. 108, § 88 (2003). For current law, see AS 47.25.001 — 47.25.095.]

Chapter 40. The University of Alaska and the Community Colleges.

Opinions of attorney general. —

The university is similar in all or most respects to other state executive agencies for purposes of budgeting and accounting; it does not have any peculiar status by virtue of being constitutionally established. February 28, 1977 Op. Att’y Gen.

The provisions of the Fiscal Procedures Act, AS 37.05, apply to the University of Alaska except for those provisions of AS 37.05.130 , 37.05.170 , 37.05.190 and 37.05.220 — 37.05.280 (now repealed, except AS 37.05.225 which is now AS 36.30.180 ) which are in conflict with this chapter. February 28, 1977 Op. Att’y Gen.

The university’s budget can be made subject to line item appropriations by the legislature to the same extent that the budget for the rest of the executive branch of government is subject to line item appropriations. Similarly, the legislature can make appropriations to the university using different budget units than those requested by the Board of Regents to the same extent that it can make appropriations for executive branch activities using different budget units than those requested by the governor. February 29, 1977 Op. Att’y Gen.

Collateral references. —

Physical or mental illness as basis of dismissal of student. 17 ALR4th 519.

Off campus conduct, expulsion, suspension, or disciplinary action against students based on off campus misconduct. 28 ALR4th 463.

Privileged nature of statements by members of governing body of public institution of higher learning. 33 ALR4th 632.

What are educational institutions within state property tax exemption provisions. 34 ALR4th 698.

Validity of regulation of political or voter registration activity in student housing facilities. 39 ALR4th 1137.

What constitutes legitimate research justifying inspection of records not open to general public. 40 ALR4th 333.

Article 1. Establishment, Organization, and Programs of the University of Alaska.

Collateral references. —

15A Am. Jur. 2d Colleges and Universities, § 1 et seq.

14A C.J.S. Colleges and Universities, § 1.

Determination of residence or nonresidence for purpose of admission to public college. 83 ALR2d 497; 56 ALR3d 641.

Liability of university, college or other school for failure to protect student from crime. 1 ALR4th 1099.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for educational malpractice. 1 ALR4th 1139.

Sec. 14.40.010. University of Alaska.

The University of Alaska consists of the College of Agriculture, the School of Mines, the Department of Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Agricultural Extension Work, and other colleges and departments that may be established, including departments of anthropology, archaeology, ethnology, museum, natural history, and palaeontology.

History. (§ 37-10-1 ACLA 1949)

Cross references. —

For the constitutional basis of the University of Alaska, see Alaska Const., art. VII, § 2.

Sec. 14.40.020. Site of university.

The University of Alaska is the beneficiary under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved August 30, 1890, designating the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines as beneficiary and the four sections of land specified by the Act of Congress approved March 4, 1915, and used as a site for the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines are the site for the University of Alaska.

History. (§ 37-10-9 ACLA 1949)

Sec. 14.40.030. Transfer of powers, duties, and obligations of Agricultural College and School of Mines under Acts of Congress.

All powers, duties, and obligations devolving upon the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines in connection with or by reason of Acts of Congress, past or future, in relation to agricultural colleges and agricultural or mining experiment stations, extension work in agriculture, and instruction and extension work in the mechanic arts granted to and imposed upon the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines are granted and conveyed to and imposed upon the University of Alaska, and beginning with the first day of July, 1935, the University of Alaska is designated to receive all money, appropriations, and grants to the state for the purposes set forth in this chapter. The comptroller of the University of Alaska is designated and appointed to receive directly and to disburse all funds that the state is entitled to receive under the Act of Congress of May 8, 1914 (38 Stat. 372), as amended by the Act of June 26, 1953 (67 Stat. 83; 7 U.S.C. 341 — 348).

History. (§ 37-10-8 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 107 SLA 1957)

Sec. 14.40.040. General powers and duties of the university.

  1. There is created and established a corporation to be called the University of Alaska. It may in that name
    1. sue and be sued;
    2. receive and hold real and personal property;
    3. contract and be contracted with; a contract entered into by the University of Alaska for the
      1. rent or lease of premises for use and occupancy by the University of Alaska is subject to AS 36.30.080(c) ; however, notwithstanding the limitation imposed by AS 36.30.080(c) (2), the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska
        1. may enter into a lease with a term described in (ii) of this subparagraph if the rent under the lease will be paid solely from a grant or contract made by the federal government or an agency of the federal government, and the grant or contract contains a firm commitment of not more than two years, or if the rent payable under the lease will be paid solely from university receipts as that term is defined in AS 14.40.491 ; and
        2. when authorized by (i) of this subparagraph, may enter into a lease with an initial term equal to the period of the firm commitment of the grant or contract, or with an initial term not to exceed two years when the rent is payable from university receipts; the lease may contain one or more optional renewal periods, but the total of all optional renewal periods may not exceed an additional five years;
      2. acquisition of property by a lease-purchase or lease-financing agreement for the benefit of the University of Alaska is subject to AS 36.30.085 ;
    4. adopt, use, and alter a corporate seal;
    5. borrow money, issue debt, or enter into long-term obligations for the purchase of facilities, goods, or services; the obligations may secure, in whole or in part, debt issued by another party;
    6. do and have done all matters necessary for the purpose of any function set out in this chapter.
  2. The Board of Regents of the University of Alaska shall provide scholarship information to school districts as required by AS 14.43.930(a) .

History. (§ 37-10-2 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 181 SLA 1990; am § 1 ch 75 SLA 1994; am § 1 ch 90 SLA 1999)

Notes to Decisions

The University of Alaska is a corporation which can sue and can be sued in its own name. Wolfe v. O'Neill, 336 F. Supp. 1255 (D. Alaska 1972).

The president of the University of Alaska, and the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska, as a body corporate, are not immune from suit brought under the provisions of the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1983. Wolfe v. O'Neill, 336 F. Supp. 1255 (D. Alaska 1972).

Such power would inhere regardless of statute. —

As a constitutional corporation, owing its existence not to the legislature but to a charter from the ultimate sovereign, the will of the people of this state, the basic corporate power to sue and be sued in its own name would inhere in the University of Alaska regardless of the legislature’s declaration in this section. University of Alaska v. National Aircraft Leasing, 536 P.2d 121 (Alaska 1975).

But it does not detract from fact that University acts for state’s benefit. —

Neither the University’s unique corporate character nor its power to sue and be sued in its own name detracted in any degree from what the supreme court considered most significant and controlling in a case to determine whether the University is an instrumentality of the state: that the University, in performing its constitutional functions, acts for the benefit of the state and of the public generally in the process of government; and that it was created to pursue the governmental task of providing education in accordance with an express mandate of the constitution, the fundamental and basic government of this state. University of Alaska v. National Aircraft Leasing, 536 P.2d 121 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.40.043. University of Alaska office of public safety.

The Board of Regents may establish an office of public safety and prescribe the conditions of employment of public safety officers employed by the office. University of Alaska public safety officers have general police powers to enforce state and local laws in connection with offenses committed on property of the university.

History. (§ 1 ch 107 SLA 1992)

Sec. 14.40.045. Religious or partisan instruction, tests, and appointments.

No instruction either sectarian in religion or partisan in politics shall be permitted in any department of the University of Alaska and no sectarian or partisan test shall be allowed or exercised in the appointment of regents, instructors, or other officers of the University of Alaska or in the admission of students or for any purpose.

History. (§ 37-10-6 ACLA 1949)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.180 . Renumbered in 1992.

Collateral references. —

Validity of governmental requirement of oath of allegiance or loyalty as applied to college curators. 18 ALR2d 303.

Sec. 14.40.050. Discrimination because of sex, color, or nationality prohibited.

A person may not be deprived of the privileges of the University of Alaska because of sex, color, or nationality.

History. (§§ 37-10-4(h), 37-10-24 ACLA 1949)

Cross references. —

For additional provisions related to sex-based discrimination in education, see AS 14.18; for prohibitions against discrimination generally, see AS 18.80.200 and 18.80.210 .

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

Brown v. Wood, 575 P.2d 760 (Alaska 1978).

Sec. 14.40.055. Educational expansion program.

To expand educational and cultural opportunities in the state, to keep pace with the expansion of the state in other fields, and to provide educational facilities of particular interest to residents of the state, the Board of Regents shall

  1. make a study of the principles and applicability of the junior college to the state;
  2. establish additional extension courses and such other expansion of accredited courses for students as it considers advisable;
  3. provide facilities suitable for carrying out a university program;
  4. employ personnel;
  5. procure supplies;
  6. take all other appropriate measures to carry out the intent and purpose set forth in this section; and
  7. develop and offer at one or more of the senior college or community college campuses a continuing professional education program for architects, engineers, building officials, and officers and employees of financial institutions on alternative energy systems and on energy conservation and solar design and construction methods applicable to the state.

History. (§§ 1 — 3 ch 58 SLA 1951; am § 2 ch 83 SLA 1980)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.260 . Renumbered in 1992.

Sec. 14.40.057. Extension of compliance acts.

Laws of the state designed to meet requirements of the United States government for the state’s acceptance of federal grants and allotments for educational and kindred purposes are extended to cover the establishment and operation of the university expansion program set forth in AS 14.40.055 .

History. (§ 4 ch 58 SLA 1951)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.270 . Renumbered in 1992, at which time “AS 14.40.055 ” was substituted for “AS 14.40.260 ” to reflect the renumbering of former AS 14.40.260 .

Sec. 14.40.060. University curriculum.

The University of Alaska shall use the property and funds acquired for the purpose of conducting a college where the leading objects shall be, without excluding other scientific and classical studies and including military tactics, to teach branches of learning related to agriculture, the mechanic arts, and household economics in order to promote a liberal and practical education.

History. (§ 37-10-4(h) ACLA 1949)

Sec. 14.40.065. Student practicums immunity.

A person is not considered to be an employer of a student of the University of Alaska in a civil action based on the vicarious liability of an employer for the acts or omissions of an employee if the person

  1. has agreed to allow the student to gain practical work experience with the person in a practicum that is part of the student’s curriculum; and
  2. pays no compensation to the student.

History. (§ 1 ch 102 SLA 2004)

Sec. 14.40.070. Collection of fossil remains authorized.

The University of Alaska may collect and store the bones and other remains of the mammoth, mastodon, horse, bison, and other fossil remains of these and other extinct animals found in the state in mining and other excavations.

History. (§ 37-10-19 ACLA 1949)

Sec. 14.40.075. Alaska Earthquake and Volcanic Hazards Assessment Project; state seismologist.

  1. The University of Alaska shall establish an Alaska Earthquake and Volcano Hazards Assessment Project within the seismology program of the geophysical institute.  The project shall
    1. collect, record, process, and archive seismic data on earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the state;
    2. conduct seismological studies relating to earthquake and volcano hazards assessment;
    3. evaluate earthquake and volcanic seismic data to assist in the identification and assessment of earthquake and volcanic hazards that may pose a significant risk to lives and property in the state;
    4. inform public officials, industry, and private citizens of potential earthquake or volcanic risks and assist in planning to reduce risks to lives and property; and
    5. coordinate its activities with other organizations and agencies that monitor, collect, assess, and conduct research on earthquake and volcano hazards in order to avoid duplication of effort.
  2. The administration and management of the project are under a university employee designated the state seismologist.  The state seismologist shall provide timely information concerning earthquake and volcano hazards to public officials, industry, and private citizens and serve as liaison to state and federal agencies in the event of emergencies due to seismic and volcanic activities.

History. (§ 2 ch 36 SLA 1987)

Sec. 14.40.080. Establishment of Institute of Marine Sciences.

The University of Alaska may establish an Institute of Marine Sciences to provide a program of education and research in physical, chemical, and biological oceanography, and related fields. When established, the Institute of Marine Sciences shall be maintained and operated as an integral part of the University of Alaska, at one or more sites determined by the Board of Regents. The powers, duties, and functions of the Board of Regents pertaining to the University of Alaska extend to the Institute of Marine Sciences in the same manner as to other departments or institutes of the university.

History. (§§ 1, 2 ch 149 SLA 1960)

Sec. 14.40.082. Unmanned aircraft system training.

The University of Alaska may establish a training program in the operation of unmanned aircraft systems.

History. (§ 1 ch 105 SLA 2014)

Effective dates. —

Section 1, ch. 105, SLA 2014, which enacted this section, took effect on October 26, 2014.

Sec. 14.40.085. Alaska State Climate Center; state climatologist.

  1. The University of Alaska shall establish an Alaska State Climate Center within an appropriate unit of the university. The administration and management of the center is under the direction of a university employee designated the “state climatologist.”
  2. The Alaska State Climate Center shall
    1. prepare and update on a biennial basis a plan for the systematic acquisition and dissemination of climate-related information; the plan must include
      1. an assessment of weather and climate information needs in Alaska;
      2. a reasonable basis for setting priorities among these needs; and
      3. a program for coordinating the activities of all available sources of weather- and climate-related information sources in order to meet the highest priority needs and to carry out the provisions of this section;
    2. establish a state climate planning advisory group composed of at least three members from organizations that provide climate-related information, and at least three members from organizations that use climate-related information on a regular basis or from the general public;
    3. solicit and consider the advice and recommendations of the state climate planning advisory group in preparing and updating the biennial plan for acquisition and dissemination of climate-related information;
    4. operate and maintain a central repository and archive for reports, books, maps, and other records, and publications relating to weather and climatological information;
    5. provide for public access to weather and climatological information and technical advisory services; and
    6. enter into cooperative agreements, on behalf of the state and the university, in order to achieve intergovernmental climate program participation by the United States and the state; these agreements must be consistent with the provisions of 15 U.S.C. 2901 — 2908 (National Climate Program Act).
  3. The Alaska State Climate Center may
    1. investigate, describe, and interpret the characteristics of the weather and climate of the state, including their hazards and limitations;
    2. coordinate with state and federal agencies in matters concerning weather data acquisition, collection, integration, and storage;
    3. monitor federal weather-related activities to assure that the interests of the state are being served;
    4. conduct research activities on the availability of solar, wind, and water resources that assess the impact of climate fluctuations on these resources;
    5. publish bulletins, circulars, maps, or reports of the results of all research and investigations undertaken by the climate center, and distribute them to state agencies, government officials, industry, and the public;
    6. provide lectures, talks, displays, and exhibits on the climate of the state for the general education of the public; and
    7. enter into cooperative arrangements with local, state, and federal government agencies; foundations; universities; businesses; and other organizations engaged in climate-related research and services.

History. (§ 2 ch 105 SLA 1981)

Sec. 14.40.087. Alaska Center for International Business. [Repealed, § 3 ch 43 SLA 1987.]

Sec. 14.40.088. Establishment of Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies.

  1. The University of Alaska shall establish an Institute for Circumpolar Health Studies in an appropriate unit of the university at its Anchorage campus. The institute shall consist of a research and instruction branch and an administration and information branch.
  2. The institute shall
    1. encourage international cooperation, especially among circumpolar nations, with regard to research, studies, information, and instruction relating to circumpolar health issues;
    2. serve as a center for the collection and exchange of information and medical and health sciences data relating to circumpolar health issues;
    3. provide a mechanism for communication and cooperation between the university and the commissioner of health and social services in addressing the needs of Alaskans for health care services, opportunities for education in medical and health sciences, and other mutual concerns of the university and the department; and
    4. conduct research and provide instruction and other services consistent with the mission and goals of the University of Alaska.

History. (§ 2 ch 136 SLA 1988)

Sec. 14.40.090. Correspondence courses for prospectors and miners.

  1. The University of Alaska shall establish and offer to bona fide Alaska prospectors and miners in the state a correspondence course equal and parallel to the mining extension course being taught at present.
  2. The University of Alaska may establish the minimum charge necessary to defray costs of material, books, and postage used in the course.

History. (§§ 1, 2 ch 14 SLA 1957)

Sec. 14.40.095. Establishment of a Center for Information Technology at University of Alaska Anchorage.

  1. The University of Alaska may establish a Center for Information Technology at the University of Alaska Anchorage with major components at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Southeast.  The center may charge fees for the services it provides.  The university shall account for all fees collected under this section.  The annual estimated balance in the account may be used by the legislature to make appropriations to the university to carry out the purposes of this section.
  2. The center may
    1. provide support for education, training, and research in information technologies to students, professionals, and the general public;
    2. support research on the applications, effects, and management of information technologies and provide research results to the general public;
    3. maintain an inventory of telecommunication research in the state;
    4. develop and maintain a collection that includes state documents, research reports, and other telecommunication applications materials including videotapes, software, lesson plans, and scripts;
    5. support the development and expansion of the geographic information system curriculum of the University of Alaska, including the possible establishment of undergraduate and masters programs;
    6. develop and sponsor land record and geographic information system training workshops and continuing education seminars in cooperation with the appropriate departments of the university;
    7. support or undertake research projects that apply geographic information technology to state issues and problems;
    8. provide information on the availability of federal, state, municipal, and other sources of geographic information, including aerial photography and digital data bases related to surveying and land records, natural resource inventories, and related data;
    9. prepare and publish on a regular basis research findings and periodicals relating to the center’s activities;
    10. assist state agencies and municipalities in the development of policies, procedures, and capabilities for public access to automated geographic information;
    11. recommend, in consultation with the commissioner of administration and affected state and local agencies and advisory boards, model standards and strategies relating to the implementation, indexing, documentation, mapping, data exchange, and other aspects of land records management and geographic information system development.
  3. The university shall include in its annual report a summary of the center’s revenue and expenditures during the preceding two years.

History. (§ 3 ch 74 SLA 1990; am § 12 ch 21 SLA 1995; am E.O. No. 113 § 3 (2005))

Sec. 14.40.100. College extension service.

The Board of Regents may conduct a college extension service, the leading object of which is to carry information on rural life subjects to the people of the state.

History. (§ 37-10-4(h) ACLA 1949)

Sec. 14.40.110. Establishment of Business, Economics, and Public Administration Research Program.

The University of Alaska may establish a Business, Economics, and Public Administration Research Program for the purpose of developing and publishing statistics and other information regarding the economy, government, and resources of the state.

History. (§ 1 ch 80 SLA 1961)

Sec. 14.40.115. Establishment of Mineral Industry Research Program.

The University of Alaska shall establish a Mineral Industry Research Program and coordinate with state and federal mineral agencies to implement the program by

  1. using the laboratory facilities and staff of the College of Earth Sciences and Mineral Industry to initiate applied and appropriate basic research in the areas of mineral beneficiation, mine and mill design, new mineral product development, and improvement of exploration methods, such as geochemical and geophysical prospecting;
  2. making the facilities of the program available for research on mineral deposits in the state;
  3. making studies on specific problems relative to Alaska’s mineral industry upon request.

History. (§ 1 ch 32 SLA 1963)

Sec. 14.40.117. Establishment of Alaska Native Language Center.

The University of Alaska shall establish an Alaska Native Language Center, the purposes of which are to

  1. study languages native to Alaska;
  2. develop literacy materials;
  3. assist in the translation of important documents;
  4. provide for the development and dissemination of Alaska Native literature; and
  5. train Alaska Native language speakers to work as teachers and aides in bilingual classrooms.

History. (§ 1 ch 175 SLA 1972)

Article 2. Board of Regents and President of the University of Alaska.

Collateral references. —

15A Am. Jur. 2d Colleges and Universities, §§ 9-17.

14A C.J.S. Colleges and Universities, §§ 12-16.

Student’s right to compel school officials to issue degree, diploma, or the like. 11 ALR4th 1182.

Sec. 14.40.120. University governed by Board of Regents.

The University of Alaska shall be governed by a Board of Regents consisting of 11 regents.

History. (§ 37-10-3 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 80 SLA 1973; am § 1 ch 168 SLA 1975)

Sec. 14.40.130. Qualifications of regents; special provisions relating to student regent.

  1. Each regent shall be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the state.
  2. In addition to satisfying the requirements of (a) of this section, the regent appointed under AS 14.40.150(b) must
    1. be enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Alaska at the time of appointment;
    2. remain a full-time student while serving.
  3. Failure of the regent appointed under AS 14.40.150(b) to remain enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Alaska during the term for which the regent was appointed results in forfeiture of that office.
  4. The governor shall appoint a successor from those students appearing upon the list of nominees submitted under AS 14.40.150(b) within 60 days of a forfeiture or vacancy in the office.
  5. For purposes of this section, the term “full-time student” is defined as provided in the University of Alaska Academic Regulations.

History. (§ 37-10-3 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 13 SLA 1977)

Opinions of attorney general. —

Membership on the Board of Regents by a governor, legislator, or judge offends the prohibition against dual office holding. December 27, 1976 Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 14.40.140. Term of office.

Except for a student regent as specified in AS 14.40.150(b) , the term of office of a regent is eight years. The term of office begins on the first Monday in February of the year in which the appointment is made. Each regent serves until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

History. (§ 37-10-3 ACLA 1949; am § 2 ch 80 SLA 1973)

Opinions of attorney general. —

Impeachment is an option that may be pursued in order to remove a regent; however, it is not the only option. The Alaska Constitutional Convention intended to insulate the University from politics, including the governor, intended that the University would not be subject to section 26 of Article III of the Alaska Constitution, and intended to constitutionalize the existence of the University. The University is accorded unique constitutional status; thus, the Governor may only remove a regent if cause is established, preferably at a hearing prior to removal. February 2, 2007 Op. Att’y Gen.

The argument that, under AS 39.05.060(d) , regents serve at the pleasure of the governor and may be removed at any time is at odds with the express intention of the constitutional convention that the University be insulated from politics. February 2, 2007 Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 14.40.150. Appointment of regents.

  1. The governor shall appoint the regents subject to confirmation by a majority of all the members of the legislature in joint session.  The names of those appointed shall be sent to the legislature within five days after the opening of the session, for confirmation or rejection.  If a person appointed is not confirmed by a majority vote of all the members of the legislature, the appointment ceases and the name of another person shall be submitted within three days after the rejection.  If the legislature adjourns without confirming the nominee, or if an interim vacancy occurs, the governor may appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy. However, the person who has failed to be confirmed may not be appointed. The term of office of the appointee expires on the fifth day of the session of the legislature following the appointment.
  2. At least one member of the Board of Regents must be a student.  The student shall be appointed from a list of nominees submitted to the governor.  The governor shall make the appointment from the list within 60 days after it is submitted. The list shall consist of the names of two students from each campus of the University of Alaska after an election is held at each campus.  Elections shall be conducted under rules established by the Office of the Governor.  The term of office of the regent appointed from the general student body, University of Alaska, is for two years.  The term of office begins June 1 of the year in which the appointment is made. An appointment made under AS 14.40.130(d) shall be for the unexpired term of the original appointee. The term “campus” used in this subsection means a portion of the University of Alaska designated as a “campus” by the Board of Regents.

History. (§ 37-10-3 ACLA 1949; am § 3 ch 80 SLA 1973; am § 2 ch 13 SLA 1977; am § 1 ch 3 SLA 1987)

Sec. 14.40.155. Suspension and removal of regents.

  1. The governor may, after providing notice and an opportunity for a hearing, suspend a member of the Board of Regents while a final disposition is pending on
    1. a criminal complaint, presentment, information, or indictment involving a felony in any jurisdiction;
    2. an information or formal criminal charges of a misdemeanor described under (g)(3) of this section;
    3. a probable cause determination of a knowing ethics violation under AS 39.52 that results in an accusation under consideration before the personnel board;
    4. a written complaint under consideration before the governor, signed under oath by the person making the complaint, that alleges malfeasance or nonfeasance in office as described in (g)(4) of this section, if the governor determines, after an investigation, that there is probable cause to believe that malfeasance or nonfeasance in office has occurred; a determination of probable cause under this paragraph
      1. must specify with particularity the factual basis for the determination;
      2. must include objective evidence of substantial and material malfeasance or nonfeasance; and
      3. may not be based on political differences or the discretionary performance of a lawful act or a prescribed duty; or
    5. a formal allegation or charge by a professional or occupational licensing body alleging or finding a violation of licensing statutes or regulations that is related to the regent’s ability or fitness to serve as a regent.
  2. The governor may remove a member of the Board of Regents for good cause by providing to the member an accusation and an opportunity for a hearing and judicial review.
  3. Notwithstanding the procedure under AS 44.62.390 , a regent who has been suspended under (a) of this section may, at any time, request a hearing to
    1. defend against the grounds for the suspension stated in the accusation; or
    2. lift the suspension.
  4. If a hearing is to be held under this section, the governor shall delegate the conduct of the hearing to the office of administrative hearings under AS 44.64.030(b) . If a hearing is requested, the hearing officer shall prepare a proposed decision under AS 44.62.500(b)
    1. to remove a regent based on clear and convincing evidence of good cause for removal;
    2. not to remove a regent; or
    3. to continue a suspension or lift a suspension of a regent.
  5. AS 44.62.330 44.62.630 apply to all proceedings under this section.
  6. After a final decision by the governor that suspends a regent under (a) of this section or removes a regent for good cause under (b) of this section, the governor shall file with the lieutenant governor a copy of the allegations made against the former regent, the governor’s findings on each of the allegations, and a complete record of the suspension or removal proceedings.
  7. In this section, “good cause” means
    1. a violation of AS 39.52 (Alaska Executive Branch Ethics Act) that results in a recommendation of removal under AS 39.52.410(b)(3);
    2. a conviction of a felony in any jurisdiction;
    3. a conviction of a misdemeanor in any jurisdiction if the misdemeanor involves
      1. dishonesty;
      2. breach of trust; or
      3. the University of Alaska;
    4. substantial and material malfeasance or nonfeasance in office that is not based on political differences or the discretionary performance of a lawful act or prescribed duty; in this paragraph “malfeasance or nonfeasance in office” includes
      1. misconduct in office;
      2. an inability to serve for an extended period of time;
      3. neglect of duty;
      4. incompetence;
      5. unjustified failure to perform the duties of the Board of Regents;
    5. a violation of a professional or occupational licensing statute or regulation that is related to the regent’s fitness to serve as a regent, resulting in the revocation or suspension of a professional or occupational license issued under state law; or
    6. a failure to possess the qualifications of a regent under AS 14.40.130 .

History. (§ 2 ch 41 SLA 2012)

Effective dates. —

Section 2, ch. 41, SLA 2012, which enacted this section, took effect on August 22, 2012.

Sec. 14.40.160. Board meetings public; meeting notice; public facilities.

  1. The provisions of AS 44.62.310 apply to meetings of the Board of Regents.  All meetings of the board, its committees or subcommittees, are open to the public and press except as otherwise provided in AS 44.62.310(c) .  The findings of an executive session shall be made a part of the record of the proceedings of the Board of Regents.  All records of the meetings and proceedings shall be open to inspection by the public and the press at reasonable times.
  2. The Board of Regents may determine the time and place of its meetings.  However, 30 days notice is required for all regular meetings and 10 days notice is required for special meetings of the Board of Regents, its committees or subcommittees called under the bylaws or rules or procedure of the Board of Regents.  Emergency meetings may be called without notice.
  3. The Board of Regents shall provide adequate facilities for members of the public to attend the meetings of the board, its committees or subcommittees.

History. (§ 37-10-5 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 100 SLA 1972; am § 30 ch 59 SLA 1982)

Notes to Decisions

Applicability of section. —

This section applies only to the Board of Regents and not to the local tenure committee for the University of Alaska at Anchorage. University of Alaska v. Geistauts, 666 P.2d 424 (Alaska 1983).

Applied in

Alaska Cmty. Colleges' Fed'n of Teachers, Local 2404 v. Univ. of Alaska, 677 P.2d 886 (Alaska 1984).

Sec. 14.40.170. Duties and powers of Board of Regents.

  1. The Board of Regents shall
    1. appoint the president of the university by a majority vote of the whole board, and the president may attend meetings of the board;
    2. fix the compensation of the president of the university, all heads of departments, professors, teachers, instructors, and other officers;
    3. confer appropriate degrees as it may determine and prescribe;
    4. have the care, control, and management of
      1. all the real and personal property of the university; and
      2. land
        1. conveyed to the Board of Regents by the commissioner of natural resources in the settlement of the claim of the University of Alaska to land granted to the state in accordance with the Act of March 4, 1915 (38 Stat. 1214), as amended, and in accordance with the Act of January 21, 1929 (45 Stat. 1091), as amended; and
        2. conveyed to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska by the commissioner of natural resources under AS 14.40.365 ;
    5. keep a correct and easily understood record of the minutes of every meeting and all acts done by it in pursuance of its duties;
    6. under procedures to be established by the commissioner of administration, and in accordance with existing procedures for other state agencies, have the care, control, and management of all money of the university and keep a complete record of all money received and disbursed;
    7. adopt reasonable rules for the prudent trust management and the long-term financial benefit to the university of the land of the university;
    8. provide public notice of sales, leases, exchanges, and transfers of the land of the university or of interests in land of the university;
    9. administer, manage, market, and promote a postsecondary education savings program, including the Alaska Higher Education Savings Trust under AS 14.40.802 and the Alaska advance college tuition savings fund under AS 14.40.803 14.40.817 ;
    10. designate buildings owned by the university as covered buildings for purposes of paying the costs of use, management, operation, maintenance, and depreciation from the fund established under AS 37.05.555 .
  2. The Board of Regents may
    1. adopt reasonable rules, orders, and plans with reasonable penalties for the good government of the university and for the regulation of the Board of Regents;
    2. determine and regulate the course of instruction in the university with the advice of the president;
    3. set student tuition and fees;
    4. receive university receipts and, subject to legislative appropriation, expend university receipts in accordance with AS 37.07 (Executive Budget Act);
    5. apply for and use the proceeds of a loan from the Alaska energy efficiency revolving loan fund (AS 18.56.855 ).

History. (§ 37-10-6 ACLA 1949; am §§ 1, 2 ch 46 SLA 1977; am §§ 4, 5 ch 22 SLA 1983; am § 1 ch 143 SLA 1986; am § 1 ch 9 SLA 1997; am § 19 ch 6 SLA 1998; am § 3 ch 3 SLA 2000; am § 3 ch 136 SLA 2000; am § 1 ch 8 FSSLA 2005; am § 3 ch 83 SLA 2010; am § 1 ch 23 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Paragraph (a)(9) was enacted as (a)(10) and renumbered in 2000.

Cross references. —

For duties of board related to sex-based discrimination, see AS 14.18.080 ; for definition of university receipts, see AS 14.40.491 ; for provisions related to the transfer of land from the commissioner of natural resources to the board of regents, see §§ 1-3 and 7-9, ch. 22, SLA 1983, in the Temporary and Special Acts.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2010 amendment, effective September 14, 2010, added (b)(5), and made a related change.

The 2014 amendment, effective September 15, 2014, deleted “such” following “confer” in (a)(3), added (a)(10), and made a related change.

Editor’s notes. —

For salary increases for certain employees of the University of Alaska payable ‘in accordance with the compensation policy of the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska‘ see sec. 22, ch. 47, SLA 2013 in the 2013 Temporary and Special Acts.

Notes to Decisions

Amendment by ch. 136, SLA 2000 upheld. —

Non-monetary asset transfers are not appropriations subject to the governor’s enhanced veto under Alaska Const., art. II. Therefore, a 2000 bill (ch. 136, SLA 2000) allowing the University of Alaska to select between 250,000 and 260,000 acres of state lands which would then be conveyed to the university to manage, was not an appropriation, and an override of the governor’s veto required only a two-thirds majority in the legislature, not the three-fourths majority required for the overriding of a veto of an appropriations bill. Having received the required two-thirds majority, the veto was successfully overridden, and the bill, affecting this section, became law. State Legislative Council v. Knowles, 86 P.3d 891 (Alaska 2004).

Applied in

University of Alaska v. National Aircraft Leasing, 536 P.2d 121 (Alaska 1975); McGrath v. University of Alaska, 813 P.2d 1370 (Alaska 1991).

Quoted in

Odum v. University of Alaska, 845 P.2d 432 (Alaska 1993).

Stated in

State v. University of Alaska, 624 P.2d 807 (Alaska 1981).

Cited in

Wolfe v. O'Neill, 336 F. Supp. 1255 (D. Alaska 1972); Carter v. Alaska Pub. Employees Ass'n, 663 P.2d 916 (Alaska 1983); Matthews v. University of Alaska, 925 P.2d 1052 (Alaska 1996).

Collateral references. —

Regulation as to fraternities and similar associations connected with educational institution. 10 ALR3d 389.

Student organization registration statement, filed with public school or state university or college, as open to inspection by public. 37 ALR3d 1311.

Liability of college or university to student enrolled in course of instruction terminated prior to completion. 51 ALR3d 1003.

Validity of regulation of college or university denying or restricting right of student to receive visitors in dormitory. 78 ALR3d 1109.

Sec. 14.40.175. Indemnification.

The Board of Regents shall insure or indemnify and protect the Board of Regents, any member of the Board of Regents, or any agent or employee of the University of Alaska or of the Board of Regents against financial loss and expense, including reasonable legal fees and costs arising out of any claim, demand, suit, or judgment by reason of alleged negligence, alleged violation of civil rights, or alleged wrongful act resulting in death or bodily injury to any person or accidental damage to or destruction of property, inside or outside the university premises, if the Board of Regents member, agent or employee, at the time of the occurrence, was acting under the direction of the Board of Regents within the course or scope of the duties of the member, agent, or employee.

History. (§ 3 ch 148 SLA 1978)

Collateral references. —

Modern status of doctrine of sovereign immunity as applied to public schools and institutions of higher learning. 33 ALR3d 703.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for accident occurring during school athletic events. 35 ALR3d 725.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for injuries caused by acts of fellow students. 36 ALR3d 330.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for accidents occurring in physical education classes. 36 ALR3d 361.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for accidents occurring during use of premises and equipment for other than school purposes. 37 ALR3d 712.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for injuries due to condition of grounds, walks, and playgrounds. 37 ALR3d 738.

Immunity of private schools and institutions of higher learning from liability in tort. 38 ALR3d 480.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for injuries resulting from lack or insufficiency of supervision. 38 ALR3d 830.

Liability of university, college, or other school for failure to protect student from crime. 1 ALR4th 1099.

Tort liability of public schools and institutions of higher learning for educational malpractice. 1 ALR4th 1139.

Tort liability of college or university for injury suffered by student as a result of own or fellow student’s intoxication. 62 ALR4th 81.

Sec. 14.40.180. [Renumbered as AS 14.40.045.]

Sec. 14.40.190. Report.

  1. The Board of Regents shall prepare a written report at the beginning of each regular session of the legislature of the condition of the university property, of all receipts and expenditures, including the administration and disposition of appropriated and restricted funds and information required under AS 37.25.010(d) , and of the educational and other work performed during the preceding fiscal year. The board shall notify the legislature that the report is available.
  2. In addition to the report required under (a) of this section, the Board of Regents shall prepare and present to the legislative committees having jurisdiction over education a biennial report, not later than the 30th legislative day of the first session of each legislature, titled “Alaska’s University for Alaska’s Schools” that describes the efforts of the university to attract, train, and retain qualified public school teachers. The report must include an outline of the university’s current and future plans to close the gap between known teacher employment vacancies in the state and the number of state residents who complete teacher training. The information reported under this subsection may also include short-term and five-year strategies with accompanying fiscal notes and outcome measures.

History. (§ 37-10-6 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 37 SLA 1976; am § 3 ch 126 SLA 1994; am § 13 ch 21 SLA 1995; am § 4 ch 6 SLA 1998; am §§ 1, 2 ch 71 SLA 2008)

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

University of Alaska v. National Aircraft Leasing, 536 P.2d 121 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.40.200. Quorum.

Corporate business may not be transacted at any meeting of the Board of Regents unless at least six regents are present, the majority of the whole board to approve the same.

History. (§ 37-10-6 ACLA 1949; am § 2 ch 168 SLA 1975)

Sec. 14.40.210. Powers and duties of president of the university; research and development.

  1. The president of the University of Alaska may
    1. give general direction to the work of the University of Alaska in all its departments subject to the approval of the Board of Regents;
    2. appoint the deans, heads of departments, professors, assistants, instructors, tutors, and other officers of the University of Alaska to the positions established by the Board of Regents;
    3. establish procedures for receipt, expenditure, and fiscal year reporting of university receipts;
    4. approve a contract between the University of Alaska and an employee that authorizes the employee to conduct research or other development of intellectual property and to develop, operate, or own a business related to or resulting from the research conducted during the employment; a business described under this paragraph may be jointly owned by the employee and the University of Alaska.
  2. The president of the University of Alaska shall separately account for university receipts deposited in the treasury of the university. The annual estimated balance in the account may be used by the legislature to make appropriations to the university to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
  3. The president of the University of Alaska shall implement a policy and procedure for the acceptance of academic credit toward a degree or technical program offered by the university if an applicant provides satisfactory evidence of successful completion of relevant military education, training, or service as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the United States Reserves, the National Guard of any state, the Military Reserves of any state, or the Naval Militia of any state.

History. (§ 37-10-7 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 58 SLA 1957; am § 22 ch 138 SLA 1986; am § 2 ch 143 SLA 1986; am § 1 ch 22 SLA 2004; am § 2 ch 28 SLA 2013)

Cross references. —

For definition of “university receipts,” see AS 14.40.491 .

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective December 31, 2013, added (c).

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

Carter v. Alaska Pub. Employees Ass'n, 663 P.2d 916 (Alaska 1983).

Collateral references. —

Construction and effect of tenure provisions of contract or statute governing employment of college or university faculty member. 66 ALR3d 1018.

Sec. 14.40.220. Duty of president to define duties and supervise appointees.

The president shall define the duties and supervise the performance of those persons who are appointed by the president to positions established by the Board of Regents.

History. (§ 37-10-7 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 58 SLA 1957)

Notes to Decisions

Cited in

Wolfe v. O'Neill, 336 F. Supp. 1255 (D. Alaska 1972).

Sec. 14.40.230. Powers of regents to remove officers.

The Board of Regents may remove from office any officer of the University of Alaska by a majority vote of the whole board when in its judgment the good of the university requires it.

History. (§ 37-10-7 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 58 SLA 1957)

Sec. 14.40.240. Power of president to suspend and expel students.

The power to suspend and expel a student for misconduct or other cause and to reinstate the student is vested solely in the president of the University of Alaska. The president may delegate the exercise of the power to the chancellor or another official on each campus of the university or to the administrative head or director of a community college or other campus or extended unit of the university.

History. (§ 37-10-7 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 58 SLA 1957; am § 2 ch 19 SLA 1995)

Collateral references. —

Participation of student in demonstration on or near campus as warranting imposition of criminal liability for breach of peace, disorderly conduct, trespass, unlawful assembly, or similar offense. 32 ALR3d 551.

Participation of student in demonstration on or near campus as warranting expulsion or suspension from school or college. 32 ALR3d 864.

Article 3. Property and Funds of the University of Alaska.

Collateral references. —

15A Am. Jur. 2d Colleges and Universities, §§ 35-43.

14A C.J.S. Colleges and Universities, §§ 6-11.

Sec. 14.40.250. Regents to act as trustees and administer money or property.

The Board of Regents may receive, manage, and invest money or other real, personal, or mixed property for the purpose of the University of Alaska, its improvement or adornment, or the aid or advantage of students or faculty, and, in general, may act as trustee on behalf of the University of Alaska for any of these purposes. The regents shall prepare a written report, in accordance with AS 14.40.190(a) , as to the administration and disposition of money received under this section.

History. (§ 37.10.20 ACLA 1949; am § 2 ch 37 SLA 1976; am § 3 ch 143 SLA 1986; am § 14 ch 21 SLA 1995; am § 3 ch 71 SLA 2008)

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

University of Alaska v. National Aircraft Leasing, 536 P.2d 121 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.40.251. Default on tuition, fees, and charges.

  1. For the purposes of this chapter, tuition, a fee, or another charge to an individual by the University of Alaska is in default after payment has become 180 or more days past due. Upon default, the university may take the individual’s permanent fund dividend under AS 43.23.190 .
  2. The University of Alaska shall notify the individual of the default and the consequences of default imposed under (a) of this section by mailing a notice to the individual’s most recent address provided to the university by the individual or obtained by the university.
  3. An individual may appeal a notice of default by filing a statement with the chief finance officer of the University of Alaska within 30 days after the date of the notice, requesting that the default status be reviewed. AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) does not apply to the review of default under this section. Within 40 days after receiving a written request for review, the chief finance officer shall inform the individual in writing of the decision. The decision of the chief finance officer is a final decision that may be appealed to the superior court under the Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure.

History. (§ 1 ch 43 SLA 2004)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2018, “AS 43.23.190 ” was substituted for “43.23.073” in subsection (a) to reflect the renumbering of that section.

Sec. 14.40.253. Financing notice and approval.

If the University of Alaska intends to enter into an obligation, except for refinancing obligations, under AS 14.40.040(a)(5) with an annual payment by the university anticipated to exceed $2,500,000, the university shall provide notice to the legislature. The notice must include the anticipated annual payment amount, the anticipated financing, and the total construction, acquisition, or other costs of the project. The university may not enter into an obligation requiring a financing notice under this section, other than a refinancing obligation, unless the project has been approved by the legislature by law. An appropriation for the project does not constitute approval of the project for the purpose of this section.

History. (§ 2 ch 181 SLA 1990; am § 2 ch 90 SLA 1999; am § 1 ch 94 SLA 2010)

Cross references. —

For the notice and legislative approval required under this section for the issuance of revenue bonds under AS 14.40.254 to pay for a new heat and power plant facility at the University of Alaska Fairbanks required under this section, see sec. 8, ch. 24, SLA 2014, in the 2014 Temporary and Special Acts.

For the notice and legislative approval required under this section for the issuance of revenue bonds under AS 14.40.040(a)(5) and entry into a loan agreement with the Alaska Municipal Bond Bank Authority to pay for a new heat and power plant facility at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, see sec. 9, ch. 24, SLA 2014, in the 2014 Temporary and Special Acts.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2010 amendment, effective September 19, 2010, in the first sentence, substituted “$2,500,000” for “$1,000,000”.

Sec. 14.40.254. University revenue bonds.

  1. Subject to AS 14.40.253 , the board may issue revenue bonds to pay the cost of acquiring, constructing, or equipping a facility that the board determines is necessary.
  2. The board may enter into an agreement with a trustee or bond owner for the purpose of securing payment of revenue bonds issued by the University of Alaska to acquire, construct, or equip a facility that the board determines is necessary. The agreement may include the fixing and collection of fees, charges, or rentals pledged to secure payment of the revenue bonds and agreement regarding the use of the proceeds of the revenue bonds.
  3. The state pledges not to limit or alter rights vested under this section in the University of Alaska to fulfill the terms of a contract with revenue bond owners.
  4. The board may pledge revenue received by the University of Alaska as fees, charges, or rentals in order to secure payment of the revenue bonds. A pledge of revenue received by the University of Alaska is considered a perfected security interest and is valid and binding from the time the pledge is made. The pledge creates an immediate lien against property pledged without physical delivery or other act.

History. (§ 1 ch 26 SLA 1991)

Sec. 14.40.255. Investment of surplus money.

If the Board of Regents determines that there is a surplus of money, received in the form of state and federal appropriations, above the amount sufficient to meet current and projected cash expenditure needs of the university, the surplus must be invested as set out in AS 37.10.071 . Income earned on investments made under this section may be retained by the university and expended in accordance with AS 37.07 (Executive Budget Act.)

History. (§ 4 ch 143 SLA 1986; am § 5 ch 141 SLA 1988)

Sec. 14.40.257. Reimbursement for costs of capital projects.

  1. Subject to appropriations for the purpose, during each fiscal year, the legislature may appropriate an amount to reimburse the University of Alaska for the cost to be paid by the university during that same fiscal year for the principal and interest on outstanding debt for the projects listed in (b) of this section.
  2. An appropriation under this section may be used only for reimbursement of costs incurred for acquisition, construction, and renovation of the following projects and only for reimbursement of total project costs incurred up to the following amounts:
  3. The University of Alaska is authorized to incur debt for the projects listed under (b) of this section.  AS 14.40.253 does not apply to the projects listed in (b) of this section or to obligations incurred by the university to finance those projects.

PROJECT University of Alaska, Anchorage Community and Technical $14,000,000 College Center Juneau Readiness Center/UAS Joint Facility (Juneau) 5,470,000

Click to view

History. (§ 4 ch 115 SLA 2002)

Sec. 14.40.260. [Renumbered as AS 14.40.055.]

Sec. 14.40.270. [Renumbered as AS 14.40.057.]

Sec. 14.40.280. Endowments and donations.

  1. Title to and control or possession of land, personal property, money, and other property that is devised, bequeathed, or given to the university shall be taken by the university in its corporate capacity acting by and through the Board of Regents or an authorized agent and shall be entered in the perpetual inventory of the university established in AS 14.40.330 .
  2. All monetary gifts, bequests, or endowments that are made to the University of Alaska for the purpose of the separate endowment trust fund established under AS 14.40.400 shall be deposited into that endowment trust fund.
  3. Except as provided by (b) of this section, the monetary gifts, bequests, or endowments that are made to the University of Alaska shall be managed and invested by the Board of Regents. In carrying out its management and investment responsibilities under this subsection, the Board of Regents has the same powers and duties with respect to the gifts, bequests, and endowments of the University of Alaska as are provided or required under AS 37.10.071 and AS 13.65 (Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act). Notwithstanding any other provision of law, AS 37.10.071 governs the management and investment responsibilities established under this subsection if
    1. both AS 37.10.071 and AS 13.65 apply to the management and investment responsibilities established under this subsection; and
    2. AS 37.10.071 conflicts with AS 13.65.

History. (§ 5 ch 58 SLA 1951; am § 1 ch 164 SLA 1976; am §§ 2, 3 ch 9 SLA 1997; am § 36 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am § 2 ch 66 SLA 2010)

Revisor’s notes. —

In (c) of this section, “AS 13.65” was substituted for “AS 13.70” to reflect the 2010 renumbering of that chapter.

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

University of Alaska v. National Aircraft Leasing, 536 P.2d 121 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.40.282. Endowment for the physical sciences.

  1. The Board of Regents shall establish an endowment for the physical sciences at the University of Alaska campus in Fairbanks.  The endowment shall be managed as a perpetual trust. The income of the endowment shall be used to pay the salary and related expenses of the person appointed under (b) of this section for research, teaching, and advanced studies in one or more physical science disciplines.
  2. The Board of Regents shall appoint a person who is distinguished in one or more physical science disciplines to be paid from the endowment for the physical sciences. The tenure and the duties of the appointee shall be established by the Board of Regents based on the need for
    1. teaching, research, and studies in physical sciences of special interest in the state; and
    2. advancement of scientific study at the University of Alaska.

History. (§ 1 ch 71 SLA 1983)

Sec. 14.40.290. Property and funds generally.

  1. Federal grants and appropriations paid to the commissioner of revenue under AS 14.40.380 , 14.40.410 , or 14.40.430 , or from a source described in AS 14.40.450 , shall be transferred to the state treasury under AS 37.10.060 . The Department of Administration, upon requisitions by the Board of Regents signed by its president and secretary, shall pay to the treasurer of the Board of Regents all federal land grant college funds coming into the possession of the Department of Administration and subject to requisition by the Board of Regents and shall disburse federal funds in aid of land grant colleges in accordance with the federal statute providing for disbursement.
  2. [Repealed, § 10 ch 46 SLA 1977.]
  3. [Repealed, § 1 ch 38 SLA 1968.]

History. (§ 37-10-4(a) — (c) ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 38 SLA 1968; am § 10 ch 46 SLA 1977; am § 4 ch 9 SLA 1997)

Cross references. —

For provisions authorizing the Department of Administration to make advances to the University of Alaska, see AS 37.10.088 .

Sec. 14.40.291. Land of the University of Alaska not public domain land.

  1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, university-grant land, state replacement land that becomes university-grant land on conveyance to the university, land conveyed to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under AS 14.40.365 , and any other land owned by the university is not and may not be treated as state public domain land. Land conveyed to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under AS 14.40.365 shall be managed as nontaxable trust land under AS 14.40.365 — 14.40.367 and policies of the Board of Regents.
  2. Title to or interest in land described in (a) of this section may not be acquired by adverse possession, prescription, or in any other manner except by conveyance from the university.
  3. The land described in (a) of this section is subject to condemnation for public purpose in accordance with law.

History. (§ 6 ch 22 SLA 1983; am § 4 ch 136 SLA 2000; am § 2 ch 8 FSSLA 2005)

Notes to Decisions

Amendment by ch. 136, SLA 2000 upheld. —

Non-monetary asset transfers are not appropriations subject to the governor’s enhanced veto under Alaska Const., art. II. Therefore, a 2000 bill (ch. 136, SLA 2000) allowing the University of Alaska to select between 250,000 and 260,000 acres of state lands which would then be conveyed to the university to manage, was not an appropriation, and an override of the governor’s veto required only a two-thirds majority in the legislature, not the three-fourths majority required for the overriding of a veto of an appropriations bill. Having received the required two-thirds majority, the veto was successfully overridden, and the bill, affecting this section, became law. State Legislative Council v. Knowles, 86 P.3d 891 (Alaska 2004).

Sec. 14.40.295. Working capital reserve fund. [Repealed, § 10 ch 46 SLA 1977.]

Sec. 14.40.296. Working capital reserve fund.

  1. There is established in the treasury of the University of Alaska the University of Alaska working capital reserve fund. The fund consists of money appropriated by the legislature for the purpose of providing nonlapsing current working capital for the University of Alaska and is not available for appropriation by the Board of Regents.
  2. [Repealed, § 19 ch 6 SLA 1998.]

History. (§ 1 ch 117 SLA 1980; am § 19 ch 6 SLA 1998)

Sec. 14.40.300. Creation and appointment of comptroller.

The Board of Regents shall create the office of comptroller of the university, fix the salary, and determine the duties of the office. The Board of Regents shall fill the office. The comptroller shall report directly to the Board of Regents.

History. (§ 37-10-4(d) ACLA 1949; am § 3 ch 46 SLA 1977)

Legislative history reports. —

For letter of intent on ch. 46, SLA 1977 (HCSSB 261), see 1977 House Journal, p. 1019.

Sec. 14.40.310. Fiscal year.

The fiscal year of the University of Alaska begins on July 1 and closes at midnight on the following June 30.

History. (§ 37-10-4(e) ACLA 1949; am § 3 art VI ch 82 SLA 1955)

Sec. 14.40.320. Requisitions on funds. [Repealed, § 10 ch 46 SLA 1977.]

Sec. 14.40.325. Reallocation within state appropriations.

Notwithstanding the provisions of AS 37.07.080(e) , each appropriation to the University of Alaska is subject to reallocation by the university administration under procedures established by the Board of Regents and the office of management and budget in the Office of the Governor. Transfers may not be made between appropriations except as provided in an act making transfers between appropriations.

History. (§ 5 ch 143 SLA 1986; am § 26 ch 21 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.40.330. Inventory of property.

The Board of Regents shall maintain or cause to be maintained a perpetual inventory of all permanent property of the University of Alaska.

History. (§ 37-10-4(g) ACLA 1949; am § 2 ch 38 SLA 1968)

Sec. 14.40.340. Applicability of bid practices to University of Alaska. [Repealed, § 67 ch 106 SLA 1986. For current law, see AS 36.30.005(c).]

Sec. 14.40.350. Board of Regents authorized to lease land.

The Board of Regents may execute leases for mining, agriculture, or other purposes to the land granted for the benefit of an agricultural college and school of mines for Alaska by the Act of Congress approved March 4, 1915, for such time and at such rent or royalty as may seem just and as provided by law.

History. (§ 37-10-11 ACLA 1949)

Opinions of attorney general. —

The restrictive clause in the federal grant (see former 48 USC § 354, now 43 USC § 852) dated March 4, 1915, of lands for the site of the present university states that this land must be used as a site for an agricultural college and school of mines. 1962 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 21.

There appears to be no conflict with this required use by leasing, as is authorized by law, a portion of this land to a corporation for a definite period of time to provide a service which contributes to the required use. 1962 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 21.

Hence, there does not appear to be any violation in fact or in spirit of the restrictive clause in the federal grant by the lease of site lands to the University of Alaska Heating Corporation for the purpose of erecting a steam plant to serve the University of Alaska. 1962 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 21.

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

University of Alaska v. National Aircraft Leasing, 536 P.2d 121 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.40.360. Board of Regents authorized to select and to sell or lease land granted by Act of Congress.

The Board of Regents may select the land granted to Alaska by the Act of Congress approved January 21, 1929, as amended, may sell or lease the land, and shall deposit the net income as provided in AS 14.40.400(a) in conformity with that Act.

History. (§ 37-10-13 ACLA 1949; am § 5 ch 9 SLA 1997)

Opinions of attorney general. —

See notes under this heading following AS 14.40.350 .

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

University of Alaska v. National Aircraft Leasing, 536 P.2d 121 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.40.365. University land grant.

  1. Except as provided in (b) of this section, before July 1, 2008, the commissioner of natural resources shall convey to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska, by quitclaim deed, the state land identified for conveyance to the university and described in the document titled “University of Alaska Land Grant List 2005,” dated January 12, 2005.
  2. As soon as practicable after June 30, 2055, the commissioner of natural resources shall convey to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska, by quitclaim deed, the state land described as the “University Research Forest” and identified for conveyance to the university in the document titled “University of Alaska Land Grant List 2005,” dated January 12, 2005.
  3. As soon as practicable after the receipt of patent from the United States, but not before the land is otherwise required to be conveyed under this section, the commissioner of natural resources shall convey to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska, by quitclaim deed, federal land that has been selected for conveyance to the state under the Alaska Statehood Act but is subject to a federal mining claim, and that is identified in the document titled “University of Alaska Land Grant List 2005,” dated January 12, 2005, for conveyance to the university upon the state’s acquisition of patent.
  4. Notwithstanding AS 38.05.125(a) , and except as otherwise provided in this section, the transfer of ownership of land from the commissioner of natural resources to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under this section includes the interest of the state in the coal, ores, minerals, fissionable materials, geothermal resources, and fossils, oil, and gas that may be in or on the land.
  5. Land conveyed under this section to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska is subject to any valid possessory interest or other valid existing right, including any lease, license, contract, prospecting site, claim, sale, permit, right-of-way, Native allotment, or easement held by another person, including a federal, state, or municipal agency, on October 23, 2005.
  6. Before conveying land under this section, the commissioner of natural resources shall reserve access under AS 38.05.127 , but other provisions of AS 38.04 and AS 38.05 do not apply to the commissioner’s preparation for conveyance of land to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under this section. In addition to access under AS 38.05.127 , the commissioner may reserve in the conveyance document existing offshore uses such as aquatic fish farm sites, anchorages for vessels, fish buying stations, trails, roads, and other access routes that provide public access to adjacent land and public waterways; however, an easement along tidewater reserved by the commissioner under AS 38.05.127 may not exceed 25 feet.
  7. In addition to rights or an interest held by a person under (e) of this section, land conveyed to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under this section
    1. is subject to
      1. sec. 6(i) of the Alaska Statehood Act (P.L. 85-508, 72 Stat. 339);
      2. AS 19.10.010 ;
      3. any easement, right-of-way, or other access under former 43 U.S.C. 932 (sec. 8, Act of July 26, 1866, 14 Stat. 253);
      4. the provisions of any memorandum of agreement entered into between the University of Alaska and the commissioner of natural resources governing shared benefits or costs associated with land to be conveyed to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska;
      5. any interest transferred to the state by quitclaim deed dated June 30, 1959, under authority of the Alaska Omnibus Act (P.L. 86-70, 73 Stat. 141); and
    2. excludes the mineral estate on land that is subject to a valid state mining claim.
  8. As soon as practicable after the extinguishment, release, or expiration of a valid state mining claim located on land to be conveyed under this section, but not before the land is otherwise required to be conveyed under this section, the commissioner of natural resources shall convey the mineral estate excluded from conveyance under (g)(2) of this section.
  9. The responsibility for the management of land conveyed to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under this section vests with the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska on the date of recording of that conveyance.
  10. The Board of Regents of the University of Alaska is entitled to receive any income derived from land conveyed to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under this section accruing after the date of conveyance, including any income accruing from an existing lease, license, contract, prospecting site sale, permit, right-of-way, easement, or trespass claim.
  11. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, within 10 years after conveyance of land under this section, the Board of Regents may reconvey to the Department of Natural Resources land
    1. containing hazardous waste that was present on the land before conveyance under this section;
    2. on which is located a historic or archeological site that is subject to management under AS 41.35; or
    3. that the Board of Regents and the commissioner of natural resources jointly agree is in the best interests of the state and the university to reconvey.
  12. After October 23, 2005 and before the conveyance of a parcel of land to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under this section, the commissioner of natural resources may not convey, without consent of the university, any irrevocable interest in a parcel that is required to be conveyed to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under this section.
  13. The commissioner of natural resources may make minor adjustments to the maps or legal descriptions of the state land identified for conveyance to the university and described in the document titled “University of Alaska Land Grant List 2005,” dated January 12, 2005, to correct omissions or errors.
  14. Notwithstanding (a) of this section, the following state land described in the document entitled “University of Alaska Land Grant List 2005,” dated January 12, 2005, may not be conveyed to the University of Alaska under this section:
    1. Parcel Number CS.DI.1001, Duke Island;
    2. Parcel Number MF.1002, Idaho Inlet;
    3. Parcel Number CS.KI.1001, Kelp Island;
    4. Parcel Number HA.CH.1001, Haines-Chilkoot;
    5. Parcel Number KT.1004, Neets Creek;
    6. Parcel Number MA.KR.1001, Kodiak Rocket Range;
    7. Parcel Number ST.1002, Pelican;
    8. Parcel Number PA.1001, Port Alexander; and
    9. Parcel Number ST.1002, Warm Springs Bay.
  15. Notwithstanding (a) of this section, the state land identified in this subsection and described in the document entitled “University of Alaska Land Grant List 2005,” dated January 12, 2005, may not be conveyed to the University of Alaska under this section if the land is included in a borough formed before July 1, 2009, that includes Wrangell or Petersburg. If a borough is not formed before July 1, 2009, land described in this subsection shall be conveyed to the University of Alaska on July 1, 2009. If a borough is formed before July 1, 2009, and the borough does not select land described in this subsection before January 1, 2013, the land not selected by the borough shall be conveyed to the University of Alaska on June 30, 2013. The following land is subject to this subsection:
    1. Parcel Number SD.1001, Beecher Pass;
    2. Parcel Number SD.1001, Favor Peak;
    3. Parcel Number CS.TL.1001, Three Lake Road;
    4. Parcel Number SD.1001, Read Island;
    5. Parcel Number SD.1001, Whitney Island;
    6. Parcel Number CS.EW.1001, Earl West Cove;
    7. Parcel Number CS.OV.1001, Olive Cove; and
    8. Parcel Number SD.1001, Thoms Place.
  16. Notwithstanding (a) of this section, each of the following parcels described in the document entitled “University of Alaska Land Grant List 2005,” dated January 12, 2005, may not be conveyed to the University of Alaska under this section until all Native allotment applications applicable to that parcel have been denied:
    1. Parcel Number PA.1002, Biorka Island; and
    2. Parcel Number NS.NS.1001, Lisianski Peninsula.
  17. Notwithstanding (a) of this section, the state land identified in this subsection and described in the document entitled “University of Alaska Land Grant List 2005,” dated January 12, 2005, may not be conveyed to the University of Alaska under this section if the land is included in a borough formed before July 1, 2009. If a borough is not formed before July 1, 2009, the land described in this subsection shall be conveyed to the University of Alaska on July 1, 2009. If a borough is formed before July 1, 2009, and the borough does not select land described in this subsection before January 1, 2013, the land not selected by the borough shall be conveyed to the University of Alaska on June 30, 2013. The following land is subject to the provisions of this subsection: Parcel Number PA.1002, Mite Cove.

History. (§ 5 ch 136 SLA 2000; am §§ 1, 2 ch 49 SLA 2004; am § 3 ch 8 FSSLA 2005)

Notes to Decisions

Enactment by ch. 136, SLA 2000 upheld. —

Non-monetary asset transfers are not appropriations subject to the governor’s enhanced veto under Alaska Const., art. II. Therefore, a 2000 bill (ch. 136, SLA 2000) allowing the University of Alaska to select between 250,000 and 260,000 acres of state lands which would then be conveyed to the university to manage, was not an appropriation, and an override of the governor’s veto required only a two-thirds majority in the legislature, not the three-fourths majority required for the overriding of a veto of an appropriations bill. Having received the required two-thirds majority, the veto was successfully overridden, and the bill, affecting this section, became law. State Legislative Council v. Knowles, 86 P.3d 891 (Alaska 2004).

Act conveying land to university. —

Act, codified in AS 14.40.365 , 14.40.366 , 14.40.400(a)(2) , conveying land to the University of Alaska and providing for proceeds of the land to go to the University’s endowment trust fund, was unconstitutional because it improperly dedicated state funds, in violation of Alaska Const. art. IX, § 7, with the exception of severable provisions of the act creating a research forest. Southeast Alaska Conservation Council v. State, 202 P.3d 1162 (Alaska 2009).

Sec. 14.40.366. Management requirements for university land.

  1. Before the conveyance or the disposal of an interest in the land to a third party, land conveyed to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under AS 14.40.365 shall be managed in a manner that, to the extent practicable, permits reasonable activities of the public, including historic recent public uses, that do not interfere with the use or management of the land by the university.
  2. For land conveyed to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under AS 14.40.365 , the Board of Regents shall
    1. seek public comment on proposals for land development, exchange, or sale; and
    2. adopt policies that require the preparation of land development plans and land disposal plans.
  3. Before the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska offers a parcel of land for sale under this section, the board shall offer first refusal to the closest municipality.
  4. The Board of Regents shall adopt policies requiring public notice before approval of land development plans and land disposal plans. The policies must require that the notice be provided not less than 30 days before the proposed action and that the notice be
    1. sent to local legislators, municipalities, and legislative information offices in the vicinity of the action and at other locations as the university may designate;
    2. published in newspapers of general circulation in the vicinity of the proposed action at least once each week for two consecutive weeks; and
    3. published on state and university public notice Internet websites.
  5. In this section, “development, exchange, or sale” does not include the grant of an easement or right-of-way or the development of a campus facility.

History. (§ 5 ch 136 SLA 2000; am § 4 ch 8 FSSLA 2005)

Notes to Decisions

Enactment by ch. 136, SLA 2000 upheld. —

Non-monetary asset transfers are not appropriations subject to the governor’s enhanced veto under Alaska Const., art. II. Therefore, a 2000 bill (ch. 136, SLA 2000) allowing the University of Alaska to select between 250,000 and 260,000 acres of state lands which would then be conveyed to the university to manage, was not an appropriation, and an override of the governor’s veto required only a two-thirds majority in the legislature, not the three-fourths majority required for the overriding of a veto of an appropriations bill. Having received the required two-thirds majority, the veto was successfully overridden, and the bill, affecting this section, became law. State Legislative Council v. Knowles, 86 P.3d 891 (Alaska 2004).

Act conveying land to university. —

Act, codified in AS 14.40.365 , 14.40.366 , 14.40.400(a)(2) , conveying land to the University of Alaska and providing for proceeds of the land to go to the University’s endowment trust fund, was unconstitutional because it improperly dedicated state funds, in violation of Alaska Const. art. IX, § 7, with the exception of severable provisions of the act creating a research forest. Southeast Alaska Conservation Council v. State, 202 P.3d 1162 (Alaska 2009).

Sec. 14.40.367. Confidential records relating to university land and interests in land.

Notwithstanding AS 40.25.100 40.25.295 , on a determination that it is in the best interest of the University of Alaska or on the request of the person who has provided the information, the president of the university may keep the following confidential:

  1. the name of a person applying for the sale, lease, or other disposal of university land or an interest in university land;
  2. before the issuance of a notice of intent to award a contract relating to a sale, lease or disposal of university land or an interest in university land, the names of the participants and the terms of their offers;
  3. all geological, well, geophysical, engineering, architectural, sales, market, cost, appraisal, timber cruise, gross receipts, net receipts, or other financial information relating to university land or an interest in university land and considered for, offered for, or currently subject to disposal or a contract;
  4. cost data and financial information submitted by an applicant in support of applications for bonds, leases, or other information in offerings and ongoing operations relating to management of university land;
  5. applications for rights-of-way or easements across university land; and
  6. requests for information about or applications by public agencies for university land that is being considered for use for a public purpose.

History. (§ 5 ch 136 SLA 2000; am § 3 ch 9 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2000, “AS 40.25.100 40.25.220 ” was substituted for “AS 09.25.100 09.25.220 ” to reflect the 2000 renumbering of AS 09.25.100 09.25.220 .

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective April 23, 2014, in the introductory language substituted “Notwithstanding AS 40.25.100 40.25.295 ” for “Notwithstanding AS 40.25.100 40.25.220 ”.

Notes to Decisions

Enactment by ch. 136, SLA 2000 upheld. —

Non-monetary asset transfers are not appropriations subject to the governor’s enhanced veto under Alaska Const., art. II. Therefore, a 2000 bill (ch. 136, SLA 2000) allowing the University of Alaska to select between 250,000 and 260,000 acres of state lands which would then be conveyed to the university to manage, was not an appropriation, and an override of the governor’s veto required only a two-thirds majority in the legislature, not the three-fourths majority required for the overriding of a veto of an appropriations bill. Having received the required two-thirds majority, the veto was successfully overridden, and the bill, affecting this section, became law. State Legislative Council v. Knowles, 86 P.3d 891 (Alaska 2004).

Sec. 14.40.368. Encumbrances and trespasses. [Repealed, § 8 ch 8 FSSLA 2005.]

Sec. 14.40.370. Books of account and statement of trust funds. [Repealed, § 10 ch 46 SLA 1977.]

Sec. 14.40.380. Assent of legislature to federal land and money grants.

The state assents to the provisions and accepts the benefits of the Act of Congress approved March 4, 1915, and the Acts of Congress approved August 30, 1890, and March 4, 1907, in behalf of the University of Alaska, and the commissioner of revenue is designated as the officer to whom the money shall be paid.

History. (§ 37-10-10 ACLA 1949)

Sec. 14.40.390. Federal land grants to Agricultural College and School of Mines reaccepted for university.

The state assents to the provisions and accepts the benefits of the grants of land authorized by the Act of Congress of January 21, 1929, 45 Stat. 1091 — 1093, as amended by the Act of Congress of September 19, 1966, 80 Stat. 811, for the Agricultural College and School of Mines as integral parts of the University of Alaska, and the University of Alaska is designated the beneficiary under that Act.

History. (§ 37-10-12 ACLA 1949; am § 1 ch 68 SLA 1967)

Notes to Decisions

Inclusion of the University of Alaska lands in Chugach State Park without paying compensation to the university violated the trust provision of the federal grant. State v. University of Alaska, 624 P.2d 807 (Alaska 1981).

Sec. 14.40.400. Fund for money from sale or lease of land granted by Act of Congress.

  1. The Board of Regents shall establish a separate endowment trust fund in which shall be held in trust in perpetuity all
    1. net income derived from the sale or lease of the land granted under the Act of Congress approved January 21, 1929, as amended;
    2. net income derived from the sale, lease, or management of the land conveyed to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under AS 14.40.365 ; however, the amount deposited in the endowment trust fund under this paragraph resulting from mineral lease royalties and royalty sales proceeds may not be less than 25 percent of all such mineral lease royalties and royalty sales proceeds received by the university; and
    3. monetary gifts, bequests, or endowments made to the University of Alaska for the purpose of the fund.
  2. The Board of Regents is the fiduciary of the fund. The Board of Regents shall account for and invest the fund. In carrying out its investment responsibilities under this subsection, the Board of Regents has the same powers and duties with respect to the fund as are provided or required under AS 37.10.071 and AS 13.65 (Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act). Notwithstanding any other provision of law, AS 37.10.071 governs the investment responsibilities established under this subsection if
    1. both AS 37.10.071 and AS 13.65 apply to the investment responsibilities established under this subsection; and
    2. AS 37.10.071 conflicts with AS 13.65.
  3. The total return from the fund shall be used exclusively for the University of Alaska, as the successor under AS 14.40.030 of the Agricultural College and School of Mines.
  4. The proceeds arising from the sale or disposal of land granted under the Act of Congress approved January 21, 1929, as amended, may not be used for the support of a sectarian or denominational college or school.
  5. [Repealed, § 14 ch 9 SLA 1997.]
  6. In this section,
    1. “fund” means the separate endowment trust fund established under (a) of this section;
    2. “total return” means the total earning of the fund, including current yield, gains, and capital appreciation, less all costs, expenses, losses, and capital depreciation.

History. (§ 37-10-14 ACLA 1949; am § 2 ch 68 SLA 1967; am § 2 ch 164 SLA 1976; am §§ 6 — 9 ch 141 SLA 1988; am §§ 6 — 10, 14 ch 9 SLA 1997; am § 6 ch 136 SLA 2000; am § 5 ch 8 FSSLA 2005; am § 37 ch 9 FSSLA 2005; am § 3 ch 66 SLA 2010)

Revisor’s notes. —

In (b) of this section, “AS 13.65” was substituted for “AS 13.70” to reflect the 2010 renumbering of that chapter.

Cross references. —

For related provisions, see AS 14.40.280 .

Effect of amendments. —

The 2010 amendment, effective September 8, 2010, rewrote (b).

Opinions of attorney general. —

Under this section a separate permanent fund was established for revenues from the sale of federally granted lands. 1963 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 13.

The prudent-man rule is the proper rule for guiding the commissioner of revenue in the investment of the university’s permanent fund. 1963 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 13.

In investing the endowment funds of the University of Alaska, the commissioner of revenue can obtain some guidance through observing the type of investments made throughout the United States by those responsible for the investment of university endowment funds. 1963 Alas. Op. Att'y Gen. No. 13.

Notes to Decisions

Amendment by ch. 136, SLA 2000 upheld. —

Non-monetary asset transfers are not appropriations subject to the governor’s enhanced veto under Alaska Const., art. II. Therefore, a 2000 bill (ch. 136, SLA 2000) allowing the University of Alaska to select between 250,000 and 260,000 acres of state lands which would then be conveyed to the university to manage, was not an appropriation, and an override of the governor’s veto required only a two-thirds majority in the legislature, not the three-fourths majority required for the overriding of a veto of an appropriations bill. Having received the required two-thirds majority, the veto was successfully overridden, and the bill, affecting this section, became law. State Legislative Council v. Knowles, 86 P.3d 891 (Alaska 2004).

Act conveying land to university. —

Act, codified in AS 14.40.365 , 14.40.366 , 14.40.400(a)(2) , conveying land to the University of Alaska and providing for proceeds of the land to go to the University’s endowment trust fund, was unconstitutional because it improperly dedicated state funds, in violation of Alaska Const. art. IX, § 7, with the exception of severable provisions of the act creating a research forest. Southeast Alaska Conservation Council v. State, 202 P.3d 1162 (Alaska 2009).

Applied in

University of Alaska v. National Aircraft Leasing, 536 P.2d 121 (Alaska 1975).

Stated in

State v. University of Alaska, 624 P.2d 807 (Alaska 1981).

Sec. 14.40.410. Federal grants of money to establish agricultural experiment stations.

The state assents to the provisions and accepts the benefits of the Act of Congress entitled “An Act to establish agricultural experiment stations in connection with the colleges established in the several States under the provisions of an Act approved July 2, 1862, and of the Acts supplementary thereto”approved March 2, 1887, as amended and supplemented and known as the Hatch Act, and extended to Alaska by an Act of Congress entitled “An Act to extend the benefits of the Hatch Act and the Smith-Lever Act to the Territory of Alaska,” approved February 23, 1929, in behalf of the University of Alaska, except that no substations may be established by the Board of Regents except by direct authority of the legislature. The commissioner of revenue is designated as the officer to whom the money shall be paid.

History. (§ 37-10-15 ACLA 1949)

Cross references. —

For Hatch Act, see 7 U.S.C. 361a-361i; for Smith-Lever Act, see 7 U.S.C. 341-349.

Sec. 14.40.420. University designated as beneficiary under Hatch Act and empowered to establish Agricultural Experiment Station.

The University of Alaska is designated as the beneficiary under the provisions of the Hatch Act and may establish a department to be known as the Agricultural Experiment Station.

History. (§ 37-10-16 ACLA 1949)

Cross references. —

See the cross reference under AS 14.40.410 .

Sec. 14.40.430. Acceptance of federal appropriation for agricultural extension work.

The state assents to the provisions and accepts the benefits of the Act of Congress entitled “An Act to provide for cooperative extension work between agricultural colleges in the United States receiving the benefits of an Act of Congress approved July 2, 1862, and of Acts supplementary thereto and the United States Department of Agriculture” approved May 8, 1914, as amended and supplemented and known as the Smith-Lever Act and extended to Alaska by an Act of Congress entitled “An Act to extend the benefits of the Hatch Act and the Smith-Lever Act to the Territory of Alaska” approved February 23, 1929, in behalf of the University of Alaska. The commissioner of revenue is designated as the officer to whom the appropriations shall be paid.

History. (§ 37-10-17 ACLA 1949)

Cross references. —

See the cross reference under AS 14.40.410 .

Sec. 14.40.440. University designated beneficiary of Smith-Lever Act and empowered to carry on agricultural extension work.

The University of Alaska is designated as the beneficiary under the provisions of the Smith-Lever Act, and may administer and carry on agricultural extension work in the state in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture.

History. (§ 37-10-18 ACLA 1949)

Cross references. —

See the cross reference under AS 14.40.410 .

Sec. 14.40.450. Governor authorized to make certificates to obtain federal grants of money.

The governor is authorized to make all certificates required by law or the regulations of the Department of Agriculture or of the Department of the Interior necessary to be made to entitle the state to grants of money for the benefits of state colleges of agriculture and mechanic arts authorized under any Act of Congress.

History. (§ 37-10-21 ACLA 1949)

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

University of Alaska v. National Aircraft Leasing, 536 P.2d 121 (Alaska 1975).

Sec. 14.40.453. Confidentiality of research.

The public records inspection requirements of AS 40.25.110 40.25.121 do not apply to writings or records that consist of intellectual property or proprietary information received, generated, learned, or discovered during research conducted by the University of Alaska or its agents or employees until publicly released, copyrighted, or patented, or until the research is terminated, except that the university shall make available the title and a description of all research projects, the name of the researcher, and the amount and source of funding provided for each project.

History. (§ 1 ch 55 SLA 1990)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2000, “AS 40.25.110 40.25.121 ” was substituted for “AS 09.25.110 — 09.25.121” to reflect the 2000 renumbering of AS 09.25.110 — 09.25.121.

Sec. 14.40.455. University risk management fund. [Repealed, § 12 ch 42 SLA 1997.]

Sec. 14.40.458. University corporate interests.

  1. The university may purchase an interest in a corporation if the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska authorizes the purchase and the purchase advances a public purpose of the university.
  2. If the university purchases an interest in a corporation, the corporation is not considered to be a part of the university for any purpose, except to the extent that both the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska and the corporation’s articles of incorporation state otherwise.
  3. Notwithstanding AS 09.50.250 and any other law, the University of Alaska is not liable for the obligations of a corporation that the University of Alaska has purchased an interest in under (a) of this section,
    1. except to the extent that the president of the university signs a written agreement on behalf of the university that expressly states that the university is liable for the obligations of the corporation and the obligations for which the university is liable are identified in the written agreement; or
    2. unless the university has engaged in fraudulent or other wrongful conduct relating to an obligation of the corporation or to the assets of the corporation that may be used to pay the obligation.
  4. In this section,
    1. “corporation” means a for-profit corporation, a nonprofit corporation, or a limited liability company, whether or not the corporation or company is organized in this state;
    2. “interest” means a membership, or a share or other ownership interest;
    3. “nonprofit corporation” means a corporation that qualifies for exemption from taxation under 26 U.S.C. 501(c) (Internal Revenue Code);
    4. “university” means the University of Alaska.

History. (§ 1 ch 18 SLA 2006)

Sec. 14.40.460. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.010.]

Sec. 14.40.461. University research forest.

  1. For the purpose of advancing research into forest practices, ecology, wildlife management, and recreation, a university research forest is established on land described as the “University Research Forest” and identified for conveyance to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska in the document titled “University of Alaska Land Grant List 2005,” dated January 12, 2005.
  2. Before conveyance of university research forest land to the Board of Regents in trust for the University of Alaska under AS 14.40.365(b) , the commissioner of natural resources shall manage the university research forest to accomplish the purposes of this section and in accordance with state land use plans adopted under AS 38.04.065 , forest management plans adopted under AS 41.17.230 , and other provisions of law applicable to state-owned land.
  3. Notwithstanding the limitations of AS 14.40.365(l) , on or before the date a parcel is required to be conveyed to the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska under AS 14.40.365(b) , the commissioner of natural resources may
    1. convey an irrevocable interest in land located in the research forest that terminates or returns to the state on or before the date the parcel is required to be conveyed under AS 14.40.365(b) ;
    2. sell timber rights and dispose of other renewable resources located in the research forest.
  4. After conveyance of university research forest land to the Board of Regents in trust for the university under AS 14.40.365(b) , the Board of Regents may disestablish some or all of the university research forest established by this section, and dispose of, or develop, land within the former research forest, if the Board of Regents first
    1. provides to the public and the commissioner of natural resources reasonable notice and an opportunity for comment on the board’s proposed decision regarding disestablishment;
    2. considers comments received from the public and the commissioner of natural resources under (1) of this subsection;
    3. evaluates whether the objectives of advancing research into forest practices, ecology, wildlife management, and recreation can be accomplished without retaining some or all of the research forest;
    4. determines, following notice and any public comment by local timber industry representatives, that disposal of the land will not interfere with commercially viable timber harvest resource development; and
    5. concludes that it is in the best interest of the university to disestablish some or all of the research forest.

History. (§ 7 ch 136 SLA 2000; am § 6 ch 8 FSSLA 2005)

Notes to Decisions

Enactment by ch. 136, SLA 2000 upheld. —

Non-monetary asset transfers are not appropriations subject to the governor’s enhanced veto under Alaska Const., art. II. Therefore, a 2000 amendment (ch. 136, SLA 2000) allowing the University of Alaska to select between 250,000 and 260,000 acres of state lands which would then be conveyed to the university to manage, was not an appropriation, and an override of the governor’s veto required only a two-thirds majority in the legislature, not the three-fourths majority required for the overriding of a veto of an appropriations bill. Having received the required two-thirds majority, the veto was successfully overridden, and the bill, affecting this section, became law. State Legislative Council v. Knowles, 86 P.3d 891 (Alaska 2004).

Act conveying land to university. —

Act, codified in AS 14.40.365 , 14.40.366 , 14.40.400(a)(2) , conveying land to the University of Alaska and providing for proceeds of the land to go to the University’s endowment trust fund, was unconstitutional because it improperly dedicated state funds, in violation of Alaska Const. art. IX, § 7, with the exception of severable provisions of the act creating a research forest. Southeast Alaska Conservation Council v. State, 202 P.3d 1162 (Alaska 2009).

Sec. 14.40.470. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.015.]

Sec. 14.40.480. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.020.]

Sec. 14.40.490. [Renumbered as AS 14.40.491.]

Sec. 14.40.491. Definition of university receipts.

In AS 14.40.120 14.40.491 , “university receipts” includes

  1. student fees, including tuition;
  2. receipts from university auxiliary services;
  3. recovery of indirect costs of university activities;
  4. receipts from sales and rentals of university property;
  5. federal receipts;
  6. gifts, grants, and contracts;
  7. receipts from sales, rentals, and the provision of services of educational activities; and
  8. receipts attributable to amounts distributed from university endowments established and managed under AS 14.40.280 and from the endowment trust fund established and managed under AS 14.40.400 .

History. (§ 23 ch 138 SLA 1986; § 7 ch 143 SLA 1986; am § 11 ch 9 SLA 1997)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.490 . Renumbered in 1987.

Section 23, ch. 138, SLA 1986, and § 7, ch. 143, SLA 1986, both enacted a definition of “university receipts.” The definitions were substantially the same. The text set out above is the language enacted in § 23, ch. 138, SLA 1986.

Secs. 14.40.510 — 14.40.550. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.050 — 14.43.075.]

Article 4. Community Colleges.

Sec. 14.40.560. Authority to cooperate.

A qualified school district or political subdivision may make an agreement with the University of Alaska for the establishment, operation, and maintenance of a community college. A qualified school district or qualified political subdivision shall pay all instructional and administrative costs for nondegree college programs and activities offered.

History. (§ 3 ch 75 SLA 1962)

Sec. 14.40.570. Authority of board.

  1. Since academic education beyond the high school level is a statewide responsibility, the board, in its discretion and as the need arises, may cooperate with the federal government and qualified school districts and political subdivisions in the establishment of appropriate higher educational programs and activities.  The board is responsible for the selection of all community college instructors, part and full-time, for the academic degree programs and activities, and shall pay all instructional and administrative costs, including cost of special equipment and instructional materials, for academic degree programs and activities offered.
  2. Selected upper division and graduate level courses of instruction, offered by the university through its off-campus instructional program to meet local needs, may be coordinated through the office of the director of a community college.

History. (§ 4 ch 75 SLA 1962)

Sec. 14.40.580. Use of joint facilities.

  1. If facilities used by the community college are owned by the school district or political subdivision, the board, subject to availability of appropriated funds, may reimburse the school district for all expenses directly related to facilities for academic degree programs and activities.  The school district or political subdivision shall bear all expenses directly related to nondegree programs and activities.
  2. If separate facilities are financed, constructed, or maintained from federal, state, or private funds for either academic degree or nonacademic degree programs and activities of the community college, then the board has title to and control of the separate facilities used for these purposes. If separate facilities are financed, constructed, or maintained from school district or political subdivision funds for either degree or nondegree programs and activities, the school district or political subdivision has title to and control of the separate facilities used for these purposes.

History. (§ 5 ch 75 SLA 1962)

Sec. 14.40.590. Director.

The administrative head of a community college established by the University of Alaska in cooperation with school districts or political subdivisions is a director. The director shall be selected by the board, subject to approval by the governing body of the school district or political subdivision.

History. (§ 6 ch 75 SLA 1962)

Sec. 14.40.600. Regulations.

A community college established by the university in cooperation with school districts or political subdivisions shall be established, maintained, and operated under rules and regulations adopted by the board. The selection and academic qualifications for personnel and the curriculum of a community college, insofar as it pertains to academic degree programs and activities, is the responsibility of the board. The selection and qualifications of personnel for nondegree programs and activities of the community college are the responsibility of the governing body of the school district or political subdivision.

History. (§ 7 ch 75 SLA 1962)

Sec. 14.40.610. Disposition of income.

  1. [Repealed, § 12 ch 42 SLA 1997.]
  2. All money, including tuition and fees received before or after April 10, 1962, from the operations of a community college established, operated, and maintained under AS 14.40.560 14.40.640 and directly related or attributable to nondegree programs and activities of the community college, shall be placed in the appropriate fund of the qualified school district or political subdivision cooperating with the university in the establishment of the community college.

History. (§ 8 ch 75 SLA 1962; am § 12 ch 42 SLA 1997)

Sec. 14.40.620. Savings clause.

An agreement between the University of Alaska and a community college in effect on April 10, 1962, shall remain in effect until its agreed expiration unless, before the agreed expiration, it is mutually cancelled or modified by the contracting parties.

History. (§ 10 ch 75 SLA 1962)

Sec. 14.40.630. Definitions.

In AS 14.40.560 14.40.640 , unless the context otherwise requires,

  1. “board of regents” or “board” means the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska;
  2. “community college” means a program of education established by the University of Alaska in cooperation with qualified school districts or qualified political subdivisions of the state, including both academic degree and nondegree programs;
  3. “qualified school district” or “qualified political subdivision” means a school district or political subdivision organized under the laws of the state, or a group of two or more contiguous school districts or political subdivisions of the state, or a combination of each, which combination, considered as a unit, meets the following minimum requirements for the establishment of a community college:
    1. makes application to the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska for participation in the community college program;
    2. satisfies educational standards of the University of Alaska according to criteria established by the Board of Regents;
    3. has had an average daily membership during the previous school year of at least 75 high school students, grades 9-12;
    4. has established to the satisfaction of the Board of Regents the practical need for a community college within the district or political subdivision; and
    5. makes arrangements for defraying its proper share of the costs of the operation and maintenance of a community college, as provided by the terms of AS 14.40.560 14.40.640 .

History. (§ 2 ch 75 SLA 1962)

Revisor’s notes. —

Reorganized in 1987 to alphabetize the defined terms.

Sec. 14.40.640. Short title.

AS 14.40.560 14.40.640 may be cited as the Community College Act.

History. (§ 1 ch 75 SLA 1962)

Article 5. University Retirement Programs.

Sec. 14.40.660. [Renumbered as AS 14.44.010.]

Sec. 14.40.661. Authority of board.

  1. The board may establish and maintain university retirement programs for eligible employees in which retirement and death benefits are provided through the purchase of annuity contracts, either fixed, variable, or a combination of fixed and variable. Participation in a university retirement program is in place of participation in a state retirement system. The university may establish retirement programs for new employees in a participating position at any time. Retirement programs must be optional.
  2. The board shall
    1. provide for the administration of the retirement programs, including procedures for resolving complaints from participating employees;
    2. designate the company or companies to which payment of the contributions required under AS 14.40.691 may be made, after considering the
      1. nature and extent of the rights and benefits that the contracts will provide to employees who elect to participate and to their beneficiaries;
      2. relation of the contractual rights and benefits to the contributions to be made under AS 14.40.661 14.40.799 ;
      3. suitability of the contractual rights and benefits to the needs and interests of employees who participate and to the interest of the university in the employment and retention of employees;
      4. ability of the designated company or companies to provide rights and benefits under the contracts; and
      5. efficacy of the contracts in the recruitment and retention of faculty and administrators;
    3. take other actions required to ensure that the retirement programs comply with applicable provisions of 26 U.S.C. 401 — 417 (Internal Revenue Code).

History. (§ 4 ch 104 SLA 1989; am § 38 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.40.670. [Renumbered as AS 14.44.015.]

Sec. 14.40.671. Participation.

  1. An employee in a participating position may elect to participate in a university retirement program or to participate in the appropriate state retirement system. Eligibility to participate in a program begins on an employee’s appointment to a participating position.
  2. An election under (a) of this section to participate in a university retirement program is irrevocable. The election shall be made in writing on a form provided by the board and approved for the state by the commissioner of administration. The form must be filed with the university not later than 30 days after the date on which the employee is notified by the university that the employee is eligible to participate in the program. A copy of the form shall be delivered to the appropriate state retirement system. The election becomes irrevocable on the date it is received by the board.
  3. Participation in a university retirement program constitutes a waiver of all rights and benefits under the state retirement systems earned on or after the effective date of the election while the employee is participating in a university retirement program.
  4. Except as provided in (e) of this section, if a nonvested member of a state retirement system participates in a university retirement program, the employee may choose to transfer the amount in the employee’s contribution account to a university retirement program. If the employee chooses to transfer the account, the appropriate state retirement system shall pay to the university on behalf of the employee an amount equal to the balance in the account. The payment must be made within 45 days after notice of the employee’s decision to transfer the employee’s contribution account to a university retirement program is received by the state retirement system. The financial officer of the university shall immediately pay the amount received to the designated company or companies for the benefit of the employee. An employee who transfers assets under this subsection may not reclaim the corresponding service in the state retirement system if the employee is reemployed under the state retirement system.
  5. An employee whose rights to transfer assets out of a state retirement system are subject to a qualified domestic relations order is entitled to transfer assets from the state retirement system to a university retirement program only if the requirements for receiving a refund under  AS 14.25.150(b) , 14.25.360 ,  AS 39.35.200(c) , or 39.35.760 , as appropriate, are met.
  6. If a vested member of a state retirement system elects to participate in a university retirement program, the employee ceases to be an active member of the state retirement system on the effective date of the participation in a university retirement program. The employee retains all benefits accrued in the state retirement system.
  7. An employee who does not participate in a university retirement program under this section becomes or remains a member of the appropriate state retirement system.
  8. Notwithstanding (b) of this section, the university may offer an employee who made an election not to participate in an optional university retirement program at the time the employee was eligible to participate in the program an option to enroll in a different university retirement program.

History. (§ 4 ch 104 SLA 1989; am §§ 39 — 41 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.40.680. [Renumbered as AS 14.44.020.]

Sec. 14.40.681. Retirement system membership.

An employee participating in a university retirement program may not participate in a state retirement system during the time the employee is employed in a participating position. If the employee is later employed in a position covered by a state retirement system that is not a participating position, the employee may not continue to participate in a university retirement program and shall begin to participate in the state retirement system.

History. (§ 4 ch 104 SLA 1989; am § 42 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Secs. 14.40.685 — 14.40.690. [Renumbered as AS 14.44.025 — 14.44.030.]

Sec. 14.40.691. Contributions.

  1. The university shall contribute on behalf of each employee participating in the program an amount established by the board.
  2. An employee participating in the program shall contribute to the program an amount established by the board.
  3. The board may specify that contributions required by this section are made by a reduction in salary under 26 U.S.C. 403(b) or 26 U.S.C. 414(h)(2) (Internal Revenue Code).
  4. The financial officer of the university shall pay the contributions authorized or required by this section to the designated company or companies for the benefit of each participant.

History. (§ 4 ch 104 SLA 1989; am § 43 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Secs. 14.40.695 — 14.40.700. [Renumbered as AS 14.44.035 — 14.44.050.]

Sec. 14.40.701. Benefits.

Payment of benefits to participants of the program is the responsibility of the company or companies designated by the board and is not the responsibility of the board, the university, or the state. The benefits are payable to participants or their beneficiaries in accordance with the terms of the applicable retirement plan document.

History. (§ 4 ch 104 SLA 1989; am § 44 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.40.710. Terms and provisions of Compact. [Repealed, § 7 ch 24 SLA 1979.]

Sec. 14.40.730. Members of commission. [Repealed, § 7 ch 24 SLA 1979.]

Sec. 14.40.750. Fund created. [Repealed, § 2 ch 98 SLA 1971.]

Secs. 14.40.751 — 14.40.759. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.090 — 14.43.110.]

Sec. 14.40.760. Limits on grants and loans. [Repealed, § 2 ch 98 SLA 1971.]

Secs. 14.40.761 — 14.40.769. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.115 — 14.43.135.]

Sec. 14.40.770. Renewal preference. [Repealed, § 2 ch 98 SLA 1971.]

Sec. 14.40.771. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.140.]

Sec. 14.40.773. Definitions. [Repealed, § 6 ch 156 SLA 1972.]

Sec. 14.40.775. Conditions of grants. [Repealed, § 2 ch 98 SLA 1971.]

Sec. 14.40.776. Tuition grants. [Repealed, § 15 ch 94 SLA 1980.]

Sec. 14.40.780. Conditions of loans. [Repealed, § 2 ch 98 SLA 1971.]

Secs. 14.40.781 — 14.40.786. Limitation on grants; conditions of grants. [Repealed, § 15 ch 94 SLA 1980.]

Sec. 14.40.790. Eligibility of students. [Repealed, § 2 ch 98 SLA 1971.]

Secs. 14.40.791 — 14.40.796. Eligibility of students; application and certification. [Repealed, § 15 ch 94 SLA 1980.]

Sec. 14.40.799. Definitions.

In AS 14.40.661 14.40.799 ,

  1. “appropriate state retirement system” means the state retirement system that includes the employee’s position;
  2. “board” means the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska;
  3. “contribution account” means the member contribution account under AS 14.25.009 14.25.220 , the individual account under AS 14.25.310 14.25.590 , the employee contribution account under AS 39.35.095 39.35.680 , or the individual account under AS 39.35.700 39.35.990 , whichever is appropriate;
  4. “employee” means an employee of the University of Alaska or a community college under AS 14.40;
  5. “participating position” means a position that is a permanent position that is at least a .5 full-time appointment and is included in the applicable retirement plan document;
  6. “program” means a university retirement program;
  7. “state retirement system” means the teachers’ retirement system under AS 14.25 or the public employees’ retirement system under AS 39.35;
  8. “university” means the University of Alaska.

History. (§ 4 ch 104 SLA 1989; am §§ 45 — 49 ch 9 FSSLA 2005)

Sec. 14.40.800. Selection of criteria. [Repealed, § 2 ch 98 SLA 1971.]

Sec. 14.40.801. Fiscal and business management practices. [Repealed, § 7 ch 246 SLA 1976.]

Secs. 14.40.710 — 14.40.720. [Renumbered as AS 14.44.055 — 14.44.060.]

Article 6. Alaska Higher Education Savings Trust and Alaska Advance College Tuition Savings Fund.

Cross references. —

For higher education savings program for certain children committed to the custody of the state, see AS 47.14.400 .

Sec. 14.40.802. Alaska Higher Education Savings Trust.

  1. The Alaska Higher Education Savings Trust is established in the University of Alaska. The purpose of this trust is to secure obligations to participants and beneficiaries under a postsecondary education savings program operated by the University of Alaska and to provide participants a convenient method of saving for college or other postsecondary education. The Board of Regents of the University of Alaska shall
    1. adopt policies that provide for the administration, management, promotion, and marketing of the trust;
    2. maintain the trust in compliance with requirements of 26 U.S.C. (Internal Revenue Code) for a qualified state tuition program as defined in 26 U.S.C. 529;
    3. coordinate savings options established under the trust and the administration of the trust with the Alaska advance college tuition savings fund (AS 14.40.803 ), including the creation of common administrative and record-keeping systems, marketing programs, and operating reserves;
    4. establish participation agreements, including application, savings options, and withdrawal procedures;
    5. enter into participation agreements with participants for the
      1. accumulation, investment, and distribution of funds;
      2. payment or reimbursement of qualified higher education expenses; and
      3. benefit of a beneficiary;
    6. enter into contracts with one or more contractors, including investment managers; in determining the persons to act as investment managers, consideration must be given to the qualifications of the contractor, including the contractor’s ability to
      1. administer financial programs with individual account maintenance and reporting;
      2. develop, market, and administer investment options appropriate for the trust; and
      3. augment the savings program with other beneficial products and services;
    7. allow both residents and nonresidents to participate in the trust;
    8. allow the transfer or rollover of funds from the Alaska advance college tuition savings fund and other qualified state tuition programs under 26 U.S.C. 529 and the participation agreement;
    9. allow withdrawals from the trust to be used for qualified higher education expenses, including room and board as allowed by 26 U.S.C. 529;
    10. establish penalties for withdrawals from the trust for nonqualified expenses and other distributions as required under 26 U.S.C. 529 or as provided in the participation agreement;
    11. engage an independent firm of certified public accountants to audit the financial position of the trust.
  2. The board may
    1. divide the trust into multiple investment portfolios;
    2. commingle amounts credited to some or all accounts for investment purposes;
    3. establish trusts and accounts as the board considers appropriate under 26 U.S.C. 529;
    4. require trust participants to pay all administrative fees;
    5. establish earnings reserves as provided in the participation agreement, including reserves for the payment of administrative costs.
  3. The University of Alaska, the board, the state, or an agency of the state is not liable for a loss of funds that are invested under a participation agreement or for the denial of a perceived tax or other benefit. The board shall provide written notice to each applicant that there is no guarantee of any rate of return or benefit and that any risk of loss in account value or other benefit rests exclusively with the participant and the beneficiary.
  4. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, earnings on funds deposited with the trust are not subject to taxation by the state or a municipality.
  5. Except for needs-based scholarships, funds on deposit with the trust may not be considered by the University of Alaska or an agency of the state to limit eligibility for a state-funded scholarship.
  6. A participant has the right, as provided in the participation agreement, to
    1. change the beneficiary of an account to another individual who is a member of the family of the former beneficiary; or
    2. direct that all or a portion of an account be transferred to an account with a new beneficiary if the new beneficiary is a member of the family of the former beneficiary.
  7. The right to change the beneficiary or to transfer between accounts described in (f) of this section may be denied or limited as provided in the participation agreement, including transfers that would result in contributions or account balances in excess of allowable limits under the participation agreement.
  8. Except as provided under AS 34.40.110(b)(4) , an account established under this section
    1. is exempt from a claim by the creditors of a participant or of a beneficiary;
    2. is conclusively presumed to be a spendthrift trust;
    3. is not an asset or property of either the participant or the beneficiary;
    4. may not be assigned, pledged, or otherwise used to secure a loan or other advancement;
    5. is not subject to involuntarily transfer or alienation.
  9. Except as permitted in 26 U.S.C. 529, a participant or beneficiary may not directly or indirectly direct the investment of an account or earnings on the account.
  10. A participant may, as provided in the participation agreement, designate a person other than the participant as a successor participant. The designation of a successor participant does not take effect until the participant dies or is declared legally incompetent. If a participant dies or is declared legally incompetent without having effectively designated a successor participant, the beneficiary may designate a successor participant in the manner prescribed above if the beneficiary is not the same person as the successor participant.
  11. The trust, a participation agreement, and this section are intended to comply with the requirements of 26 U.S.C. 529 and shall be interpreted in that manner to the extent permitted by law.
  12. The trust and participation agreements may be modified or amended on a retroactive basis in order to maintain compliance with 26 U.S.C. (Internal Revenue Code) and to maintain efficient operation of the trust as determined by the board.
  13. A name, address, or other information identifying a person as a participant or beneficiary in the trust is confidential.
  14. In this section,
    1. “account” means an individual trust account established under this section;
    2. “beneficiary” means any person designated by a participation agreement, or by another method of designation authorized in this section, to benefit from payments for qualified higher education expenses at an eligible educational institution;
    3. “board” means the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska;
    4. “member of the family” has the meaning given in 26 U.S.C. 529(e);
    5. “participant” means a person who has entered into a participation agreement or has been appointed as a participant as provided in this section and in the participation agreement;
    6. “participation agreement” means an agreement between a participant and the board providing for the establishment by the participant of one or more accounts under this section and for the administration of those accounts for the benefit of the participant and the beneficiary;
    7. “qualified higher education expenses” has the meaning given in 26 U.S.C. 529(e);
    8. “trust” means the Alaska Higher Education Savings Trust.

History. (§ 4 ch 3 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.40.803. Alaska advance college tuition savings fund.

  1. The Alaska advance college tuition savings fund is established as a nonlapsing fund of the University of Alaska. The purpose of the fund is to secure obligations to participants under a postsecondary education savings program operated by the University of Alaska and to enhance the ability of the university to provide (1) higher education for the people of the state; (2) wide and affordable access to higher education for residents and their children; (3) an incentive for residents to achieve higher academic standards in grades 7 — 12; and (4) an incentive for residents to continue and complete secondary and postsecondary education. The fund may be divided into separate accounts for accounting purposes.
  2. The fund consists of
    1. permanent fund dividend and cash contributions made under AS 14.40.807 under the terms of an advance college tuition savings contract;
    2. appropriations, gifts, bequests, and contributions; and
    3. income and earnings of the fund.
  3. Assets of the fund shall be expended to make payments to the university and other eligible educational institutions, including payments for refunds, redemptions, and awards under a savings contract or scholarships, costs of administration, and other obligations of the fund.

History. (§ 1 ch 90 SLA 1990; am § 2 ch 61 SLA 1991; am §§ 2, 3 ch 102 SLA 1997; am § 5 ch 3 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.40.805. Powers and duties of the commissioner of revenue. [Repealed, § 14 ch 3 SLA 2000.]

Sec. 14.40.806. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.160.]

Sec. 14.40.807. Contribution to the Alaska Advance College Tuition Savings Fund.

  1. Contributions to the fund under the terms of an advance college tuition savings contract may be made by direct cash payments or by contributions from the permanent fund dividend. The Department of Revenue shall
    1. prepare the permanent fund dividend application to allow an applicant or a parent, legal guardian, or other authorized representative of an applicant who is an unemancipated minor to contribute 50 percent of a dividend to the fund; and
    2. include with each application for a permanent fund dividend an explanation of the advance college tuition savings program, including the right to receive a refund, a disclosure of the potential tax liability of the fund, and disclosure of the possible general effect of the tax liability on the advance college tuition savings program.
  2. The Department of Revenue shall pay contributions directly to the fund.
  3. In order to assure the actuarial soundness of the fund, the legislature may appropriate annually to the fund the sum, certified by the board to the governor and the legislature, that is necessary to restore the fund to an amount that is actuarially sound. The board annually, before January 30, shall make and deliver to the governor and to the legislature a certificate stating the sum required to restore the fund to an amount that is actuarially sound, and that sum may be appropriated and paid to the fund during that fiscal year. This subsection does not create a debt or liability of the state.

History. (§ 1 ch 90 SLA 1990; am §§ 4, 5 ch 61 SLA 1991; am § 6 ch 3 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.40.809. Powers and duties of the University of Alaska.

  1. The Board of Regents of the University of Alaska may contract with a purchaser for the purchase of advance college tuition credits for the payment of tuition and other qualified higher education expenses for a beneficiary of any age to attend a branch of the university or other eligible educational institution to which the beneficiary is admitted. A purchaser and a beneficiary may be the same person.
  2. The board shall
    1. make appropriate arrangements as necessary to fulfill the board’s obligations under an advance college tuition savings contract;
    2. establish and adopt a formal plan for administration of the advance college tuition savings program; the terms and conditions of the plan shall be considered a part of an advance college tuition savings contract;
    3. establish investment objectives, criteria, and asset allocation guidelines for the fund based on prudent institutional investor guidelines and actuarial analysis of the earnings requirements for the advance college tuition savings plan;
    4. enter into contracts or agreements considered necessary for the investment of the fund, including contracts or agreements with investment managers, consultants, and other custodians of the fund;
    5. engage a financial advisor to report annually on the investment performance of the fund;
    6. engage an independent firm of certified public accountants to audit the financial position of the fund;
    7. do all acts, whether or not expressly authorized, that the board considers necessary or proper in administering the assets of the fund;
    8. enter into reciprocal agreements with Alaska Pacific University and other eligible educational institutions or state tuition programs that the board determines to be beneficial to the advance college tuition savings program;
    9. coordinate savings options established under the Alaska advance college tuition savings program and the administration of the fund with the Alaska Higher Education Savings Trust (AS 14.40.802 ) including the creation of common administrative and record-keeping systems, marketing programs, and operating reserves.

History. (§ 1 ch 90 SLA 1990; am § 6 ch 61 SLA 1991; am § 5 ch 102 SLA 1997; am § 7 ch 3 SLA 2000; am § 10 ch 8 SLA 2011)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2011 amendment, effective May 10, 2011, substituted “to report annually” for “to annually report” in (b)(5), deleted “Sheldon Jackson College” preceding “Alaska Pacific University” in (b)(8), and made a related change.

Sec. 14.40.810. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.250.]

Sec. 14.40.811. Advance college tuition savings contracts.

  1. An advance college tuition savings contract must set out or include by reference to the plan
    1. the name and date of birth of the purchaser and the beneficiary under the contract;
    2. the number of advance college tuition credits purchased under the contract;
    3. the terms and conditions under which the contract may be terminated and refunds made;
    4. the assumption of a contractual obligation by the board to provide funding for specified education benefits for the beneficiary in accordance with the terms of the plan;
    5. the period of time during which the beneficiary may receive the benefits of the contract; and
    6. other terms and conditions the board determines to be appropriate or that are required under 26 U.S.C. (Internal Revenue Code).
  2. An advance college tuition savings contract may be terminated
    1. if the board determines that the number of purchasers is insufficient to maintain the fund on an actuarially sound basis; or
    2. under other circumstances determined by the board and set out in the advance tuition savings contract or in the plan.

History. (§ 1 ch 90 SLA 1990; am § 7 ch 61 SLA 1991; am § 6 ch 102 SLA 1997; am § 8 ch 3 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.40.815. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.255.]

Sec. 14.40.817. Definitions.

In AS 14.40.803 14.40.817 ,

  1. “advance college tuition savings contract” or “contract” means a contract entered into by the board and a purchaser to provide for the qualified higher education expenses of a beneficiary;
  2. “beneficiary” means a designated beneficiary as defined under 26 U.S.C. 529(e)(1) (Internal Revenue Code);
  3. “board” means the Board of Regents of the university;
  4. “eligible educational institution” has the meaning given in 26 U.S.C. 135(c)(3) (Internal Revenue Code);
  5. “fund” means the Alaska advance college tuition savings fund established under AS 14.40.803 ;
  6. “plan” means the formal plan for administration of an advance college tuition savings program adopted by the board under AS 14.40.809(b) ;
  7. “purchaser” means the person who is named in the contract and has the rights conferred upon a purchaser under an advance college tuition savings contract;
  8. “qualified higher education expenses” has the meaning given in 26 U.S.C. 529(e)(3) (Internal Revenue Code);
  9. “university” means the University of Alaska, including a community college affiliated with the university.

History. (§ 1 ch 90 SLA 1990; am § 8 ch 61 SLA 1991; am § 7 ch 102 SLA 1997; am §§ 9 — 12 ch 3 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.40.820. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.300.]

Sec. 14.40.821. Creation and termination of corporation. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.010.]

Sec. 14.40.825. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.305.]

Sec. 14.40.826. Board of directors. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.020.]

Sec. 14.40.830. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.310.]

Sec. 14.40.831. Chair and vice-chair. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.030.]

Sec. 14.40.835. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.315.]

Sec. 14.40.836. Meetings; staff. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.040.]

Sec. 14.40.840. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.320.]

Sec. 14.40.841. Alaska Aerospace Corporation fund. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.050.]

Sec. 14.40.845. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.325.]

Sec. 14.40.846. Insurance coverage; safety program. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.060.]

Sec. 14.40.849. Definitions. [Repealed, § 2 ch 98 SLA 1971.]

Sec. 14.40.850. Declaration of purpose. [Repealed, § 22 ch 136 SLA 1974.]

Sec. 14.40.851. Space activities location. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.070.]

Sec. 14.40.855. Fund created. [Repealed, § 22 ch 136 SLA 1974.]

Sec. 14.40.856. Licenses and permits. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.080.]

Sec. 14.40.860. Limits on loans and grants. [Repealed, § 22 ch 136 SLA 1974.]

Sec. 14.40.861. Purpose of the corporation. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.090.]

Sec. 14.40.865. Conditions of loans and grants. [Repealed, § 22 ch 136 SLA 1974.]

Sec. 14.40.866. Powers and duties of the corporation. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.100.]

Sec. 14.40.870. Repayment of loans. [Repealed, § 22 ch 136 SLA 1974.]

Sec. 14.40.871. Regulations. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.110.]

Sec. 14.40.875. Selection criteria. [Repealed, § 22 ch 136 SLA 1974.]

Sec. 14.40.876. Exercise by corporation of powers within municipalities. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.120.]

Sec. 14.40.880. Discrimination prohibited. [Repealed, § 22 ch 136 SLA 1974.]

Sec. 14.40.881. Trade secrets confidential. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.130.]

Sec. 14.40.885. Administering authority. [Repealed, § 22 ch 136 SLA 1974.]

Sec. 14.40.886. Approval of projects by legislature. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.140.]

Sec. 14.40.890. Funding. [Repealed, § 22 ch 136 SLA 1974.]

Sec. 14.40.891. Issuance of bonds, notes, and refunding bonds. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.150.]

Sec. 14.40.896. Security for bonds. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.160.]

Sec. 14.40.899. Limitation of liability on bonds. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.170.]

Sec. 14.40.900. Contractual agreements. [Repealed, § 2 ch 98 SLA 1971.]

Sec. 14.40.901. [Renumbered as AS 14.42.010.]

Sec. 14.40.902. Issuance and sale of bonds and notes. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.180.]

Secs. 14.40.903 — 14.40.905. [Renumbered as AS 14.42.015 — 14.42.020.]

Sec. 14.40.906. Bonds exempt from taxes. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.190.]

Sec. 14.40.907. [Renumbered as AS 14.42.025.]

Sec. 14.40.908. Independent financial advisor. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.200.]

Sec. 14.40.909. [Renumbered as AS 14.42.030.]

Sec. 14.40.910. Exceptions. [Repealed, § 2 ch 98 SLA 1971.]

Sec. 14.40.911. [Renumbered as AS 14.42.035.]

Sec. 14.40.912. Additional powers to secure bonds or obligations under leases. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.210.]

Secs. 14.40.913 — 14.40.915. [Renumbered as AS 14.42.040 — 14.42.045.]

Sec. 14.40.916. Right of obligee of corporation to bring injunction. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.220.]

Secs. 14.40.917 — 14.90.919. [Renumbered as AS 14.42.050 — 14.42.055.]

Sec. 14.40.920. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.080.]

Sec. 14.40.921. Power of corporation to confer upon obligee right to bring action or proceeding. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.230.]

Sec. 14.40.926. Exemption of real property of corporation from execution or other process. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.240.]

Sec. 14.40.930. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.400.]

Sec. 14.40.931. Power of corporation to obtain federal aid and cooperation. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.250.]

Sec. 14.40.935. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.405.]

Sec. 14.40.936. Exemption from taxes and assessments. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.260.]

Sec. 14.40.940. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.410.]

Sec. 14.40.941. Disposal of surplus property. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.270.]

Sec. 14.40.945. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.415.]

Sec. 14.40.946. Public loans or donations to or cooperation with corporation. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.280.]

Sec. 14.40.950. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.420.]

Sec. 14.40.951. Reserve fund. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.290.]

Sec. 14.40.956. Cooperation with other authorities. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.300.]

Sec. 14.40.960. [Renumbered as AS 14.43.500.]

Sec. 14.40.961. Investment of revenue. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.310.]

Sec. 14.40.966. Legality of corporation bonds as investments. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.320.]

Sec. 14.40.990. Definitions. [Repealed, E.O. No. 115, § 4 (2011). For current law see AS 26.27.900.]

Chapter 42. Postsecondary Education Commission and Loan Corporation.

Article 1. Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education.

Collateral references. —

15A Am. Jur. 2d Colleges and Universities, §§ 4-8.

14A C.J.S. Colleges and Universities, §§ 1-5.

Sec. 14.42.010. Purpose, intent.

  1. [Repealed, § 42 ch 85 SLA 2001.]
  2. The legislature affirms that the legal authority for the operation and management of the statewide university system remains with the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska and the legal authority for the operation and management of other postsecondary educational programs remains with the governing boards of the other private nonprofit and proprietary institutions in the state.

History. (§ 4 ch 78 SLA 1974; am § 42 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.901 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.42.015. Creation, composition, appointment of members.

  1. There is in the Department of Education and Early Development the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education consisting of
    1. two members of the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska designated by the members of that body;
    2. one person representing private nonprofit higher education in the state appointed by the governor;
    3. one person representing the Department of Education and Early Development selected by the state Board of Education and Early Development;
    4. four persons broadly and equitably representative of the general public appointed by the governor;
    5. one member of the Alaska Workforce Investment Board established by AS 23.15.550 designated by the members of that body;
    6. one person from the members of the local community college advisory councils appointed by the governor;
    7. two members from the legislature, one of whom shall be appointed by the president of the senate and one by the speaker of the house of representatives;
    8. one person appointed in accordance with (e) of this section who is a full-time student as defined in AS 14.43.160 ;
    9. one administrator appointed by the governor from a proprietary institution of postsecondary education that has an authorization to operate in the state issued under AS 14.48.
  2. No governing body member, trustee, official, or employee of either a public, private, or proprietary institution of postsecondary or higher education in the state may be appointed to membership on the commission as representative of the general public for the purpose of (a)(4) of this section.
  3. The governor’s appointees are subject to confirmation by the legislature and shall serve at the pleasure of the governor for four-year staggered terms. Members appointed or designated by bodies or agencies other than the governor serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.  Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointment.
  4. A full-time postsecondary student shall be appointed to the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education from a list of nominees submitted to the governor. The governor shall make the appointment from the list within 60 days after it is submitted. The list must consist of the names of two or more nominees from private nonprofit institutions of higher education in the state and two nominees from each campus of the University of Alaska. The nominees shall be selected by the students at private nonprofit institutions of higher education and each campus of the University of Alaska by an election held on each campus. Elections under this subsection shall be held concurrently with student regent elections required under AS 14.40.150(b) and conducted under rules established by the Office of the Governor. If a private nonprofit institution of higher education in the state does not have an organized student governance structure to hold elections, the institution’s governing board may nominate a full-time student and forward the name to the governor for consideration. The term of office of the student member of the commission is two years and begins June 1 of the year in which the appointment is made. Membership on the commission is immediately forfeited by a student member who ceases to be a full-time student. Within 60 days after a vacancy occurs, the governor shall appoint a successor from those students appearing on the list of nominees to serve for the unexpired term of the original appointee. The term “campus” used in this subsection means a portion of the University of Alaska designated as a “campus” by the Board of Regents.
  5. For the purpose of (a)(4) of this section, “broadly and equitably representative of the general public” means that the public membership of the commission shall include adequate representation both on the basis of sex and on the basis of the significant racial, ethnic, geographic, and economic groups in the state.

History. (§ 4 ch 78 SLA 1974; am §§ 1 — 3 ch 64 SLA 1982; am § 56 ch 6 SLA 1984; am § 1 ch 64 SLA 1986; am § 1 ch 41 SLA 1990; am § 3 ch 61 SLA 1995; am § 12 ch 58 SLA 1999; am § 2 ch 86 SLA 2002; am §§ 11, 12 ch 8 SLA 2011; am §§ 1, 2 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.903 . Renumbered in 1982.

In 2000, “state Board of Education and Early Development” was substituted for “state Board of Education” in paragraph (a)(3) in accordance with sec. 104, ch. 21, SLA 2000. In 2008, subsection (e) was relettered as (d) and subsection (d) was relettered as (e).

Effect of amendments. —

The 2011 amendment, effective May 10, 2011, rewrote (a)(2) which read, “one person representing private higher education in the state selected jointly by the Boards of Trustees of Alaska Pacific University and Sheldon Jackson College from among their membership” and deleted references to “Sheldon Jackson College” from the third and fourth sentences in (d).

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (a)(2), inserted “nonprofit” following “representing private” near the beginning, and substituted “appointed by the governor” for “selected by the board of trustees of Alaska Pacific University from among its membership” at the end; in (d), in the third sentence, inserted “or more” following “names of two” and substituted “private nonprofit institutions of higher education in the state” for “Alaska Pacific University”, in the fourth sentence, substituted “private nonprofit institutions of higher education in the state” for “Alaska Pacific University”, and added the sixth sentence.

Sec. 14.42.020. Officers.

The chairman and vice-chairman shall be elected from among the members of the commission for a one-year term. A member of the commission may not serve as chairman for more than two consecutive one-year terms.

History. (§ 4 ch 78 SLA 1974)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.905. Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.42.025. Meetings, rules, votes required.

The commission shall prescribe its own rules of procedure. The commission shall meet once quarterly at a time and place determined by the chairman, and at other times and places as the chairman, or a majority of the members of the commission, consider necessary. A quorum is a majority of the members of the commission. The votes of the commission members shall be recorded, and effective action requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the commission members present. A commission member may not, with respect to a matter before the commission, vote for or on behalf of, or in any way exercise the vote of, another member of the commission.

History. (§ 4 ch 78 SLA 1974)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.907 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.42.030. Functions, duties, and powers of the commission.

  1. The commission has the following functions, advisory to the governing boards of institutions of public and private higher education in this state, to the governor, the legislature, and to other appropriate state and federal officials:
    1. coordinate the development of comprehensive plans for the orderly, systematic growth of public and private postsecondary education, including community colleges and occupational education, in the state and submit recommendations on the need for, and location of, new facilities and programs;
    2. review and advise as to the efficiency and effectiveness of all consortia and other cooperative agreements between the institutions of public and private higher education in the state that are parties to them.
  2. The commission shall
    1. administer the financial aid and interstate education compact programs under AS 14.43.091 14.43.920 and 14.43.990 , and AS 14.44;
    2. administer the provisions of AS 14.48 concerning regulation of postsecondary educational institutions;
    3. resolve disputes under a consortium or other cooperative agreement between institutions of public and private higher education in the state; and
    4. serve as the state agency required under 20 U.S.C. 1001 — 1155.
  3. [Repealed, § 42 ch 85 SLA 2001.]
  4. [Renumbered as AS 14.42.033 .]
  5. The commission may
    1. adopt regulations under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) to
      1. carry out the purposes of
        1. AS 14.43.091 14.43.849 , 14.43.990 , AS 14.44, and AS 14.48;
        2. AS 14.43.910 and 14.43.920 as they relate to the purposes of AS 14.43.091 14.43.849 , 14.43.990 , AS 14.44, and AS 14.48; and
        3. AS 14.42.035 and (7) and (8) of this subsection;
      2. ensure compliance with the requirements imposed by state and federal statutes and regulations governing the guaranty, insurance, purchase, or other dealings in eligible loans by federal agencies, instrumentalities, or corporations; and
      3. establish standards for the
        1. administration of hearings conducted under AS 14.43.153 ; and
        2. administrative enforcement of collection orders under AS 14.43.151 14.43.155 ;
    2. delegate to the executive director of the commission or a subcommittee of the commission any duty imposed on or power granted to the commission by this chapter, AS 14.43, AS 14.44, or AS 14.48, except its power to adopt regulations and its duty to consider appeals under AS 14.43.100(b) and AS 14.48.120 ;
    3. establish task forces, committees, or subcommittees, not necessarily consisting of commission members, to advise and assist the commission in carrying out its functions;
    4. contract with or use existing institutions of postsecondary education or other individuals or organizations to make studies, conduct surveys, submit recommendations, or otherwise contribute to the work of the commission;
    5. establish fees for the review of an out-of-state institution that
      1. requests approval for participation in the programs under AS 14.43.091 — 14.43.750 , 14.43.990, and AS 14.44; and
      2. is not accredited by a national or regional accreditation association recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation;
    6. collect all fees and costs incurred in collection of the amount owed on a loan or repayment obligation if the loan or repayment obligation becomes delinquent or in default; in this paragraph, fees and costs include attorney fees, court costs, and collection fees charged by a collection agency;
    7. if approved by the department, receive and analyze performance data for students in grades kindergarten through 12 and enter into contracts for the purpose of assessing education outcomes; and
    8. administer a statewide workforce and education-related statistics program under AS 14.42.035 .

History. (§ 4 ch 78 SLA 1974; am § 2 ch 25 SLA 1976; am § 24 ch 14 SLA 1987; am § 1 ch 15 SLA 1987; am § 1 ch 43 SLA 1991; am § 35 ch 126 SLA 1994; am § 1 ch 54 SLA 1998; am § 1 ch 23 SLA 1999; am §§ 2 — 4, 42 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 1 ch 63 SLA 2004; am § 1 ch 5 SLA 2007; am § 2 ch 14 SLA 2010; am § 3 ch 89 SLA 2014; am § 1 ch 32 SLA 2018)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.909 . Renumbered in 1982.

In 2010, in the text of the amendment of (e)(1)(A) of this section effective July 1, 2011, “AS 14.43.849 ” was substituted for “AS 14.43.850” to reflect the 2010 renumbering of AS 14.43.850.

Cross references. —

For definition of “consortium,” see AS 14.42.055 .

For transitional provisions giving effect to regulations relating to scholarship applications under the Alaska merit scholarship program on or after January 1, 2011, see § 9, ch. 14, SLA 2010, in the 2010 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For scholarship loans, see 20 AAC 15, art. 1.

For AlaskAdvantage federal consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 2.

For AlaskAdvantage loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 3.

For AlaskAdvantage consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 4.

For family education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 7.

For supplemental education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 9.

For AlaskAdvantage education grant program, see 20 AAC 16.

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

For authorization to operate as a college, junior college, community college, or university, see 20 AAC 17, art. 2.

For WICHE professional student exchange loan program, see 20 AAC 18.

For financial support for the WWAMI program, see 20 AAC 19.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2010 amendment, effective July 1, 2011, substituted “AS 14.43.091 — 14.43.850” for “AS 14.43.091 14.43.750 ” in (e)(1)(A)(i) and (ii).

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, added (e)(7) and made related changes.

The 2018 amendment, effective June 19, 2018, in (e), added (e)(1)(iii), added (e)(8), and made related changes.

Sec. 14.42.032. Limitation on awarding loans. [Repealed, § 26 ch 5 SLA 1996.]

Sec. 14.42.033. Agreements for medical education.

The commission shall enter into agreements with government or postsecondary education officials of this state or other states to provide postsecondary educational services and programs to Alaska residents pursuing a medical education degree sufficient to accommodate at least 20 new program participants each year. An agreement with another state must be limited to services and programs that are unavailable in Alaska. The commission shall require a person participating in a medical education program offered under this section to agree to the repayment condition imposed under AS 14.43.510 .

History. (§ 1 ch 15 SLA 1987; am § 1 ch 54 SLA 1998; am § 1 ch 23 SLA 1999; am § 1 ch 5 SLA 2007)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.42.030(d) . Renumbered in 2008, at which time “section” was substituted for “subsection” in the last sentence.

Cross references. —

For medical education financial support, see AS 14.43.510 .

Editor’s notes. —

Section 3, ch. 54, SLA 1998 provides that this section [formerly AS 14.42.030(d) ], amended by § 1, ch. 54, SLA 1998 “applies to a person who is accepted into a graduate education program and who receives financial aid from the state under AS 14.44.010 14.44.040 , or for a medical education program under AS 14.42.030(d) , on or after July 1, 1998.” Section 1, ch. 54, SLA 1998 added what is now the last sentence of this section.

Sec. 14.42.035. Collection of data.

  1. The commission may require the institutions of public and private higher education and other institutions of postsecondary education in the state to submit data on costs, selection, and retention of students, enrollments, education outcomes, plant capacities and use, and other matters pertinent to effective planning and coordination, and shall furnish information concerning these matters to the governor, to the legislature, and to other state and federal agencies as requested by them.
  2. The commission may maintain a database containing information received under this section, AS 14.42.030(e)(7) and (8), and AS 23.20.110 , for the purpose of compiling statewide workforce and education-related statistics and analyzing education and training outcomes. The commission may enter into cooperative agreements with state agencies, the University of Alaska, and other organizations to share data and information related to education and employment. The commission may not provide unit records to the federal government under this subsection.
  3. The commission shall, for the purposes of this section and AS 14.42.030(e)(7) and (8), remove personally identifiable information, including first name, last name, and middle name, social security number, student identification number, residential address, and mailing address, before placing the information in the database under (b) of this section. The commission is not required to remove the month or year of birth from a record under this subsection.
  4. In this section, “unit record” means information pertaining to an individual.

History. (§ 4 ch 78 SLA 1974; am § 4 ch 89 SLA 2014; am § 2 ch 32 SLA 2018)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.911 . Renumbered in 1982.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, inserted “education outcomes,” following “enrollments” and made a stylistic change.

The 2018 amendment, effective June 19, 2018, added (b) – (d).

Sec. 14.42.040. Executive officer and staff; administration.

  1. The commission may appoint an executive director as the commission’s executive officer. The executive officer is a member of the exempt service under AS 39.25.110 , serves at the pleasure of the commission, and receives compensation fixed by the commission. The executive officer appoints persons to the staff positions authorized by the commission, and staff compensation is fixed by the commission. Each employee of the commission shall elect membership either in the state teachers’ retirement system (AS 14.25), if qualified, or in the public employees’ retirement system (AS 39.35).
  2. The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education is not a division in the Department of Education and Early Development.  The commission, its members, executive officer, and staff are in the Department of Education and Early Development for administrative support services only, and they are not subject to the direction of the commissioner of education and early development or the state Board of Education and Early Development.

History. (§ 4 ch 78 SLA 1974; am § 2 ch 43 SLA 1991)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.913 . Renumbered in 1982.

In 1999, in (b) of this section, “commissioner of education” was changed to “commissioner of education and early development” and “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

In 2000, “state Board of Education and Early Development” was substituted for “state Board of Education” in subsection (b) in accordance with sec. 104, ch. 21, SLA 2000.

Sec. 14.42.045. Compensation and per diem.

Members of the commission serve without compensation but are entitled to per diem and travel expenses as may be authorized by law for boards and commissions.

History. (§ 4 ch 78 SLA 1974)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.915. Renumbered in 1982.

Cross references. —

For per diem and travel for boards and commissions, see AS 39.20.180 .

Sec. 14.42.050. Legal counsel.

  1. The attorney general is legal counsel for the commission.  The attorney general shall advise the commission in legal matters arising in the discharge of its duties and represent the commission in actions to which it is a party.  If, in the opinion of the commission, the public interest is not adequately represented by counsel in a proceeding, the attorney general, upon request of the commission, shall represent the public interest.
  2. The commission may employ temporary legal counsel from time to time in matters in which the commission is involved.

History. (§ 3 ch 25 SLA 1976)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.917 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.42.055. Consortia.

All parties that are signatory to a consortium agreement between the University of Alaska and a private university or college must abide by a decision rendered by the commission when disagreements arise or exist between the parties. For purposes of this section and AS 14.42.030 , “consortium” means a cooperative arrangement between two or more public or private institutions of postsecondary education specified in agreements or memoranda of understanding to permit sharing of facilities, instructional opportunities, and other educational services in such a way that the integrity of each institution party to the consortium is preserved while at the same time the institutions cooperatively plan the academic calendar, scheduling, use of personnel and facilities, and educational programs and offerings to the maximum advantage of the students and faculties of the institutions that are parties to a consortium.

History. (§ 8 ch 246 SLA 1976; am § 5 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.919. Renumbered in 1982.

Article 2. Alaska Student Loan Corporation.

Sec. 14.42.100. Creation of Alaska Student Loan Corporation.

There is created the Alaska Student Loan Corporation. The corporation is a public corporation and government instrumentality within the Department of Education and Early Development but having a legal existence independent of and separate from the state. The corporation may not be terminated as long as it has bonds, notes, or other obligations outstanding. Upon termination of the corporation, its rights and property pass to the state.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, in this section, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Sec. 14.42.110. Purpose of corporation. [Repealed, § 31 ch 63 SLA 2004.]

Sec. 14.42.120. Corporation governing body.

  1. The corporation shall be governed by a board of directors appointed by the governor consisting of two members of the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, each of whom is selected for the commission under AS 14.42.015(a)(1) — (2), (4) — (6), (8), or (9) and the commissioner of revenue, the commissioner of administration, and the commissioner of commerce, community, and economic development. Members of the board serve without compensation but the members who are also members of the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education are entitled to per diem and travel expenses authorized by law for boards and commissions under AS 39.20.180 .
  2. The board shall elect a chairman from among its membership at its annual meeting each year. A majority of the members constitute a quorum for organizing the board, conducting its business, and exercising the powers of the corporation.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, “commissioner of commerce and economic development” was changed to “commissioner of community and economic development” in (a) of this section in accordance with § 88, ch. 58, SLA 1999. In 2004, “commissioner of community and economic development” was changed to “commissioner of commerce, community, and economic development” in (a) of this section, in accordance with § 3, ch. 47, SLA 2004.

Sec. 14.42.130. Meetings of the board.

  1. The board shall meet at the call of its chairman and at other times as the board may determine in accordance with its regulations.
  2. Public notice of a meeting of the board at which the issuance of corporation bonds is authorized shall be provided at least 24 hours before the meeting.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Sec. 14.42.140. Minutes of meetings.

The board shall keep minutes of each meeting and send a certified copy to the governor and to the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Sec. 14.42.150. Administration of affairs.

The board shall manage the assets and business of the corporation and may adopt bylaws and regulations, in accordance with AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act), governing the manner in which the business of the corporation is conducted and the manner in which its powers are exercised. The board shall delegate supervision of the administration of the corporation to the executive officer of the corporation.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Administrative Code. —

For Alaska student loan corporation, see 20 AAC 15, art. 10.

Sec. 14.42.160. Executive officer.

The executive officer of the Commission on Postsecondary Education appointed under AS 14.42.040(a) shall serve as executive officer of the corporation. The board shall prescribe the duties of the executive officer.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Sec. 14.42.170. Staff.

The employees of the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education shall serve as staff for the corporation.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Sec. 14.42.190. Budget.

The operating budget of the corporation is subject to AS 37.07 (Executive Budget Act).

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Sec. 14.42.200. General powers.

In addition to other powers granted in this chapter, the corporation may

  1. sue and be sued in its own name;
  2. adopt an official seal;
  3. adopt regulations under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) to carry out the purposes of this chapter;
  4. make and execute agreements, contracts, and other instruments necessary or convenient in the exercise of the powers and functions of the corporation, including contracts with a person or governmental entity;
  5. receive, take, hold, and administer, on behalf of the corporation and for any of its purposes, any appropriation, gift, grant, bequest, devise, or donation of real property or personal property; in this paragraph, “property” includes
    1. money; and
    2. life estates, leases, or other interests in property;
  6. borrow money as provided in this chapter to carry out its corporate purposes and issue its obligations as evidence of the borrowing, if that obligation of the corporation is not a debt of the state;
  7. include in a borrowing the amounts to pay financing charges, interest on the obligations for a period not exceeding one year after the date on which the corporation estimates funds will otherwise be available to pay the interest, consultant, advisory, and legal fees, and other expenses necessary or incident to the borrowing;
  8. invest or reinvest, subject to its contracts with noteholders and bondholders, money held by the corporation as set out in AS 37.10.071 ;
  9. set and collect interest, fees, and charges in connection with education loans or repayment obligations held by the corporation and its servicing agents; in this paragraph, “charges” includes costs of financing by the corporation, service charges, insurance premiums, and other costs incurred by the corporation in carrying out its corporate purposes;
  10. gather information on postsecondary education financial resources available to residents of this state and disseminate the information to reasonably assure that qualified residents are aware of those financial resources;
  11. service education loans and repayment obligations held by the corporation;
  12. finance, purchase, or participate in the financing or purchasing of education loans;
  13. contract in advance for the financing, purchasing, or sale of education loans;
  14. sell or participate in the sale, either public or private and on terms authorized by the board, of education loans to the Student Loan Marketing Association or to other purchasers;
  15. collect and pay reasonable fees and charges in connection with the financing, purchase, sale, and servicing of education loans and repayment obligations;
  16. enter into agreements with the federal government, including guaranty agreements and supplemental guaranty agreements as described in 20 U.S.C. 1001 — 1155, as amended, as necessary to provide for the receipt by the corporation of administrative allowances and other benefits available under 20 U.S.C. 1001 — 1155, as amended;
  17. administer federal money allotted to the state involving insured education loans and related administrative costs and other matters;
  18. enter into agreements with the commission relating to education loans and repayment obligations, the administration of the financial aid and loan programs under AS 14.43.091 14.43.750 , 14.43.990 , and AS 14.44, and the payment of and security for bonds of the corporation;
  19. to the extent permitted under contracts with bondholders, consent to the modification of the rate of interest, time of payment of an installment of principal or interest, or other terms of an education loan or repayment obligation held by the corporation;
  20. procure insurance against any loss in connection with the operation of its programs;
  21. provide advisory services to borrowers and other participants in the corporation’s programs;
  22. enter into credit facility agreements and make pledges, covenants, and agreements with respect to the repayment of borrowings under the credit facility agreements;
  23. develop and implement education financing programs; in this paragraph, “programs” includes
    1. programs listed in AS 14.42.030(b)(1) ;
    2. programs for the guaranteeing, servicing, originating, and financing of education loans for borrowers located both inside and outside the state; and
    3. federal financial aid programs made under federal law; and
  24. perform acts that may be necessary or appropriate to carry out effectively the general objectives and purposes of the corporation under AS 14.42.100 14.42.990 .

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 10 ch 141 SLA 1988; am § 1 ch 54 SLA 1997; am § 7 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 5 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Cross references. —

For an additional duty of the corporation, requiring development of a proposal for a state program under which the state would repay all or part of loans to students for costs of postsecondary education and requiring submission to the legislature on January 19, 2010, see § 3, ch. 48, SLA 2009, in the 2009 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage federal consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 2.

For Alaska student loan corporation, see 20 AAC 15, art. 10.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in the introductory language in (5), deleted “if that obligation of the corporation is not a debt of the state” following “personal property”, and inserted the same phrase at the end of (6); in (12), inserted “finance,” at the beginning, and substituted “financing or purchasing” for “purchase” near the end”; in (13), substituted “financing, purchasing” for “purchase”; in (15), inserted “financing,” following “in connection with”.

Sec. 14.42.205. Supplemental education loans: financing program.

  1. The purpose of this section is to provide for supplemental education loan financing to assist qualified borrowers with unmet costs of attendance at a postsecondary institution approved by the commission.
  2. The corporation may develop and establish a financing program for the Alaska supplemental education loan administered by the commission under AS 14.43.170 14.43.175 .
  3. The financing program established under (b) of this section
    1. shall
      1. provide that loans under the Alaska supplemental education loan program are medium-range and long-range fixed-rate and variable-rate loans;
      2. require terms and conditions for loans under the Alaska supplemental education loan program as the corporation determines are useful and feasible;
      3. be designed to
        1. assist postsecondary institutions in this state in attracting and retaining students;
        2. maximize the amount of financing available by using private activity tax-exempt bond capacity as may be allocated by the state; and
    2. except as limited by (1)(B) of this subsection, may provide for terms and conditions that are more attractive than prevailing terms and conditions available to students from other supplemental education lenders.

History. (§ 8 ch 85 SLA 2001; am §§ 6 — 8 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For Alaska student loan corporation, see 20 AAC 15, art. 10.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (a), substituted “with unmet costs of attendance at a postsecondary institution approved by the commission” for “in meeting postsecondary education costs for which federal and private financial aid may be insufficient”; in (b), deleted “program” following “supplemental education loan”; in (c), deleted (c)(1)(A)(ii), which read, “structured to operate as lines of credit”, and deleted the (i) designation.

Sec. 14.42.210. Education loan fund and program administration.

  1. The education loan fund is established in the corporation. The education loan fund is a trust fund to be used to carry out the purposes of AS 14.42.100 14.42.990 , AS 14.43.091 14.43.175 , 14.43.600 14.43.700 , 14.43.710 14.43.750 , 14.43.990 , and AS 14.44.025 . The fund consists of money or assets appropriated or transferred to the corporation for the fund and money or assets deposited in it by the corporation. The corporation may establish separate accounts in the fund.
  2. Money and other assets of the education loan fund may be used to
    1. secure bonds of the corporation;
    2. pay the costs of administration of the fund;
    3. invest in education loans and investments under AS 37.10.071 ;
    4. finance programs approved under AS 14.43.091 14.43.175 , 14.43.600 14.43.700 , 14.43.710 14.43.750 , or AS 14.44.040 ; and
    5. pay the costs of administering and collecting the loans and repayment obligations under the financial aid programs listed in (4) of this subsection.
  3. The financial aid programs listed in (b)(4) of this section shall be administered by the commission. The corporation and the commission may enter into agreements relating to the administration of the programs. The corporation may assign its rights under the agreements for the benefit and security of holders of its bonds.
  4. The corporation may provide for terms and conditions for use of the education loan fund that are more favorable than prevailing terms and conditions available to students from other education lenders.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 11 ch 141 SLA 1988; am §§ 2, 3 ch 54 SLA 1997; am § 2 ch 23 SLA 1999; am §§ 9 — 11 ch 85 SLA 2001; am §§ 2, 3 ch 63 SLA 2004; am §§ 9 — 11 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage federal consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 2.

For Alaska student loan corporation, see 20 AAC 15, art. 10.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (a) and (b), deleted the citations to AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 ; and added (d).

Sec. 14.42.215. Interest.

  1. The corporation shall set the interest rate on a loan financed by the corporation under AS 14.43.091 14.43.160 , 14.43.170 14.43.175 , 14.43.710 14.43.750 , and AS 14.44.040 . Interest on a loan accrues from the time the loan is disbursed.
  2. A borrower may elect to make payments of interest that accrues during the borrower’s term of attendance at the postsecondary institution or during authorized deferment periods; however, any unpaid interest shall be capitalized as part of the principal to be repaid as agreed, or upon graduation, withdrawal, or completion of the deferment period.

History. (§ 12 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Effective dates. —

Section 48, ch. 89, SLA 2014 makes this section effective July 17, 2014.

Sec. 14.42.220. Bonds of the corporation.

  1. The corporation may borrow money and may issue bonds, on which the principal and interest are payable from its income and receipts or other assets or a designated part or parts of them. The corporation may use the proceeds of its bonds for any purposes that the corporation considers appropriate, including providing money to
    1. make or purchase education loans;
    2. finance programs identified in AS 14.42.210 ;
    3. finance projects of the state as those projects may be identified by law; and
    4. pay for any other purpose or program of the corporation that is authorized in AS 14.42.100 14.42.310 .
  2. Bonds may be authorized only by resolution of the board. Bonds shall be dated, bear interest at the rate or rates, be in the denominations, be in the form, either coupon or registered, carry the registration privileges, be executed in the manner, be payable in the medium of payment, at the place or places, be subject to the terms of redemption, and mature as provided by the resolution or a subsequent resolution. However, a bond may not mature more than 40 years after the date it is issued.
  3. Bonds of the corporation, regardless of form or character, are negotiable instruments for all the purposes of AS 45.01 — AS 45.08, AS 45.12, AS 45.14, and AS 45.29 (Uniform Commercial Code).
  4. Bonds of the corporation may be sold at public or private sale in the manner, for the price or prices, and at the time or times that the board determines.
  5. The superior court has jurisdiction to hear and determine proceedings relating to the corporation, including proceedings brought by or for the benefit of a bondholder or by a trustee for or other representative of a bondholder.
  6. [Repealed, § 31 ch 63 SLA 2004.]
  7. The corporation may not issue bonds to finance projects under (a)(3) of this section in an aggregate amount that exceeds $280,000,000.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987; am §§ 12, 13 ch 85 SLA 2001; am §§ 4, 5, 31 ch 63 SLA 2004)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1993, under § 13, ch. 34, SLA 1993 and § 128, ch. 35, SLA 1993 the citation to the Uniform Commercial Code was revised.

In 2000, “AS 45.01 — AS 45.08, AS 45.12, AS 45.14, and AS 45.29” was substituted for “AS 45.01 — AS 45.09, AS 45.12, and AS 45.14” in accordance with § 35, ch. 113, SLA 2000.

Sec. 14.42.230. Trust indentures and trust agreements.

An issue of bonds by the corporation may be secured by a trust indenture or trust agreement between the corporation and a corporate trustee, which may be a trust company, bank, or national banking association, with corporate trust powers, located inside or outside the state, or by a secured loan agreement or other instrument or under a resolution giving powers to a corporate trustee by means of which the corporation may

  1. enter into agreements with the trustee or the bondholders that the board determines to be necessary or desirable, including covenants, provisions, limitations, and other agreements as to the
    1. application, investment, deposit, use, and disposition of the proceeds of bonds of the corporation or of money or other property of the corporation or in which it has an interest;
    2. fixing and collecting of payments and other consideration for an education loan or repayment obligation;
    3. assignment by the corporation of its rights in an education loan or repayment obligation or in a mortgage or other security interest created with respect to an education loan or repayment obligation to a trustee for the benefit of bondholders;
    4. terms and conditions upon which additional bonds of the corporation may be issued;
    5. vesting in a trustee of rights, powers, duties, funds, or property in trust for the benefit of bondholders, including the right to enforce payment, performance, and other rights of the corporation or of the bondholders, under an education loan or repayment obligation or a security interest created with respect to an education loan or repayment obligation;
  2. pledge, mortgage, or assign money, agreements, property, or other assets of the corporation either presently in hand or to be received in the future, or both; and
  3. provide for other matters that in any way affect the security or protection of the bonds.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 14 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Sec. 14.42.240. Reserves and capital reserves.

  1. For the purpose of securing one or more issues of bonds of the corporation, the board may establish one or more special funds, called “capital reserve funds,” and may pay into those capital reserve funds the proceeds of the sale of bonds and other money available to the corporation from other sources for the purposes of the capital reserve funds. A capital reserve fund may be established only if the board determines that the establishment of the fund would enhance the marketability of the bonds. Money in a capital reserve fund, except as provided in this section, may be used as required only for the (1) payment of the principal of, and interest on, bonds or of the sinking fund payments with respect to those bonds; (2) purchase or redemption of the bonds; or (3) payment of a redemption premium required to be paid when the bonds are redeemed before maturity. However, money in a capital reserve fund may not be withdrawn if the withdrawal would reduce the amount in the capital reserve fund to less than the capital reserve fund requirement, except for the purpose of making payment, when due, of principal, interest, or redemption premiums on the bonds when other money of the corporation is not available for the payments. Income or interest earned by, or increment to, a capital reserve fund, from the investment of all or part of the fund, may be transferred by the corporation to other funds or accounts of the corporation if the transfer does not reduce the amount of the capital reserve fund below the capital reserve fund requirement.
  2. If the board decides to issue bonds secured by a capital reserve fund, the bonds may not be issued if the amount in the capital reserve fund is less than the capital reserve fund requirement, unless the corporation, at the time of issuance of the bonds, pledges to deposit in the capital reserve fund from the proceeds of the bonds to be issued or from other sources, an amount that, together with the amount then in the fund, is not less than the capital reserve fund requirement.
  3. In computing the amount of a capital reserve fund for the purpose of this section, securities in which all or a portion of the fund is invested and credit facilities deposited in or credited to a capital reserve fund under (f) of this section shall be valued by a reasonable method established by the board by resolution or by trust indenture. Valuation shall include the amount of interest earned or accrued as of the date of valuation.
  4. By January 15 of each year, the chairman of the board shall certify in writing to the governor and the legislature the amount, if any, required to restore a capital reserve fund to the capital reserve fund requirement. The legislature may appropriate to the corporation the amount certified by the chairman. The corporation shall deposit the amounts appropriated under this subsection during a fiscal year in the proper capital reserve fund. This subsection does not create a debt or liability of the state.
  5. The board may establish reserve funds, other than capital reserve funds, to secure one or more issues of bonds of the corporation. The corporation may deposit in a reserve fund established under this subsection the proceeds of sale of its bonds and other money available from any other source. The corporation may allow a reserve fund established under this subsection to be depleted without complying with (d) of this section.
  6. The corporation may hold in a capital reserve fund, in lieu of money and in satisfaction of all or part of a capital reserve fund requirement, irrevocable letters of credit issued by a commercial bank, surety bonds, insurance policies, and similar credit facilities.
  7. In this section, “capital reserve fund requirement” means the amount required to be on deposit in the capital reserve fund as of the date of computation as determined by resolution of the board or by trust indenture.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987; am §§ 13, 14 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (c), added “or by trust indenture” at the end of the first sentence, and in (g), added “or by trust indenture” at the end of the subsection.

Sec. 14.42.250. Validity of pledge.

It is the intention of the legislature that a pledge made in respect to bonds of the corporation shall be valid, perfected, and binding from the time the pledge is made; that the money or property so pledged and thereafter received by the corporation shall immediately be subject to the lien of the pledge without physical delivery or further act; and that the lien of the pledge shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract, or otherwise against the corporation irrespective of whether the parties have notice. Neither the resolution, trust agreement, nor other instrument by which a pledge is created need be recorded or filed under the provisions of AS 45.01 — AS 45.08, AS 45.12, AS 45.14, and AS 45.29 (Uniform Commercial Code) to be valid, perfected, binding, or effective.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 15 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1993, under § 13, ch. 34, SLA 1993 and § 128, ch. 35, SLA 1993 the citation to the Uniform Commercial Code was revised.

In 2000, “AS 45.01 — AS 45.08, AS 45.12, AS 45.14, and AS 45.29” was substituted for “AS 45.01 — AS 45.09, AS 45.12, and AS 45.14” in accordance with § 35, ch. 113, SLA 2000.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, twice inserted “perfected,” following “, valid”.

Sec. 14.42.260. Nonliability on bonds.

  1. The members of the board and individuals executing the bonds of the corporation are not liable personally on the bonds or subject to personal liability or accountability by reason of the issuance of the bonds.
  2. The bonds issued by the corporation do not constitute an indebtedness or other liability of the state or of a political subdivision of the state, except the corporation, but shall be payable solely from the income and receipts or other funds or property of the corporation. The corporation may not pledge the faith or credit of the state, or of a political subdivision of the state, except the corporation, to the payment of a bond. Issuance of a bond by the corporation does not directly, indirectly, or contingently obligate the state or a political subdivision of the state to apply money from, or levy or pledge any form of taxation whatever to the payment of the bond.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Sec. 14.42.265. Underwriters.

The board may select one or more underwriters for its bonds in accordance with procedures

  1. for the award of a contract under AS 36.30.200 36.30.260 ; or
  2. adopted by regulations of the board that are based on the competitive principles of AS 36.30.200 36.30.260 and are adapted to the special needs of the corporation in the selling of its bonds as determined by the board.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Administrative Code. —

For Alaska student loan corporation, see 20 AAC 15, art. 10.

Sec. 14.42.270. Pledge and agreement of state.

The state pledges to and agrees with holders of bonds issued by the corporation that the state will not limit or alter the rights and powers vested in the corporation under AS 14.42.100 14.42.990 to fulfill the terms of a contract made by the corporation with the bondholders or in any way impair the rights and remedies of the bondholders until the bonds, together with the interest on them with interest on unpaid installments of interest, and all costs and expenses in connection with an action or proceeding by or on behalf of the bondholders, are fully met and discharged. The corporation may include this pledge and agreement of the state in a contract with bondholders.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 15 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Sec. 14.42.280. Exemption from taxation.

The real and personal property of the corporation and its assets, income, and receipts are declared to be the property of a political subdivision of the state and devoted to an essential public and governmental function and purpose, and the property, assets, income, receipts, and other interests of the corporation are exempt from all taxes and special assessments of the state or a political subdivision of the state, including municipalities, school districts, public utility districts, and other governmental units. Bonds of the corporation are declared to be issued by a political subdivision of the state and for an essential public and governmental purpose, and the bonds, interest on them, income from them, and transfer of them, and all assets, income, and receipts pledged to pay or secure the payment of the bonds, or interest on them, are exempt from taxation by or under the authority of the state, except for inheritance and estate taxes and taxes on transfers by or in contemplation of death.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Sec. 14.42.290. Bonds legal investments for fiduciaries.

The bonds of the corporation are securities in which public officers and bodies of the state, municipalities, insurance companies, insurance associations, other persons carrying on an insurance business, banks, bankers, trust companies, savings banks, savings associations, building and loan associations, investment companies, other persons carrying on a banking business, administrators, guardians, executors, trustees, other fiduciaries, and other persons who are authorized to invest in bonds or other obligations of the state, may properly and legally invest funds including capital in their control or belonging to them. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, the bonds of the corporation are also securities that may be deposited with and may be received by public officers and bodies of the state and municipalities for any purpose for which the deposit of bonds or other obligations of the state is now or may be authorized.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Sec. 14.42.295. Payment to state.

  1. The board may elect to pay the state a return of contributed capital, or a dividend, for each base fiscal year that the corporation’s net income equals or exceeds $2,000,000. The payment may not be less than 10 percent nor more than 35 percent, as approved by the board, of the corporation’s net income for the base fiscal year, and is subject to the provisions of any applicable bond indentures of the corporation. If a payment is authorized under this section, payment must be made available by the corporation before the end of the fiscal year in which payment has been authorized. The corporation shall notify the commissioner of revenue when the amount of the payment authorized under this section is available for appropriation.
  2. In this section,
    1. “base fiscal year” means the fiscal year ending two years before the end of the fiscal year in which a payment under this section is to be made available;
    2. “contributed capital” means the assets appropriated by sec. 2, ch. 93, SLA 1987, in the form of unrestricted receipts of loans;
    3. “dividend” means return of surplus as reflected in the equity section of the corporation’s audited financial statements for the education loan fund (AS 14.42.210 );
    4. “net income” means the corporation’s net income as set out in the audited financial statements of the corporation for the base fiscal year.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 2000)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2001, in (b)(3) of this section, “education loan fund” was substituted for “student loan fund” in accordance with § 45(d), ch. 85, SLA 2001.

Sec. 14.42.300. Operation of certain statutes excepted.

  1. The corporation is not a municipality as the term is defined in AS 01.10.060 . Except as provided in AS 14.42.190 , the corporation is not subject to AS 37. For all other purposes the corporation is a political subdivision and an instrumentality of the state.
  2. The funds, income, and receipts of the corporation are not money of the state, nor may real property in which the corporation has an interest be considered land owned in fee by the state or to which the state may become entitled or in any way land belonging to the state, or state land referred to in art. VIII of the Alaska Constitution.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Sec. 14.42.310. Annual audit.

The financial records of the corporation shall be audited annually by the legislative auditor or by a certified public accountant approved by the legislative auditor. The legislative auditor may prescribe the form and content of the financial records of the corporation and shall have access to these records at any time.

History. (§ 2 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Sec. 14.42.390. Definitions. [Repealed, § 42 ch 85 SLA 2001.]

Article 3. General Provisions.

Sec. 14.42.990. Definitions.

In this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise,

  1. “board” means the board of directors of the corporation;
  2. “commission” means the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education created in AS 14.42.015 ;
  3. “corporation” means the Alaska Student Loan Corporation created in AS 14.42.100 ;
  4. “education loan” means a loan that is eligible for financing or is financed from the education loan fund established in AS 14.42.210 ;
  5. “eligible student” means an individual who meets the eligibility requirements established by the federal guaranteed student loan program or as otherwise set out in this chapter;
  6. “federal guaranteed student loan program” means the programs of the United States government that make postsecondary educational financial aid available under 20 U.S.C. 1070 — 1099c-2, as amended;
  7. “repayment obligation” means an obligation to repay financial support that is financed from the education loan fund established in AS 14.42.210 or otherwise administered by the commission.

History. (§ 16 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Chapter 43. Financial Aid Programs for Postsecondary Students.

Cross references. —

For a temporary provision providing for loan forbearance by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education in case of financial hardship during the COVID-19 public health disaster emergency declared March 11, 2020, see § 23, ch. 10, SLA 2020 in the 2020 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For student financial aid, see 20 AAC 15.

For AlaskAdvantage education grant program, 20 AAC 16.

Article 1. University of Alaska Scholarships for High School Graduates.

Collateral references. —

15A Am. Jur. 2d Colleges and Universities, §§ 20-22.

14A C.J.S. Colleges and Universities, §§ 32-34.

Sec. 14.43.010. Scholarships for dormitory rent.

The high school student in each graduating class in each high school in the state who, upon the completion of four years of high school work in a high school in the state, obtains the highest average standing for all the credits earned, and who is graduated at an annual commencement is entitled to receive, during dormitory residence at the University of Alaska, a scholarship covering dormitory rent for a period of two years following the year of graduation upon presenting to the registrar of the university a certificate signed by the superintendent or principal of the high school from which the student graduated stating that the graduate named is entitled to receive the benefits of the scholarship. Dormitory residence is governed by the rules and regulations established by the Board of Regents.

History. (§ 37-10-41 ACLA 1949)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.460 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.43.015. Alternate upon refusal or failure to accept.

If a person entitled to receive the benefit of AS 14.43.010 declines or fails to accept it, the graduate next in line in class standing is entitled to receive the benefit.

History. (§ 37-10-42 ACLA 1949)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.470 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.43.020. Applications for and issuance and report of certificates.

A certificate shall be applied for and issued to a graduate before August 2 of each year and shall be reported immediately to the registrar of the University of Alaska by the superintendent or principal issuing it.

History. (§ 37-10-43 ACLA 1949)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.480 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.43.025. Forfeiture of scholarship benefits.

Failure to do passing work in more than one subject during a semester, or withdrawal or expulsion from the University of Alaska, constitutes a forfeiture during the following semester or semesters of the benefits of AS 14.43.010 and 14.43.015 .

History. (§ 37-10-44 ACLA 1949)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.490 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.43.030. Payment of scholarships.

Payment of the scholarships shall be made monthly to the University of Alaska upon vouchers drawn upon the Department of Administration and duly certified by the treasurer and the president of the Board of Regents. Payments may not be made in excess of amounts specifically appropriated for this purpose.

History. (§ 37-10-45 ACLA 1949; am § 23 ch 127 SLA 1974)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.500. Renumbered in 1982.

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage federal consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 2.

For AlaskAdvantage education grant program, see 20 AAC 16.

Article 2. University of Alaska Scholarships for Natives.

Collateral references. —

15A Am. Jur. 2d Colleges and Universities, §§ 20, 34.

14A C.J.S. Colleges and Universities, §§ 32-34.

Sec. 14.43.050. Purpose of scholarships.

Because of the language difficulty and economic conditions of the Native peoples of the state, and the necessity for integrating the Native cultures with the state economy, it is the purpose of the legislature to provide assistance to Natives who wish to pursue a higher education beyond the attainments possible in the free public schools system.

History. (§ 1 ch 140 SLA 1955)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.510 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.43.055. Scholarships.

The Board of Regents of the University of Alaska shall offer not more than 15 new scholarships for each academic year to Alaska Natives desiring to attend the University of Alaska. The board shall give preference to Natives residing in the rural areas of the state who desire to receive training in the field of education. If there are more than 15 applications the board shall award 15 scholarships to those applicants who have the highest scholastic record or who the board determines are the most qualified among the applicants and who are financially unable to obtain a higher education without assistance. The University of Alaska shall provide such minimum financial assistance to these students as is necessary in each individual case, but not exceeding fees, board, and room.

History. (§ 3 ch 140 SLA 1955; am § 1 ch 6 SLA 1960)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.520. Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.43.060. Continuation of scholarships.

The award of free room and board shall be made from any funds available to the University of Alaska. Each Native who receives a scholarship under AS 14.43.050 14.43.075 is entitled to retain the scholarship and to receive free room and board during attendance at the University of Alaska as long as the student maintains a grade average equivalent to a “C” or better. However, no Native is entitled to the scholarship for more than four years, or for more than the number of years necessary to receive a bachelor’s degree.

History. (§ 4 ch 140 SLA 1955)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.530. Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.43.065. Scholarships in addition to other scholarships.

The scholarships under AS 14.43.050 14.43.075 are supplemental and in addition to any other scholarship to which an applicant is entitled or may receive.

History. (§ 5 ch 140 SLA 1955)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.540. Renumbered in 1982.

In 1992, “under AS 14.43.050 14.43.075 ” was inserted to correct a manifest error of omission in the codification of § 5, ch. 140, SLA 1955.

Sec. 14.43.075. Definition of Native.

In AS 14.43.050 14.43.075 , “Native” means a person between the ages of 17 and 25 who is a descendant of a member of the aboriginal races inhabiting the state when annexed to the United States, or who is a descendant of an Indian or Eskimo who, since the year 1867 and prior to June 30, 1952, migrated into the state from Canada, and who is a descendant having at least one-quarter blood derived from these ancestors.

History. (§ 2 ch 140 SLA 1955)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.550. Renumbered in 1982.

Article 3. Free Tuition and Fees for Spouse and Children of Certain Police, Fire, or Military Personnel.

Collateral references. —

15A Am. Jur. 2d Colleges and Universities, §§ 20-22.

14A C.J.S. Colleges and Universities, §§ 32-34.

Sec. 14.43.080. Free tuition and fees at state-supported educational institutions. [Repealed, § 2 ch 50 SLA 1991.]

Sec. 14.43.085. Free tuition and fees for a spouse or dependent of a peace officer or members of the armed services or a fire department.

  1. A person enrolled as a student in good standing in a state supported educational institution in this state is entitled to a waiver of undergraduate tuition and fees if the person was the spouse or dependent child of a bona fide resident of the state who was
    1. a member of the armed services and who died in the line of duty or who died as a result of injuries sustained while in the line of duty for the state or federal government or who was listed by the United States Department of Defense as a prisoner of war or as missing in action; or
    2. a peace officer or a member of a fire department who died from an act arising out of and in the course of
      1. employment as a peace officer or a firefighter; or
      2. duties as a volunteer firefighter.
  2. In this section,
    1. “armed services” means the Alaska National Guard, Alaska Naval Militia, and the armed services of the United States;
    2. “dependent child” means a person who was a dependent of a peace officer or of a member of the armed services or a fire department at the time of the peace officer’s or member’s death, and who is
      1. the peace officer’s or member’s natural or adopted child;
      2. a child in relation to whom the deceased armed services member, firefighter, or peace officer stood in loco parentis for at least three years before the peace officer’s or member’s death;
      3. the peace officer’s or member’s stepchild; or
      4. the peace officer’s or member’s acknowledged illegitimate child;
    3. “fire department” means a federal, state, or municipal fire department or a regularly organized volunteer fire department registered with the state fire marshal;
    4. “line of duty” has the meaning given under federal law;
    5. “peace officer” has the meaning given in AS 01.10.060 and includes a correctional officer;
    6. “resident” means a person who resided in the state for at least one year before serving in the armed services and who lists Alaska as the home state for purposes of military records, or a person who was employed as a peace officer in this state or was a member of a fire department located in this state;
    7. “spouse” means a person who was married to a peace officer or to a member of the armed services or a fire department at the time of the peace officer’s or member’s death.

History. (§ 1 ch 13 SLA 1990; am § 1 ch 50 SLA 1991; am § 1 ch 38 SLA 1998)

Article 4. Education Loan Program.

Collateral references. —

15A Am. Jur. 2d Colleges and Universities, §§ 20-22.

14A C.J.S. Colleges and Universities, §§ 32-34.

Validity and application of provisions governing determination of residency for purposes of fixing fee differential for out-of-state students in public college. 56 ALR3d 641.

Increase in tuition as actionable in suit by student against college or university. 99 ALR3d 885.

Absence from or inability to attend school or college as affecting liability for or right to recover payments for tuition or board. 20 ALR4th 303.

Sec. 14.43.090. Scholarship revolving loan fund. [Repealed, § 42 ch 85 SLA 2001.]

Sec. 14.43.091. Education loan program.

  1. There is created the education loan program to provide loans to individuals who are students to assist in paying the costs of postsecondary education. The provisions of this section, AS 14.43.100 14.43.160 , 14.43.910 , 14.43.920 , and 14.43.990 apply to the loans.
  2. Upon approval by the commission of an education loan, the corporation shall finance a loan disbursement, subject to any limit that the corporation sets on the total amount of loans that the corporation will finance in a school year. A loan financed under this section becomes an asset of the corporation.
  3. Repayments of principal and interest on a loan are paid into the education loan fund established in AS 14.42.210 . If money made available by the corporation is inadequate to fully finance eligible loan applications, additional financing from the general fund may be requested and appropriated for that year.

History. (§ 17 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Sec. 14.43.095. Financial aid committee. [Repealed, § 29 ch 43 SLA 1991.]

Sec. 14.43.100. Applications.

  1. Applications shall be submitted to the executive director of the commission.
  2. A person whose loan application is not approved by the executive director of the commission may appeal to the commission and the commission shall consider the application.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1971; am § 3 ch 156 SLA 1972; am § 4 ch 136 SLA 1974; am § 58 ch 6 SLA 1984; am §§ 4, 5 ch 43 SLA 1991)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.755. Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.43.105. Administration of program.

The executive director shall administer the programs subject to review by the commission and in accordance with the regulations adopted by the commission. The adoption of these regulations is subject to AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act). A summary of the regulations shall be distributed to each applicant.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1971; am § 5 ch 136 SLA 1974; am § 6 ch 43 SLA 1991)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.757. Renumbered in 1982.

Administrative Code. —

For scholarship loans, see 20 AAC 15, art. 1.

For AlaskAdvantage consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 4.

Sec. 14.43.110. Education loans.

  1. In a school year, the commission may make a loan not to exceed
    1. $8,500 to a full-time undergraduate student or $5,000 to a half-time undergraduate student attending a college or university if the full- or half-time student is otherwise eligible under AS 14.43.125 ;
    2. $9,500 to a full-time graduate student or $4,500 to a half-time graduate student attending a college or university if the full- or half-time graduate student is otherwise eligible under AS 14.43.125 ;
    3. $5,500 to a full-time student or $2,000 to a half-time student if the full- or half-time student is attending a career education program that is at least six weeks in length and is otherwise eligible under AS 14.43.125.
  2. The commission may make a loan for a summer term, even if the total loan for the school year exceeds the limit imposed under (a) of this section if the loan for the summer term is counted against the limit imposed under (a) of this section for the following school year.
  3. The commission shall adopt regulations establishing a minimum amount for which a loan may be made.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1971; am § 6 ch 136 SLA 1974; am § 1 ch 153 SLA 1978; am § 1 ch 89 SLA 1981; am § 1 ch 34 SLA 1985; am § 1 ch 65 SLA 1986; am § 7 ch 43 SLA 1991; am § 1 ch 5 SLA 1996)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.759. Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.43.115. Graduate loans. [Repealed § 26 ch 5 SLA 1996.]

Sec. 14.43.120. Conditions of loans.

  1. Proceeds from an education loan to a full-time student may only be used for books and supplies, tuition and required fees, loan origination fees, and room and board. Proceeds from an education loan to a half-time student may only be used for books and supplies, tuition and required fees, and loan origination fees.
  2. Education loans may only be used to attend a
    1. career education program operating on a sound fiscal basis that has
      1. operated for two years before the borrower attends; and
      2. submitted an executed program participation agreement as required by the commission; or
    2. college or university that
      1. has operated for at least two years before the borrower attends;
      2. is accredited by a national or regional accreditation association recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or is approved by the commission;
      3. if the loans are federally insured, is approved by the United States Secretary of Education;
      4. is a degree granting institution; and
      5. has submitted an executed program participation agreement as required by the commission.
  3. To maintain a loan awarded to a full-time student the student must continue to be enrolled as a full-time student in good standing in a career education program, college, or university that meets the requirements under (b) of this section. To maintain a loan awarded to a half-time student, the student must continue to be enrolled as a half-time student in good standing in (1) a career education program, college, or university in the state that meets the requirements under (b) of this section, or (2) a career education program, college, or university that meets the requirements under (b) of this section, and be physically present in the state while attending the career education program, college, or university. The commission shall adopt regulations defining “good standing” for purposes of this subsection.
  4. Education loans may not be made to a student
    1. for more than a total of $42,500 for undergraduate study;
    2. for more than a total of $47,500 for graduate study;
    3. for more than a combined total of $60,000 for undergraduate and graduate study;
    4. to attend an institution if the total amount of education loans made to students to attend that institution exceeds $100,000 and the default rate on those loans is (A) greater than 20 percent but less than 25 percent, and the institution is unable to reduce its default rate within 24 months after the rate determination; or (B) equal to or greater than 25 percent for two consecutive calendar years; for purposes of this paragraph, the default rate shall be determined by the commission for each annual group of loans required to be repaid under (g) of this section on or after July 1, 1996; if an education loan is refused based on the provisions of this paragraph and, under a subsequent default rate determination, an institution’s default rate does not exceed the limits established under this paragraph, the commission may not refuse to issue an education loan to attend that institution based on the provisions of this paragraph.
  5. Interest on an education loan accrues from the time the loan is disbursed; however, the state shall pay the interest while the borrower continues to be enrolled under (c) of this section.
  6. [Repealed, § 45 ch 89 SLA 2014.]
  7. A borrower’s obligation to commence repayment of the principal and interest on the loan begins six months after the borrower is no longer enrolled under (c) of this section. The borrower shall repay the total amount owed in periodic installments of at least $50 a month over a period of not more than 15 years from the commencement of the repayment obligation. If the commission and the borrower agree to a different repayment schedule, the borrower shall repay the loan in accordance with the agreement. A borrower may make payments earlier than required by this subsection or the agreement.
  8. Security may not be required for a loan; however, a loan origination fee, as specified in (u) of this section, shall be deducted at the time that the loan is disbursed. Additionally, the borrower shall pay all fees and costs incurred in collection on the loan if it becomes delinquent or in default.
  9. [Repealed, § 18 ch 54 SLA 1997.]
  10. [Repealed, § 19 ch 92 SLA 1987.]
  11. A borrower’s obligation to make periodic payments of principal shall be deferred, but the borrower’s obligation to pay interest shall continue, unless the state pays the interest by appropriation under (t) of this section, during any of the following periods:
    1. return to full-time student status in good standing in a career education program, college, or university that meets the requirements under (b) of this section;
    2. if the borrower received a loan to attend as a half-time student, return to
      1. half-time student status in good standing in a career education program, college, or university in the state that meets the requirements under (b) of this section;
      2. at least half-time student status in good standing in a career education program, college, or university that meets the requirements under (b) of this section, and the borrower is physically present in the state while attending the career education program, college, or university; a borrower is not eligible for deferral under this paragraph for a period longer than eight years; or
      3. full-time student status in good standing in a career education program, college, or university that meets the requirements under (b) of this section;
    3. serving an initial period of up to three years on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States;
    4. serving, for up to three years, as a full-time volunteer under the Peace Corps Act;
    5. serving, for up to three years, as a full-time volunteer under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973;
    6. serving, for up to two years, as a full-time volunteer under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 (AmeriCorps);
    7. for a one-time period up to 12 months in which the borrower is seeking and unable to find employment in the United States; or
    8. during the period of disability if, after the loan is disbursed, the borrower becomes totally disabled as certified by competent medical authority.
  12. The state shall pay the interest on that portion of a loan that is not federally insured during
    1. the period while the borrower continues to be enrolled under (c) of this section; and
    2. deferments under (k) of this section.
  13. In case of hardship, the commission may extend repayment of a loan for an additional period of up to five years.
  14. [Repealed, § 11 ch 89 SLA 1981.]
  15. [Repealed, § 19 ch 92 SLA 1987.]
  16. [Repealed, § 102 ch 21 SLA 2000.]
  17. [Repealed, § 18 ch 54 SLA 1997.]
  18. The rate of interest, time of payment of an installment of principal or interest, or other terms of an education loan may be modified if required to establish or maintain tax-exempt status under 26 U.S.C. 103 (Internal Revenue Code of 1986), as amended, for the interest on bonds issued by the Alaska Student Loan Corporation.
  19. A portion of a loan shall be forgiven by the state if, after being enrolled in the course of study for which the loan was granted, the borrower is a student who is unable to complete the school term as a result of serving on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States. The portion of the loan that shall be forgiven by the state is equal to the amount borrowed by the student for the school term in which the borrower’s studies are terminated.
  20. Payment of interest under (l) of this section and forgiveness under (s) of this section are subject to appropriation by the legislature. Money obtained from the sale of bonds by the Student Loan Corporation under AS 14.42.220 may not be appropriated for the payment of interest or the forgiveness of loans.
  21. The corporation by regulation shall set a loan origination fee, not to exceed five percent of the total education loan amount, to be assessed upon an education loan that is funded from the education loan fund of the corporation. The loan origination fee shall be deducted by the commission at the time the loan is disbursed. The loan origination fees shall be deposited into an origination fee account within the education loan fund of the corporation, and subsequently used by the corporation to offset losses incurred as a result of death, disability, default, or bankruptcy of the borrower.
  22. [Repealed, § 45 ch 89 SLA 2014.]

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1971; am § 4 ch 156 SLA 1972; am § 6 ch 78 SLA 1974; am § 8 ch 136 SLA 1974; am §§ 1 — 4 ch 99 SLA 1977; am §§ 3 — 8 ch 87 SLA 1979; am §§ 3 — 9, 11 ch 89 SLA 1981; am §§ 2 — 4 ch 158 SLA 1984; am § 3 ch 34 SLA 1985; am §§ 3, 4 ch 65 SLA 1986; am §§ 5 — 9, 19 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 2 ch 26 SLA 1989; am §§ 9 — 15 ch 43 SLA 1991; am § 1 ch 44 SLA 1991; am §§ 36 — 38 ch 63 SLA 1993; am §§ 2 — 4 ch 112 SLA 1994; am §§ 2 — 14 ch 5 SLA 1996; am § 18 ch 32 SLA 1997; am §§ 4, 5, 18 ch 54 SLA 1997; am § 1 ch 112 SLA 1997; am § 102 ch 21 SLA 2000; am §§ 18 — 20 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 6 ch 63 SLA 2004; am §§ 16, 45 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.763. Renumbered in 1982.

In 1987, “Secretary” was substituted for “Commissioner” in (b)(2)(C) of this section to conform to the change in federal law.

In 2001, in accordance with § 45(b) and (d), “education loan” was substituted for “student loan” in subsections (b), (d), (e), (r), and (u) and “education loan fund” was substituted for “student loan fund” in subsection (u).

Administrative Code. —

For scholarship loans, see 20 AAC 15, art. 1.

For A.W. “Winn” Brindle memorial scholarship loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 8.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (b)(2), made a stylistic change, and in (b)(2)(B) substituted “Council for Higher Education Accreditation” for “Council on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation”; and repealed (f) and (v).

Editor’s notes. —

Section 28, ch. 5, SLA 1996 provides that the borrower’s obligation to pay interest on a student loan, as required under the amendment of (k) of this section made by § 9, ch. 5, SLA 1996, “applies to a scholarship loan disbursed after June 30, 1996.”

Notes to Decisions

Medical cancellation denied. —

Denial of a loan recipient’s request for cancellation of his student loan obligations due to medical disability was affirmed. AS 14.43.120(u) did not entitle the recipient to medical cancellation of his loans, and the recipient advanced no other statutory or regulatory basis for medical cancellation of his loans. Rubey v. Alaska Comm'n on Postsecondary Educ., 217 P.3d 413 (Alaska 2009).

Sec. 14.43.122. Consolidation of loans.

  1. The corporation may offer a borrower who has received more than one education loan the option of consolidating the multiple loans into a single loan as provided in this section.
  2. For a borrower to be eligible for consolidation of a loan under this section, the borrower must apply on a form approved by the corporation and provide proof satisfactory to the corporation that the borrower
    1. physically resides in the state and has maintained a domicile in the state for not less than 12 consecutive months before submitting an application for consolidation;
    2. has not been physically absent from the state for more than 60 days in the 12 months before submitting an application for consolidation;
    3. has not declared residency in another state;
    4. has not received a benefit of residency in another state.
  3. In this section, “education loan” means a loan to finance the cost of attendance at a postsecondary institution in or outside the state.

History. (§ 5 ch 112 SLA 1994; am § 21 ch 85 SLA 2001; am §§ 7, 31 ch 63 SLA 2004; am § 17 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 4.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, rewrote the section, expanding the description of the requirements for eligibility for consolidation of a loan and adding the definition of “education loan”.

Sec. 14.43.125. Eligibility of students.

  1. A person is eligible for a loan if the person
    1. is
      1. enrolled as a full-time student in a career education, associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree program;
      2. enrolled as a half-time student in a career education, associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree program
        1. in the state; or
        2. out of the state and is physically present in this state while attending that program; or
      3. a graduate of a high school or the equivalent, or scheduled for graduation from a high school within six months, who, at the time of loan disbursement, will be enrolled in compliance with (A) or (B) of this paragraph;
    2. is not delinquent and has never been in default on a loan previously awarded by the commission;
    3. is a resident of the state at the time of application for the loan; for purposes of this section, a person qualifies as a resident of the state if at the time of application for the loan the person
      1. has been physically present in the state for at least one year immediately before the time of application for the loan with the intent to remain indefinitely;
      2. is dependent on a parent or guardian for care, the parent or guardian has been present in the state for at least one year immediately before the time of application for the loan with the intent to remain indefinitely, and the person has been present in the state for at least one year of the immediately preceding five years except that the commission may by a two-thirds vote, acting upon a written appeal by the person, grant an exemption to the requirement that the person has been present in the state for one year of the immediately preceding five years;
      3. has been physically present in the state for at least one year immediately before the applicant was absent from the state, the person intends to return permanently to the state, and the absence is due solely to
        1. serving an initial period of up to three years on active duty as a member of the armed forces of the United States;
        2. serving for up to three years as a full-time volunteer under the Peace Corps Act;
        3. serving for up to three years as a full-time volunteer under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973;
        4. required medical care for the applicant or the applicant’s immediate family;
        5. being a person who otherwise qualifies as a resident and is accompanying a spouse who qualifies as a resident under (i) — (iv) of this paragraph;
        6. an absence allowed under (D)(i) — (iv) of this paragraph; or
      4. is a dependent of a parent or guardian who has been physically present in the state for at least one year immediately before the parent or guardian was absent from the state, the parent or guardian intends to return permanently to the state, and the absence is due solely to
        1. participating in a foreign exchange student program recognized by the commission;
        2. attending a school as a full-time student;
        3. full-time employment by the state;
        4. being a member of or employed full-time by the state’s congressional delegation;
        5. being a person who otherwise qualifies as a resident and is accompanying a spouse who qualifies as a resident under (i) — (iv) of this paragraph;
    4. does not have a past due child support obligation established by court order or by the child support services agency under AS 25.27.160 25.27.220 at the time of application or loan disbursement;
    5. has not, within the previous five years, had a loan discharged or written off by the commission for any reason;
    6. does not have a status, at the time of the application for a loan or disbursement of loan funds, that would prevent the person from repaying the loan as it becomes due;
    7. has not within the previous seven years defaulted on another loan made to the person by a lending entity unless the person can show good faith efforts to repay the loan and extraordinary circumstances that led to the default;
    8. does not have a credit history, at the time of application for a loan, that demonstrates chronic inability or unwillingness to pay an extension of credit or loan as it becomes due; and
    9. has complied with the military selective service registration requirements imposed under 50 U.S.C. App. 453 (Military Selective Service Act), if those requirements were applicable to the person.
  2. A person does not qualify as a resident of the state under this section if the person declares or establishes residence in another state during an absence from Alaska.
  3. A person may not be awarded an education loan under AS 14.43.091 14.43.160 if that person receives a teacher education loan under AS 14.43.600 14.43.700 for the same period of attendance.
  4. Notwithstanding (a)(6) — (8) of this section, the commission may issue a loan to a person if another person who satisfies the requirements of (a)(2) and (a)(4) — (8) of this section cosigns the loan.
  5. The commission may withhold disbursement of a loan if the borrower becomes ineligible under this section.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1971; am § 10 ch 89 SLA 1981; am § 9 ch 67 SLA 1983; am § 4 ch 34 SLA 1985; am § 2 ch 116 SLA 1986; am § 10 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 16 ch 43 SLA 1991; am § 6 ch 112 SLA 1994; am §§ 15, 16 ch 5 SLA 1996; am §§ 6, 7 ch 54 SLA 1997; am § 22 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 1 ch 89 SLA 2002)

Revisor's notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.765. Renumbered in 1982.

In 1992, in (a)(4) of this section, “AS 25.27.160 25.27.220 ” was substituted for “AS 47.23.160 — 47.23.220” to reflect the 1990 renumbering of AS 47.23.160 — 47.23.220. In 2004, “child support enforcement division” was changed to “child support services agency” in (a) of this section in accordance with § 12(a), ch. 107, SLA 2004, and to correct a manifest error.

Administrative Code. —

For family education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 7.

Editor's notes. —

50 U.S.C App. 453 is cited in paragraph (a)(9). On December 1, 2015, the Office of the Law Revision Counsel transferred 50 U.S.C App 453 to 50 U.S.C. 3802 See http://uscode.house.gov/editorialreclassification/t50a-elim/index.html

For provision relating to the applicability of 23.40.070 — 23.40.260 to employees of an authority established under 29.35.800 — 29.35.925, see 29.35.880.

Notes to Decisions

Constitutionality. —

The former two-year residency requirement of this section did not violate the equal protection, due process, or citizenship clauses of the United States Constitution, since it was a reasonable test for the bona fides of an applicant’s residency. Andress v. Baxter (D. Alaska, Sept. 8, 1983).

Sec. 14.43.130. Selection criteria. [Repealed, § 19 ch 67 SLA 1983.]

Sec. 14.43.135. Discrimination prohibited.

The programs established under this chapter shall be carried out without regard to the applicant’s or participant’s race, creed, sex, color, ancestry, national origin, or membership in fraternal or political organizations.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1971; am § 23 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.769. Renumbered in 1982.

Cross references. —

See also AS 14.18 and AS 18.80.

Sec. 14.43.140. Enforceability of certain contracts with minors.

A written obligation entered into by a minor at least 16 years of age, evidencing a loan or other assistance received by the minor from any person for the purpose of furthering the minor’s education in a career education program or an institution of higher learning, is enforceable against the minor with the same effect as if the minor were, at the time of its execution, 18 years of age, if the person making the loan has before making the loan a certification from the institution that the minor is enrolled in the institution or has been accepted for enrollment.

History. (§ 1 ch 98 SLA 1971; am § 19 ch 32 SLA 1997)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.771 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.43.145. Default.

  1. For the purposes of this chapter, a loan is in default after a loan payment has become 180 or more days past due or, for a loan under AS 14.43.161 14.43.168 or 14.43.170 14.43.175 , the default requirements established by the commission have been met. Upon default,
    1. repayment of the remaining balance is accelerated and due;
    2. the commission may take the borrower’s permanent fund dividend under AS 43.23.160 ;
    3. the commission may issue an order to withhold and deliver under AS 14.43.147 ;
    4. [Repealed, § 34 ch 23 SLA 2018.]
    5. the commission may record the lien created under AS 14.43.149 ; and
    6. the commission may establish an administrative collection order under AS 14.43.151 14.43.155 .
  2. The commission shall notify the borrower of the default, and the consequences of default imposed under (a) of this section, by mailing a notice to the borrower’s most recent address provided to the commission by the borrower or obtained by the commission.
  3. A borrower may appeal a notice of default by filing a statement with the executive director, within 30 days after the date of the notice, requesting that the loan status be reviewed. AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) does not apply to the review of default under this section. The borrower has the burden to show that, at the time of the notice of default, (1) no loan payment was more than 180 days past due or, for a loan under AS 14.43.161 14.43.168 or 14.43.170 14.43.175 , the default requirements established by the commission had not yet been met; or (2) that the borrower entered into, and was in compliance with, a default forbearance agreement with the commission. Within 40 days after receiving a written request for review, the director shall inform the borrower in writing of the executive director’s decision. The decision of the executive director is a final decision that may be appealed to the superior court under the Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure.

History. (§ 8 ch 54 SLA 1997; am §§ 24 — 26 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 8 ch 63 SLA 2004; am § 34 ch 23 SLA 2018)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2018, “AS 43.23.160 ” was substituted for “43.23.067” in paragraph (a)(2) to reflect the renumbering of that section.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2018 amendment, effective January 1, 2019, repealed (a)(4).

Sec. 14.43.147. Order to withhold and deliver.

  1. Thirty days after the date a notice of default under AS 14.43.145(b) is mailed or the date of the decision of the executive director under AS 14.43.145(c) , whichever is later, the commission may issue an order to withhold and deliver property to a person, or agency or political subdivision of the state, who the commission has reason to believe possesses property due, owing, or belonging to the borrower.
  2. The order to withhold and deliver shall be served personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested, upon the person, or agency or political subdivision of the state, possessing the property. The order must state the amount of the borrower’s liability and include notice of the terms of this section. All real and personal property, including earnings, that are due, owing, or belonging to the borrower are subject to an order to withhold and deliver.
  3. A person, or agency or political subdivision of the state, served with an order to withhold and deliver, is required to make true answers under oath and in writing to inquiries contained in the order within three weeks after service of the order and to all inquiries subsequently made.
  4. Upon receipt of the order, the person, or agency or political subdivision of the state, shall immediately withhold property due, owing, or belonging to the borrower and shall deliver the property to the commission after three weeks have expired from the date of the service of the order. Money shall be delivered by remittance payable to the order of the commission.
  5. An employer shall withhold the earnings of a borrower subject to an order at each succeeding interval of payment until the entire amount of the debt stated in the order has been withheld. An employer may, for each payment made under an order to withhold and deliver, deduct $5 from other wages or salary owed to the borrower.
  6. If a borrower who is subject to an order terminates employment, the employer shall promptly notify the commission and provide the borrower’s last known home address and the name and address of the borrower’s new employer, if known. The employer shall keep a record of the order for two years after the borrower terminates employment. If the employer reemploys the borrower within that two-year period, the employer shall immediately reimplement the order unless the employer has received notice of satisfaction under (j) of this section.
  7. An employer may not discharge, discipline, or refuse to employ a borrower on the basis of an order issued under this section. A person who violates this subsection or a regulation adopted to implement it is liable for a civil penalty of not more than $10,000. The employee may seek restitution or reinstatement from the employer.
  8. A person, or agency or political subdivision of the state, who complies with an order to withhold and deliver that is regular on its face is not subject to civil liability to an individual or agency for conduct in compliance with the notice. A state agency that complies with an order to withhold and deliver that is regular on its face is not required to pay interest under AS 37.05.285 for failure to make timely payment to the borrower.
  9. An order to withhold and deliver under this section is subject to the exemptions under AS 09.38.
  10. Upon satisfaction of a loan obligation, the commission shall, within 15 working days, notify all persons served with an order under this section that the order is no longer in force. If the commission receives money under an order after satisfaction of the loan, the commission shall within 15 working days return the overpayment to the borrower. If the commission fails to return an overpayment as required under this subsection, the commission is liable to the borrower for the amount of the overpayment, plus legal interest under AS 45.45.010 .
  11. If a person, or agency or political subdivision of the state, knowingly fails to make an answer to an order under this section within the time prescribed, or knowingly fails to honor an order under this section, the person, or agency or political subdivision of the state, is liable to the commission in an amount equal to 100 percent of the amount that is the basis of the order, together with costs, interest, and reasonable attorney fees. In this subsection, “knowingly” has the meaning given in AS 11.81.900 .
  12. A borrower against whom an order has been served under this section may apply for relief to the superior court.

History. (§ 8 ch 54 SLA 1997)

Sec. 14.43.148. Nonrenewal of license.

History. [Repealed, § 34 ch 23 SLA 2018.]

Sec. 14.43.149. Lien.

  1. The amount owing on a loan that is in default under this chapter, including principal, interest, and collection costs, is a lien upon all property and right to property, real or personal, belonging to the borrower. The lien arises at the time that the commission mails or otherwise delivers a notice of default under AS 14.43.145(b) and continues until the balance of the loan, including principal, interest, and collection costs, is paid in full.
  2. A lien created under (a) of this section is
    1. not valid against a mortgagee or other lienholder, pledgee, purchaser, or judgment creditor until notice of the lien is recorded in the records of the recording district where the property subject to the lien is situated; and
    2. subject to AS 40.19.040(d) .

History. (§ 27 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2001, in (b)(2), “AS 40.19.040(d) ” was substituted for “AS 40.19.040(e) ” to reflect the 2001 renumbering of AS 40.19.040(e) .

Sec. 14.43.150. Order to assign wages for defaulted loan.

  1. In a court proceeding regarding a defaulted loan under this chapter in which the court has entered judgment in favor of the commission, the court may, on its own motion or motion of the commission, after notice and an opportunity for hearing, order the loan recipient to assign to the commission that portion of salary or wages due the loan recipient currently and in the future in an amount sufficient to pay the amount ordered by the court to be repaid to the commission.
  2. The order of assignment is binding upon an employer upon service of a copy of the order upon the employer and until further order of the court or until the employment of the obligee is terminated. The employer may, for each payment made under the order, deduct $1 from other wages or salary owed to the employee.
  3. An employer may not terminate an employee’s employment because wages of the employee are subject to an order under this section.
  4. An assignment of wages authorized under this section that is made under court order has priority as against an attachment, execution, or other assignment, except for an assignment for payment of child support under AS 25.27.070 , restitution to a crime victim authorized under AS 12.55.045 , or as otherwise ordered by the court.

History. (§ 7 ch 112 SLA 1994; am § 17 ch 5 SLA 1996)

Sec. 14.43.151. Authority and procedure to administratively establish and enforce a collection order.

If a judgment in favor of the commission has not been entered by the court regarding a defaulted loan awarded under this chapter, the commission may establish a duty to repay the defaulted loan through a collection order using the procedures prescribed in AS 14.43.152 14.43.155 and may enforce the collection order. Action under this section may be undertaken at the commission’s discretion if the borrower is in default under AS 14.43.145 .

History. (§ 9 ch 63 SLA 2004)

Sec. 14.43.152. Initiation of administrative action to establish a collection order; required notice.

  1. An action to establish a collection order authorized under AS 14.43.151 is initiated by the commission’s serving on the borrower a notice of establishment of collection order. The notice shall be served by mailing the notice to the borrower at
    1. the borrower’s most recent address provided to the commission by the borrower; or
    2. another address known to the commission.
  2. The notice served under (a) of this section must state
    1. the amount of the liability for default under AS 14.43.145 for which the borrower is found to be responsible; the amount stated under this paragraph shall include all principal, interest, and collection fees;
    2. that a lien may be recorded against the borrower’s property as authorized under AS 14.43.145 (a)(5);
    3. that the borrower may appear at a hearing held by the commission and show cause that a collection order should not be entered because, at the time of the notice,
      1. no loan payment was more than 180 days past due or, for a loan under AS 14.43.161 14.43.168 or 14.43.170 14.43.175 , the default requirements established by the commission had not yet been met; or
      2. the borrower had entered into, or was in compliance with, an agreement to forbear default with the commission; and
    4. that, if the borrower served with the notice does not request a hearing within 30 days after the date of mailing of the notice, a collection order will be entered and the property of the borrower will be subject to a lien under AS 14.43.149 in the amount stated in the collection order without further notice or hearing.

History. (§ 9 ch 63 SLA 2004)

Sec. 14.43.153. Hearings in administrative action to establish a collection order; burden of proof.

  1. A borrower served with a notice of establishment of collection order under AS 14.43.152 is entitled to a hearing before the commission if the request for a hearing is served on the commission by registered mail, return receipt requested, within 30 days after the date the notice is mailed to the borrower.
  2. If a request for a hearing in accordance with (a) of this section is made, the issuance of a collection order is automatically stayed pending the decision of the hearing officer for the commission. If a request for a hearing is not made, the collection order is final at the expiration of the 30-day period specified in (a) of this section.
  3. A borrower claiming that the notice is incorrect has the burden at hearing to document the existence of one of the conditions described in AS 14.43.152(b)(3)(A) and (B).
  4. Within 60 days after the date of the hearing, the hearing officer shall enter a decision determining whether default has occurred and, if default has occurred, specifying the amount of the collection order and declaring that the property of the borrower is subject to a lien under AS 14.43.149 in the amount of the collection order.
  5. If the borrower who requested the hearing fails to appear at the hearing, the hearing officer shall enter a decision
    1. confirming that a default has occurred;
    2. confirming the amount of the collection order;
    3. declaring that the property of the borrower is subject to a lien under AS 14.43.149 in the amount stated under (2) of this subsection.
  6. The decision of the hearing officer is a final decision that may be appealed to the superior court under the Alaska Rules of Appellate Procedure.

History. (§ 9 ch 63 SLA 2004)

Sec. 14.43.154. Collection orders as judgments.

A collection order is equivalent to a judgment and becomes vested

  1. at the expiration of the 30-day period described in AS 14.43.153(b) if a hearing is not requested; or
  2. on the date the hearing officer enters a decision in favor of the commission if a hearing was requested by the borrower.

History. (§ 9 ch 63 SLA 2004)

Sec. 14.43.155. Nature of remedies.

AS 14.43.154 provides a remedy in addition to and not as a substitute for any other remedies available to the commission.

History. (§ 9 ch 63 SLA 2004)

Sec. 14.43.160. Definitions.

In AS 14.43.091 14.43.160 , unless the context otherwise requires,

  1. “career education” means a course or program in vocational-technical training or education approved by the commission;
  2. “federally insured” means a loan covered by the provisions of 20 U.S.C. 1001 — 1155, as amended;
  3. “full-time student” means an undergraduate or career education student who is enrolled and is in regular attendance at classes for at least 12 semester hours of credit or the equivalent during the semester or a graduate student who is enrolled and is in regular attendance at classes for at least nine semester hours of credit or the equivalent; any combination of semester hours of credit, or the equivalent, aggregating to the requisite number of semester hours and undertaken during a semester at two or more public or private institutions of higher education constitutes full-time student status;
  4. “half-time student” means an undergraduate, graduate, or career education student who, during the semester, is enrolled and is in regular attendance at classes at one or more public or private institutions of higher education for six to 11 semester credit hours or an equivalent of six to 11 semester credit hours, and includes a career education student enrolled and in regular attendance in classes for 15 hours a week or a graduate student who is enrolled and is in regular attendance at classes for the equivalent of six to eight semester hours of credit or the equivalent;
  5. “school year” means an academic period that is a minimum of 30 weeks of instructional time that begins between July 1 of one year and June 30 of the following year;
  6. “summer term” means the period from June 1 through August 31.

History. (§ 5 ch 156 SLA 1972; am § 8 ch 78 SLA 1974; am §§ 18 — 20 ch 136 SLA 1974; am § 5 ch 136 SLA 1975; am § 7 ch 246 SLA 1976; am §§ 5 — 7 ch 99 SLA 1977; am § 9 ch 87 SLA 1979; am § 11 ch 89 SLA 1981; am § 59 ch 6 SLA 1984; am § 5 ch 34 SLA 1985; am § 1 ch 52 SLA 1985; am §§ 17, 29 ch 43 SLA 1991; am § 1 ch 58 SLA 2000; am § 28 ch 85 SLA 2001; am §§ 18, 19 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.806 . Renumbered in 1982.

Reorganized in 1985 to alphabetize the defined terms.

Paragraph (4) was enacted as (7). Renumbered in 1991, at which time former paragraph (2) was also deleted, and former paragraphs (3)-(4) were renumbered as (2)-(3).

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (4), deleted “at least a total of” following “private institutions of higher education for”, twice added “to 11” following “6”, deleted “at least” following “attendance in classes for”, and added the language beginning “or a graduate student who is” to the end of the paragraph; in (5), substituted “begins between July 1 of one year and June 30 of the following year” for “begins between September 1 of one year and August 31 of the following year”.

Article 5. AlaskAdvantage Loan Program.

Sec. 14.43.161. Purpose; creation.

There is established the AlaskAdvantage loan program to provide postsecondary educational financial assistance through the federal guaranteed student loan program. The AlaskAdvantage loan program is the primary source for financial aid to eligible borrowers under this chapter.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 10 ch 63 SLA 2004)

Sec. 14.43.162. Eligibility.

  1. For a borrower to be eligible for a loan under AS 14.43.161 14.43.168 , the borrower must meet the eligibility requirements established by the federal guaranteed student loan program and must be
    1. a resident of the state as determined under (b) of this section; or
    2. physically present in this state and attending an institution that is physically located in this state.
  2. To meet the residency requirement of (a) of this section, the borrower
    1. must physically reside in this state and maintain a domicile in this state during the 12 consecutive months before the date of application for the program, except that the borrower may be absent from this state for not more than a total of 60 days during that 12-month period; and
    2. may not have
      1. declared or established residency in another state; or
      2. received residency or a benefit based on residency from another state.
  3. To continue to meet the residency requirement of (a) of this section for each year that a loan is received or subsequently applied for, the borrower must meet the requirements of (b) of this section, except for
    1. full-time attendance at an educational or training institution;
    2. military service; or
    3. demonstrated good cause as determined by the commission.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage federal consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 2.

For AlaskAdvantage loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 3.

Sec. 14.43.163. Restrictions on award.

Under AS 14.43.161 14.43.168 , the commission may make loans subject to the following restrictions:

  1. a loan amount awarded may not exceed the maximum amount for the school year as established by the federal guaranteed student loan program;
  2. a borrower may not be awarded a loan amount that would, when aggregated with other loans awarded to the student under the federal guaranteed student loan program, exceed the maximum total amount allowable for each borrower that is established by the federal guaranteed student loan program;
  3. the loan award may not exceed the total cost of attendance at the postsecondary institution less other forms of financial aid awarded to the borrower to pay for those costs.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage federal consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 2.

For AlaskAdvantage loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 3.

Sec. 14.43.164. Use of loan.

A borrower may use a loan under AS 14.43.161 14.43.168 only for postsecondary education and reasonably related purposes as authorized by the federal guaranteed student loan program.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage federal consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 2.

For AlaskAdvantage loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 3.

For supplemental education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 9.

Sec. 14.43.165. Interest.

  1. The corporation shall set the rate of interest on a loan made under AS 14.43.161 14.43.168 in accordance with federal and state law. Interest on a loan made under AS 14.43.l61 — 14.43.168 may not exceed the rate specified by the applicable provisions of the federal guaranteed student loan program. Interest on a loan made under AS 14.43.161 — 14.43.168 accrues from the time that the loan is disbursed.
  2. A borrower may elect to make payments of interest that is payable during the borrower’s term of attendance at the postsecondary institution or during certain deferment periods authorized by the commission; however, the commission shall capitalize any unpaid interest as part of the principal to be repaid as agreed, or upon graduation, withdrawal, or completion of the deferment period.
  3. Notwithstanding the provisions of (b) of this section, if a borrower qualifies for a subsidized loan under the federal guaranteed student loan program, the interest on the loan is paid by the federal government during the borrower’s term of attendance and any qualifying deferment and grace periods authorized under the loan.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage federal consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 2.

For AlaskAdvantage loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 3.

Sec. 14.43.166. Repayment of loans.

A borrower’s obligation to commence repayment of the principal and interest on a loan under AS 14.43.161 14.43.166 and 14.43.168 begins six months after the borrower’s completion or other termination of the postsecondary education program. The commission may accelerate the repayment of any loan made in error or in reliance upon a false statement made by the borrower. The commission shall determine the period over which loans are repaid; however, the maximum period of repayment of loans may not exceed the maximum period permitted under applicable provisions of the federal guaranteed student loan program.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 11 ch 63 SLA 2004)

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage federal consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 2.

For AlaskAdvantage loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 3.

Sec. 14.43.167. Consolidation of loans.

The commission may offer

  1. an eligible borrower who has received more than one loan under the federal guaranteed student loan program the option of consolidating the multiple loans into a single loan; or
  2. to consolidate loans made to married borrowers if the married borrowers agree to be jointly and severally liable for repayment of the consolidated loan, regardless of the borrowers’ future marital status or the death of one of the borrowers.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage federal consolidation loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 2.

Sec. 14.43.168. Default.

  1. The commission shall establish the default requirements for loans made under AS 14.43.161 14.43.168 ; however, the requirements may not be less restrictive than those established by the federal guaranteed student loan program.
  2. The provisions of AS 14.43.145 14.43.155 apply to loans under AS 14.43.161 14.43.168 that are in default.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 12 ch 63 SLA 2004)

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 3.

For supplemental education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 9.

Article 6. Alaska Supplemental Education Loan Program.

Sec. 14.43.170. Creation; purpose.

There is created the Alaska supplemental education loan program to provide postsecondary educational supplemental financial assistance. Supplemental financial assistance is available to qualified borrowers to assist with unmet costs of attendance at a postsecondary institution approved by the commission. The commission shall make the public aware of the Alaska supplemental education loan program to facilitate providing loans to as many eligible borrowers as possible.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 13 ch 63 SLA 2004; am § 20 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For supplemental education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 9.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in the second sentence, substituted “to qualified borrowers to assist with unmet costs of attendance at a postsecondary institution approved by the commission” for “only if the financial aid available through the AlaskAdvantage loan program is insufficient to cover the costs of attendance at a postsecondary institution or if the borrower does not qualify for financial aid under the federal guaranteed student loan program.”

Sec. 14.43.171. Applicability of other laws.

The provisions of AS 14.43.120(b) , 14.43.120(d)(4) , 14.43.135 , 14.43.140 , and 14.43.145 14.43.160 apply to the loans made under AS 14.43.170 14.43.175 as if the loans were made under those applicable provisions.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 14 ch 63 SLA 2004; am § 21 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For supplemental education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 9.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, substituted “AS 14.43.120(b) , 14.43.120(d)(4) ” for “AS 14.43.120(d)(4) , 14.43.122 ”, deleted “, 14.43.164 , 14.43.166 , and 14.43.168 ” preceding “apply to the loans” and made a stylistic change.

Sec. 14.43.172. Eligibility.

  1. For a borrower to be eligible for a loan under AS 14.43.170 14.43.175 , the borrower must be, or be about to be, enrolled in a postsecondary institution on at least a half-time basis and must be
    1. a resident of this state
      1. attending or about to attend a postsecondary institution that has been approved by and has executed a program participation agreement with the commission; or
      2. attending or about to attend an approved federal guaranteed student loan institution; or
    2. physically present in this state and attending or about to attend a federal guaranteed student loan institution located in this state.
  2. To meet the residency requirement of (a) of this section, the borrower must meet the standards set out in AS 14.43.162(b) .
  3. In addition to the provisions of (a) of this section, a borrower is eligible for a loan under AS 14.43.170 14.43.175 if the borrower
    1. is not delinquent in payment on a loan previously awarded by the commission;
    2. at the time of application or loan disbursement, does not have a past due child support obligation established by court order or by the child support services agency under AS 25.27.160 25.27.220 ;
    3. has not, within the previous five years, had a loan discharged or written off by the commission for any reason;
    4. does not have a status, at the time of application for a loan or disbursement of loan money, that would prevent the borrower from repaying the loan as it becomes due;
    5. has not, within the previous five years, defaulted on another loan made to the borrower by a lending entity unless the borrower can show good faith efforts to repay the loan and extraordinary circumstances that led to the default;
    6. has a credit history, at the time of application for a loan, that demonstrates an ability and willingness to pay an extension of credit or loan as it becomes due; and
    7. has complied with the military selective service registration requirements imposed under 50 U.S.C. App. 453 (Military Selective Service Act), if those requirements were applicable to the person.
  4. The commission may not make a loan to a borrower who has been in default on a loan previously awarded by the commission unless the previously awarded loan has been paid in full.
  5. Notwithstanding (c)(4) — (6) of this section, the commission may make a loan to a borrower if another individual who satisfies the requirements of (c) of this section cosigns the loan.
  6. The commission may withhold disbursement of a loan if the borrower no longer meets the eligibility standards set out in this section.
  7. A borrower who is attending a postsecondary institution in this state that has been approved by the commission but is not an approved federal guaranteed student loan institution must also comply with and meet any other requirements established by the commission.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 2 ch 89 SLA 2002; am §§ 15, 16 ch 63 SLA 2004; am § 1 ch 7 SLA 2009; am §§ 22, 23 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2004, “child support enforcement division” was changed to “child support services agency” in (c) of this section in accordance with § 12(a), ch. 107, SLA 2004, and to correct a manifest error.

Cross references. —

For provision prescribing the applicability of the 2009 amendment of (c) of this section to loans authorized by this section on or after July 1, 2009, see § 3, ch. 7, SLA 2009, in the 2009 Temporary and Special Acts. For ability of the Alaska Student Loan Corporation to adopt emergency regulations under AS 44.62.250 to implement the 2009 amendment of (c) of this section to loans authorized by this section, see § 4, ch. 7, SLA 2009, in the 2009 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For supplemental education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 9.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2009 amendment, effective May 1, 2009, in paragraph (c)(6), substituted “has” for “does not have” and “an ability and willingness” for “chronic inability or unwillingness”.

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (a), in (a)(1)(B), substituted “guaranteed student” for “family education” following “approved federal”, in (a)(2), substituted “a federal guaranteed student loan” for “an approved federal family education loan”; in (g), substituted “federal guaranteed student loan” for “federal family education loan”.

Editor's notes. —

Paragraph (c)(7) of this section refers to 50 U.S.C. App 453 which was renumbered in 2015 as 50 U.S.C. 3802 by the U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Law Revision Counsel.

Sec. 14.43.173. Loan award maximums; use of loan award.

  1. In a school year, the corporation may finance a loan to an eligible borrower under AS 14.43.170 14.43.175 attending an eligible postsecondary institution not to exceed
    1. $14,000 to an eligible undergraduate student attending a college or university;
    2. $15,000 to an eligible graduate student attending a college or university;
    3. $10,000 to an eligible student attending a career education program.
  2. The corporation may finance loans made under AS 14.43.170 14.43.175 to a borrower in an amount that is not more than
    1. a total of $56,000 for undergraduate study;
    2. a total of $60,000 for graduate study; or
    3. a combined total of $87,000 for undergraduate and graduate study.
  3. To maintain a loan award under AS 14.43.170 14.43.175 , the borrower must continue to be in good standing as determined by the institution and approved by the commission.
  4. The commission shall determine a borrower’s loan award amount for a specific school year based on a student’s on-time, half-time, and full-time student status and may not exceed the limits established in this section or the borrower’s costs of attendance.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001; am §§ 24 — 26 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For family education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 7.

For supplemental education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 9.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in the introductory language in (a) substituted “the corporation may finance” for “the commission may make”; in (a)(1), substituted “$14,000” for “$8,500”, in (a)(2), substituted “$15,000” for “$9,500”, in (a)(3), substituted “$10,000” for “$6,500”; in (b), at the beginning of the introductory language substituted “The corporation may finance” for “The commission may not award” and near the end of the introductory language, substituted “in an amount that is not more than” for “for more than”, in (b)(1), substituted “$56,000” for “$42,500”, in (b)(2), substituted “$60,000” for “$47,500”, in (b)(3), substituted “$87,000” for “$60,000”; added (d).

Sec. 14.43.174. Interest. [Repealed, § 45 ch 89 SLA 2014.]

Administrative Code. —

For supplemental education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 9.

Sec. 14.43.175. Repayment of loans.

A borrower’s obligation to commence repayment of the principal of and interest on a loan under AS 14.43.170 14.43.175 begins not more than six months following the borrower’s completion or other termination of the postsecondary program or the date that the borrower ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.

History. (§ 29 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 27 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For supplemental education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 9.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, inserted “not more than” following “begins”, deleted the second sentence, which read, “The commission shall set the repayment terms of a loan under AS 14.43.170 14.43.175 .”, and made a stylistic change.

Article 7. Memorial Education Revolving Loan Fund.

Sec. 14.43.250. Declaration of purpose.

  1. The legislature may pay tribute to the memory of Alaskans who, by the example of their lives, or by their distinguished contribution and service to this state, their community or their profession, exemplified the best that is the challenge of “The Great Land” by the creation of memorial education loans as a part of a general memorial education revolving loan fund, setting out the purpose for which each is created, and the conditions applicable to each loan.
  2. The purposes of the several memorial education loan accounts in the memorial education revolving loan fund are as follows:
    1. the Michael Murphy memorial education loan perpetuates the memory of Michael Murphy, a member of the Alaska State Troopers, who, while on leave from that division, gave his life for his adopted country in Vietnam on May 22, 1968;
    2. the Carroll L. “Butch” Swartz memorial education loan perpetuates the memory of Carroll L. “Butch” Swartz, of Juneau, who was a student intern with the Criminal Justice Planning Agency and the Governor’s Commission on the Administration of Justice during the summer months of 1972 and 1973 and whose accidental and untimely death in November 1973 occurred while completing his undergraduate education at Yale University, thus never realizing his educational goals or career objective;
    3. the Harvey Golub memorial education loan perpetuates the memory of Harvey Golub, of Juneau, who was chief engineer of the bridge design section of the Department of Highways of the State of Alaska and whose accidental and untimely death September 13, 1971, cut short a widely-respected career in civil engineering;
    4. the Robert L. Thomas memorial education loan perpetuates the memory of Robert L. Thomas, of Juneau, who as Deputy Commissioner of Education, and for 13 years as a member of the professional staff of that department contributed significantly to the creation, operation, and administration of a sound system of public education in Alaska and whose tragic and untimely death March 12, 1974, terminated a distinguished career in education and public administration that long will be exemplary for those who aspire to service in that profession;
    5. the A.W. (Winn) Brindle memorial education loan perpetuates the memory of A.W. (Winn) Brindle, who was the president of the Wards Cove Packing Company and Columbia-Wards Fisheries and whose death July 4, 1977, terminated a distinguished career dedicated to the development of the Alaska seafood industry; and
    6. the Nick Begich memorial education loan perpetuates the memory of Nick Begich, teacher and school superintendent at Fort Richardson, father of the Alaska kindergarten program, state senator, and member of the United States House of Representatives, whose accidental and untimely death in October of 1972 cut short a productive and distinguished career in education and public service.

History. (§ 21 ch 136 SLA 1974; am § 1 ch 78 SLA 1986; am § 1 ch 13 SLA 1991)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.810 . Renumbered in 1982.

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, throughout this section “education” was substituted for “scholarship” and “education loan account” was substituted for “scholarship account”.

Sec. 14.43.255. Fund created.

  1. There is created a memorial education revolving loan fund. The fund shall be used to provide education loans to students selected under AS 14.43.250 14.43.325 . Repayments of a loan shall be deposited into the memorial education revolving loan fund and shall be used to make new loans.
  2. Each memorial education loan, the purpose of which is set out in AS 14.43.250(b) , is a separate account in the memorial education revolving loan fund created under (a) of this section.
  3. [Repealed, § 42 ch 85 SLA 2001.]

History. (§ 21 ch 136 SLA 1974; am § 2 ch 78 SLA 1986; am §§ 11, 12 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 18 ch 43 SLA 1991; am §§ 30, 42 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.815 . Renumbered in 1982.

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, in subsection (b), “education loan” was substituted for “scholarship” and “education revolving loan fund” was substituted for “scholarship revolving loan fund”.

Sec. 14.43.300. Limits and conditions of loans.

  1. An education loan to a recipient under AS 14.43.250(b)(1) — (4) or (6) may not exceed $2,500 a school year for an undergraduate student or $5,000 a school year for a graduate student and may not be made to a student for more than six years. An education loan to a recipient under AS 14.43.250(b)(5) may not exceed the cost of tuition and required fees, books and educational supplies, room and board, and transportation for two round trips between the recipient’s home and school each year. A loan under AS 14.43.250(b)(5) may not be made for more than five years of undergraduate study, five years of graduate study, or a combined maximum of eight years of study.
  2. A loan made under AS 14.43.250 14.43.325 may be used only as follows:
    1. a Michael Murphy memorial education loan may be used only to pursue a certificate or degree program in an accredited college or university in law enforcement, law, probation and parole, or penology, or closely related fields;
    2. a Carroll L. “Butch” Swartz memorial education loan may be used only to pursue a degree program in an accredited college or university in criminal law, criminology, corrections, police science and administration, juvenile justice, or other fields closely related to criminal justice;
    3. a Harvey Golub memorial education loan may be used only to pursue a degree program in an accredited college or university in civil, mechanical, electrical, electronic, petroleum, mining, traffic and transportation, sanitary, chemical, or other recognized field of engineering;
    4. a Robert L. Thomas memorial education loan may be used only to pursue a degree program in an accredited college or university that will lead to a career in education or public administration, or other closely related field;
    5. an A.W. (Winn) Brindle memorial education loan may be used only to pursue a certificate or degree program in an accredited school, college, or university in fisheries, fishery science, fishery management, seafood processing, food technology, or other closely related field; and
    6. a Nick Begich memorial education loan may be used only to pursue a degree program in an accredited college or university that will lead to a career in education, public administration, government, or other closely related field.
  3. The recipient of a memorial education loan must be a resident of Alaska and enrolled or eligible for enrollment as a full-time student in a certificate or degree program in a field listed in (b) of this section that is appropriate to the memorial education loan received.
  4. The recipient must at all times continue to be enrolled as a full-time student in good standing at an accredited postsecondary institution that is appropriate to the memorial education loan received.
  5. In any year in which the memorial education revolving loan fund created under AS 14.43.255 has inadequate receipts to fund a loan in one of the loan categories listed in AS 14.43.250(b) , no loan in that loan category may be offered and the receipts shall be added to the amount available for that category in the succeeding year.
  6. The administering authority may provide conditions in the note signed by the recipient or in a separate document or communication that will help it carry out the provisions of AS 14.43.250 14.43.325 .
  7. [Repealed, § 31 ch 63 SLA 2004.]

History. (§ 21 ch 136 SLA 1974; am §§ 3 — 5 ch 78 SLA 1986; am § 3 ch 168 SLA 1990; am §§ 2, 3 ch 13 SLA 1991; am §§ 39, 40 ch 63 SLA 1993; am § 1 ch 20 SLA 1995; am § 18 ch 5 SLA 1996; am §§ 17, 31 ch 63 SLA 2004)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.820 . Renumbered in 1982.

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, “education” was substituted for “scholarship” in subsections (a)-(c), (e), and (g); “memorial education loan” was substituted for “memorial scholarship” in subsection (d); and “education loan accounts” was substituted for “scholarship accounts” in subsection (g).

Administrative Code. —

For A.W. “Winn” Brindle memorial scholarship loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 8.

Sec. 14.43.305. Repayment of loans.

  1. Memorial education loans under AS 14.43.250(b)(1) — (4) or (6) shall be noninterest-bearing and security for the loan may not be required. However, the note signed by the recipient shall provide for the payment of attorney fees, costs of court, and skip-tracing fees if any are incurred in collection of the unpaid amount owed on the loan.
  2. No part of a loan made under AS 14.43.250 14.43.325 need be repaid during an academic year in which the student is attending an accredited college or university as a full-time student.
  3. Loans may be repaid at an accelerated rate at the option of the recipient.
  4. If a loan is in default, the administering authority shall notify the recipient that repayment of the remaining balance is accelerated and due by sending the recipient a notice of registered or certified mail.
  5. A recipient of a memorial education loan under AS 14.43.250(b)(1) — (4) or (6) who graduates from a degree program, or for a loan under AS 14.43.250(b)(1) from a certificate program, shall receive forgiveness of one-fifth of loan principal for each one-year period the recipient is employed full time in Alaska in
    1. law-enforcement or related fields, if a recipient of a Michael Murphy memorial education loan;
    2. criminal law, criminal justice, or other closely related fields, if a recipient of a Carroll L. “Butch” Swartz memorial education loan;
    3. a recognized branch of the engineering profession or other closely related fields, if a recipient of a Harvey Golub memorial education loan;
    4. education or public administration, or other closely related field, if a recipient of a Robert L. Thomas memorial education loan; or
    5. education, public administration, government, or other closely related field, if a recipient of a Nick Begich memorial education loan.
  6. That portion of the loan that is forgiven under (e) or (j) of this section shall be considered a grant to the recipient.
  7. A recipient who does not qualify for forgiveness of all or a part of the loan made under AS 14.43.250(b)(1) — (4) or (6) shall begin repayment of the unforgiven portion within six months after leaving employment or terminating studies in
    1. law enforcement or related fields, if a recipient of a Michael Murphy memorial education loan;
    2. criminal law, criminal justice, or other closely related fields, if a recipient of a Carroll L. “Butch” Swartz memorial education loan;
    3. a recognized branch of the engineering profession or other closely related fields, if a recipient of a Harvey Golub memorial education loan;
    4. education or public administration, or other closely related field, if a recipient of a Robert L. Thomas memorial education loan; or
    5. education, public administration, government, or other closely related field, if a recipient of a Nick Begich memorial education loan.
  8. The unforgiven portion of a loan under (g) of this section shall be repaid in an amount, and at a monthly rate, to be determined by the administering authority after consultation with the recipient, but in any event not less than $50 a month.
  9. To the extent they are not in conflict with terms and conditions under AS 14.43.250 14.43.325 , the terms and conditions of a memorial education loan made under AS 14.43.250(b)(5) are the same as the terms and conditions for an education loan under AS 14.43.091 14.43.160 , except that the interest on the loan is equal to five percent.
  10. A recipient of a memorial education loan under AS 14.43.250(b)(5) who graduates from a certificate or degree program shall receive forgiveness of 10 percent of loan principal, up to a maximum of 50 percent of loan principal, for each one-year period during the first five years following graduation that the recipient is employed full time in the state in fisheries, fishery science, fishery management, seafood processing, food technology, or other closely related field.

History. (§ 21 ch 136 SLA 1974; am §§ 6 — 9 ch 78 SLA 1986; am §§ 4 — 6 ch 13 SLA 1991; am §§ 2 — 5 ch 20 SLA 1995; am § 31 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.825 . Renumbered in 1982.

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, “education” was substituted for “scholarship” in subsections (a), (e), (g), and (j).

Administrative Code. —

For A.W. “Winn” Brindle memorial scholarship loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 8.

Editor’s notes. —

Section 6, ch. 20, SLA 1995 provides that the amendments made to subsections (e), (f) and (i), and the addition of subsection (j), by ch. 20, SLA 1995 apply “to principal due on a loan entered into on or after July 1, 1995.”

Sec. 14.43.310. Selection.

  1. In selecting from among eligible applicants a person who will be granted a loan under AS 14.43.250 14.43.325 , the administering authority shall consider the following:
    1. the applicant’s career goals and aspirations;
    2. the applicant’s prior academic record;
    3. the financial need of the applicant; and
    4. other items that may be considered relevant by the administering authority to determine whether an applicant will receive a loan.
  2. To assist the administering authority in selecting eligible applicants for award of each of the memorial education loans under AS 14.43.250 14.43.325 and in reviewing the memorial education loan program, the following advisory committees are established:
    1. three Alaska state troopers, each one to be selected from and to represent a state trooper region of the state by the regional commander to serve for three years, for the Michael Murphy memorial education loan;
    2. [Repealed, § 24 ch 22 SLA 2001.]
    3. three members of the state Board of Registration for Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors selected annually by the board from among its engineer members, for the Harvey Golub memorial education loan; and
    4. three members of the state Board of Education and Early Development, or of the staff of the Department of Education and Early Development, or any combination of these, selected annually by the board, for the Robert L. Thomas memorial education loan.
  3. In selecting from among eligible applicants for award of a memorial education loan under AS 14.43.250(b)(5) , the administering authority shall give preference to applicants nominated by private donors to the A.W. (Winn) Brindle memorial education loan account in the memorial education revolving loan fund.
  4. In selecting from among eligible applicants for award of a memorial education loan under AS 14.43.250(b)(6) , the administering authority shall give preference to applicants nominated by the board members of the Nick Begich Scholarship Intern Fund, Inc.

History. (§ 21 ch 136 SLA 1974; am § 10 ch 78 SLA 1986; am § 7 ch 13 SLA 1991; am § 24 ch 22 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.830 . Renumbered in 1982.

In 1999, in (b) of this section, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

In 2000, “state Board of Education and Early Development” was substituted for “state Board of Education” in paragraph (b)(4) in accordance with sec. 104, ch. 21, SLA 2000.

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch, 85, SLA 2001, “education” was substituted for “scholarship” in subsections (b)-(d).

Administrative Code. —

For A.W. “Winn” Brindle memorial scholarship loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 8.

Sec. 14.43.315. Discrimination prohibited. [Repealed, § 42 ch 85 SLA 2001.]

Sec. 14.43.320. Administering authority.

  1. The memorial education loans provided for under AS 14.43.250 14.43.325 shall be administered by the executive director of the commission, subject to review by the commission and to those regulations the commission may prescribe to carry out the purposes of AS 14.43.250 14.43.325 .
  2. To the extent that they are not in conflict with the provisions of AS 14.43.250 14.43.325 , the provisions of AS 14.43.091 14.43.160 relating to education loans are applicable to loans made under AS 14.43.250 14.43.325 .

History. (§ 21 ch 136 SLA 1974; am § 19 ch 43 SLA 1991; am § 32 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.840 . Renumbered in 1982.

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, “education” was substituted for “scholarship” in subsection (a).

Administrative Code. —

For A.W. “Winn” Brindle memorial scholarship loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 8.

Sec. 14.43.325. Funding.

  1. The memorial education revolving loan fund created under AS 14.43.255 shall be funded by voluntary contributions by state employees who may contribute the value of one or more days of annual leave a year to the memorial education revolving loan fund to be credited to any one or more of the education loan accounts listed in AS 14.43.250(b) at the discretion of the donor.
  2. The Department of Administration shall pay to the account of the memorial education revolving loan fund established under AS 14.43.255 an amount equal to the value of the total number of days of annual leave contributed by state employees under (a) of this section.
  3. The administering authority may accept contributions from private sources for the memorial education revolving loan fund created under AS 14.43.255 .  These contributions shall be deposited in the memorial education revolving loan fund created under AS 14.43.255 to be credited to any one or more of the education loan accounts listed in AS 14.43.250(b) at the discretion of the donor.  For the purpose of this subsection, “private sources” means private individuals, corporations, foundations, or other philanthropic or charitable organizations.

History. (§ 21 ch 136 SLA 1974)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.845 . Renumbered in 1982.

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, “education” was substituted for “scholarship” in subsections (a)-(c) and “education loan accounts” was substituted for “scholarship accounts” in subsection (c).

Article 8. Alaska Education Grant Program.

Cross references. —

For a transitional provision relating to the 2014 amendments to this article and regulations, see sec. 47, ch. 89, SLA 2014 in the 2014 Temporary and Special Acts.

Sec. 14.43.400. Purpose; creation.

There is created the Alaska education grant program to provide financial assistance to eligible students to enable them to attend, or continue their attendance at, postsecondary educational institutions. Funds designated by the corporation or appropriated for this program may be used as matching funds for the state’s participation in the federal grant program under 20 U.S.C. 1070c — 1070c-4.

History. (§ 1 ch 51 SLA 1978; am § 18 ch 63 SLA 2004; am § 28 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.930 . Renumbered in 1982.

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage education grant program, see 20 AAC 16.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, near the beginning of the first sentence substituted “Alaska” for “AlaskAdvantage”.

Sec. 14.43.405. Administration.

  1. The Alaska education grant program created under AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 shall be administered by the executive director of the commission.
  2. [Repealed, § 31 ch 63 SLA 2004.]

History. (§ 1 ch 51 SLA 1978; am § 20 ch 43 SLA 1991; am § 33 ch 85 SLA 2001; am §§ 19, 31 ch 63 SLA 2004; am § 29 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.935 . Renumbered in 1982.

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage education grant program, see 20 AAC 16.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (a), substituted “Alaska” for “AlaskAdvantage”.

Sec. 14.43.406. Applicability of other laws.

  1. To the extent they are not in conflict with the provisions of AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 , the provisions of AS 14.43.162(b) , 14.43.910 , and 14.43.920 apply to a grant made under AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 .
  2. In determining a student’s eligibility for a grant under AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 , the executive director of the commission shall apply the standards contained in the definitions of “full-time student,” “half-time student,” and “school year” in AS 14.43.160 as if those provisions were applicable to application for the grant.

History. (§ 20 ch 63 SLA 2004)

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage education grant program, see 20 AAC 16.

Sec. 14.43.410. Distribution of funds. [Repealed, § 45 ch 89 SLA 2014.]

Revisor’s notes. —

Section 30, ch. 89, SLA 2014 amended former AS 14.43.410 (a). However, sec. 45, ch. 89, SLA 2014 repealed former AS 14.43.410 . The repeal of former AS 14.43.410 by sec. 45 has been given effect.

Sec. 14.43.415. Eligibility; priority.

  1. For an applicant to be eligible for a grant under AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 , the applicant must be
    1. a resident of this state;
    2. enrolled or about to be enrolled
      1. at an institution located in the state that is
        1. accredited by an institutional accrediting body recognized by the United States Secretary of Education; or
        2. approved to participate in the Alaska performance scholarship program as a qualified postsecondary institution under AS 14.43.830 ; and
      2. on at least a half-time basis; and
    3. able to demonstrate financial need in accordance with standards for determining financial need established by the commission.
  2. [Repealed, § 45 ch 89 SLA 2014.]
  3. The commission shall adopt regulations to establish terms and conditions for awarding grants under AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 and to establish the amounts to be awarded for on-time, full-time, and half-time student status.

History. (§ 1 ch 51 SLA 1978; am §§ 21, 22 ch 43 SLA 1991; am § 23 ch 63 SLA 2004; am § 2 ch 74 SLA 2012; am §§ 31, 45 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.945 . Renumbered in 1982.

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage education grant program, see 20 AAC 16.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2012 amendment, effective April 1, 2013, rewrote (a)(2)(A), which read, “enrolled or about to be enrolled at an institution approved to participate in federal financial aid programs under 20 U.S.C. 1070—1099c-2, as amended, located in this state”; in (a)(3), deleted “under 20 U.S.C. 1070—1099c-2, as amended” at the end.

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, repealed (b); in (c), substituted “terms and conditions” for “a prioritization process” following “to establish”, and added “and to establish the amounts to be awarded for on-time, full-time, and half-time student status” at the end.

Sec. 14.43.420. Limitation on grants.

  1. A grant made under AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 may not be in an amount that exceeds $4,000 for each school year.
  2. [Repealed, § 31 ch 63 SLA 2004.]
  3. A student may receive not more than a total of $16,000 in grants awarded under AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 .
  4. The commission may apply the amounts awarded under AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 to a state match required by federal grant programs under 20 U.S.C. 1070c-2.

History. (§ 1 ch 51 SLA 1978; am §§ 24, 25, 31 ch 63 SLA 2004; am §§ 3, 4 ch 14 SLA 2010; am §§ 32 — 34 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.950 . Renumbered in 1982.

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage education grant program, see 20 AAC 16.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2010 amendment, effective May 11, 2010, in (a), substituted “$3,000” for “$2,000”; in (c), substituted “$12,000” for “$8,000”.

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (a), substituted “an amount that exceeds $4,000” for “an amount less than $500 nor more than $3,000”; in (c), substituted “a total of $16,000” for “a total of $12,000”; added (d).

Sec. 14.43.500. Definitions. [Repealed, § 31 ch. 63 SLA 2004.]

Article 9. Medical Education Support.

Sec. 14.43.510. Repayment condition for medical education program participants.

  1. Except as provided under (b) and (c) of this section, as a condition of participating in a medical education program under AS 14.42.033 , a program participant shall agree to either return to the state and actively engage in professional medical practice or repay financial support provided by the state on behalf of the program participant. The financial support to be repaid is equal to 50 percent of the amount paid for each program participant by the state to the contracting postsecondary institution, plus interest. The rate of interest is equal to the 12th Federal Reserve District discount rate in effect on March 1 of the year in which the financial support is provided plus two percentage points. Interest imposed under this subsection begins to accrue when the person terminates studies under the medical education program. Accrued interest shall be added to the principal balance of the repayment obligation at the time the borrower is obligated to commence repayment and at the end of a deferment period.
  2. If a program participant under (a) of this section has graduated from the medical education program for which the financial support was received and is employed in the state in the field for which the person received the financial support, including employment in the state in a medical residency program, the repayment obligation shall be forgiven and considered a grant in an amount equal to the following percentages plus accrued interest:
    1. for employment in rural areas of the state,
      1. one year employment, 33 1/3 percent;
      2. two years employment, an additional 33 1/3 percent;
      3. three years employment, an additional 33 1/3 percent;
    2. for employment in areas of the state that are not rural,
      1. one year employment, 20 percent;
      2. two years employment, an additional 20 percent;
      3. three years employment, an additional 20 percent;
      4. four years employment, an additional 20 percent;
      5. five years employment, an additional 20 percent.
  3. Repayment under (a) of this section is required to begin not later than six months after the person terminates studies under the medical education program except that repayment shall be deferred for a person who (1) qualifies for forgiveness under (b) of this section for as long as the person remains qualified for forgiveness under (b) of this section; (2) is employed in a medical residency program for as long as the person remains in the medical residency program; or (3) is performing a service obligation imposed by the National Health Service Corps, the Indian Health Service, or the Uniformed Service Scholarship Program for as long as the person is performing the service. Forgiveness under (b) of this section only applies to that portion of the repayment obligation that has not been repaid to the state.
  4. If a person meets the qualifying conditions under this section for forgiveness after beginning repayment, the repayment requirement is deferred in the month following qualification for forgiveness. Repayment shall be deferred as long as the person remains qualified or until the balance of the repayment obligation has been fully forgiven. If the person is delinquent or in default on the person’s regular repayment schedule, repayment shall continue until the person is current in payments. A period of time during which the person is making past due payments may not be considered as a qualifying period for the purpose of calculating forgiveness benefits.
  5. For purposes of qualifying for forgiveness under this section, a person must be a full-time employee for a period of at least six months in order to qualify for a prorated forgiveness benefit. In this subsection, “full-time employee” does not include seasonal or temporary employment.
  6. A person’s obligation to repay under this section ends if the person dies and is deferred during any period in which a physician certifies that the person is totally disabled.
  7. This section does not apply to loans received by a person under AS 14.43.010 14.43.160 or 14.43.710 14.43.750 .
  8. The commission may adopt regulations to implement this section. Except as provided in this section, regulations adopted under this subsection may not exempt or defer a repayment required under this section.
  9. In this section, “rural” means a community with a population of 7,500 or less that is not connected by road or rail to Anchorage or Fairbanks or with a population of 3,500 or less that is connected by road or rail to Anchorage or Fairbanks.

History. (§ 3 ch 23 SLA 1999; am §§ 2 — 5 ch 5 SLA 2007)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2008, in subsection (a), “AS 14.42.033 ” was substituted for “AS 14.42.030(d) ” to reflect the 2008 renumbering of AS 14.42.030(d) .

Administrative Code. —

For financial support for the WWAMI program, see 20 AAC 19.

Article 10. Teacher Education Loan Program.

Sec. 14.43.600. Findings and intent.

  1. The legislature finds that there is a wide and unacceptable disparity between the distribution of Native teachers and Native students in rural elementary and secondary schools in the state.  Many rural schools have virtually no Native teachers and no non-Native students. The undesirable effects of this disparity include the following:
    1. there is a serious weakness in the ability of teaching staffs in rural schools to foster a sense of Native traditions and cultures in the Native students;
    2. many rural students are forced to exist in two entirely separate situations: the essentially traditional atmosphere of many Native homes, and the essentially modern atmosphere of the classroom;
    3. almost no Native students return to rural schools to teach, continuing the imbalance and exacerbating its effects; and
    4. there is an annual turnover of 40 percent among teachers in regional educational attendance areas in the state.
  2. The legislature further finds that existing programs have failed to increase the proportion of Natives teaching in rural schools.  Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to establish the teacher education loan program to encourage rural high school graduates to return to rural schools as teachers and relieve the conditions described in this section.

History. (§ 1 ch 121 SLA 1984)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1989, “regional” was substituted for “rural” in paragraph (a)(4) to correct a manifest error in the original enactment.

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, in subsection (b), “education loan” was substituted for “scholarship loan.”

Administrative Code. —

For teacher education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 5.

Sec. 14.43.610. Program established.

There is established the teacher education loan program to provide an incentive for rural high school graduates to pursue teaching careers in rural elementary and secondary schools in the state.

History. (§ 1 ch 121 SLA 1984)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, “education loan” was substituted for “scholarship loan.”

Administrative Code. —

For teacher education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 5.

Sec. 14.43.620. Teacher education revolving loan fund.

  1. The teacher education revolving loan fund is created for the purpose of making education loans to students selected under AS 14.43.600 14.43.700 . The fund consists of money or assets appropriated or transferred to the commission for deposit into the fund, money or assets deposited into the fund by the commission, and earnings on investments of money held in the fund.
  2. [Repealed, § 45 ch 89 SLA 2014.]
  3. The commission may make a new loan under this section only if sufficient money or assets are available in the fund established under (a) of this section. If no new loans are issued in a fiscal year under this subsection, the commission shall use deposits for the year in the succeeding year.

History. (§ 1 ch 121 SLA 1984; am §§ 13, 14 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 23 ch 43 SLA 1991; am §§ 35, 36, 45 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, “education” was substituted for “scholarship” throughout this section.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, rewrote (a), which read, “There is created a teacher education revolving loan fund. The fund shall be used to make education loans to students selected under AS 14.43.600 14.43.700 . Unless the instrument evidencing the teacher education loan has been sold or assigned to the Alaska Student Loan Corporation, repayments of principal and interest on a teacher education loan shall be paid into the teacher education revolving loan fund and shall be used to make new teacher education loans. If estimated funds available are inadequate to fully fund estimated teacher education loans for any fiscal year, additional funding from the general fund may be requested and appropriated for that year.”; repealed (b); added (c).

Sec. 14.43.630. Administration.

  1. The teacher education loan program shall be administered by the commission in accordance with regulations adopted by the commission. The commission shall
    1. allocate the loan awards available for teacher education loans annually to local school boards giving a preference to rural school districts; and
    2. develop and distribute to the local school boards an application form for teacher education loans; the form must include a requirement that the applicant supply a high school academic transcript and a statement of intent to enter a teaching career at the elementary or secondary school level in the state.
  2. The local school boards shall select the recipients of the teacher education loans according to the criteria in AS 14.43.650 .

History. (§ 1 ch 121 SLA 1984; am § 24 ch 43 SLA 1991)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, “education” was substituted for “scholarship” throughout this section.

Administrative Code. —

For teacher education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 5.

Sec. 14.43.640. Conditions of and limitations on loans.

  1. To the extent that they are not in conflict with the provisions of AS 14.43.600 14.43.700 , the provisions of AS 14.43.100 14.43.160 are applicable to loans made under AS 14.43.600 14.43.700 .
  2. If a borrower meets the conditions provided in (a) of this section and is employed as a teacher in a rural elementary or secondary school, the portion of the loan that shall be paid by the state is the following percentages of the total loan received plus interest up to a total of 100 percent of the total loan:
    1. one year employment, 15 percent;
    2. two years employment, an additional 15 percent;
    3. three years employment, an additional 15 percent;
    4. four years employment, an additional 25 percent;
    5. over four years employment, an additional 30 percent.
  3. A loan may not exceed $7,500 in a school year, exclusive of loan guarantee fees.
  4. Proceeds from a teacher education loan may be used only for undergraduate expenses of books, tuition, required fees, loan guarantee fees, room and board, and the transportation expense for two round trips between the loan recipient’s home and school.
  5. Teacher education loans made to a student may not exceed a total of $37,500.
  6. Notwithstanding (b) of this section, a borrower who fails to qualify for loan payment by the state because the borrower is required to reside in an urban area of the state in order to receive medical treatment is still entitled to receive loan payments by the state under (b) of this section if the medical condition for which the borrower is receiving treatment did not exist before the borrower received the teacher education loan and the borrower is employed as a teacher in an urban elementary or secondary school.
  7. The commission shall set the interest rate on a teacher education loan made from the teacher education revolving loan fund established under AS 14.43.620 .

History. (§ 1 ch 121 SLA 1984; am § 15 ch 92 SLA 1987; am §§ 41, 42 ch 63 SLA 1993; am § 19 ch 5 SLA 1996; am § 9 ch 54 SLA 1997; am § 1 ch 57 SLA 1998; am § 37 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, “education” was substituted for “scholarship” in subsections (d)-(f).

Cross references. —

For authority of the Alaska Student Loan Corporation to set the interest rate on certain loans made under this section before July 17, 2014, see sec. 46(b), ch. 89, SLA 2014.

Administrative Code. —

For teacher education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 5.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, added (g).

Editor’s notes. —

Section 46, ch. 89, SLA 2014 provides that (g) of this section applies to loans made under this section on or after July 17, 2014.

Sec. 14.43.650. Selection criteria.

  1. To be eligible for a teacher education loan, a student must
    1. be a graduate of a public or private high school in the state, with sufficient credits to be admitted to an accredited college or university;
    2. be enrolled in or show evidence of intent to enroll in a degree program directed at a teaching career at the elementary or secondary school level;
    3. meet the conditions set by the student’s local school board with respect to the district’s requirements for teachers in particular subject areas;
    4. submit to the local school board an application provided by the commission under AS 14.43.630(a)(2) ; an application may be submitted six months before graduation from high school; and
    5. not have a past due child support obligation established by court order or by the child support services agency under AS 25.27.160 25.27.220 at the time of application.
  2. A local school board shall award teacher education loans giving a preference to applicants from rural schools who meet the qualifications for a loan and taking into account the applicants’ academic records.
  3. A student may not be awarded a teacher education loan under AS 14.43.600 14.43.700 if the student receives a loan under AS 14.43.170 14.43.175 for the same period of attendance.

History. (§ 1 ch 121 SLA 1984; am § 3 ch 116 SLA 1986; am § 16 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 25 ch 43 SLA 1991; am § 20 ch 5 SLA 1996; am §§ 34, 35 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, “education” was substituted for “scholarship” in subsections (a) and (b).

In 2004, “child support enforcement division” was changed to ‘child support services agency‘ in (a) of this section in accordance with § 12(a), ch. 107, SLA 2004, and to correct a manifest error.

Administrative Code. —

For teacher education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 5.

Sec. 14.43.700. Definition.

In AS 14.43.600 14.43.700 , “rural” means a community with a population of 5,500 or less that is not connected by road or rail to Anchorage or Fairbanks or with a population of 1,500 or less that is connected by road or rail to Anchorage or Fairbanks.

History. (§ 1 ch 121 SLA 1984; am § 3 ch 105 SLA 1992)

Article 11. Alaska Family Education Loan Program.

Sec. 14.43.710. Program established.

The Alaska family education loan program is established to provide low interest loans to families to assist in paying the costs of postsecondary education for family members.

History. (§ 17 ch 92 SLA 1987)

Administrative Code. —

For family education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 7.

Sec. 14.43.720. Family education loan account.

  1. The family education loan account is created within the education loan fund (AS 14.42.210 ). The account shall be used to make family education loans to families selected under AS 14.43.710 14.43.750 , to pay the costs of collecting family education loans that are in default if those costs are not recovered from the family, and to pay the costs of administering the account. Unless the instrument evidencing the family education loan has been sold or assigned to the Alaska Student Loan Corporation, repayments of principal and interest on family education loans shall be paid into the family education loan account. If estimated funds available from family education loan repayments are inadequate to fully fund estimated family education loans in a fiscal year, additional funding from the general fund may be requested and appropriated for that year.
  2. The commission may sell or assign notes and other instruments evidencing family education loans to the Alaska Student Loan Corporation and enter into agreements with the corporation relating to loans, the administration of the education loan fund created under AS 14.42.210 , and the payment of and security for bonds of the corporation. Proceeds from the sale or assignment of notes and other instruments shall be deposited in the family education loan account.

History. (§ 17 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 26 ch 43 SLA 1991; am § 10 ch 54 SLA 1997; am § 36 ch 85 SLA 2001)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2001, in accordance with § 45, ch. 85, SLA 2001, “education loan fund” was substituted for “student loan fund” in subsection (b).

Administrative Code. —

For family education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 7.

Sec. 14.43.730. Administration. [Repealed, § 42 ch 85 SLA 2001.]

Sec. 14.43.740. Loan terms, limits, and conditions.

  1. The provisions of AS 14.43.100 , 14.43.120(a) — (c), (m), and (r) — (u), 14.43.122 , 14.43.135 , 14.43.145 14.43.155 , 14.43.173 , and 14.43.910 14.43.990 apply to a loan made under AS 14.43.710 14.43.750 .
  2. [Repealed, § 18 ch 54 SLA 1997.]
  3. The corporation shall set the interest rate on a loan made under AS 14.43.710 14.43.750 , but the annual rate may not exceed 8.25 percent.
  4. Repayment of the principal and interest on a loan made under AS 14.43.710 14.43.750 begins on the first of the month immediately following loan disbursement. The loan may be cancelled without prejudice at any time before actual disbursement. The loan shall provide for repayment of the total amount owed in periodic installments in not more than 10 years from the commencement of repayment. If the commission and the borrower agree to a different repayment schedule, the borrower shall repay the loan in accordance with the agreement.
  5. Provision shall be made for payment by the borrower of fees and costs incurred in collection of delinquent or defaulted loans.
  6. The commission may withhold disbursement of a loan if the borrower or family member is no longer eligible under AS 14.43.750 .
  7. [Repealed, § 45 ch 89 SLA 2014.]

History. (§ 17 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 2 ch 44 SLA 1991; am § 43 ch 63 SLA 1993; am § 8 ch 112 SLA 1994; am § 21 ch 5 SLA 1996; am §§ 11 — 14, 18 ch 54 SLA 1997; am §§ 26, 27 ch 63 SLA 2004; am § 2 ch 7 SLA 2009; am §§ 38, 45 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Cross references. —

For provision prescribing the applicability of the 2009 amendment of (c) of this section to the interest rate of a loan that is subject to this section on or after July 1, 2009, see § 3, ch. 7, SLA 2009, in the 2009 Temporary and Special Acts. For ability of the Alaska Student Loan Corporation to adopt emergency regulations under AS 44.62.250 to implement the 2009 repeal and reenactment of (c) of this section, see § 4, ch. 7, SLA 2009, in the 2009 Temporary and Special Acts.

Administrative Code. —

For family education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 7.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2009 amendment, effective May 1, 2009, rewrote subsection (c).

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (a), inserted the citation to AS 14.43.173 , and made a related change; repealed (g).

Editor’s notes. —

Section 3, ch. 44, SLA 1991 provides that “this Act applies to principal and interest due on a loan entered into on or after July 1, 1990.”

Sec. 14.43.750. Eligibility.

  1. A person may apply for and obtain a family education loan on behalf of a family member if
    1. the borrower and the family member
      1. are residents of the state at the time of application for the loan; for purposes of this paragraph, a borrower and family member qualify as residents of the state if the borrower and the family member have been physically present in the state for at least one year immediately before the time of application for the loan with the intent to remain indefinitely or, if not physically present in the state, the borrower and family member have not declared or established residency in another state, intend to return permanently to the state, and the absence meets the requirements imposed under AS 14.43.125(a)(3)(C)(i) — (vi);
      2. satisfy the requirements of AS 14.43.125(a)(6) — (9);
    2. the family member
      1. is enrolled as a full-time student in a career education, associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree program; or
      2. is a graduate of a high school or the equivalent, or scheduled for graduation from a high school within six months, who, at the time of loan disbursement, will be enrolled in compliance with (A) of this paragraph; and
    3. neither the borrower nor the family member
      1. is delinquent or has ever been in default on a loan previously awarded by the commission unless the defaulted loan has been voluntarily paid in full;
      2. is past due on a child support obligation established by court order or by the child support services agency under AS 25.27.160 25.27.220 at the time of application or loan disbursement;
      3. has, within the previous five years, had a loan discharged or written off by the commission for any reason.
  2. [Repealed, § 26 ch 5 SLA 1996.]

History. (§ 17 ch 92 SLA 1987; am § 9 ch 112 SLA 1994; am § 26 ch 5 SLA 1996; am § 15 ch 54 SLA 1997; am § 3 ch 89 SLA 2002; am § 39 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2004, “child support enforcement division” was changed to ‘child support services agency‘ in (a) of this section in accordance with § 12(a), ch. 107, SLA 2004, and to correct a manifest error.

Administrative Code. —

For family education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 7.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, rewrote (a)(1), which read, “the borrower (A) is a resident of the state at the time of application for the loan; for purposes of this paragraph, a borrower qualifies as a resident of the state if the borrower has been physically present in the state for at least one year immediately before the time of application for the loan with the intent to remain indefinitely or, if not physically present in the state, the borrower has not declared or established residency in another state, intends to return permanently to the state, and the absence meets the requirements imposed under AS 14.43.125(a)(3)(C)(i) — (vi); (B) satisfies the requirements of AS 14.43.125(a)(6) — (9)”, in (a)(3)(A), added “unless the defaulted loan has been voluntarily paid in full” at the end.

Editor’s notes. —

Under § 6, ch. 89, SLA 2002, the 2002 amendment to subparagraph (a)(1)(B) applies to a person who applies for a family education loan on or after July 1, 2003.

Sec. 14.43.790. Definitions. [Repealed, § 18 ch 54 SLA 1997.]

Article 12. Alaska Performance Scholarship Program.

Effective dates. —

Section 14, ch. 14, SLA 2010 makes this article effective July 1, 2011.

Sec. 14.43.810. Alaska performance scholarship program established; regulations.

  1. The Alaska performance scholarship program is established to provide scholarships for high school graduates who are Alaska residents to attend a qualified postsecondary institution in the state.
  2. The department shall, in consultation with the commission, adopt regulations necessary to implement the Alaska performance scholarship program. The commission shall administer the daily operations of the Alaska performance scholarship program and financing of the Alaska performance scholarship program, including the procedures for applying for the scholarships, establishing standards for and ensuring continuing compliance with programmatic standards, and requiring students to apply for other nonloan financial aid, consistent with federal law.

History. (§ 5 ch 14 SLA 2010; am § 3 ch 74 SLA 2012)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2012 amendment, effective September 14, 2012, in (a), substituted “Alaska performance scholarship program” for “Alaska merit scholarship program”; in (b), inserted “Alaska performance scholarship” preceding “program” three times.

Sec. 14.43.820. Alaska performance scholarship program; eligibility.

  1. Subject to appropriation, the commission shall award an Alaska performance scholarship to an applicant who
    1. is a resident of the state as defined in AS 01.10.055 ;
    2. graduated or will graduate within six months from a high school in the state;
    3. except as provided in (c) of this section, has completed a core academic curriculum of high school level coursework that includes
      1. four years of mathematics, four years of language arts, four years of science, and four years of social studies, one year of which may include a foreign language, an Alaska Native language, fine arts, or cultural heritage; or
      2. three years of mathematics, four years of language arts, three years of science, four years of social studies, and two years of a foreign language or an Alaska Native language;
    4. has a minimum grade-point average in high school of 2.5 or higher; the department shall set by regulation minimum requirements based on a substantially similar standard for districts that do not assign grades;
    5. has achieved a minimum score on a
      1. college entrance examination; or
      2. standardized examination designed to measure a student’s level of preparedness to make the transition to work, as selected by the department; and
    6. is enrolled in good standing in a course of study at a qualified postsecondary institution in this state that is intended to result in the award of a certificate or degree.
  2. The commission shall establish in regulation standards for continuing and regaining eligibility for a scholarship.
  3. The commissioner shall waive a portion of the core academic requirements specified under (a)(3) of this section for not more than 24 additional months after a student graduates from a high school in the state to provide an eligible applicant the opportunity to complete the academic requirements at a qualified postsecondary institution using a scholarship awarded under AS 14.43.825(a) or at a public high school in the state with a district sponsorship under (f) of this section if the applicant submits a timely application on a form approved by the commissioner and provides satisfactory proof that the applicant was unable to complete the academic requirements under (a)(3) of this section as a result of circumstances beyond the applicant’s control, including
    1. illness or disability;
    2. a lack of reasonable access to the required coursework at a small or remote high school attended by the applicant in the state; and
    3. other circumstances prescribed by regulation adopted by the board.
  4. The commissioner shall approve or deny an application for a waiver submitted under (c) of this section within 30 days after receiving the application.
  5. An applicant who receives a waiver under (c) of this section, shall, within the time granted for the waiver, provide satisfactory proof to the commissioner of completion of the core academic requirements specified under (a)(3) of this section.
  6. Notwithstanding a contrary provision in this title, a school district that agrees to sponsor a student for a waiver under (c) of this section may include a student who has been approved for a waiver under (c) of this section in the student count conducted under AS 14.17.600 as a full-time or part-time student if the student attends a school in the district for the purpose of completing the core academic requirements under (a)(3) of this section.
  7. In this section, “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 .

History. (§ 5 ch 14 SLA 2010; am §§ 4, 5 ch 74 SLA 2012)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2012, in subsection (a) the substitution of “performance” for “merit scholarship program” in the introductory language was made effective September 14, 2012 (instead of April 1, 2013) to correct a manifest error in secs. 4, 30, and 32, SLA 2012.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2012 amendment, in the introductory language of (a), effective September 14, 2012 (see revisor’s note), substituted “performance” for “merit scholarship program”; in (a)(3), effective April 1, 2013, added “except as provided in (c) of this section,” and substituted “curriculum of high school level coursework” for “curriculum in high school”; and added (e) — (g), effective April 1, 2013.

Sec. 14.43.825. Maximum annual awards.

  1. The maximum annual awards for the Alaska performance scholarships are as follows:
    1. the first award level is $4,755 and requires a
      1. 3.5 grade-point average or above; and
      2. very high minimum score on a college entrance examination;
    2. the second award level is $3,566 and requires a
      1. 3.0 grade-point average or above; and
      2. high minimum score on a college entrance examination;
    3. the third award level is $2,378 and requires a
      1. 2.5 grade-point average or above; and
      2. moderately high minimum score on a college entrance examination.
  2. A student’s eligibility for a scholarship terminates six years after the date the student graduates from high school unless the student qualifies for an extension of time allowed by the department by regulation.
  3. Except as provided in (b) of this section, a student receiving a scholarship may remain eligible for up to eight semesters of enrollment in good standing at a qualified university or college, which may include graduate courses.
  4. Scholarships may be awarded to a full-time student or, if a student is enrolled part time, prorated based on the number of credits. In this subsection, “full time” means enrollment in a course of study that is not less that 12 credits, and “part time” means enrollment in a course of study that is not less than six credits but less than 12 credits.
  5. The amount of a scholarship award may not exceed the amount of the student’s costs of attendance as certified by the postsecondary institution for the purposes of federal financial aid, less any other scholarships or nonloan financial aid awarded to the student.
  6. Payment of a scholarship is subject to appropriation and the availability of funds for expenditure under AS 37.14.750 . If insufficient funds are appropriated or available in a fiscal year to pay all eligible scholarships, the commission may not award a scholarship to a new applicant, and the commission shall pay existing awards on a pro rata basis for that fiscal year.

History. (§ 5 ch 14 SLA 2010; am §§ 6 — 8 ch 74 SLA 2012)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2012 amendment, effective September 14, 2012, in the introductory language of (a), substituted “Alaska performance scholarships” for “Alaska merit scholarship program scholarships”, added the subparagraph designations in (a)(1)-(3) and made related stylistic changes; and rewrote (f), adding the references to availability of funds under AS 37.14.750 and to the fiscal year; and effective April 1, 2013, substituted “date the student graduates” for “date the student graduated” in (b).

Sec. 14.43.830. Qualified postsecondary institutions.

  1. The following institutions are qualified postsecondary institutions for purposes of awarding an Alaska performance scholarship:
    1. a university or college physically located in the state that
      1. is authorized to operate in the state under AS 14.48.020 or is exempt from authorization under AS 14.48.030(b)(1) ;
      2. is accredited by a regional or national accreditation association;
      3. has an advisory program established for incoming students that provides counseling related to course selection, career choice, and personal challenges; and
      4. provides courses and credits that can result in the issuance of a degree or certificate available at the institution within a time frame expected for that degree or certificate;
    2. a career and technical school program physically located in the state that meets the standards established in (a)(1)(C) and (D) of this section and that has been included on a list of certified career and technical school programs received from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; the commission shall publish the list on or before June 30 of the year preceding enrollment.
  2. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall, in consultation with the Department of Education and Early Development, adopt regulations under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) establishing criteria under which the Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall certify career and technical school programs in the state as eligible to participate in the Alaska performance scholarship program.

History. (§ 5 ch 14 SLA 2010; am § 9 ch 74 SLA 2012)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2012 amendment, effective September 14, 2012, in the introductory language of (a), substituted “Alaska performance scholarship” for “Alaska merit scholarship program scholarship”, in (a)(1)(B) inserted “or national” between “regional” and “accreditation”, and in (b), substituted “Alaska performance scholarship program” for “Alaska merit scholarship program”; and effective July 1, 2013, added (a)(1)(C), (a)(1)(D), and made stylistic changes, and in (a)(2), added “meets the standards established in (a)(1)(C) and (D) of this section and that”, following “located in the state that”.

Sec. 14.43.840. Report to the legislature.

  1. To the extent permitted under law, the department, the commission, the University of Alaska, and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall share data necessary to prepare public reports regarding the program.
  2. Not more than 10 days after the convening of each regular legislative session, the department, the commission, the University of Alaska, and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall present an annual report to the public, the governor, and the legislature containing information of public interest regarding the program, including
    1. the number of applicants and number and types of scholarships awarded;
    2. the dollar amount of scholarships awarded in past years and the dollar amount expected to be awarded for the next year; and
    3. data and trends in the data regarding high school and postsecondary student performance, programmatic changes, and retention and graduation rates over time.

History. (§ 5 ch 14 SLA 2010)

Sec. 14.43.849. Definitions.

In AS 14.43.810 14.43.849 , unless the context requires otherwise,

  1. “department” means the Department of Education and Early Development;
  2. “grade-point average” means the average of all grades on a four-point scale, or five-point scale for advanced placement classes, obtained by the student in high school;
  3. “high school” means a public or accredited secondary school in the state and a home school program that is approved by the department;
  4. “program” means the Alaska performance scholarship program established under AS 14.43.810 14.43.849 ;
  5. “school district” means a borough school district, a city school district, a regional educational attendance area, and a state boarding school.

History. (§ 5 ch 14 SLA 2010; am § 10 ch 74 SLA 2012)

Revisor’s notes. —

This section was enacted as AS 14.43.850; renumbered in 2010 as AS 14.43.849 , at which time internal references to this section were also conformed.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2012 amendment, effective September 14, 2012, in (4), substituted “Alaska performance scholarship program” for “Alaska merit scholarship program”.

Article 13. General Provisions.

Sec. 14.43.910. Confidentiality of financial need information.

All information submitted in support of a determination of financial need as provided in this chapter is confidential. However, an applicant may inspect or copy information from the applicants’ application, or records relating to the applicant’s own application, or authorize release of the application or records to designated individuals or organizations.

History. (§ 1 ch 51 SLA 1978)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.955. Renumbered as AS 14.43.425 in 1982. Renumbered again in 1987.

Sec. 14.43.915. Alaska education grant account and Alaska performance scholarship award account.

  1. The Alaska education grant account is created as an account in the general fund. Money may be appropriated to the account from the Alaska higher education investment fund under AS 37.14.750 and from other sources. The commission may use the money in the account to pay grants awarded under AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 and to pay the cost of administration of the Alaska education grant program created under AS 14.43.400 .
  2. The Alaska performance scholarship award account is created as an account in the general fund. Money may be appropriated to the account from the Alaska higher education investment fund under AS 37.14.750 and from other sources. The commission may use the money in the account to pay scholarships awarded to students under AS 14.43.810 14.43.849 .
  3. Of the total amount available annually to the commission for payment of grants under AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 and for payment of scholarships under AS 14.43.810 14.43.849 , one-third of the combined amount in the accounts established under (a) and (b) of this section shall be available solely for payment of grants awarded under AS 14.43.400 14.43.420 . The commission shall annually allocate to all qualified applicants for scholarships awarded under AS 14.43.810 14.43.849 two-thirds of the combined amount in the accounts. If an insufficient number of qualified applicants are awarded grants under AS 14.43.400 — 14.43.420 or scholarships under AS 14.43.810 — 14.43.849, or both, before the end of that fiscal year, the commissioner shall redeposit the remaining funds into the Alaska higher education investment fund established under AS 37.14.750 .
  4. The commission shall reserve a percentage calculated under this subsection of the total amount available for awards in the accounts established under (a) and (b) of this section each year for award to students who graduate from a school district with an ADM of less than 800 or from a school that was operated by the Alaska State-Operated School System established under former AS 14.08.020 . The percentage reserved under this subsection shall be calculated by adding the ADMs of districts with an ADM of less than 800 and the number of students enrolled in a school that was operated by the Alaska State-Operated School System established under former AS 14.08.020 that is located in a district with an ADM of 800 or more and then dividing that number by the sum of the ADMs of all districts in the state.
  5. If an insufficient number of applicants apply for the available amount reserved under (d) of this section, the commission shall redeposit the remaining amount in the account from which the funds originated.
  6. In this section,
    1. “ADM” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 ;
    2. “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 , but also includes a state boarding school under AS 14.16.

History. (§ 11 ch 74 SLA 2012; am § 40 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (a), in the first sentence, substituted “Alaska” for “AlaskAdvantage”, and in the second sentence, added “and to pay the cost of administration of the Alaska education grant program created under AS 14.43.400 ”.

Effective dates. —

Section 33, ch. 74, SLA 2012, make subsections (a), (b), (c), (e), and (f) of this section effective September 14, 2012, in accordance with AS 01.10.070(c) . Section 30, ch. 74, SLA 2012, makes subsection (d) of this section effective April 1, 2013.

Sec. 14.43.920. Repayment by ineligible recipient.

If a person receives a scholarship, loan, or grant under this title for which the person is not eligible under the provisions of this title, the scholarship, loan, or grant is void and the entire balance of money paid is immediately due to the scholarship, loan, or grant fund. This section is in addition to any penalty that may be imposed according to another provision of law.

History. (§ 23 ch 5 SLA 1996)

Sec. 14.43.930. Scholarship program information.

  1. The board shall make information about scholarship programs available in each school district in the state and at each campus of the University of Alaska.
  2. By September 15 before each annual graduation, a qualified high school in the state with a high school graduating class shall provide
    1. to the board a list of the names and addresses of students in the graduating class who meet scholarship eligibility requirements for each scholarship program; and
    2. a notice of eligibility for the scholarship program to those students on the list prepared under (1) of this subsection.
  3. A school district shall amend its policies, including those applying to student directory information, as necessary to comply with this section.
  4. A qualified high school may not provide to the board the name of a student if the parent of the student objects to the disclosure.
  5. In this section,
    1. “board” means the Board of Regents of the University of Alaska;
    2. “qualified high school” means a public high school, a high school accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, or a high school registered with the department.

History. (§ 3 ch 90 SLA 1999; am § 12 ch 58 SLA 2010)

Cross references. —

For applicability and transition provisions related to the enactment of this section, see §§ 4 and 5, ch. 90, SLA 1999 in the 1999 Temporary and Special Acts.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2010 amendment, effective June 10, 2010, in (e)(2), substituted “Northwest Association of Accredited Schools” for “Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges”.

Sec. 14.43.990. Definitions.

In this chapter,

  1. “AlaskAdvantage” means the service mark registered by the commission under 15 U.S.C. 1051 (Trademark Act) that is used to describe financial aid and higher education outreach programs and services provided by the commission;
  2. “approved federal family education loan institution” means a postsecondary education institution in this state or outside of this state that is approved for participation in the federal guaranteed student loan program;
  3. “commission” means the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education;
  4. “corporation” means the Alaska Student Loan Corporation created in AS 14.42.100 ;
  5. “education loan” means a loan made to finance the cost of attendance in a postsecondary education program that is made by the commission or is a loan received through the federal guaranteed student loan program;
  6. “federal guaranteed student loan program” means the programs of the United States government making postsecondary educational financial aid available under 20 U.S.C. 1070 — 1099c-2, as amended;
  7. “on-time student” means an undergraduate who is enrolled and is in regular attendance at classes for 15 or more semester hours of credit or the equivalent during the semester; any combination of semester hours of credit or the equivalent aggregating to the requisite number of semester hours and undertaken during a semester at two or more public or private institutions of higher education constitutes on-time student status.

History. (§ 28 ch 43 SLA 1991; am §§ 37, 38 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 28 ch 63 SLA 2004; am § 41 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Revisor’s notes. —

Reorganized in 2001 and 2004 to maintain alphabetical order.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2004 amendment, effective June 17, 2004, added paragraphs (1) and (5).

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, added (7).

Chapter 44. Interstate Education Compacts.

Article 1. Western Regional Higher Education Compact.

Administrative Code. —

For WICHE professional student exchange loan program, see 20 AAC 18.

Sec. 14.44.010. Ratification, approval, and adherence.

The Western Regional Higher Education Compact, recommended by the Western Governors’ Conference on November 10, 1950, for adoption by the states or territories of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, is ratified and approved and the adherence of this state to this Compact, upon its ratification and approval by four or more of these states or territories in addition to this state, is declared.

History. (§ 1 ch 164 SLA 1955)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.660 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.44.015. Terms and provisions of Compact.

The terms and provisions of the Compact referred to in AS 14.44.010 are as follows:

History. (§ 2 ch 164 SLA 1955; am § 1 ch 70 SLA 1971; am § 7 ch 71 SLA 1972)

WESTERN REGIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION COMPACT

Article I

Whereas, the future of this Nation and of the Western States is dependent upon the quality of the education of its youth; and

Whereas, many of the Western States individually do not have sufficient numbers of potential students to warrant the establishment and maintenance within their borders of adequate facilities in all of the essential fields of technical, professional, and graduate training, nor all of the States have the financial ability to furnish within their borders institutions capable of providing acceptable standards of training in all of the fields mentioned above; and

Whereas, it is believed that the Western States, or groups of such states within the Region, cooperatively can provide acceptable and efficient educational facilities to meet the needs of the Region and of the students thereof:

Now, therefore, the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, and the Territories of Alaska and Hawaii do hereby covenant and agree as follows:

Article II

Each of the compacting states and territories pledge to each of the other compacting states and territories faithful cooperation in carrying out all the purposes of this Compact.

Article III

The compacting states and territories hereby create the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, hereinafter called the Commission. Said Commission shall be a body corporate of each compacting state and territory and an agency thereof. The Commission shall have all the powers and duties set forth herein, including the power to sue and to be sued, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it by subsequent action of the respective legislatures of the compacting states and territories.

Article IV

The Commission shall consist of three resident members from each compacting state or territory. At all times one Commissioner from each compacting state or territory shall be an educator engaged in the field of higher education in the state or territory from which the commissioner is appointed.

The Commissioners from each state and territory shall be appointed by the Governor thereof as provided by law in such state or territory. Any Commissioner may be removed or suspended from office as provided by the law of the state or territory from which the commissioner shall have been appointed.

The terms of each Commissioner shall be four years; provided however, that the first three Commissioners shall be appointed as follows; one for two years, one for three years, and one for four years. Each Commissioner shall hold office until a successor shall be appointed and qualified. If any office becomes vacant for any reason, the Governor shall appoint a Commissioner to fill the office for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Article V

Any business transacted at any meeting of the Commission must be by affirmative vote of a majority of the whole number of compacting states and territories.

One or more Commissioners from a majority of the compacting states and territories shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

Each compacting state and territory represented at any meeting of the Commission is entitled to one vote.

Article VI

The Commission shall elect from its number a chairman and a vice chairman, and may appoint, and at its pleasure dismiss or remove, such officers, agents, and employees as may be required to carry out the purpose of this Compact; and shall fix and determine their duties, qualifications and compensation, having due regard for the importance of the responsibilities involved.

The Commissioners shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses from the funds of the Commission.

Article VII

The Commission shall adopt a seal and bylaws and shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations for its management and control.

The Commission may elect such committees as it deems necessary for the carrying out of its functions.

The Commission shall establish and maintain an office within one of the compacting states for the transaction of its business and may meet at any time, but in any event must meet at least once a year. The Chairman may call such additional meetings and upon the request of a majority of the Commissioners of three or more compacting states or territories shall call additional meetings.

The Commission shall submit a budget to the Governor of each compacting state and territory at such time and for such period as may be required.

The Commission shall, after negotiations with interested institutions, determine the cost of providing the facilities for graduate and professional education for use in its contractual agreements throughout the Region.

On or before the fifteenth day of January of each year, the Commission shall submit to the Governors and Legislatures of the compacting states and territories a report of its activities for the preceding calendar year.

The Commission shall keep accurate books of account, showing in full its receipts and disbursements, and said books of account shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by the Governor of any compacting state or territory or designated representatives of the Governor. The Commission shall not be subject to the audit and accounting procedure of any of the compacting states or territories. The Commission shall provide for an independent annual audit.

Article VIII

It shall be the duty of the Commission to enter into such contractual agreements with any institutions in the Region offering graduate or professional education and with any of the compacting states or territories as may be required in the judgment of the Commission to provide adequate services and facilities of graduate and professional education for the citizens of the respective compacting states or territories. The Commission shall first endeavor to provide adequate services and facilities in the fields of dentistry, medicine, public health, and veterinary medicine, and may undertake similar activities in other professional and graduate fields.

For this purpose the Commission may enter into contractual agreements —

  1. with the governing authority of any educational institution in the Region, or with any compacting state or territory, to provide such graduate or professional educational services upon terms and conditions to be agreed upon between contracting parties, and
  2. with the governing authority of any educational institution in the Region or with any compacting state or territory to assist in the placement of graduate or professional students in educational institutions in the Region providing the desired services and facilities, upon such terms and conditions as the Commission may prescribe.

It shall be the duty of the Commission to undertake studies of needs for professional and graduate educational facilities in the Region, the resources for meeting such needs, and the long-range effects of the Compact on higher education; and from time to time prepare comprehensive reports on such research for presentation to the Western Governors’ Conference and to the legislatures of the compacting states and territories. In conducting such studies, the Commission may confer with any national or regional planning body which may be established. The Commission shall draft and recommend to the Governors of the various compacting states and territories, uniform legislation dealing with problems of higher education in the Region.

For the purposes of this Compact the word “Region” shall be construed to mean the geographical limits of the several compacting states and territories.

Article IX

The operating costs of the Commission shall be apportioned equally among the compacting states and territories.

Article X

This Compact shall become operative and binding immediately as to those states and territories adopting it whenever five or more of the states or territories of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Alaska and Hawaii have duly adopted it prior to July 1, 1955. This Compact shall become effective as to any additional states or territories adopting thereafter at the time of such adoption.

Article XI

This Compact may be terminated at any time by consent of a majority of the compacting states or territories. Consent shall be manifested by passage and signature in the usual manner of legislation expressing such consent by the legislature and Governor of such terminating state. Any state or territory may at any time withdraw from this Compact by means of appropriate legislation to that end. Such withdrawal shall not become effective until two years after written notice thereof by the Governor of the withdrawing state or territory accompanied by a certified copy of the requisite legislative action is received by the Commission. Such withdrawal shall not relieve the withdrawing state or territory from its obligations hereunder accruing prior to the effective date of withdrawal. The withdrawing state or territory may rescind its action of withdrawal at any time within the two-year period. Thereafter, the withdrawing state or territory may be reinstated by application to and the approval by a majority vote of the Commission.

Article XII

If any compacting state or territory shall at any time default in the performance of any of its obligations assumed or imposed in accordance with the provisions of this Compact, all rights, privileges and benefits conferred by this Compact or agreements hereunder, shall be suspended from the effective date of such default as fixed by the Commission.

Unless such default shall be remedied within a period of two years following the effective date of such default, this Compact may be terminated with respect to such defaulting state or territory by affirmative vote of three-fourths of the other member states or territories.

Any such defaulting state may be reinstated by:

  1. performing all acts and obligations upon which it has heretofore defaulted, and (b) application to and the approval by a majority vote of the Commission.

Article XIII

  1. The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education is authorized to act on behalf of this state in making arrangements for the placement of students in institutions and programs of higher learning outside the states which are parties to the Compact for establishing the Commission. For that purpose, the Commission may negotiate and enter into arrangements and contracts with this state or any appropriate agency of it, with public and private educational institutions and agencies, and with states and other governmental entities. These arrangements and contracts may provide for the obtaining of one or more places for students on either a special or continuing basis; the payment of partial or full tuition and other charges; and the furnishing of reciprocal, compensating or other advantages and benefits in support of the educational program involved.
  2. The authority conferred by (a) of this article shall be exercised only pursuant to written agreement between the Commission and an agency of this state having responsibility for or duties with respect to programs for assisting residents of this state to obtain higher education. Any such agreements shall include provisions for the payment of tuition and any other costs, and no such agreement shall be made which commits this state or any agency or officer of it to any obligation for which funds have not been appropriated or otherwise made available in accordance with law.
  3. Nothing contained in this article alters any of the obligations or restricts or impairs any rights which this state may have under the Compact establishing the Commission.

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.670 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.44.020. Execution of Compact by governor.

Upon ratification and approval of the Western Regional Higher Education Compact by four or more of the specified states or territories in addition to this state, the governor shall execute the Compact on behalf of the state and perform other acts requisite to its formal ratification and promulgation.

History. (§ 3 ch 164 SLA 1955)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.680 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.44.025. Provisions of services.

  1. State participation under Articles VIII and XIII of the Western Regional Higher Education Compact shall be limited to the provision of adequate services and facilities in the professional fields of study available through the Professional Student Exchange Program administered by the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education. The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education shall establish funding priorities under AS 14.44.035 for the available fields of study by analyzing student access and state labor needs.
  2. Notwithstanding the funding priorities established under (a) of this section, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education shall provide adequate funding for not fewer than five students each year to attend four-year programs in each of the following fields:
    1. dentistry;
    2. optometry; and
    3. pharmacy.

History. (§ 2 ch 70 SLA 1971; am § 1 ch 96 SLA 1972; am § 1 ch 78 SLA 1974; am § 1 ch 85 SLA 1977; am § 1 ch 102 SLA 1981; am § 24 ch 5 SLA 1996; am § 6 ch 14 SLA 2010)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.685 . Renumbered in 1982.

Administrative Code. —

For WICHE professional student exchange loan program, see 20 AAC 18.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2010 amendment, effective May 11, 2010, added (b).

Sec. 14.44.030. Members of the commission.

  1. The governor, with the advice and consent of the legislature, shall appoint the members for this state of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, created under the provisions of Article III of the Western Regional Higher Education Compact.
  2. The qualifications and terms of office of the members of the commission of this state shall conform with the provisions of Article IV of the Compact.
  3. The commissioners shall serve without compensation and shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

History. (§ 4 ch 164 SLA 1955)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.690. Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.44.035. Administration.

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education shall administer the state’s participation in the Western Regional Higher Education Compact. The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education may adopt regulations to implement AS 14.44.010 14.44.040 .

History. (§ 2 ch 78 SLA 1974; am § 4 ch 23 SLA 1999)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.695 . Renumbered in 1982.

Administrative Code. —

For WICHE professional student exchange loan program, see 20 AAC 18.

Sec. 14.44.040. Repayment condition for program participants.

  1. As a condition of eligibility for receiving financial support from the state under the Professional Student Exchange Program of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, a program participant shall agree to repay to the state the support provided by the state on behalf of that person, plus interest.
  2. A repayment under this section shall be paid into the education loan fund created under AS 14.42.210 .
  3. If a program participant defaults on the repayment obligation, the provisions of AS 14.43.145 14.43.155 apply to collect on the obligation as if it were a defaulted loan under AS 14.43.

History. (§ 2 ch 54 SLA 1998; am § 5 ch 23 SLA 1999; am §§ 39, 40 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 29 ch 63 SLA 2004)

Administrative Code. —

For WICHE professional student exchange loan program, see 20 AAC 18.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2004 amendment, effective June 17, 2004, substituted “14.43.155” for “14.43.150” in subsection (c).

Editor’s notes. —

Section 6, ch. 23, SLA 1998 provides that this section, as amended by § 5, ch. 23, SLA 1999, applies to “a person who receives financial support from the state under the Professional Student Exchange Program of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education on or after July 1, 1999.”

Article 2. Compact for Education.

Sec. 14.44.050. Entry into compact.

The Compact for Education is enacted into law and entered into in behalf of the State of Alaska with all other states and jurisdictions legally joining in it in a form substantially as contained in AS 14.44.055 .

History. (§ 1 ch 168 SLA 1980)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.700. Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.44.055. Terms and provisions of compact.

The terms and provisions of the compact referred to in AS 14.44.050 are as follows:

History. (§ 1 ch 168 SLA 1980)

Article I. Purpose and Policy.

Section A. It is the purpose of this compact to:

  1. establish and maintain close cooperation and understanding among executive, legislative, professional, educational and lay leadership on a nationwide basis at the state and local levels;
  2. provide a forum for the discussion, development, crystallization and recommendation of public policy alternatives in the field of education;
  3. provide a clearinghouse of information on matters relating to educational problems and how they are being met in different places throughout the nation, so that the executive and legislative branches of state government and of local communities may have ready access to the experience and record of the entire country, and so that both lay and professional groups in the field of education may have additional avenues for the sharing of experience and the interchange of ideas in the formation of public policy in education;
  4. facilitate the improvement of state and local educational systems so that all of them will be able to meet adequate and desirable goals in a society which requires continuous qualitative and quantitative advance in educational opportunities, methods and facilities.

Section B. It is the policy of this compact to encourage and promote local and state initiative in the development, maintenance, improvement and administration of educational systems and institutions in a manner which will accord with the needs and advantages of diversity among localities and states.

Section C. The party states recognize that each of them has an interest in the quality and quantity of education furnished in each of the other states, as well as in the excellence of its own educational systems and institutions, because of the highly mobile character of individuals within the nation, and because the products and services contributing to the health, welfare and economic advancement of each state are supplied in significant part by persons educated in other states.

Article II. The Commission.

Section A. The Education Commission of the States, hereinafter called “the commission,” is hereby established. The commission shall consist of seven members representing each party state. In addition to any other principles or requirements which a state may establish for the appointment and service of its members of the commission, the guiding principle for the composition of the membership on the commission from each party state shall be that the members representing such state shall, by virtue of their training, experience, knowledge or affiliations be in a position collectively to reflect broadly the interests of the state government, higher education, the state education system, local education and lay and professional public and nonpublic educational leadership. In addition to the members of the commission representing the party states, there may be not to exceed 10 nonvoting commissioners selected by the steering committee for the terms of one year. Such commissioners shall represent leading national organizations of professional educators or persons concerned with educational administration.

Section B. The members of the commission shall be entitled to one vote each on the commission. No action of the commission shall be binding unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of votes on the commission are cast in favor thereof. Action of the commission shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the commissioners are present. The commission shall meet at least once a year. In its bylaws, and subject to such directions and limitations as may be contained therein, the commission may delegate the exercise of any of its powers to the steering committee or the executive director, except for the power to approve budgets or requests for appropriations, the power to make policy recommendations pursuant to Article III and adoption of the annual report pursuant to Article II(J).

Section C. The commission shall have a seal.

Section D. The commission shall elect annually, from among its members, a chairman, who shall be a governor, a vice chairman and a treasurer. The commission shall provide for the appointment of an executive director. Such executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the commission, and together with the treasurer and such other personnel as the commission may deem appropriate shall be bonded in such amount as the commission shall determine. The executive director shall be secretary.

Section E. Irrespective of the civil service, personnel or other merit system laws of any of the party states, the executive director subject to the approval of the steering committee shall appoint, remove or discharge such personnel as may be necessary for the performance of the functions of the commission, and shall fix the duties and compensation of such personnel. The commission in its bylaws shall provide for the personnel policies and programs of the commission.

Section F. The commission may borrow, accept or contract for the services of personnel from any party jurisdiction, the United States, or any subdivision or agency of the aforementioned governments, or from any agency of two or more of the party jurisdictions or their subdivisions.

Section G. The commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this compact any and all donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, conditional or otherwise, from any state, the United States, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association, foundation, or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same. Any donation or grant accepted by the commission pursuant to this paragraph or services borrowed pursuant to paragraph (F) of this article shall be reported in the annual report of the commission. Such report shall include the nature, amount and conditions, if any, of the donation, grant, or services borrowed, and the identity of the donor or lender.

Section H. The commission may establish and maintain such facilities as may be necessary for the transacting of its business. The commission may acquire, hold, and convey real and personal property and any interest therein.

Section I. The commission shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend and rescind these bylaws. The commission shall publish its bylaws in convenient form and shall file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto, with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the party states.

Section J. The commission annually shall make to the governor and legislature of each party state a report covering the activities of the commission for the preceding year. The commission may make such additional reports as it may deem desirable.

Article III. Powers.

In addition to authority conferred on the commission by other provisions of the compact, the commission shall have authority to:

  1. collect, correlate, analyze and interpret information and data concerning educational needs and resources;
  2. encourage and foster research in all aspects of education, but with special reference to the desirable scope of instruction, organization, administration, and instructional methods and standards employed or suitable for employment in public educational systems;
  3. develop methods for adequate financing of education as a whole and at each of its many levels;
  4. conduct or participate in research of the types referred to in this article in any instance where the commission finds that such research is necessary for the advancement of the purposes and policies of this compact, utilizing fully the resources of national associations, regional compact organizations for higher education, and other agencies and institutions, both public and private;
  5. formulate suggested policies and plans for the improvement of public education as a whole, or for any segment thereof, and make recommendations with respect thereto available to the appropriate governmental units, agencies and public officials;
  6. do such other things as may be necessary or incidental to the administration of any of its authority or functions pursuant to this compact.

Article IV. Cooperation with Federal Government.

Section A. If the laws of the United States specifically so provide, or if administrative provision is made therefor within the federal government, the United States may be represented on the commission by not to exceed 10 representatives. Any such representative or representatives of the United States shall be appointed and serve in such manner as may be provided by or pursuant to federal law, and may be drawn from any one or more branches of the federal government, but no such representative shall have a vote on the commission.

Section B. The commission may provide information and make recommendations to any executive or legislative agency or officer of the federal government concerning the common educational policies of the states, and may advise with any such agencies or officers concerning any matter of mutual interest.

Article V. Committees.

Section A. To assist in the expeditious conduct of its business when the full commission is not meeting, the commission shall have a steering committee of 32 members which, subject to the provisions of this compact and consistent with the policies of the commission, shall be constituted and function as provided in the bylaws of the commission. One-fourth of the membership of the steering committee shall consist of governors, one-fourth shall consist of legislators, and the remainder shall consist of other members of the commission. A federal representative on the commission may serve with the steering committee, but without vote. The voting members of the steering committee shall serve for terms of two years, except that members elected to the first steering committee of the commission shall be elected as follows: 16 for one year and 16 for two years. The chairman, vice chairman, and treasurer of the commission shall be members of the steering committee and, anything in this paragraph to the contrary notwithstanding, shall serve during their continuance in these offices. Vacancies in the steering committee shall not affect its authority to act, but the commission at its next regularly ensuing meeting following the occurrence of any vacancy shall fill it for the unexpired term. No person shall serve more than two terms as a member of the steering committee; provided that service for a partial term of one year or less shall not be counted toward the two term limitation.

Section B. The commission may establish advisory and technical committees composed of state, local and federal officials, and private persons to advise it with respect to any one or more of its functions. Any advisory or technical committee may, on request of the states concerned, be established to consider any matter of special concern to two or more of the party states.

Section C. The commission may establish such additional committees as its bylaws may provide.

Article VI. Finance.

Section A. The commission shall advise the governor or designated officer or officers of each party state of its budget and estimated expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws of that party state. Each of the commission’s budgets of estimated expenditures shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the party states.

Section B. The total amount of appropriation requests under any budget shall be apportioned among the party states as follows: one-third in equal shares; and the remainder in proportion to the population of each party state as shown in the most recent decennial census of population taken by the United States Bureau of the Census, or any agency successor thereto.

Section C. The commission shall not pledge the credit of any party state. The commission may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it pursuant to article II of this compact, provided that the commission takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to incurring an obligation to be met in whole or in part in such manner. Except where the commission makes use of funds available to it pursuant to article II(G) thereof, the commission shall not incur any obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party states adequate to meet the same.

Section D. The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established by its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the commission shall be audited yearly by a qualified public accountant, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual reports of the commission.

Section E. The accounts of the commission shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by duly constituted officers of the party states and by any persons authorized by the commission.

Section F. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent commission compliance with laws relating to audit or inspection of accounts by or on behalf of any government contributing to the support of the commission.

Article VII. Eligible Parties: Entry Into and Withdrawal.

Section A. This compact shall have as eligible parties all states, territories, and possessions of the United States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In respect of any such jurisdiction not having a governor, the term “governor,” as used in this compact, shall mean the closest equivalent official of such jurisdiction.

Section B. Any state or other eligible jurisdiction may enter into this compact and it shall become binding thereon when it has adopted the same; provided that in order to enter into initial effect, adoption by at least 10 eligible party jurisdictions shall be required.

Section C. Any party state or jurisdiction may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the governor of the withdrawing state or other jurisdiction has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the governors of all other party states and jurisdictions. No withdrawal shall affect any liability already incurred by or chargeable to a party state or jurisdiction prior to the time of such withdrawal.

Article VIII. Construction and Severability.

This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any state or of the United States, or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.

Article IX. State Defined.

As used in this compact, “state,” means a state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.710 . Renumbered in 1982.

Sec. 14.44.060. Members of the commission.

  1. One of the commission members shall be the governor; one shall be the state commissioner of education and early development; two shall be members of the state legislature selected by its respective houses and serving in the manner the legislature may determine; one shall be the president of the state Board of Education and Early Development; and two shall be appointed at large by and serve at the pleasure of the governor.
  2. The terms of office of the at-large members shall be four years; however, the first members shall be appointed as follows: one for two years, and one for four years.  Each member shall hold office until a successor is appointed and qualified.
  3. The legislative and at-large members of the commission serve without compensation but are entitled to per diem and travel expenses provided by law for other state boards and commissions.

History. (§ 1 ch 168 SLA 1980)

Revisor’s notes. —

Formerly AS 14.40.720. Renumbered in 1982.

In 1999, in (a) of this section, “commissioner of education” was changed to “commissioner of education and early development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

In 2000, “state Board of Education and Early Development” was substituted for “state Board of Education” in subsection (a) in accordance with sec. 104, ch. 21, SLA 2000.

Chapter 45. Private and Denominational Schools.

Administrative Code. —

For corporal punishment in private schools, see 4 AAC 42.200.

Collateral references. —

78A C.J.S. Schools and School Districts, § 807 et seq.

Public payment of tuition, scholarship, or the like, as respects sectarian school. 81 ALR2d 1309.

Tort liability of private schools and institutions of higher learning for accidents due to condition of buildings, equipment or outside premises. 35 ALR3d 975.

Tort liability of private schools and institutions of higher learning for negligence of, or lack of supervision by, teachers and other employees or agents. 38 ALR3d 908.

Constitutionality, under state constitutional provision forbidding financial aid to religious sects, of public provision of school bus service for private school pupils. 41 ALR3d 344.

What constitutes a private, parochial, or denominational school within statute making attendance at such school a compliance with compulsory school attendance law. 65 ALR3d 1222.

Validity of state or local government regulation requiring private school to report attendance and similar information to government—post-Yoder cases. 8 ALR5th 875.

Article 1. Non-exempt Religious and Private Schools.

Sec. 14.45.010. Teachers to secure certificates. [Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Sec. 14.45.020. Commissioner may furnish examination questions for and grant diplomas to eighth grade pupils. [Repealed, § 6 ch 11 SLA 1984.]

Sec. 14.45.030. Non-exempt schools.

Teachers and others in charge of religious or other private schools not operated in compliance with AS 14.45.100 14.45.130 are not exempt from laws and regulations relating to education. Non-exempt schools shall make regular monthly attendance reports and annual reports to the commissioner in the same manner as teachers and superintendents in the public schools.

History. (§ 37-11-3 ACLA 1949; am § 4 ch 11 SLA 1984)

Article 2. Exempt Religious and Other Private Schools.

Opinions of attorney general. —

A private school that accepts no state or federal funding is not required to obtain an educational certification from the Alaska Department of Education to be designated an exempt private school. Jan. 1, 1990 Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 14.45.100. Exemption.

  1. Except as provided in (b) of this section, a religious or other private school that complies with AS 14.45.100 14.45.130 is exempt from other provisions of law and regulations relating to education except law and regulations relating to physical health, fire safety, sanitation, immunization, and physical examinations.
  2. A religious or other private school that is exempt under this section is not required to comply with AS 14.33.120(b) , 14.33.125 , or 14.33.127 .

History. (§ 5 ch 11 SLA 1984; am §§ 4, 5 ch 95 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For private schools, see 4 AAC 42.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective October 14, 2014, added “Except as provided in (b) of this section, a” at the beginning, and made a related change; added (b).

Opinions of attorney general. —

The State Board of Education has statutory authority to adopt regulations concerning corporal punishment of students in private schools to the extent necessary to protect the physical health and safety of the children. April 1, 1988 Op. Att’y Gen.

Sec. 14.45.110. Requirements of exempt schools.

  1. The parent or guardian of a child of compulsory school age enrolled in a religious or other private school that complies with AS 14.45.100 14.45.130 shall file an annual notice of enrollment in the school for the child with the local public school superintendent for the area in which the child resides on a form provided by the department.  The form shall be signed by the parent or guardian and the chief administrative officer of the school and returned to the local public school superintendent by the parent or guardian.  The school shall notify the local public school superintendent within a reasonable time if the child is no longer enrolled in or attending the school.
  2. A religious or other private school that elects to comply with AS 14.45.100 14.45.130 shall maintain monthly attendance records for each student enrolled in the school, shall operate on a regular schedule, excluding reasonable holidays and vacations, during at least 180 days of the year, shall make an annual report to the commissioner of the number of students in each grade and the school calendar, and shall comply with the provisions concerning missing children under AS 14.30.700 14.30.720 .

History. (§ 5 ch 11 SLA 1984; am § 2 ch 202 SLA 1990)

Cross references. —

For provisions establishing school age, see AS 14.30.010 .

Sec. 14.45.120. Standardized testing requirements.

  1. A religious or other private school that elects to comply with AS 14.45.100 14.45.130 shall administer a nationally standardized test selected by the chief administrative officer of the school to all students enrolled in grades four, six, and eight at least once each school year.
  2. The nationally standardized test must measure achievement in English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics.
  3. A religious or other private school that elects to comply with AS 14.45.100 14.45.130 shall maintain records of the results of the nationally standardized tests and the records shall be made available to the parent or guardian of the student. Each school shall make composite test results for the school available annually to an authorized representative of the department.  The composite test results of a religious or other private school operated in compliance with AS 14.45.100 14.45.130 are not public information unless each public school
    1. is also required to administer a nationally standardized test that measures achievement in English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics; and
    2. the composite test results for each public school are public information.

History. (§ 5 ch 11 SLA 1984)

Sec. 14.45.130. Records.

  1. A religious or other private school that elects to comply with AS 14.45.100 14.45.130 shall maintain permanent student records reflecting immunizations, physical examinations, standardized testing, academic achievement, courses taken at the school, and level of eligibility for an Alaska performance scholarship under AS 14.43.810 14.43.849 .
  2. The chief administrative officer of a school that elects to comply with AS 14.45.100 14.45.130 shall certify to the department, under oath or by affirmation, that the records required under (a) of this section are being maintained.

History. (§ 5 ch 11 SLA 1984; am § 7 ch 14 SLA 2010; am § 12 ch 74 SLA 2012)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 2010, in the text of the amendment of (a) of this section effective July 1, 2011, “AS 14.43.849 ” was substituted for “AS 14.43.850” to reflect the 2010 renumbering of AS 14.43.850.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2010 amendment, effective July 1, 2011, added “level of eligibility for an Alaska merit scholarship program scholarship under AS 14.43.810 — 14.43.850” and made a related change.

The 2012 amendment, effective September 14, 2012, in (a), substituted “Alaska performance scholarship” for “Alaska merit scholarship program scholarship”.

Article 3. General Provisions.

Sec. 14.45.150. Interscholastic activities; eligibility.

  1. A full-time student who is eligible under (b) of this section who is enrolled in grades nine through 12 in an alternative education program that is located in the state and that does not offer interscholastic activities is eligible to participate in any interscholastic activities program available in a religious or other private school regulated under this chapter
    1. that the student would be eligible to attend were the student not enrolled in an alternative education program; and
    2. at which the student requests to participate, if the administrator of the school approves.
  2. A student is eligible to participate in interscholastic activities under this section if the student
    1. is otherwise eligible to participate in interscholastic activities under requirements established by the school and the statewide interscholastic activities governing body;
    2. provides documentation, including academic transcripts, proof of full-time enrollment, and applicable disciplinary records, and, if required for participation in an activity by the school, requested medical records, to the school providing the interscholastic activities program; and
    3. claims the same school for interscholastic activities eligibility purposes during a school year.
  3. In this section,
    1. “alternative education program” means a public secondary school that provides a nontraditional education program, including the Alaska Military Youth Academy; a public vocational, remedial, or theme-based program; a home school program that is accredited by a recognized accrediting body; a charter school authorized under AS 14.03.250 - 14.03.290 ; and a statewide correspondence school that enrolls students who reside outside of a district in which the student resides and provides less than three hours a week of scheduled face-to-face student interactions in the same location with a teacher who is certified under AS 14.20.020 ;
    2. “district” has the meaning given in AS 14.17.990 ;
    3. “full-time student” means a student who
      1. is enrolled in not less than five classes in grades nine through 11 and not less than four classes in grade 12; and
      2. is on track to graduate from secondary school in not more than four years of attendance in secondary school;
    4. “interscholastic activities” means preparation for and participation in events or competitions involving another school when the preparation or participation
      1. is sanctioned or supported by the statewide interscholastic activities governing body;
      2. is conducted outside of the regular school curriculum; and
      3. does not involve participation in student government at a school;
    5. “located in the state” means that the alternative education program is accessed by a student who is located in the state and provides for all instructional hours to take place at a site in the state.

History. (§ 3 ch 62 SLA 2013)

Effective dates. —

Section 4, ch. 62, SLA 2013 makes this section effective July 1, 2013.

Sec. 14.45.190. School lockers.

A private school may search school lockers and other containers as provided in AS 14.03.105 .

History. (§ 7 ch 33 SLA 1995)

Sec. 14.45.200. Definitions.

In this chapter,

  1. “private school” means a school that does not receive direct state or federal funding;
  2. “religious school” means a private school operated by a church or other religious organization that does not receive direct state or federal funding.

History. (§ 5 ch 11 SLA 1984)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as AS 14.45.140. Renumbered in 1984.

Chapter 47. Regulation of Educational Institutions.

[Repealed, § 5 ch 25 SLA 1976.]

Chapter 48. Regulation of Postsecondary Educational Institutions.

Administrative Code. —

For regulation of postsecondary educational institutions, see 20 AAC 17.

Collateral references. —

15A Am. Jur. 2d Colleges and Universities, §§ 4-8.

14A C.J.S. Colleges and Universities, §§ 1-6.

Modern status of doctrine of sovereign immunity as applied to public schools and institutions of higher learning. 33 ALR3d 703.

Immunity of private schools and institutions of higher learning from liability in tort. 38 ALR3d 480.

Sec. 14.48.010. Purposes.

  1. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide for the protection, education, and welfare of the citizens of the state, its postsecondary educational institutions, and its students, by
    1. establishing minimum standards concerning quality of education, ethical and business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility, to protect against substandard, transient, unethical, deceptive, or fraudulent institutions and practices;
    2. prohibiting the granting of false or misleading educational credentials;
    3. regulating the use of academic terminology in designating educational institutions;
    4. prohibiting misleading literature, advertising, solicitation, or representation by educational institutions or their agents;
    5. providing for the preservation of essential academic records; and
    6. providing certain rights and remedies to the public and the commission necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
  2. This chapter may not be construed to preclude the development of innovative, alternative postsecondary educational delivery systems or programs if their purposes and their administration, operation, or management are in the public interest and do not conflict with those purposes set out in (a) of this section.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976)

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

For authorization to operate as a college, junior college, community college, or university, see 20 AAC 17, art. 2.

Notes to Decisions

Applied in

Human Resources Co. v. Alaska Comm'n on Post-Secondary Educ., 946 P.2d 441 (Alaska 1997).

Sec. 14.48.020. Authorization and permits required.

A person may not

  1. operate a postsecondary educational institution in the state unless the institution has a valid authorization to operate issued under this chapter or is exempt from the provisions of this chapter;
  2. offer itself or through an agent enrollment or instruction in, or the granting of educational credentials from, a postsecondary educational institution, whether the institution is in or outside the state, unless the agent is a natural person and has a currently valid agent’s permit issued under this chapter or is exempt from the provisions of this chapter;
  3. accept contracts or enrollment applications of prospective students from an agent who does not have a current permit as required by this chapter; however, the commission may adopt regulations to permit the rendering of legitimate public information services without the permit;
  4. instruct or educate, or offer to instruct or educate, enroll or offer to enroll, contract or offer to contract or award an educational credential, or contract with an institution or person to do so, in or outside the state, unless that person is in compliance with the minimum standards set out in AS 14.48.060 , the criteria established by the commission under AS 14.48.050 (1), and the regulations adopted by the commission under AS 14.48.050 (7);
  5. use the term “university” or “college” without authorization to do so from the commission;
  6. grant, or offer to grant, educational credentials, without authorization to do so from the commission.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976)

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

For authorization to operate as a college, junior college, community college, or university, see 20 AAC 17, art. 2.

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

Department of Educ. v. Nickerson, 711 P.2d 1165 (Alaska 1985); Human Resources Co. v. Alaska Comm'n on Post-Secondary Educ., 946 P.2d 441 (Alaska 1997).

Sec. 14.48.030. Exemptions.

  1. The following educational programs, and institutions providing only the following educational programs, are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:
    1. instruction provided at a level from preschool through grade 12, including preparation for general equivalency diploma examinations;
    2. a program operated by the United States;
    3. a program that does not offer educational credentials and is provided only to prepare individuals to take graduate examinations;
    4. a program that does not offer educational credentials and is only avocational or recreational in nature; and
    5. a program that is in a field that
      1. does not require a professional or occupational license under AS 08;
      2. provides training primarily for recreational purposes; and
      3. at the advanced training level, prepares program graduates to teach or instruct in that field.
  2. Except as provided under AS 14.48.165 , the commission may exempt the following educational programs, and educational institutions only providing programs exempt under (a) of this section and this subsection, from some or all of the provisions of this chapter:
    1. a program operated by a state or a political subdivision of a state;
    2. instruction sponsored by a bona fide trade, business, labor, professional, or fraternal association or organization, recognized by the commission, and conducted only for that association’s or organization’s membership;
    3. nonprofit postsecondary educational institutions offering undergraduate or graduate educational programs, from a facility in this state, that are acceptable for credit toward an associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree;
    4. a program that is provided without a fee, other than the actual cost of materials, to students;
    5. a program that does not offer education credentials;
    6. a short course of study that is not more than 15 days or 120 hours in duration;
    7. a program offered within the state by an out-of-state institution that is authorized to operate by the state in which it is located and is nationally or regionally accredited;
    8. a program or institution that is regulated by another agency or political subdivision of the state regarding the quality of course contents, facilities, and operation.
  3. In this section, “nonprofit” means an organization that is exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3).
  4. An educational program or institution that is exempt under (a)(5) of this section shall provide students with written notice, before enrollment, that the program or institution is exempt from state authorization requirements under this chapter.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976; am § 1 ch 50 SLA 1977; am § 1 ch 12 SLA 1992; am § 2 ch 112 SLA 1997; am § 1 ch 21 SLA 2005; am § 42 ch 89 SLA 2014; am §§ 1, 2 ch 21 SLA 2016)

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2005 amendment, effective May 18, 2005, added “Except as provided under AS 14.48.165 ,” at the beginning of subsection (b).

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (b)(6), substituted “not more than 15 days or 120 hours” for “not more than 10 days or 80 hours”.

The 2016 amendment, effective September 15, 2016, added (a)(5), and made a related change; added (d).

Notes to Decisions

Institutions held exempt. —

An institution that “prepares adults to take the GED, provides K-12 remediation classes for out of school youth, and referral to a variety of vocational education and social service agencies” was not within the jurisdiction of the commission. Human Resources Co. v. Alaska Comm'n on Post-Secondary Educ., 946 P.2d 441 (Alaska 1997).

Sec. 14.48.040. Commission to administer chapter.

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education shall administer this chapter and may hire necessary personnel. The commission may obtain from departments, commissions, and other state agencies information and assistance needed to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976)

Sec. 14.48.050. Powers and duties of commission.

The commission shall

  1. establish minimum criteria consistent with AS 14.48.060 including quality of education, ethical and business practices, health and safety, and fiscal responsibility that applicants for authorization to operate, or for an agent’s permit, must meet before the authorization or permit is issued;
  2. receive, investigate, and act upon applications for authorization to operate postsecondary educational institutions and applications for agent’s permits;
  3. maintain a list of postsecondary educational institutions and agents authorized to operate in the state under this chapter;
  4. keep current and make available as public information the list of institutions and agents;
  5. enter into interstate reciprocity agreements if, in the judgment of the commission, the agreements will be helpful in carrying out the purposes of this chapter;
  6. receive and maintain as a permanent file, copies of academic records maintained in accordance with AS 14.48.060(b)(6) ;
  7. adopt regulations and procedures necessary or appropriate for the conduct of its work and the implementation of this chapter under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act);
  8. investigate on its own initiative or in response to a complaint lodged with it, persons subject to, or reasonably believed by the commission to be subject to, the jurisdiction of this chapter; and in connection with the investigation subpoena persons, books, records, or documents related to the investigation; require answers in writing under oath to questions propounded by the commission and administer oaths or affirmations to persons in connection with the investigation; and, for the purpose of examination at all reasonable times, shall have access to, and the right to copy, documentary evidence of a corporation that is under investigation or being proceeded against;
  9. exercise other necessary powers and duties in conformity with the provisions of this chapter that, in the judgment of the commission, are necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976; am § 25 ch 5 SLA 1996; am § 42 ch 85 SLA 2001; am § 43 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For AlaskAdvantage loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 3.

For supplemental education loan program, see 20 AAC 15, art. 9.

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

For authorization to operate as a college, junior college, community college, or university, see 20 AAC 17, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in (5), deleted “with similar agencies in other states,” following “interstate reciprocity agreements”, and made stylistic changes.

Sec. 14.48.060. Minimum standards.

  1. In establishing the criteria required by AS 14.48.050 (1), the commission shall require compliance with the minimum standards set out in (b) of this section.
  2. A postsecondary educational institution must be maintained and operated, or, in the case of a new institution, must demonstrate that it can be maintained and operated, so that
    1. the quality and content of each course or program of instruction, training, or study are such as may reasonably and adequately achieve the stated objective for which the course or program is offered;
    2. the institution has or has access to adequate space, equipment, instructional materials, and personnel where applicable to achieve the stated objective of the course or program of study and to provide education of good quality;
    3. the education or experience qualifications of directors, administrators, supervisors, and instructors are such as may reasonably ensure that the students will receive education consistent with the objectives of the course or program of study;
    4. the institution provides a catalog or brochure containing information describing the programs offered, program objectives, length of program, schedule of tuition, fees, and all other charges and expenses necessary for completion of the course of study, cancellation and refund policies, and other material facts concerning the institution and the program or course of instruction that are reasonably likely to affect the decision of the student to enroll, together with any other disclosures specified by the commission by regulation; and that this information is provided to prospective students before enrollment;
    5. upon satisfactory completion of training, the student is given appropriate educational credentials by the institution, indicating that the course of instruction or study has been satisfactorily completed by the student;
    6. adequate records are maintained by the institution to show attendance, progress, or grades, and that satisfactory standards are enforced relating to attendance, progress, and performance;
    7. the institution is maintained and operated in compliance with all pertinent ordinances and laws relating to the safety and health of persons on the premises of the institution;
    8. the institution is financially sound and capable of fulfilling its commitments to students;
    9. neither the institution nor its agents engage in advertising, sales, collection, credit, or other practices which are false, deceptive, misleading, or unfair;
    10. the chief executive officer, trustees, directors, owners, administrators, supervisors, staff, and instructors of the institution are of good reputation and character and have not been convicted of a violation of AS 14.48.020 or 14.48.150 or AS 45.50.471 45.50.561 or a comparable law in another state or province;
    11. the student housing owned, maintained, or approved by the institution is appropriate, safe, and adequate;
    12. the institution has a fair and equitable cancellation and refund policy;
    13. the charges set by the institution for tuition, fees, books, and supplies are fair and equitable; and
    14. the institution accepts military education, training, or service credit or hours toward a degree or technical program offered by the institution if
      1. the institution otherwise accepts transfer credits or hours; and
      2. the credit or hours transfer process meets the requirements of the accrediting body of the institution or the commission.
  3. Accreditation by national or regional accrediting agencies recognized by the commission may be accepted by the commission as evidence of compliance with the minimum standards established by this section and the criteria established under AS 14.48.050 (1).  However, the commission may require further evidence and make further investigation as may be necessary. Accreditation by a recognized, specialized accrediting agency may be accepted as evidence of compliance only as to the portion or program of an institution accredited by the accrediting agency if the institution as a whole is not accredited.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976; am § 2 ch 64 SLA 1986; am § 3 ch 28 SLA 2013)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1992, in (b)(10) of this section, “AS 45.50.471 45.50.561 ” was substituted for “AS 45.50.471 45.50.551 ” to correct a manifest error in enactment.

Cross references. —

For failure to comply with (b)(13) of this section as an unlawful trade practice, see AS 45.50.471(b) .

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

For authorization to operate as a college, junior college, community college, or university, see 20 AAC 17, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2013 amendment, effective December 31, 2013, added (b)(14), and made a related change.

Sec. 14.48.070. Authorization to operate.

  1. Each postsecondary educational institution desiring to operate in this state shall apply to the commission, upon forms provided by the commission.  The application shall be accompanied by a catalog or brochure published, or proposed to be published by the institution, containing the information specified in AS 14.48.060(b)(4) .  The application shall also be accompanied by evidence of a surety bond or other deposit as required by AS 14.48.100 , and by the required fees.
  2. Following review of the application and after necessary investigation of the applicant the commission shall either grant or deny authorization to operate to the applicant. A grant of authorization to operate may be on those terms and conditions the commission may prescribe.
  3. The authorization to operate must be in a form approved by the commission and must include
    1. the date of issuance, effective date, and term of approval;
    2. the name and address of the institution;
    3. the authority for approval;
    4. any condition or limitation of the authorization, as considered necessary by the commission.
  4. The term for which an initial authorization is given may not exceed two years, and may be issued for a lesser period of time.  A subsequent authorization may be issued for a period up to five years.
  5. The authorization to operate shall be issued to the owner, or governing body, of the applicant institution, and shall be nontransferable.  In the event of a change in ownership or management of the institution, a new owner or manager, or governing body, must, within 30 days after the change in ownership is effective, apply for a new authorization to operate, and if the new application is not made the institution’s authorization to operate shall terminate. Application for a new authorization to operate by reason of change in ownership of the institution is considered an application for renewal under (f) of this section.
  6. At least 60 days before the expiration of an authorization to operate, the institution shall complete and file with the commission an application form for renewal of its authorization to operate.  The renewal application shall be reviewed and acted upon as provided for an original application.
  7. An institution not yet in operation when its application for authorization to operate is filed may not begin operation until receipt of authorization.  An institution in operation when its application for authorization to operate is filed may continue operation until its application is acted upon by the commission.  The commission may issue provisional authorization to operate, containing limitations as to time, procedures, functions, or other conditions as the commission considers necessary.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976; am § 2 ch 50 SLA 1977)

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

For authorization to operate as a college, junior college, community college, or university, see 20 AAC 17, art. 2.

Sec. 14.48.080. Agent’s permit.

  1. A person desiring to solicit or perform the services of an agent, in this state, shall apply to the commission upon forms provided by the commission. The application shall be accompanied by evidence of the good reputation and character of the applicant and must state the institution that the applicant intends to represent.  An agent representing more than one institution must obtain a separate agent’s permit for each institution represented.  However, when an agent represents institutions having a common ownership, only one agent’s permit is required.  If an institution that the applicant intends to represent does not have authorization to operate in this state, the application shall be accompanied by the information required of institutions making application for authorization.  The application for an agent’s permit shall also be accompanied by evidence of a surety bond or other deposit as required by AS 14.48.100 , and by payment of the required fees.
  2. An applicant for an agent’s permit shall be an individual of good reputation and character and shall represent only a postsecondary educational institution or institutions that meet the minimum standards established in AS 14.48.060 and the criteria established under AS 14.48.050 (1).
  3. Following review of the application and any further information submitted by the applicant, and investigation of the applicant as the commission considers necessary, the commission shall either grant or deny an agent’s permit to the applicant.
  4. The agent’s permit must be in a form approved by the commission and must include
    1. the date of issuance, effective date, and term;
    2. the correct name and address of the agent;
    3. the institution or institutions that the agent is authorized to represent.
  5. The term for which an agent’s permit is issued may not extend for more than two years, and may be issued for a lesser period of time.
  6. At least 60 days before the expiration of an agent’s permit, the agent shall complete and file with the commission an application form for renewal.  The renewal application shall be reviewed and acted upon as provided for an original application.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976; am § 3 ch 50 SLA 1977; am § 12 ch 30 SLA 1992)

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

Department of Educ. v. Nickerson, 711 P.2d 1165 (Alaska 1985).

Sec. 14.48.090. Fees.

The commission shall adopt regulations that establish the amount and manner of payment of fees for applications, authorizations, permits, and renewals under this chapter.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976; am § 24 ch 138 SLA 1986; am § 28 ch 90 SLA 1991; am § 3 ch 112 SLA 1997)

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

Sec. 14.48.100. Bonds.

  1. At the time application is made for authorization to operate, or for renewal of an authorization to operate the commission may require the postsecondary educational institution to file a surety bond in the amount determined by the commission.  The amount shall be determined by the number of students the institution seeks to enroll. The amount of the surety bond shall be reexamined by the commission upon each renewal of the authorization to operate to determine if a larger or smaller bond would be appropriate to ensure adequate protection for the students or enrollees, or their parents or guardians, or classes thereof.  The bond shall be executed by the applicant as principal and by a surety company qualified and authorized to do business in this state and shall be conditioned to provide indemnification to any student or enrollee, or the student’s or enrollee’s parent or guardian, or class thereof, determined to have suffered loss or damage as a result of an act or practice which is a violation of this chapter by the postsecondary educational institution and that the bonding company shall pay a final nonappealable order of the commission or judgment of a court of this state having jurisdiction, upon receipt of written notification of the order or judgment.  The aggregate liability of the surety for the bond of the institution or agent involved in the order or judgment may not, in any event, exceed the amount of the bond.
  2. An application for an agent’s permit shall be accompanied by a surety bond in the amount determined by the commission to be necessary for the protection of the students or enrollees, or their parents or guardians, or classes of these, or to reflect an institution’s volume of business in the state.  The bond shall be executed by the applicant as principal and by a surety company qualified and authorized to do business in this state.  The bond shall be conditioned to provide indemnification to any student or enrollee or the student’s or enrollee’s parents or guardian, or class of these, determined to have suffered loss or damage as a result of an act or practice which is a violation of this chapter by the agent.
  3. The surety bond to be filed under this section shall cover the period of the authorization to operate or the agent’s permit, as appropriate, except when a surety is released as provided in this subsection.  A surety on a bond filed under this section may be released from that bond after the surety serves written notice of the release to the commission and to the bonded agent or institution 45 days before the release. However, the release does not discharge or otherwise affect a claim filed by a student or enrollee, or a parent or guardian, or class thereof, before or after the release for loss or damage resulting from an act or practice which is a violation of this chapter alleged to have occurred while the bond was in effect or for an institution’s ceasing operations during the term for which tuition has been paid while the bond was in force.
  4. Authorization for an institution to operate and an agent’s permit shall be suspended by operation of law when the institution or agent is no longer covered by a surety bond as required by this section. However, the commission shall give the institution or agent, or both, at least 30 days written notice before the release of the surety, to the effect that the authorization or permit shall be suspended by operation of law until another surety bond is filed in the same manner as, and in a like amount to, the bond being terminated.
  5. In lieu of the surety bond required in (a) and (b) of this section, the applicant may file with the commission a cash deposit or other negotiable security, acceptable to the commission, in the amount specified for bonds.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976; am §§ 4, 5 ch 50 SLA 1977)

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

Sec. 14.48.110. Denial.

If the commission, upon review of an application for authorization to operate, or an application for an agent’s permit determines that the application should be denied, the commission shall notify the applicant, setting out the reasons in writing. AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) governs the review of a denial under this section.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976)

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

Sec. 14.48.120. Sanctions; cessation of operation.

  1. An authorization to operate or an agent’s permit may be revoked, suspended, or conditioned if the commission has reasonable cause to believe that the holder of the authorization or permit has violated this chapter, AS 45.50.471 , or regulations adopted under this chapter or under AS 45.50.491 . Except as provided in (c) and (d) of this section, AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) governs the procedure for a revocation, suspension, or other sanction under this section.
  2. In addition to the sanctions imposed under (a) of this section, the commission may assess a civil fine, not to exceed $5,000, for costs of investigating and adjudicating a matter under this section if the commission finds that a violation has occurred.
  3. Authorization for an institution to operate and a permit for an agent representing that institution are canceled 30 days after the institution ceases to operate as a postsecondary educational institution. The commission shall give the institution and the agent 15 days’ written notice, by certified mail, sent return receipt requested, to the last known address of the institution and agent.
  4. The institution or the agent may appeal a cancellation under (c) of this section by filing an appeal in writing with the commission within 30 days after the cancellation showing that the institution has not ceased operating as a postsecondary educational institution.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976; am §§ 3, 4 ch 64 SLA 1986; am § 4 ch 112 SLA 1997)

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

Sec. 14.48.130. Complaints.

  1. A person claiming damage or loss as a result of an act or practice by a postsecondary educational institution or its agent, or both, which is a violation of this chapter or of the regulations adopted under this chapter may file with the commission a complaint against the institution or against its agent or both.  The complaint must set out the alleged violation and must contain other information as may be required by the commission.  A complaint may also be filed by the commission on its own motion or the attorney general.  A complainant may file with the commission as a representative of a class of complainants.
  2. The commission shall investigate the complaint and may attempt to effect a settlement by persuasion and conciliation. A complaint may be considered after 30 days’ written notice by registered mail to the institution or agent, or both, giving notice of a time and place for hearing on the complaint. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) by the office of administrative hearings (AS 44.64.010 ).
  3. If, based on the evidence at a hearing, the commission finds that a postsecondary educational institution or its agent, or both, has engaged in an act or practice that violates this chapter or regulations adopted under this chapter, the commission
    1. shall serve on the institution or agent, or both, an order requiring the institution or agent, or both, to cease and desist from the act or practice;
    2. may award the individual or class of individuals named in the complaint full or partial restitution for damage or loss if the commission finds that the individual or class of individuals has suffered loss or damage as a result of the act or practice;
    3. may impose the penalties provided for in AS 14.48.190 ;
    4. may assess a civil fine, not to exceed $5,000, for costs of investigating and adjudicating a matter under this section; and
    5. may, based on its own investigation and the evidence presented at the hearing, begin an action to revoke an institution’s authorization to operate or an agent’s permit.
  4. If the commission makes an award under (c)(2) of this section to an individual who owes principal or interest to a lender for a loan received for the purpose of financing education provided by the institution, the institution, or surety, if applicable, shall pay the amount of the award that does not exceed the outstanding loan balance to the lender to be credited against the loan. Notwithstanding this subsection, the commission may, for good cause shown, order that all of the award be paid to an individual who receives an award from the commission.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976; am § 13 ch 30 SLA 1992; am §§ 5, 6 ch 112 SLA 1997; am § 31 ch 163 SLA 2004)

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2004 amendment, effective July 1, 2005, substituted “A complaint may be considered after 30 days”’ for “The commission may consider a complaint after 30 days” in the second sentence of subsection (b), and added “by the office of administrative hearings (AS 44.64.010 )” in the last sentence of that subsection.

Sec. 14.48.140. Judicial review.

A final administrative order issued by the commission is subject to judicial review under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act).

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976)

Sec. 14.48.150. Preservation of records.

  1. If a postsecondary educational institution proposes to discontinue its operation, the chief administrative officer of the institution shall file with the commission the original or legible true copies of academic records of the institution as specified by the commission.  The records must include that academic information customarily required by colleges when considering students for transfer or advanced study and the academic record of each former student.
  2. If it appears to the commission that records of an institution discontinuing its operations are in danger of being destroyed or otherwise made unavailable to the commission, the commission may seize the records, under an order of the superior court.  The commission shall maintain a permanent file of records coming into its possession under this section.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976)

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

Sec. 14.48.160. Enforceability of notes and contracts; student loans.

  1. If a person to whom educational services are to be furnished by a postsecondary educational institution is a resident of this state at the time a contract relating to payment for the services, or a note, instrument, or other evidence of indebtedness relating to the services, is entered into, the provisions of this section govern the rights of the parties to the contract or evidence of indebtedness. The following agreements or provisions of an agreement entered into in connection with the contract or the giving of evidence of indebtedness are invalid:
    1. that the law of another state shall apply;
    2. that the maker or person liable on the contract or evidence of indebtedness consents to the jurisdiction of another state;
    3. that another person is authorized to confess judgment on the contract or evidence of indebtedness;
    4. that venue is fixed in a particular place.
  2. No note, instrument, or other evidence of indebtedness, or contract relating to payment for education or educational services is enforceable in the courts of this state by (1) a postsecondary educational institution operating in this state unless the institution has authorization to operate under this chapter, or (2) a postsecondary educational institution having an agent in this state unless the agent had an agent’s permit issued under this chapter authorizing the enrolling of or the seeking to enroll a person for educational services.
  3. A lending agency extending credit or loaning money to a person for tuition, fees, or other charges of a postsecondary educational institution for educational or other services or facilities to be rendered by the institution, shall conspicuously mark “student loan” on the face of a note, instrument, or other evidence of indebtedness taken in connection with the loan or extension of credit.  If the lending agency fails to do so, it is liable for loss or damage suffered by a subsequent assignee, transferee, or holder of the evidence of indebtedness because of the absence of the notation.  Notwithstanding the presence or absence of the notation, and notwithstanding an agreement to the contrary, the lending agency making the loan or extending the credit, and a transferee, assignee, or holder of the evidence of indebtedness is subject to all defenses and claims that could be asserted against the postsecondary educational institution that was to render the services or facilities, by any party to the evidence of indebtedness or by the person to whom the services or facilities were to be rendered, up to the amount remaining to be paid.  For purposes of this section, “lending agency” means postsecondary educational institution, or a person controlling, controlled by, or held in common ownership with, a postsecondary educational institution, or regularly loaning money to, or to students of, a postsecondary educational institution.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976)

Sec. 14.48.165. Immunization of postsecondary students.

  1. A postsecondary educational institution in this state shall provide written notice to each student who intends to reside in campus housing before the student’s initial period of residence that includes the following information:
    1. meningococcal disease
      1. is a serious illness that can cause death within a few hours of onset; one in 10 cases is fatal, and one in seven survivors of the illness is left with severe disability;
      2. is a contagious but also largely preventable infection of the spinal cord fluid and the fluid surrounding the brain;
    2. scientific evidence suggests that college students living in campus housing are at a moderately increased risk of contracting meningococcal disease; and
    3. immunization against meningococcal disease decreases the risk of contracting the illness.
  2. A student attending a postsecondary educational institution and who is physically present on the campus of the postsecondary educational institution shall sign a document provided by the institution indicating that the student has received
    1. an immunization against meningococcal disease; or
    2. the notice described under (a) of this section.
  3. Nothing in this section may be construed to require a postsecondary educational institution to provide or pay for immunizations against meningococcal disease.

History. (§ 2 ch 21 SLA 2005; am § 44 ch 89 SLA 2014)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective July 17, 2014, in the introductory language of (b), inserted “and who is physically present on the campus of the postsecondary educational institution” preceding “shall sign a document”.

Sec. 14.48.170. Jurisdiction.

A postsecondary educational institution that is not exempt from the provisions of this chapter, whether or not a resident of, or having a place of business in, this state, which instructs or educates, or offers to instruct or educate, enrolls or offers to enroll, contracts or offers to contract, to provide instructional or educational services in this state, whether the instruction or services are provided in person or by correspondence, to a resident of this state, or which offers to award or awards educational credentials to a person in or resident of this state, submits the institution, and, if a natural person the personal representative of the institution, to the jurisdiction of the courts of this state concerning a cause of action arising from these activities and for the purpose of enforcement of this chapter by injunction under AS 14.48.180 .

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976)

Sec. 14.48.180. Enforcement; injunction.

  1. The attorney general at the request of the commission or on motion of the attorney general, may bring an action or proceeding in a court of competent jurisdiction for the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter.
  2. When it appears to the commission that a person is, is about to, or has violated a provision of this chapter or a regulation adopted under this chapter, the commission may, on its own motion or on the written complaint of any person, file a petition for injunction in the name of the commission in a court of competent jurisdiction against the person for the purpose of enjoining the violation or for an order directing compliance with the provisions of this chapter.  It is not necessary that the commission allege or prove that it has no adequate remedy at law. The right of injunction provided in this section is in addition to other legal remedies available to the commission and is in addition to the right of criminal prosecution.  However, the commission may not obtain a temporary restraining order without notice to the person affected.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976)

Sec. 14.48.190. Civil penalty.

A person who violates the provisions of AS 14.48.020 or who fails or refuses to deposit with the commission the records required by AS 14.48.150 is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation. Each day’s failure to comply with the provisions of AS 14.48.020 and 14.48.150 constitutes a separate violation. The fine may be imposed by the commission in an administrative proceeding or by a court of competent jurisdiction.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976; am § 2 ch 20 SLA 2002)

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

Sec. 14.48.200. Criminal violation.

A person who wilfully violates the provisions of AS 14.48.020 or who wilfully fails or refuses to deposit with the commission the records required by AS 14.48.150 is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both. Each day’s failure to comply is a separate violation.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976)

Sec. 14.48.210. Definitions.

In this chapter,

  1. “agent” or “agents” mean persons owning an interest in, employed by, or representing for remuneration, a postsecondary educational institution in or outside the state who, by solicitation made in the state, enroll or seek to enroll residents of the state for education offered by the institution, or offer to award educational credentials for remuneration, on behalf of the institution, or who hold themselves out to residents of the state as representing a postsecondary educational institution for any purpose;
  2. “agent’s permit” means a nontransferable written authorization issued to a natural person by the commission which allows that person to solicit or enroll a resident of the state for education in a postsecondary educational institution;
  3. “avocational” means of or relating to an activity that is done as a hobby or for recreational purposes;
  4. “authorization to operate” means approval of the commission to operate or to contract to operate a postsecondary educational institution that provides education or grants educational credentials in the state;
  5. “commission” means the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education;
  6. “education,” “educational program or services,” “instruction,” or “instructional program” includes any class, course, or program of training, instruction, or study;
  7. “educational credentials” means degrees, diplomas, certificates, transcripts, reports, documents, or letters of designation, marks, appellations, series of letters, numbers, or words which signify, purport, or are generally taken to signify enrollment, attendance, progress, or satisfactory completion of the requirements or prerequisites for education at a postsecondary educational institution;
  8. “owner”
    1. means
      1. a person having at least a 10 percent interest in the stock of a postsecondary educational institution that is a corporation;
      2. a partner of a postsecondary educational institution that is a partnership; or
      3. a person having a direct financial interest in, or title to, at least 10 percent of the assets of a postsecondary educational institution which is neither a partnership nor a corporation;
    2. does not include a financial institution holding a mortgage on some or all of the real property or a security interest in some or all of the personal property of a postsecondary educational institution;
  9. “postsecondary educational institution” means academic, vocational, technical, home study, business, professional, or other school, college, or university offering education primarily to persons who have completed or terminated their secondary education, or who are beyond the age of compulsory high school attendance, for attainment of educational, professional, or vocational objectives;
  10. “recreational” means an activity engaged in for the purpose of personal satisfaction, pleasure, creative enrichment, or enhanced well-being;
  11. “to grant” includes awarding, selling, conferring, or giving;
  12. “to offer” includes, in addition to its usual meanings, advertising, publicizing, soliciting, or encouraging persons directly or indirectly to perform the act described;
  13. “to operate a postsecondary institution” means to establish or maintain a facility or location where education is provided or postsecondary educational credentials are granted to persons in the state and includes contracting with any person, group, or entity to operate such an educational institution;
  14. “vocational” means of or relating to a skill or trade pursued as a career or for the purpose of gainful employment.

History. (§ 1 ch 25 SLA 1976; am §§ 7 — 10 ch 112 SLA 1997; am § 3 ch 21 SLA 2016)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1992, in paragraph (7), former paragraphs (A)-(C) were relettered as (A)(i)-(iii) and former paragraph (D) was relettered as (B). To accommodate that change, “however,” was deleted from the end of (A)(iii) and “owner” was deleted from the beginning of (B).

Reorganized in 2016 to maintain alphabetical order; in that year paragraph (3) was enacted as (12) and paragraph (10) was enacted as (13).

Administrative Code. —

For authorization to operate and agent’s permits, see 20 AAC 17, art. 1.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2016 amendment, effective September 15, 2016, added (12) [now (3)], (13) [now (10)] and (14).

Notes to Decisions

Quoted in

Human Resources Co. v. Alaska Comm'n on Post-Secondary Educ., 946 P.2d 441 (Alaska 1997).

Chapter 50. Federal Aid for Education.

Collateral references. —

68 Am. Jur. 2d Schools, § 325 et seq.

Sec. 14.50.010. Acceptance of federal funds.

The legislature assents to federal aid under former 20 U.S.C. 401 — 602 on behalf of the state. The commissioner of education and early development may do all things necessary to cooperate with the United States government to participate under former 20 U.S.C. 401 — 602 and under any Act supplementing the provisions of former 20 U.S.C. 401 — 602, subject to prior concurrence of the governor.

History. (§ 1 ch 27 SLA 1959; am § 20 ch 41 SLA 2009)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, in this section, “commissioner of education” was changed to “commissioner of education and early development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2009 amendment, effective June 21, 2009, substituted “former 20 U.S.C. 401 — 602” for “Public Law 85-864, 72 Stat. 1580, 85th Congress (20 U.S.C. 401 — 602)” in the first sentence, and rewrote the second sentence, which read, “The commissioner of education and early development may do all things necessary to cooperate with the United States government to participate under the Act and any Act supplementing it, subject to prior concurrence of the governor.”

Sec. 14.50.020. Definition of public schools for purposes of Statehood Act.

Public schools, for the purpose of Public Law 85-508, 72 Stat. 339, 85th Congress, Second Session (Alaska Statehood Act), includes public elementary schools, public high schools, the University of Alaska, and other public educational institutions which may be established. Nothing in this section includes schools for Alaska aborigines under the control of the federal government and which are administered and supervised through the Department of the Interior or the United States Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.

History. (§ 1 ch 88 SLA 1959)

Sec. 14.50.030. Declaration of intent.

If the United States Congress enacts legislation making federal money available to the states for teachers’ salaries, school construction, and other educational purposes, it is the desire of the legislature that the governor or the state Board of Education and Early Development as the federal law may require have sufficient flexibility in the use of money appropriated to the Department of Education and Early Development to meet all reasonable federal requirements for obtaining the full amount of federal money that may be obtained by the state under such a federal aid program.

History. (§ 1 ch 78 SLA 1961)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, in this section, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

In 2000, “state Board of Education and Early Development” was substituted for “state Board of Education” in accordance with sec. 104, ch. 21, SLA 2000.

Sec. 14.50.040. Expenditure of state and federal funds for teachers’ salaries.

If the United States Congress enacts legislation, when the state legislature is not in session, making money available to the states for teachers’ salaries, the governor or the board as the federal law may require may accept and use part or all of the federal money made available to the state to increase teachers’ salaries according to a minimum salary schedule to be arrived at by the board. The governor or the board as federal law may require may use money appropriated by the legislature for teachers’ salaries for matching purposes and may expend federal money so obtained for increased teachers’ salaries in addition to state money already appropriated for that purpose. Any modified state minimum salary schedule arrived at as a result of receiving federal money may be put into effect by executive order signed by the governor or by order of the board, whichever appears to be the most nearly proper under federal law. This minimum salary schedule shall remain valid under the order until it is altered or approved in full by the legislature.

History. (§ 2 ch 78 SLA 1961)

Revisor’s notes. —

Prior to 1992, the provisions of AS 14.50.100 were the last sentence of this section.

Administrative Code. —

For deferred deposit advances, see 3 AAC 11.

Sec. 14.50.050. Expenditure of state and federal money for school construction.

If the United States Congress enacts into law legislation making money available to the state for school construction while the legislature is not in session, the governor or the board as the federal law may require may accept and use the federal money and apply it to the cost of constructing and improving school buildings and facilities to the extent that construction and improvement is authorized by the legislature when federal money becomes available. If a condition to receiving federal money for school construction is that the state increase its expenditures for that purpose over expenditures authorized by the legislature at the time federal money becomes available, the governor or the board as the federal law may require may use money appropriated by the legislature for school construction for matching purposes and may make further federal money available for school construction in addition to state money already appropriated for that purpose. To the extent practicable expenditure of state and federal money shall be limited to projects already programmed by the department and authorized by the legislature at the time federal money becomes available.

History. (§ 3 ch 78 SLA 1961)

Sec. 14.50.060. Apportionment of federal aid granted without limitations as to use.

If federal money is made available to the state without limitation or restriction as to the educational purposes for which it may be spent or if the federal money is made available to the state for alternative educational purposes, including payment of teachers’ salaries, the governor or the board as the federal law may require may use a percentage of the money, not to exceed 50 percent, for increasing teachers’ salaries in conformity with a minimum state salary schedule to be adopted by the board. The governor or the board as the federal law may require may use the remainder of the money to supplement existing educational programs.

History. (§ 4 ch 78 SLA 1961)

Sec. 14.50.070. Use of line item appropriations for matching purposes.

The governor or the board as the federal law may require may direct the use of any state money appropriated in any line item for the department to match federal money which will be made available to the state for substantially the same purpose or program as the money appropriated by the line item at whatever matching ratio is established for the federal money.

History. (§ 5 ch 78 SLA 1961)

Sec. 14.50.080. Consent to reasonable conditions.

The governor or the board as the federal law may require may accept all reasonable conditions which may be required by the federal government as a condition to receiving federal money for education purposes.

History. (§ 6 ch 78 SLA 1961)

Administrative Code. —

For statewide goals, see 4 AAC 4.

For safe schools, see 4 AAC 6, art. 2.

For statewide student assessment, see 4 AAC 6, art. 4.

For school and district accountability, see 4 AAC 6, art. 5.

Sec. 14.50.100. Definition.

The term “teacher” for the purposes of AS 14.50.030 14.50.100 includes teachers, school superintendents, and other public school employees covered by the state minimum salary schedule who would be qualified to receive federal money through the state.

History. (§ 2 ch 78 SLA 1961)

Revisor’s notes. —

This provision was formerly the last sentence of AS 14.50.040 . It was renumbered in 1992, at which time “AS 14.50.030 14.50.100 ” was substituted for “AS 14.50.030 14.50.080 ”.

Chapter 52. Food Service and Nutrition Education.

[Repealed, § 60 ch 6 SLA 1984.]

Chapter 55. Libraries and Museums.

[Repealed, § 59 ch 98 SLA 1966.]

Chapter 56. State and Community Libraries.

Administrative Code. —

For library services, see 4 AAC 57.

Article 1. State Library and Historical Library.

Collateral references. —

81A C.J.S. States, § 261.

Unauthorized photocopying by library as infringement of copyright. 21 ALR Fed. 212.

Sec. 14.56.010. Department of Education and Early Development to govern library.

The Department of Education and Early Development shall manage and have complete charge of all of the property contained in the institutions known as the state library and state historical library. The state library and state historical library shall be maintained in the state capital.

History. (§ 57 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 192 SLA 1968)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, in this section, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Sec. 14.56.020. Powers of the Department of Education and Early Development.

The department shall

  1. stimulate and encourage citizens’ participation in the development and improvement of library facilities; and
  2. establish policies, plans, and procedures of the department, and adopt reasonable regulations and orders, with penalties, as may be required.

History. (§ 57 ch 98 SLA 1966)

Administrative Code. —

For planning and reports, see 4 AAC 57, art. 1.

For library assistance grants, see 4 AAC 57, art. 2.

Sec. 14.56.030. State library duties.

The department shall undertake state library functions that will benefit the state and its citizens, including

  1. coordinating library services of the state with other educational services and agencies to increase effectiveness and eliminate duplication;
  2. providing reference library service to state and other public officials;
  3. providing library services and administering state and other grants-in-aid to public libraries to supplement and improve their services, the grants to be paid from funds appropriated for that purpose, or from other funds available for that purpose;
  4. providing library service directly to areas in which there is not sufficient population or local revenue to support independent library units;
  5. distributing financial aid to public libraries for extension of library service to surrounding areas and to improve inadequate local library service under regulations adopted by the department;
  6. offering consultant service on library matters to state and municipal libraries, community libraries, school libraries, and libraries in unincorporated communities;
  7. serving as a depository for state and federal publications concerning Alaska;
  8. applying for, receiving, and spending, in accordance with  AS 37.07 (the Executive Budget Act), federal, state, or private funds available for library purposes;
  9. recording and distributing the election pamphlet provided for by  AS 15.58 to libraries throughout the state for use by blind voters;
  10. establishing and charging fees for reproduction, printing, and handling costs, for mailing and distributing state publications and research data, and for other services authorized by this chapter;
  11. operating and maintaining the Alaska State Archives under  AS 40.21.

History. (§ 57 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 1 ch 10 SLA 1975; am § 25 ch 138 SLA 1986; am E.O. No. 70 § 2 (1988); am § 16 ch 36 SLA 1990)

Administrative Code. —

For planning and reports, see 4 AAC 57, art. 1.

For library assistance grants, see 4 AAC 57, art. 2.

Sec. 14.56.035. Accounting and disposition of fees. [Repealed, § 92 ch 36 SLA 1990.]

Secs. 14.56.040 — 14.56.060. Applications, payments and limitations on grants-in-aid. [Repealed, § 2 ch 36 SLA 1981.]

Sec. 14.56.065. [Renumbered as AS 14.56.350.]

Sec. 14.56.070. State museum duties. [Repealed, § 3 ch 192 SLA 1968.]

Sec. 14.56.080. Historical library duties.

The department shall

  1. collect, catalog, and preserve an Alaska collection consisting of books, laws, pamphlets, periodicals, manuscripts, microreproductions, audiovisual materials, etc.;
  2. serve as a depository for state and federal historical publications concerning Alaska;
  3. acquire, catalog, and maintain private papers and manuscripts relative to Alaska which are adjudged worthy of preservation for reference and research purposes;
  4. perform other functions necessary to the operation of a historical library.

History. (§ 57 ch 98 SLA 1966; am § 2 ch 191 SLA 1970)

Article 2. State Library Distribution and Data Access Center.

Sec. 14.56.090. State library distribution and data access center established.

There is established in the state library the state library distribution and data access center.

History. (§ 1 ch 2 SLA 1970; am § 2 ch 27 SLA 1979)

Sec. 14.56.100. Duties of center.

The center shall, in cooperation with federal, municipal, and private data collection and research efforts, promote the establishment of an orderly depository library and data index distribution and access system.

History. (§ 1 ch 2 SLA 1970; am § 3 ch 27 SLA 1979)

Sec. 14.56.110. Regulations.

The Department of Education and Early Development shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of AS 14.56.090 14.56.180 .

History. (§ 1 ch 2 SLA 1970)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, in this section, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Sec. 14.56.120. Deposit of publications and research data.

  1. Each state agency shall deposit, upon release, at least four copies of each of its state publications in the center. Additional copies of each publication may be requested by the center for deposit in quantities necessary to meet the needs of the depository library system and to provide inter-library service to those libraries not having depository status.
  2. Each state agency shall notify the center of the creation of all data published or compiled by or for it at public expense, including automated data bases, and provide for its accessibility through the center unless the data is protected by the constitutional right to privacy or is of a type stated by law to be confidential or the agency is otherwise prohibited by law from doing so.
  3. The center is also a depository for publications of municipalities and regional educational attendance areas, including surveys and studies produced by a municipality or regional educational attendance area or produced for it on contract.  Four copies of each publication produced for a municipality or regional educational attendance area may be deposited with the center for record and distribution purposes.
  4. Each municipality or regional educational attendance area may notify the center of the creation of all data published or compiled by or for it at public expense and provide for its accessibility through the center, unless the data is protected by the constitutional right to privacy or is of a type stated by law to be confidential or the municipality or regional educational attendance area is otherwise prohibited by law from doing so.
  5. When a research project or study is conducted for a person by a state agency, a municipality, or a regional educational attendance area, even though no state funding is involved, the state agency, municipality, or regional educational attendance area shall request that person for permission to make copies of its final report available to the center under AS 14.56.090 14.56.180 .  If permission is granted, the report shall be deposited with the center.

History. (§ 1 ch 2 SLA 1970; am § 4 ch 27 SLA 1979; am § 9 ch 200 SLA 1990)

Sec. 14.56.123. Liaison with center.

Each state agency shall and each municipality and regional educational attendance area may designate one of its employees to be responsible for depositing the materials and information specified in AS 14.56.120 .

History. (§ 5 ch 27 SLA 1979)

Sec. 14.56.125. Summaries and indices.

  1. Upon notification of the creation of data under AS 14.56.120 , a state agency shall and a municipality or regional educational attendance area may prepare an abstract or summary of it.
  2. The center shall prepare and keep current an index of all publications and data abstracts or summaries on file and shall publish and distribute that index regularly to contracting depository libraries and to other Alaska libraries upon request.

History. (§ 5 ch 27 SLA 1979)

Sec. 14.56.130. Other documents required of state agencies.

Upon the request of the center, a state agency shall furnish the center with a complete list of its current state publications, data published or compiled by or for it at public expense, and a copy of its mailing or exchange lists. However, data that is protected by the constitutional right to privacy or is of a type stated by law to be confidential or that the agency is otherwise prohibited by law from distributing may not be furnished to the center.

History. (§ 1 ch 2 SLA 1970; am § 6 ch 27 SLA 1979)

Sec. 14.56.135. Efficiency and computerization.

The center shall, to the extent practicable, avoid duplication, coordinate its activities with other state agencies charged with record-keeping functions, and employ computerization to compile or organize research data and other materials.

History. (§ 7 ch 27 SLA 1979)

Sec. 14.56.140. List of publications. [Repealed, § 11 ch 27 SLA 1979.]

Sec. 14.56.150. Depository library contracts.

The center may enter into depository contracts with municipal, regional educational attendance area, university or community college libraries, public library associations, state library agencies, the Library of Congress, and other state and federal library systems. The requirements for eligibility to contract as a depository library shall be established by the Department of Education and Early Development upon the recommendation of the state librarian and shall include and take into consideration the type of library, its ability to preserve publications or data and to make them available for public use, and the geographical location of the library for ease of access to residents in all areas of the state.

History. (§ 1 ch 2 SLA 1970; am § 8 ch 27 SLA 1979)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1999, in this section, “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

Sec. 14.56.160. Depository library designations.

Libraries may be designated as either “complete depository” or “selective depository.” A complete depository library shall be sent one copy of every state publication. A selective depository library shall be sent one copy of every publication from the specific state agencies it designates.

History. (§ 1 ch 2 SLA 1970)

Sec. 14.56.170. Distribution of state publications and research data.

The center may not engage in general public distribution of either (1) state publications or lists of publications or (2) the index of publications and research data. However, unless expressly prohibited by law, the center shall make available to any person, upon request and under procedures established by it, publications, summaries, research data, indices, and other materials in its possession. Reasonable fees for reproduction or printing costs and for mailing and distribution of materials may be charged by the center.

History. (§ 1 ch 2 SLA 1970; am § 9 ch 27 SLA 1979)

Sec. 14.56.180. Definitions.

In AS 14.56.090 14.56.180 , unless the context otherwise requires,

  1. “center” means the state library distribution and data access center;
  2. “research data” or “data” means a representation of facts, concepts or instructions in a formalized manner suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by humans or by automatic means that was prepared to serve as a basis for reasoning, calculation, discussion, or decision and that is determined appropriate for indexing by the state librarian;
  3. “state agency” includes state departments, divisions, agencies, boards, associations, commissions, corporations, and offices, and the University of Alaska and its affiliated research institutes;
  4. “state publication” includes any official document, compilation, journal, bill, law, resolution, bluebook, statute, code, register, pamphlet, list, book, report, study, hearing transcript, leaflet, order, regulation, directory, periodical, or magazine issued or contracted for by a state agency determined by the state librarian to be appropriate for retention in the center.

History. (§ 1 ch 2 SLA 1970; am § 10 ch 27 SLA 1979; am § 88 ch 74 SLA 1985)

Revisor’s notes. —

Reorganized in 1987 to alphabetize the defined terms.

Secs. 14.56.182 — 14.56.190. Alaska Blue Book. [Repealed, § 19 ch 6 SLA 1998.]

Secs. 14.56.200 — 14.56.240. Rural community libraries. [Repealed, § 6 ch 124 SLA 1998.]

Secs. 14.56.250 — 14.56.290. [Renumbered as AS 14.56.182 — 14.56.190.]

Article 3. Library Assistance Grants.

Sec. 14.56.300. Library assistance grant program.

There is established in the department a library assistance grant program. From legislative appropriations, the department shall make grants to eligible libraries for public library operations, for interlibrary cooperation, or for regional library services.

History. (§ 1 ch 36 SLA 1981; am § 1 ch 124 SLA 1998; am § 1 ch 55 SLA 2008)

Administrative Code. —

For library assistance grants, see 4 AAC 57, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2008 amendment, effective September 2, 2008, substituted “program” for “fund” in the first sentence, and deleted “to the fund” following “appropriations” in the second sentence.

Sec. 14.56.310. Eligibility.

  1. Libraries eligible for grants under AS 14.56.300 are
    1. public libraries established under AS 14.56.400 or, in a municipality that does not have a public library established under AS 14.56.400 , another library that
      1. is a nonprofit corporation and holds meetings of its board of directors in public;
      2. provides services listed in AS 14.56.400(a) ; and
      3. is approved to receive grants under AS 14.56.300 by resolution of the governing body of that municipality;
    2. libraries sharing resources free of charge with other libraries in the state; and
    3. libraries providing regional library services.
  2. A library described in (a)(1) of this section is eligible for a public library assistance grant. A library described in (a)(2) of this section is eligible for an interlibrary cooperation assistance grant. A library described in (a)(3) of this section is eligible for a regional library services assistance grant.

History. (§ 1 ch 36 SLA 1981; am § 2 ch 124 SLA 1998)

Revisor’s notes. —

In 1998, “AS 14.56.400 ” was substituted for “AS 29.35.125 ” in all three occurrences in subsection (a) in order to reflect the 1998 renumbering of that section.

Administrative Code. —

For library assistance grants, see 4 AAC 57, art. 2.

Sec. 14.56.320. Applications.

An eligible library may apply to the department for a grant under AS 14.56.300 14.56.340 in accordance with regulations adopted by the board.

History. (§ 1 ch 36 SLA 1981)

Sec. 14.56.330. Limitations.

  1. A public library assistance grant under AS 14.56.310(a)(1) may be a basic grant or a per capita grant. A basic grant may not be more than $7,000 for each service outlet of the public library in any one fiscal year. The amount of a basic grant must be equally matched by local money, the fair value of volunteer labor, or a combination of local money and volunteer labor. If the amount available for public library assistance grants during a fiscal year is not sufficient to fully fund basic grants for all eligible libraries, the amount available shall be prorated so that the amount of basic grants for all eligible libraries is reduced by the same percentage. After payment of basic grants to all eligible libraries during a fiscal year, any amount remaining for public library assistance grants shall be distributed as per capita grants to each library that received a basic grant. The amount of the per capita grants shall be based on the population of the municipality or unincorporated community served by each of the libraries.
  2. State money granted to a library under AS 14.56.300 14.56.340 may not be used to supplant local money equal to local expenditures for that library in fiscal year 1980, as adjusted annually by the commissioner to conform approximately to changes in the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index for Anchorage, Alaska. A library that uses state money to supplant local money forfeits eligibility for grants under AS 14.56.300 14.56.340 for two years.

History. (§ 1 ch 36 SLA 1981; am § 3 ch 124 SLA 1998)

Administrative Code. —

For library assistance grants, see 4 AAC 57, art. 2.

Sec. 14.56.340. Regulations.

The board shall adopt regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of AS 14.56.300 14.56.330 . The regulations must include qualifications for grant eligibility and provisions regarding the use of grant funds.

History. (§ 1 ch 36 SLA 1981; am § 4 ch 124 SLA 1998)

Administrative Code. —

For planning and reports, see 4 AAC 57, art. 1.

For library assistance grants, see 4 AAC 57, art. 2.

Sec. 14.56.350. Public library construction grants. [Repealed, § 6 ch 124 SLA 1998.]

Article 4. Public Library Construction and Expansion Grants.

Sec. 14.56.355. Library construction and major expansion matching grant program.

  1. There is established in the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development a matching grant program for library construction and major expansion.
  2. A person in charge of construction or major expansion of an eligible library may apply to the department for a matching grant under regulations adopted by the department.
  3. Subject to appropriation, the department shall award not more than 50 percent of the total proposed grant project costs to an eligible applicant.
  4. The department shall establish regulations to implement this section and the eligibility standards under AS 14.56.356 . The regulations must include consideration for and establishment of an eligibility priority for an application that is submitted by a community that does not have a public library described in AS 14.56.356 (a)(2).
  5. In this section,
    1. “department” means the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development;
    2. “major expansion” means an expansion of an existing library to increase the square footage of the structure by not less than 30 percent.

History. (§ 2 ch 55 SLA 2008)

Effective dates. —

Section 2, ch. 55, SLA 2008, which enacted this section, became effective September 2, 2008.

Sec. 14.56.356. Eligibility.

  1. To be a library eligible for a grant under AS 14.56.355 , a library must be
    1. publicly owned and operated by a community; and
    2. a public library as described in AS 14.56.400 that is not a public school library.
  2. An applicant for a grant under AS 14.56.355 must provide matching funds from
    1. the local government entity in an amount not less than 20 percent of the total proposed grant project costs; and
    2. private donors in an amount not less than the amount remaining of the total proposed grant project costs after the state and local contributions are made toward the project.

History. (§ 2 ch 55 SLA 2008)

Effective dates. —

Section 2, ch. 55, SLA 2008, which enacted this section, became effective September 2, 2008.

Article 5. Public School Library Collection Development Grants.

Sec. 14.56.360. Public school library collection development grants.

  1. There is established in the department a public school library collection development grant program.
  2. The person or division in charge of the state library shall award and administer grants of not more than $3,000 for a fiscal year for use by a public school library eligible under AS 14.56.365 to expand and improve the library collection to include relevant and current reading materials.
  3. If money appropriated for the program is insufficient to fund all eligible grant requests submitted under AS 14.56.365 , the available funding shall be awarded to the highest ranked applicants, according to criteria established by the department in regulation.

History. (§ 3 ch 55 SLA 2008)

Effective dates. —

Section 3, ch. 55, SLA 2008, which enacted this section, became effective September 2, 2008.

Sec. 14.56.365. Eligibility.

  1. A library eligible for a grant under AS 14.56.360 must be a public school library established and supported by a school district that
    1. provides physical space or, if a correspondence school operated by a school district, resources for use as a library;
    2. provides regularly scheduled library hours for all students enrolled in the school;
    3. provides designated library personnel to staff the library;
    4. provides acceptable evidence of the promotion of library and information literacy standards;
    5. maintains an annual library budget that includes library staffing and materials; and
    6. contributes, from the school district’s budget, an amount that is not less than the grant award that is paid for library collection materials or contributes in-kind value of services.
  2. The department shall establish by regulation an application and review procedure, including requirements for submission of adequate documentation to prove eligibility under this section. Documentation must include submission of library class schedules, job descriptions for library staff, and a copy of an annual budget for the library.

History. (§ 3 ch 55 SLA 2008)

Effective dates. —

Section 3, ch. 55, SLA 2008, which enacted this section, became effective September 2, 2008.

Sec. 14.56.370. Eligible expenditures.

  1. A library collection development grant may be used only to purchase library collection materials by a public school or by a school district if the district operates a correspondence program with an eligible school library. In this subsection, “library collection materials” means books, magazines, reference and audio-visual materials, and electronic subscriptions that support school curriculum and student reading activities.
  2. A library collection development grant may not be used to supplant school district expenditures for the library or to purchase classroom materials, textbooks, testing software, library automation software, computer hardware, operating software, or technology support.

History. (§ 3 ch 55 SLA 2008)

Effective dates. —

Section 3, ch. 55, SLA 2008, which enacted this section, became effective September 2, 2008.

Sec. 14.56.375. Report.

A recipient of a grant awarded under AS 14.56.360 shall prepare a brief annual report to the department describing the effects of the grant and whether all conditions of the grant were met or exceeded.

History. (§ 3 ch 55 SLA 2008)

Effective dates. —

Section 3, ch. 55, SLA 2008, which enacted this section, became effective September 2, 2008.

Article 6. Requirements for Public Libraries.

Sec. 14.56.400. Public libraries.

  1. A public library established under this section shall provide at least the following services free of charge to the residents of the municipality or community:
    1. establish and maintain a collection of books and other materials for loaning;
    2. provide access to interlibrary loan services;
    3. provide reading or other educational programs for children; and
    4. provide reference information.
  2. A public library established under this section shall submit an annual report of its operations and the services it provides to the director of the division that has responsibility for state libraries.

History. (§ 5 ch 124 SLA 1998)

Revisor’s notes. —

Enacted as 29.35.125. Renumbered in 1998.

Chapter 57. Museums and Natural and Cultural History Repositories.

Administrative Code. —

For museum services, see 4 AAC 58.

Collateral references. —

81A C.J.S. States, § 261.

Article 1. State Museum and Natural and Cultural History Repositories.

Sec. 14.57.010. The state museum.

  1. The department shall manage and have complete charge of all of the property contained in the institution known as the state museum. The museum is designated as a repository of natural and cultural history collections and shall be operated and maintained as a designated repository in the state capital. Branch museums may be established and maintained in other localities in the state.
  2. The department shall
    1. acquire artifacts, natural history specimens, art objects, etc., that pertain to the human and natural history of Alaska by purchase and by gift;
    2. identify, catalog, preserve, and display these acquisitions;
    3. acquire and catalog Alaskan photographs and maintain a card catalog of this collection;
    4. accept endowments, grants, and gifts in accordance with AS 37.07 (the Executive Budget Act);
    5. collect and maintain books, periodicals, pamphlets, and other materials pertinent to museum administration, techniques, and collections;
    6. assist and advise in the development of local museums;
    7. collect and keep current information concerning museum activities throughout the state;
    8. coordinate the museum activities of the state with those of other agencies;
    9. keep the museum open at reasonable hours for the convenience of visitors;
    10. provide museum services and administer state and other grants-in-aid to museums in the state to supplement and improve their services, the grants to be paid from money appropriated for that purpose, or from other money available for that purpose.
  3. The department may establish by regulation, and collect, reasonable user fees and other fees for services provided by the department under this chapter. The department may negotiate reduced fees or group discounts with, or offer reduced fees or group discounts to, persons who bring groups of people to visit the museum or a branch of the museum.

History. (E.O. No. 34 (1974); am § 27 ch 138 SLA 1986; am § 17 ch 36 SLA 1990; am § 1 ch 100 SLA 1995; am § 1 ch 21 SLA 2014)

Administrative Code. —

For fees, see 4 AAC 58, art. 1.

For museum assistance grants, see 4 AAC 58, art. 2.

Effect of amendments. —

The 2014 amendment, effective September 15, 2014, in (a), rewrote the second sentence, which read, “The museum shall be maintained in the state capital.”

Sec. 14.57.012. Designated natural and cultural history repositories.

  1. The department may designate natural and cultural history repositories in addition to the state museum as provided under this section.
  2. An institution located in the state that seeks designation as a natural and cultural history repository may apply on a form and under procedures established by the department in regulation. The procedures must include submission of evidence acceptable to the department that the institution
    1. adheres to currently established criteria of collection preservation and storage, including employment of long-term, professional, and systematic curatorial services;
    2. ensures public access commensurate with the nature of the objects of the collection in the repository;
    3. has a statewide scope of collection;
    4. has a statewide scope of knowledge dissemination;
    5. maintains a museum certification issued by a nationally recognized entity;
    6. complies with 25 U.S.C. 3001 — 3013 (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act); and
    7. meets other standards established in regulation by the department.
  3. The department shall maintain a list of designated repositories.
  4. A repository may accept and expend funds from any available source, including federal and state grants and donations, for the purpose of acquiring, cataloging, curating, and preserving state natural and cultural history collections.
  5. A designation of a repository confers no acquisition, management, or other rights to the department over the collections held by a designated repository.
  6. In this section, “institution” means a museum, a cultural center, or an affiliated research component of a museum or cultural center.

History. (§ 2 ch 21 SLA 2014)

Effective dates. —

Section 2, ch. 21, SLA 2014, which enacted this section, took effect September 15, 2014.

Sec. 14.57.015. Accounting and disposition of receipts. [Repealed, § 92 ch 36 SLA 1990.]

Sec. 14.57.020. Museum Collections Advisory Committee.

  1. There is created in the department the State Museum Collections Advisory Committee consisting of five members appointed by the board to serve at the board’s pleasure for staggered three-year terms.  The appointees shall be broadly representative of the public’s interest in the preservation of the human, cultural, natural, archeological, and anthropological history of Alaska.  When possible, some of the committee members shall be known for, or possess, special expertise or a culturally relevant background in these aspects of the art and history of the state.
  2. A member appointed to fill a vacancy serves for the unexpired term of the member succeeded.

History. (§ 1 ch 80 SLA 1974; am § 61 ch 6 SLA 1984)

Sec. 14.57.030. Officers; meetings, rules of procedure, quorum.

  1. The committee shall elect a chairman from among its members.
  2. The committee shall meet at least once every six months and at the call of its chair, on petition of a majority of its members, or at the call of the commissioner, or the director of the museum, at a mutually convenient time and place both for the members of the committee and for interested members of the public. A meeting of the committee may be held by teleconference.
  3. The committee shall adopt rules of procedure to govern its meetings.  A majority of the members of the committee constitutes a quorum.

History. (§ 1 ch 80 SLA 1974; am § 4 ch 43 SLA 1994)

Sec. 14.57.040. Compensation; per diem, travel expenses.

The members of the committee serve without compensation, but they are entitled to per diem and travel expenses as authorized by law for boards and commissions.

History. (§ 1 ch 80 SLA 1974)

Cross references. —

For per diem and travel for boards and commissions, see AS 39.20.180 .

Sec. 14.57.050. Collections management; acquisitions and dispositions.

  1. On recommendation of the committee, the department shall adopt regulations governing the museum’s in-house acquisitions committee, and the management and disposition of artifacts, natural history specimens, art objects, collections or other items, materials, or properties that are owned by, in the custody of, or are proposed for acquisition by, the state museum. The regulations must be consistent with AS 14.57.200 14.57.290 .
  2. Artifacts, natural history specimens, art objects, collections, or other items, materials, or properties that relate to the history of Alaska and are appropriate for preservation in the state museum of a value of $5,000 or more may not be acquired by purchase, gift, or exchange, or otherwise nor may any item owned by, or in the custody of, the state museum be disposed of by sale, gift, exchange, or otherwise, without the written approval of the committee. In recommending the acquisition or disposal of an item under this subsection for the state museum, the committee shall evaluate the need for the item or collection proposed for acquisition or disposal with reference to the scope of collections of the state museums.
  3. The committee may obtain an independent, professional appraisal of the value of each item to be acquired or disposed of by or for the state museum.

History. (§ 1 ch 80 SLA 1974; am § 2 ch 82 SLA 1992; am § 5 ch 43 SLA 1994; am § 1 ch 122 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.57.060. Advisory duties.

The committee shall act in an advisory capacity to the board as to the general acquisition and deaccession policies and programs of the state museum.

History. (§ 1 ch 80 SLA 1974; am § 6 ch 43 SLA 1994)

Sec. 14.57.070. Conflict of interest.

  1. A member of the committee may not act on a matter relating to the state museum in which the member’s relationship with another person or with respect to the acquisition or disposition of an item owned by, in custody of, or proposed to be acquired by or for the state museum creates a conflict of interest.  A committee member may not
    1. have a pecuniary or property interest in an item that is proposed to be acquired or disposed of by or for the state museum;
    2. have a pecuniary or property interest, directly or indirectly, in a contract to which the museum, or the state on behalf of the museum, is a party; or
    3. receive compensation for services rendered to the state museum as a consultant, expert, appraiser, or otherwise, except as provided in AS 14.57.040 .
  2. Notwithstanding (a) of this section, a committee member may bequeath or donate an item to the state museum.

History. (§ 1 ch 80 SLA 1974)

Sec. 14.57.080. Definition.

In AS 14.57.020 14.57.080 , “committee” means the state Museum Collections Advisory Committee.

History. (§ 1 ch 80 SLA 1974; am § 3 ch 82 SLA 1992)

Article 2. Use of Net Income of Alaska Heritage Endowment Fund.

Sec. 14.57.100. Acquisitions.

Subject to appropriation by the legislature under AS 37.14.530 , the director may use the balance of the net income account of the Alaska heritage endowment fund to acquire culturally or historically significant artifacts, natural history specimens, art objects, collections, and other items, materials, or properties that represent and document Alaska’s land, natural history, and people for

  1. the Alaska State Museum; and
  2. the Sheldon Jackson Museum.

History. (§ 4 ch 82 SLA 1992)

Sec. 14.57.110. Ownership of acquired items.

Except when ownership of an item is transferred under AS 14.57.120 , an item acquired under AS 14.57.100 becomes the property of the state museum.

History. (§ 4 ch 82 SLA 1992)

Sec. 14.57.120. Criteria applicable to acquisitions from the fund.

Subject to approval given by the Museum Collections Advisory Committee under AS 14.57.050(b) , the director may

  1. establish by contract the terms and conditions of custody, protection, conservation, and exhibition of an item acquired by the state museum if the item is acquired and custody of it is assigned to another institution;
  2. transfer ownership of an item to an institution having custody of an item acquired from the net income account of the fund if the director is satisfied that the institution will provide necessary care and protection of the item; or
  3. assign long-term custody of an item to an institution having custody of an item acquired from the net income account of the fund if the director is satisfied that the institution to which custody of the item is transferred will provide necessary care and protection of the item in accordance with a contract entered into under (1) of this section.

History. (§ 4 ch 82 SLA 1992)

Sec. 14.57.130. Disposition of acquired items.

Subject to approval of the Museum Collections Advisory Committee under AS 14.57.050(b) , the director may establish a deaccession policy under which the director may exchange or otherwise convey title to an item acquired from the net income account of the fund in accordance with generally accepted principles governing the disposal of these items.

History. (§ 4 ch 82 SLA 1992)

Sec. 14.57.199. Definitions.

In AS 14.57.100 14.57.199 ,

  1. “director” means the director of the division of the department that has responsibility for state libraries, archives, and museums;
  2. “fund” means the Alaska heritage endowment fund established in AS 37.14.500 ;
  3. “net income account” means the account established in AS 37.14.510 .

History. (§ 4 ch 82 SLA 1992; am § 21 ch 41 SLA 2009)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2009 amendment, effective June 21, 2009, in (1), added “of the department that has responsibility for” following “the division”, and made a related stylistic change.

Article 3. Property Held by Museums.

Sec. 14.57.200. Acquisition of title to loaned property.

  1. A museum may acquire the title to documented property loaned to the museum if
    1. at least seven years have passed after the expiration date of the loan without written or other contact between the lender and the museum; or
    2. the loan does not have an expiration date and at least seven years have passed without written or other contact between the lender and the museum since the loan was made.
  2. To acquire title to property under this section, the museum shall first send a notice by certified mail to the lender’s latest address if the museum has an address for the lender. The notice must include
    1. a statement that the loan is terminated;
    2. a brief and general description of the property;
    3. the date or approximate date, if known, when the owner loaned the property to the museum;
    4. the name, address, and telephone number of the museum representative to contact for more information or to make a claim;
    5. the lender’s name and latest address; and
    6. a statement that outlines the schedule and requirements for the museum to acquire title under this section.
  3. If a valid claim is not received by the museum within 30 days from the date the notice was mailed under (b) of this section or if the museum does not have an address for the lender, the museum shall publish a notice at least once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the judicial district where the museum is located and, if the museum has an address for the lender, in
    1. the judicial district in which the lender’s latest address is located if the address is in this state; or
    2. the county, borough, or other geographical organizational entity of the jurisdiction in which the lender’s latest address is located if the address is in a jurisdiction other than this state.
  4. The notice published under (c) of this section must contain
    1. the information required for the notice in (b)(1) — (5) of this section;
    2. the date of the last publication of the notice under (c) of this section; and
    3. a statement that the museum will acquire title to the loaned property if a valid claim to the property is not received by the museum within 45 days from the date of the last publication of the notice under (c) of this section.
  5. The museum acquires the title to the property, subject to reclamation of the property under AS 14.57.220 , as of the 46th day after the date of the last publication of the notice under (c) of this section, if the requirements of (a) — (d) of this section are satisfied and if a valid claim to the loaned property is not received by the museum within 45 days after the date of the last publication of the notice under (c) of this section.
  6. In this section, “address” means a description of the location of the lender, as shown on a museum’s records, that is sufficient for delivery by mail.

History. (§ 2 ch 122 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.57.210. Acquisition of title to undocumented property.

  1. A museum may acquire title to undocumented property held by a museum for seven years or longer if
    1. the seven-year holding period is verified by the written records of the museum;
    2. when this paragraph is applicable, the museum has notified by mail all corporations, except nonprofit corporations, created under 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. (Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act) that the undocumented property appears to be a Native artifact, that the corporations are requested to view, identify, and catalog the property within one year after the notification, and that the museum may take steps to acquire title to the property after the one-year notification period and the seven-year holding period have expired without a person filing a claim with the museum that the person is the owner of the property; in this paragraph, the periods may run concurrently; and
    3. during the seven-year holding period, or the longer period if expanded by the application of (2) of this subsection, a person has not filed a claim with the museum that the person is the owner of the property.
  2. To acquire title under (a) of this section, the museum shall publish a notice at least once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the judicial district where the museum is located. The notice must include
    1. a brief and general description of the property;
    2. the date or approximate date, if known, of the acquisition of the property by the museum;
    3. the name, address, and telephone number of the museum representative to contact for more information or to make a claim of ownership;
    4. the date of the last publication of the notice under this subsection; and
    5. a statement that the museum will acquire title to the property if a valid claim of an owner to the property is not received by the museum within 45 days from the date of the last publication of the notice under this subsection.
  3. The museum acquires the title to the undocumented property, subject to reclamation of the property under AS 14.57.220 , as of the 46th day after the date of the last publication of the notice under (b) of this section if the requirements of (a) and (b) of this section are satisfied and if a valid claim of an owner to the property is not received by the museum within 45 days after the date of the last publication of the notice under (b) of this section.

History. (§ 2 ch 122 SLA 2000; am § 25 ch 56 SLA 2005)

Effect of amendments. —

The 2005 amendment, effective June 25, 2005, updated a federal reference in paragraph (a)(2).

Sec. 14.57.220. Reclamation of property.

In addition to any other right of reclamation the person may have under 25 U.S.C. 3001 — 3013 (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act), after title to documented property or undocumented property is acquired by a museum under AS 14.57.200 14.57.290 , the lender or owner of the property has two years to bring an action in court against the museum to claim the property. If an action is not brought by the end of this two-year period and if the museum has taken its action under AS 14.57.200 14.57.290 in good faith, a person does not have a claim to the property against the museum, the museum’s employees, or the museum’s agents.

History. (§ 2 ch 122 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.57.230. Museum obligations regarding loaned property.

  1. A museum shall keep written records regarding loaned property for at least two years from the date of acquiring title to the property under AS 14.57.200 or 14.57.210 .
  2. A museum shall keep written records on all property it acquires by loan. The records must contain the owner’s name, address, and the telephone number, the duration of the loan, and the beginning date of the loan period.
  3. A museum is responsible for notifying a lender of the museum’s change of location or elimination.
  4. At the time the museum enters into the loan, the museum shall inform the lender of the requirements of AS 14.57.200 14.57.290 .

History. (§ 2 ch 122 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.57.240. Obligation of lenders.

A lender shall notify the museum of a change of address or a change in the ownership of the loaned property in order to ensure the retention of rights to the loaned property.

History. (§ 2 ch 122 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.57.250. Relationship to other laws.

If AS 14.57.200 14.57.290 conflict with another provision of state law, AS 14.57.200 14.57.290 govern to the extent of the conflict.

History. (§ 2 ch 122 SLA 2000)

Sec. 14.57.290. Definitions.

In AS 14.57.200 14.57.290 , unless the context indicates otherwise,

  1. “documented property” means property in the possession of a museum for which the museum has a reasonable means of determining the owner;
  2. “lender” means a person whose name appears on the records of a museum as the person legally entitled to the property held by the museum;
  3. “loan” or “loaned” means a deposit with or deposited with a museum if title to the property is not transferred to the museum or if the agreement for the deposit does not include a provision that the museum acquires title at some time after the deposit is made or an option for the museum to acquire title at some time after the deposit is made;
  4. “museum” means an organized and permanent public institution, including a historical society, historical park, historical site, and historical monument, that is primarily educational, scientific, historical, artistic, or cultural in purpose and that owns, borrows, cares for, studies, archives, or exhibits property;
  5. “property” means tangible animate or inanimate objects under a museum’s care that have intrinsic educational, scientific, historical, artistic, aesthetic, or cultural value;
  6. “undocumented property” means property in the possession of a museum for which the museum does not have a reasonable means of determining the owner.

History. (§ 2 ch 122 SLA 2000)

Chapter 58. Alaska Public Broadcasting Commission.

[Renumbered as AS 44.21.256 44.21.290 .]

Chapter 60. General Provisions.

Sec. 14.60.010. Definitions.

In this title, unless the context otherwise requires,

  1. “attendance area” means the geographic area designated by the department to be served by a school;
  2. “board” means the state Board of Education and Early Development;
  3. “commissioner” means the commissioner of education and early development;
  4. “department” means the Department of Education and Early Development;
  5. “governing body” means the school board of a borough or city school district or a regional educational attendance area;
  6. “public schools” include elementary schools, high schools, citizenship night schools for adults, and other public educational institutions that may be established;
  7. “regional educational attendance area” means an educational service area in the unorganized borough which may or may not include a military reservation, and that contains one or more public schools of grade levels K-12 or any portion of those grade levels that are to be operated under the management and control of a single regional school board;
  8. “school board” means the school board of a borough or city school district or a regional educational attendance area.

History. (§ 37-1-3 ACLA 1949; am § 58 ch 98 SLA 1966; am §§ 27 — 29 ch 46 SLA 1970; am § 3 ch 64 SLA 1972; am §§ 29 — 32 ch 124 SLA 1975; am § 11 ch 12 SLA 2006)

Revisor’s notes. —

Reorganized in 1987 to alphabetize the defined terms.

In 1999, “commissioner of education” was changed to “commissioner of education and early development” and “Department of Education” was changed to “Department of Education and Early Development” in this section in accordance with § 89, ch. 58, SLA 1999.

In 2000, “state Board of Education and Early Development” was substituted for “state Board of Education” in paragraph (2) in accordance with sec. 104, ch. 21, SLA 2000.

Cross references. —

For definition of “school year,” see AS 14.03.020 .

Effect of amendments. —

The 2006 amendment, effective April 4, 2006, substituted “that” for “which” in paragraph (6), and deleted the former second clause of that paragraph, which had read, “however, nothing in this title includes schools for Alaska Natives under the control of the federal government and administered and supervised through the Bureau of Indian Affairs”.