Sen. Lukey Tobin pushes SB 93 to expand and stabilize Alaska pre-K funding

Sen. Lukey Tobin presented Senate Bill 93 as a measure to "turbocharge" pre‑K across Alaska by removing limits that have constrained districts from enrolling and funding approved preschool programs. The bill would remove a $3 million cap on new average‑daily‑membership (ADM) roll‑ins for approved pre‑K programs and count preschool students as full‑time equivalents in the K–12 funding formula.

Tobin told the Senate Finance Committee that the change would give districts predictable funding and encourage full‑day pre‑K rather than half‑day counting, which proponents say improves kindergarten readiness and long‑term outcomes. Tobin cited earlier data showing districts that had certified pre‑K teachers produced stronger reading outcomes and argued that the state already pays for half‑day pre‑K and the incremental cost to expand to full‑day in FY‑27 is modest relative to projected long‑term returns.

Skagway Superintendent Josh Cochran said his district’s preschool program produces measurable benefits in early literacy, behavior and later performance; Kenai Peninsula Superintendent Clayton Holland said removing the cap and funding preschools as full‑time students would give districts the stability needed to keep and expand programs. A caller from Kotzebue echoed the rural perspective, saying pre‑K is often the only accessible early‑education option for families in remote communities.

Sen. Kiel read two fiscal notes. The Department of Education and Early Development provided calculations for foundation funding, and the public education fund fiscal note estimates a FY‑27 appropriation of $6,637,400, a FY‑26 supplemental of $395,200 and continuing year costs reflected in the fiscal note table. The fund source listed was unrestricted general funds.

Sen. Tobin closed by linking SB 93 to the Alaska Reads Act and urging investment in full‑day, locally designed, culturally responsive preschool programs to improve kindergarten readiness and stabilize district funding. The committee closed the hearing without a vote and adjourned the session.