Episodes
Alaska Minimum Wage to Increase to $9.84 on January 1, 2018
JUNEAU, Alaska— The Alaska minimum wage will increase from $9.80 to $9.84 in 2018. A ballot initiative passed by voters raised the minimum wage by a dollar in both 2015 and 2016, and thereafter to be adjusted annually for inflation.
Alaska Statute 23.10.065(a) requires the Alaska minimum wage to be adjusted using the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers in the Anchorage metropolitan area (Anchorage CPI-U) for the preceding calendar year. The Anchorage CPI-U increased 0.4 percent in 2016, rising from 216.909 to 217.830. As a result, the minimum wage will rise from $9.80 to $9.84 effective January 1, 2018.
“These modest annual adjustments ensure low wage workers don’t have to wait for several years to see their wages raised to keep up with inflation,” said Labor Commissioner Heidi Drygas.
The Alaska minimum wage applies to all hours worked in a pay period regardless of how the employee is paid: whether by time, piece, commission, or otherwise. All actual hours worked in a pay period multiplied by the Alaska minimum wage is the very least an employee can be compensated by an employer. Tips do not count toward the minimum wage.
More information about Alaska’s wage laws can be found at: http://labor.alaska.gov/lss/whhome.htm.
Two Alaska Schools Named National Title I Distinguished Schools
JUNEAU — Hermon Hutchens Elementary School in the Valdez City School District and Larson Elementary School in the Matanuska-Susitna School District have been named National Title I Distinguished Schools by the Department of Education & Early Development, Alaska Education Commissioner Dr. Michael Johnson announced today.
Hermon Hutchens Elementary School was recognized for exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years. Larson Elementary School was recognized for excellence in serving special populations of students.
Title I schools receive federal funds to support programs that supplement instruction to meet the educational needs of low-achieving students in high-poverty schools. The National Title I Distinguished Schools Program is a project of the National Title I Association. Selected schools must have demonstrated exceptional student performance for two or more consecutive years or have demonstrated excellence in serving special populations of students. Each state, using its own selection process, may select two schools for the honor.
“The students, parents, and educators that have shared a vision and done the hard work necessary to have a great school deserve this recognition,” said Commissioner Johnson. “Both Hermon Hutchens Elementary and Larson Elementary serve as examples to other communities who want to ensure every student gets an excellent education every day.”
Alaska identifies eligible schools for the award based on their students’ performance on the Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools (PEAKS) assessment in English language arts and mathematics. Schools selected for the 2016-2017 school year performed in the top ten percent of Title I schools on PEAKS. Identified schools choose to apply for the honor, providing evidence of effectiveness in research-based instructional strategies, providing opportunities for all children to achieve, coordinating Title I with other programs, offering professional development for staff, and partnering with parents, families, and communities.
Hermon Hutchens Elementary School is located in Valdez, a small town in Southcentral Alaska. The staff strive to provide a rigorous academic schedule along with a variety of innovative enrichment opportunities. By utilizing research-based curricula and instructional strategies, using data to inform instructional decisions, and fostering partnerships with other significant programs and community members, all Hermon Hutchens Elementary students have the opportunity to achieve high aspirations.
Larson Elementary School in Wasilla has made significant gains in student achievement with Alaska Native, economically disadvantaged, and students with disabilities student groups and continues to strive for academic excellence. This success can be attributed to a combination of several key factors including a focus on student data, dedicated staff, multiple opportunities for students to be academically and behaviorally successful, well established partnerships with families, and leadership with an academic focused vision that involves all stakeholders.
Welcome Baby Tyler
Brittany Johnson and Thomas Russell welcomed Tyler Lane Russell to the world on December 18th, 2017 at 12:06 pm.
He weighed 7 lbs. 14 oz and was 19.5 inches long.
Congratulations!
Welcome Baby Rowan
Rebekah Donohue and Josseph Donohue welcomed Rowan Alaina Donohue to the world on December 18th, 2017 at 1:41pm.
She weighed 6 lbs 5.4 oz. and was 20.75 inches long.
Congratulations!
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