Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy vetoed a measure to increase school funding by $1,000 per student under the state’s Base Student Allocation (BSA) on April 17, 2025. This decision effectively halts a $253 million yearly boost in education funding intended to address nearly ten years of flat funding for schools. The vetoed bill, House Bill 69, was narrowly passed by the Alaska Legislature, despite Dunleavy’s previous warnings of a veto.
The governor cited a deteriorating revenue situation and the lack of policy provisions in the bill as reasons for his veto. He plans to introduce an alternate proposal that includes a $560 increase to the BSA and $35 million in targeted investments, such as increased funding for homeschooling programs and incentives for high performance in reading assessments.
Dunleavy’s proposal also aims to implement policies allowing students to enroll in school districts outside their residence, ease the establishment of new charter schools, and enforce cellphone use policies in schools. However, school administrators have expressed concerns that without the proposed $1,000 increase, schools could face significant staffing cuts.
To override the veto, two-thirds of the Legislature, or 40 lawmakers, would need to vote in favor. However, with only 32 legislators previously supporting the education bill, achieving this majority remains uncertain. A joint session is planned to debate the veto further.
Senate President Gary Stevens acknowledged the difficulty of obtaining the necessary votes but emphasized the importance of addressing the funding crisis in Alaska’s schools. Senator Löki Tobin highlighted that increased funding is critical in reducing class sizes, retaining quality educators, and expanding educational programs.
Governor Dunleavy’s proposed education package suggests a shift towards more homeschooling options and targeted investments, with critics arguing it may disproportionately benefit certain districts. During his tenure, Dunleavy has overseen significant growth in publicly funded homeschooling programs, increasing the number of students enrolled in correspondence programs.
Amid concerns over the state’s fiscal challenges and the governor’s absence from Juneau, Dunleavy reassured stakeholders of his commitment to reaching an agreement on an education bill soon.
Impact on Daily Life
The veto of the education funding increase in Alaska presents significant implications for the state’s public education system and its stakeholders. Without the additional funding, many school districts may face difficult decisions, including staff reductions and limited educational resources. This situation could impact students’ learning experiences, class sizes, and available academic programs, potentially affecting educational outcomes statewide.
The proposed alternative legislation, while offering some funding increases, remains contentious due to its focus on policies such as increased homeschooling support and open district enrollment. These measures might benefit certain student populations but leave others with fewer resources, thus exacerbating disparities among districts. The ongoing debate over education funding in Alaska underscores the complexities of balancing fiscal constraints with the need to invest in future generations.
Overall, the outcome of this legislative process will influence educational access and quality in Alaska, affecting students, educators, and communities across the state. The decisions made in the coming weeks could set precedents for how education funding is approached amidst economic uncertainties, shaping the future landscape of public education in Alaska.