AFN is urging the Alaska Legislature and Governor Dunleavy to take decisive action to prioritize education funding across the state. The ongoing fiscal challenges cannot come at the expense of Alaska’s children and their future.
Education is essential for the children of Alaska, our economy, and the stability of our communities. Recent actions, including the veto of House Bill 69—which would have increased the Base Student Allocation (BSA) by $1,000—highlight an urgent need for meaningful investment in education. The lack of adequate funding has led to larger class sizes, staff shortages, and the potential elimination of critical programs. This cannot be the legacy we leave for future generations.
At the recent AFN Convention, delegates unanimously passed Resolution 24-11, emphasizing the necessity of timely and predictable funding for public education. As a well-documented foundation for societal and economic growth, education funding must no longer be treated as a political bargaining chip.
Research has consistently shown that targeted funding increases in education are linked to improved student outcomes, higher graduation rates, and long-term economic benefits. Unfortunately, the State of Alaska has not kept pace with inflation in funding the BSA, leading to detrimental consequences for our students and educators.
AFN urges state leaders to take the following actions:
- Increase the Base Student Allocation: Provide meaningful adjustments to the BSA to support stable funding for schools, educators, and students.
- Ensure Predictable Funding: Establish mechanisms for early notification and reliable funding that will assist schools in financial planning and recruitment of skilled teachers.
- Support State-Tribal Compacting for Education: Collaborate with Tribal organizations to leverage their expertise in teaching and cultural enrichment, leading to more opportunities for Alaskan children.
- Implement Revenue Measures: Address the current fiscal crisis head-on by pursuing necessary revenue measures to fulfill constitutional obligations and adequately fund public services. The time for action is now. Our schools, students, and parents urgently need assurances that their educational needs will be met without disruption. Our children should not be left in overcrowded classrooms or without the critical services they need to thrive.
AFN stands ready to work alongside our state leaders to ensure that every Alaska child has access to a high-quality education. Together, we can create a brighter future for Alaska’s children.