Some school districts don’t elaborate on the causes of climate change, while others make it clear: Humans are largely to blame. This week, we’re going inside two Alaska classrooms to learn how teachers and students are navigating these difficult conversations.
Southeast
Proposed budget cuts a ‘disaster’ for Sitka schools, education leaders say
Gov. Dunleavy’s proposed budget does away with about 25% of K-12 funding and cuts the University of Alaska system’s funding by 41%. Sitka School District’s superintendent says, “If implemented, it will decimate public education in Alaska.”
Juneau, cruise industry make nice at regional conference as decision to appeal lawsuit lingers
A lawsuit between the cruise ship industry and the city of Juneau has been on the mind of port communities that rely on seasonal tourism. At a summit this week, representatives from both sides tried to reassure them.
How Alaska school districts planned to spend that $20 million
Gov. Michael Dunleavy proposed doing away with $20 million in education funding approved by the Legislature in 2018. Superintendents and lawmakers say school districts were counting on that money, and many have already started spending it.
Dunleavy floats deep cuts, privatization of ferry system
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s budget director Donna Arduin says the administration is looking at privatization options for the state-run ferry system. That’s on top of a proposed budget that would cut 65 percent of the struggling ferry system’s budget.
House deadlock persists after Knopp votes for himself for speaker
Rep. Gary Knopp said on the House floor that he committed to being the 21st vote for a Republican nominee, but he didn’t say which one. He then voted for himself to become speaker.
Signal detected from missing Guardian Flight plane
Searchers have detected an underwater beacon from the air ambulance that vanished en route to the Southeast community of Kake, the company said in a statement Tuesday.
Juneau’s legislative delegation looks to get ahead of potential cuts to state jobs
With the governor’s budget set for release Wednesday, Juneau lawmakers are concerned by what $1.6 billion in budget cuts could mean for the capital city’s sizable portion of state government workers.
Southeast Alaska tribe takes initial steps to create their own tribal court
Yakutat Tlingit Tribe recently was awarded two grants to start their own tribal court system. The tribe’s executive director says it’s a demonstration of the tribe’s self-determination.
Update: Knopp votes against Republican Talerico for speaker as House stalemate continues
Rep. Gary Knopp said he had committed to voting for a Republican, but he didn’t say which one. He then voted for himself to become speaker.