Education officials point to broader issues of budget cuts, staff shortages, and COVID-19 pandemic impacts on student learning.
Education
Education bill negotiations with Gov. Dunleavy off to a ‘productive’ start, lawmakers say
Gov. Mike Dunleavy convened a group of key lawmakers from the House and Senate to hammer out a compromise education funding bill that would avoid a veto.
Dunleavy outlines ‘omnibus’ education bill, setting stage for negotiations with lawmakers on school funding
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s bill does not increase the state’s base student allocation. He has repeatedly called for any funding increases to be targeted and tied to reforms.
National testing scores of Alaska students rank near the bottom
Alaska students ranked 49th out of 50 states in most categories.
University of Alaska and faculty union reach tentative agreement for new contract
Bargaining parties reached a tentative deal with support from federal mediation, after talks stalled in a deadlock last month.
Districts across Alaska are considering closing schools
School officials say outmigration, alternative education and flat funding are major contributing factors.
Alaska House plans fast action on bill that would boost school funding and tie it to inflation
Rep. Rebecca Himschoot, I-Sitka, introduced House Bill 69, which would boost per-student state funding by about $2,500 over three years.
State education board releases proposed statewide cell phone policy
If passed, the policy would allow districts to adopt strict cell phone restrictions or craft their own version.
Parnell will retire as UAA chancellor at the end of spring semester
Sean Parnell had a long political career before becoming chancellor four years ago. He served as governor from 2009 to 2014.
Bill to provide free breakfast and lunch for all Alaska students filed in the Legislature
The new bill sponsored by Rep. Maxine Dibert of Fairbanks would provide meals for all Alaska students, regardless of ability to pay.