COMPLAINT
READ THE COMPLAINT HERE:
ALASKA’S KIDS ARE PAYING THE PRICE FOR OUTDATED SCHOOL FUNDING
Every child in Alaska deserves a strong public education, no matter where they live. But for years, state funding hasn’t kept pace with what it actually costs to educate kids here. Alaska once led the nation with robust school funding, healthy teacher pensions, and some of the best student outcomes in the country. Restoring that level of excellence can—and should—be our North Star.
ALASKA’S SCHOOLS ARE BEING STRETCHED TOO THIN
Since 2017, the Base Student Allocation had been nearly flat while basic costs rose almost 40%. Districts laid off staff, cut arts and career-technical programs, shared staff across schools, delayed repairs, and—in some communities—closed schools. This isn’t local mismanagement; it’s a state formula that no longer reflects today’s realities. Even with the increase seen this year, that amount was only 39% of what was needed to adjust for inflation, and does not address the millions needed to repair or replace school buildings.
WHY WE ARE TAKING ACTION
Every year School Districts have asked for additional funding to allow the district to operate at the same capacity as the year before. For too long the State has failed to adjust education funding for inflation. Every year that Districts have to cut programs or reduce resources for students is a year that student are denied meaningful opportunity.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Public schools are the backbone of Alaska’s communities. With federal dollars shrinking, D.C. won’t close the gap. It’s on our state to fund schools so every child gets a quality education—and with it, a pathway to good jobs, strong local economies, and a future they can build here at home
WHAT WE’RE DEMANDING FROM STATE LEADERS
Perform a meaningful adequacy study so that education funding decisions are based on actual need, not political expediency
Update the Base Student Allocation to reflect inflation and regional costs
Fix cost factors so high-cost and rural districts aren’t left behind
Make funding decisions transparent, data-driven, and informed by communities
Invest in culturally responsive, place-based education that meets students’ needs
How You Can Help
We rely on organizations and individuals that share our vision of adequately funded quality education for all Alaska children.
Members, donors and volunteers help support initiatives that directly benefit Alaska’s children and schools. Together, we work to protect the right to quality equitable education for all of our children, and our impact is greater when we work together!
If you are interested in becoming a member, donating to our cause or organizing a grassroots movement, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to learn more about how you can help champion the right to quality, equitable education for every Alaska child.