Education
Gov. Dunleavy tells superintendents he will veto education bill, and reduce school funding in budget, unless his policies are approved
Dunleavy has until May 19 to make a veto decision. The legislative session must end by midnight of May 21.
Anchorage School Board reverses cuts to staff and programs, betting on state funding increase
Board members cautioned that even if the funding comes through, Anchorage schools will still face reductions this school year and next.
Photos: Graduates celebrate during UAA’s 2025 spring commencement
The Alaska Airlines Center was packed with family and friends as they celebrated over 500 students who crossed the stage, of the more than 950 students who graduated from a certificate, undergraduate or graduate program.
Anchorage School Board to consider reversing most cuts, betting on additional funding from state
The proposed budget would restore teacher positions as well as programming, including middle and high school sports, IGNITE and Battle of the Books.
Alaska Legislature broadly approves compromise education bill that legislators say could survive Dunleavy veto
Gov. Mike Dunleavy has not said publicly whether he will veto the measure, sign it or allow it to pass into law without his signature.
Alaska education commissioner urges superintendents to back Gov. Dunleavy’s school policies or risk funding veto
Multiple lawmakers say they could have enough votes to override Dunleavy’s veto, but that remains to be seen.
University of Alaska international students’ records restored as Trump administration backs down on visa revocations
In announcing the reversal, attorneys with the Justice Department said the federal government is working on a framework to legally terminate SEVIS records.
Alaska Senate committee proposes $700 per-student school funding formula increase, following veto
The amended version of House Bill 57 remains in committee, which means it could be further amended to include policy changes advocated by the governor.
Alaska Legislature fails to override Dunleavy’s school funding veto
With a month left in the legislative session, multiple lawmakers said it would be difficult to craft an education measure that is supported by a majority of legislators and Gov. Dunleavy.
Alaska House encourages school districts to limit students’ cellphones, with some exceptions
House Bill 57 isn’t a ban on phones in classrooms, but it allows limited bans if local school districts approve them.
‘The real threat’: Parents worry Mat-Su teacher cuts will doom Glacier View School
A Mat-Su Borough School District plan for next year leaves just two full-time teachers for 13 grades.
Gov. Dunleavy vetoes school funding boost but promises a new plan
The Legislature is set to vote on overriding his veto of a $1,000 increase to the Base Student Allocation.
Uncertainty in education funding means less art, music and gym for Anchorage elementary students next year
Without additional funding from the Alaska Legislature, the state’s largest school district is preparing for cuts to its Elementary Instructional Division.
Alaska Legislature narrowly approves $1,000 BSA boost after Dunleavy vows veto
As the Legislature debated on Friday, hundreds of students in Anchorage and Juneau participated in a walkout to advocate for a BSA increase.
Alaska Senate poised to pass stripped-back education bill with $1,000 BSA boost as Dunleavy threatens veto
Gov. Mike Dunleavy said he would veto the education bill if it’s not amended. Lawmakers are considering what comes next if that happens.
Loss of middle school sports will affect thousands of Anchorage students
Parents, coaches and educators said playing sports helps middle schoolers lead healthier lifestyles, stay engaged in school and develop essential skills.
Federal cuts bring confusion, uncertainty to Alaska’s Head Start programs
The sudden closure of a regional Head Start office has left several programs in Alaska without critical oversight or support, program leaders say.
Anchorage School District ‘displacements’ could shutter or shrink 5 high school choir programs
With nearly 200 Anchorage School District position cuts planned for the upcoming school year, choir teachers say their programs will be hit hard.
Students protest UAA’s ‘reorganization’ of Native Student Services
The university’s vice chancellor of student affairs said the change “aims to promote fiscal health and address staff capacity.” Students say the changes will ultimately dismantle a program that’s critical for Alaska Native students.
UAA gallery dedicated to student art is set for closure
Art students and advocates are working to keep the Hugh McPeck Gallery open.
Alaska Senate Education Committee advances new school funding bill with $1,000 per-student boost
It remains unclear whether the boost in Base Student Allocation will be approved by the full Senate.
Anchorage School District notifies hundreds of educators and staff of potential ‘displacement’
A school district official in a Friday email blamed continued uncertainty on school funding in the state Legislature.
Anchorage’s school language immersion programs — among the nation’s most robust for a city its size — are at risk
Absent additional funding from the state Legislature, Anchorage’s premier, 36-year-old immersion programs will suffer at best, or cease to exist at worst, said the district’s World Languages and Immersion Programs director.
Alaska Supreme Court asks lower court to weigh in on legality of using public funds to cover private school tuition
The question is at the center of ongoing litigation involving the Anchorage School District and three other districts.
Anchorage School Board candidates pitch their vision for education in lead-up to city election
Candidates for Anchorage School Board in the upcoming April 1 election highlighted their different visions for the district during a forum last week.
Tom Sexton, former state poet laureate, is remembered for his influence teaching Alaska writers
As an English and creative writing professor at UAA for nearly 25 years, Sexton spurred young writers to chase opportunity and inspiration. He died earlier this month at 84.
Alaska education commissioner on hand as Trump issues order to ‘facilitate closure’ of federal Education Department
Commissioner Deena Bishop said the order would not mean a loss of federal education funds for Alaska schools.
Drawing from decades of experience, new book on rural school leadership provides a roadmap for teachers and community members
In villages, significant cultural differences can inhibit the jobs of educators who usually arrive lacking knowledge of the distinct histories and lifeways of Alaska Natives in the communities they are assigned to.
University of Alaska shutters diversity center, ‘retires’ diversity officer in continued response to anti-DEI orders
The university system is also focused on changing language, website content and non-academic program descriptions, University of Alaska President Pat Pitney wrote in a letter this week.
Alaska Supreme Court says North Slope principal’s insult not protected by free speech
Former Point Lay school principal R. Brett Stirling was fired in 2022 for incompetence but challenged that decision.