Alaska Lawmakers Boost School Funding by $158M

0:00On March 17th, here's the latest out of Anchorage. Alaska lawmakers are pushing House Bill 374 to boost funding for public schools. The plan would raise the base student allocation by $630 per student, lifting it from $6660 to $7,290. That adds up to $158,600,000 more for schools next year. This comes right after last year's big funding jump, which followed a tough fight with the governor's 3B toes and two legislative overrides. Sponsors base the new amount on budget shortfalls in the state's five biggest districts, like Anchorage and Fairbanks, where schools face cuts to, teachers, bigger classes, and even closures. Earlier this week, dozens of students, parents, teachers, and superintendents testified before the House Education Committee for two hours. Everyone supported the bill, with no one speaking against it. Kids shared stories of losing programs like art, music, and sports, plus fears of 40 student

1:04classrooms. Superintendents from places like Kodiak highlighted ongoing cuts to counseling, special education, and maintenance, warning of more school closures, without help. They stressed that inflation has outpaced funding, leaving no room for more belt tightening. The committee is now reviewing the bill, and with four casts of higher oil prices from global tensions boosting state revenues, House leaders are, talking about even more school spending in the weeks ahead. DNN is brought to you by our sponsor. No earbuds, no headbands, no awkward sleeping positions, just a pillow that plays your sound, O-L-I, soleypillow.com.