“Dunleavy’s Veto is an Unprecedented Attack on Education.”
Carl Jacobs, president of the Anchorage School Board, assures Sol de Medianoche that he will continue to “fiercely advocate for the resources necessary to ensure that every student receives a quality education.” Jacobs opposes Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy’s veto of basic funding for public schools in the state. The reduction is $50.6 million, or $200 less per student. But there are more cuts.With his veto, Dunleavy reduces public school funding by $50.6 million, resulting in base funding per student of $500 instead of the $700 approved by legislators in May.
Dunleavy has imposed other significant cuts to education spending approved by the Legislature: $5.7 million for early intervention and early learning programs; $490,000 for teacher recruitment; $554,000 in incentives for teachers who receive national certification; and $25.1 million less for maintenance and repairs to schools, many of which are in poor condition, especially in rural areas. In an interview with Sol de Medianoche, Carl Jacobs considers Dunleavy’s vetoes “unprecedented, intentional, and relentless attacks. Attacks on public education that will haunt Alaskan families long after Dunleavy leaves office.” “Our state has a growing list of challenges that have not been addressed since 2018,” Jacobs said, “including a deeply troubling trend of net migration, an exodus of young professionals to the Lower 48, and the erosion of basic services that citizens depend on, including our public schools, due to the lack of a sustainable long-term fiscal plan from leaders in Juneau.” “Across Alaska, the impacts of this leadership crisis are evident in persistent recruitment and retention challenges for educators; crumbling public infrastructure; growing K-12 class sizes and declining levels of service for students, which are incompatible with the constitutional promise of a well-maintained public school system,” adds the Anchorage School Board president. “Simply put, we must elect a new CEO with a bold vision to invest in our young people and achieve a future for our state that will attract the next generation of Alaskans. In addition, we must work to recruit, elect, and retain local and state leaders who are focused on working collaboratively to solve these pressing challenges. It is time for our government to put people before politics.” How will the veto affect Latino students or the most vulnerable and minority students? The Anchorage School District is one of the most diverse in the country. Our students represent more than 100 languages, a wide range of cultures, and countless lived experiences. More than 60 percent of the more than 43,000 students enrolled in ASD come from communities of color. That diversity is one of our greatest strengths and something we are proud of. That strength comes with a deep responsibility to ensure that every student has the tools and support they need to succeed. For many Latino students and others from historically underserved communities, a strong public education is not just important; it is essential; it is the bridge to opportunity, economic stability, and full participation in our community. The governor’s veto puts that bridge at risk. The continued underfunding of Alaska’s public schools, coupled with growing educator turnover and an uncompetitive retirement system, puts our most vulnerable students at a disadvantage. So far this year, the ASD has received more than 400 educator resignations. More than 20 percent of our first-year teachers have already left. That level of disruption directly impacts learning, especially in schools serving the most underserved populations. If we truly want equity, to honor the diversity that makes our district so unique, and to help every child reach their potential, then we must invest in our public schools. Our students cannot afford anything less. The ASD School Board is honored to represent our community and will continue to advocate fiercely for the resources needed to ensure that every student receives a quality education. I encourage the public to connect with us and share their perspective on any issue by emailing [email protected]. Or consider joining us at a public meeting (more information at https://www.asdk12.org/school_board/). |