Governor Labels School Leaders 'Hysterical' Amid Deficit Budgets

Alaska School Districts Face Budget Crises Amid Funding Cuts and Political Tensions

As school district budgets are due to the state, Governor Mike Dunleavy has criticized education leaders as "hysterical" while school administrators finalize their budgets. These budgets are being shaped by steep deficits and drained reserves, stemming from various funding threats. Superintendents have been making tough choices to ensure student success and safety.

Dunleavy emphasized that local school districts decide how to spend their allocated funds, stating that class sizes will remain reasonable and school activities will continue. However, local school districts have faced significant challenges in maintaining operations, with some even questioning whether they can keep the lights on.

Rebecca Hurbi, Executive Director of Communications for the Fairbanks North-Star Borough School District, highlighted the devastating impact of budget cuts on communities, including school closures and staff relocations. Similarly, Scott Ballard, Superintendent of Akiachak’s Yupiit School District, explained that without sufficient funds, critical infrastructure like boilers and fire protection systems cannot be maintained.

Funding issues are not limited to state government cuts. School leaders also face potential local restrictions and federal funding reductions. Despite reaching out to DEED for more information on the budget auditing process, no response was received.

Education Funding Veto and Political Implications

On June 12, Governor Dunleavy line-item vetoed about $51 million in education funding, a move that was highly contentious. Lawmakers eventually voted to override the veto, but the governor dismissed opposition to the veto of the Base Student Allocation (BSA) as mere rhetoric. He cited falling oil prices as a reason for the cut.

The upcoming special session includes "education reform" as a central topic, though the bill's contents remain undisclosed until the first day of the session. Legislators are more focused on the potential for another veto override. To survive his vetoes, the governor has instructed minority party members to skip the first five days of the session, which is when the legislature can override vetoes under Alaska statute.

If all 25 minority lawmakers skip the session, it would be impossible to override the vetoes. However, one essential minority member, Sen. James Kaufman, has indicated he will return and support an override. The governor has not publicly commented on this matter.

Local Funding Rule Proposal and Its Impact

In addition to state funding cuts, the Alaska state school board is considering changing a rule that limits the amount of money cities and boroughs can use to fund schools. This new rule could reduce investments in areas like Anchorage and Juneau, redefining "local contribution" to align with the Impact Aid program.

Jharrett Bryantt, superintendent of the Anchorage School District, warned that this change could result in tens of millions of fewer dollars for students. The rule was postponed in June, with a 30-day public comment period. However, the board did not discuss the issue during its July meeting and will reconvene in October.

Federal Funding Cuts and Legal Challenges

President Donald Trump has proposed significant cuts to federal education funding, including a $428 million reduction for Migrant Education and Special Programs for Migrant Students. The administration claims these programs are costly and ineffective.

Michael Lee, Superintendent of the Delta Greely School District, expressed concerns about future budget shortfalls, especially if both state and federal cuts are implemented. He fears that without additional funding, the school may need to implement cuts in 2027.

In addition to these proposals, the Trump administration withheld $6 billion in federal education funding to states and local schools. Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit against Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Trump, arguing that the funding freeze is unlawful. Alaska was not included in the lawsuit.

These ongoing financial challenges and political tensions highlight the precarious situation facing Alaska's school districts, with educators and administrators working tirelessly to maintain quality education despite limited resources.