On Saturday, Alaska lawmakers successfully overrode Governor Mike Dunleavy’s veto of $51 million aimed at funding public schools, with a decisive 45-14 vote.
This action marks the second successful veto override conducted by the legislature during a special session summoned by Dunleavy himself.
Typically in opposition to the Republican governor, the Democrat-heavy bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate viewed this special session as a crucial opportunity to negate the governor’s vetoes, ensuring vital education funding remained intact.
Dunleavy initially suggested Republican lawmakers refrain from attending the beginning of the session to let his vetoes stand, according to his spokesperson.
However, despite these efforts, lawmakers moved to override his decision.
Previously, in May, a significant bipartisan vote of 46 legislators had already overridden Dunleavy’s earlier veto, which had aimed to reduce the approved $700 increase in the base student allocation—the foundational figure in Alaska’s education funding formula.
This reduction came after years of advocacy from a diverse group including teachers, administrators, students, and community leaders who have indicated that Alaska’s education system is in crisis following nearly a decade of stagnant funding levels.
After the legislative session concluded, Dunleavy exercised his line-item veto power, slashing the per-student funding increase from $700 to $500 for the upcoming school year.
This cut translates to a reduction in state funding while schools received a one-time boost of $680 per-student the previous year.
On Friday, educators and students gathered at the Capitol steps urging lawmakers to restore the funding vetoed by the governor.
Fairbanks Superintendent Luke Meinert was vocal about the issue, highlighting the state’s failure to meet its constitutional obligation to fund public education adequately.
He noted the burdens being shifted to local taxpayers, putting communities like Fairbanks in a difficult position with real consequences for students’ education.
When Dunleavy called for a special session in early July, he outlined his request for lawmakers to focus on reforming educational standards to improve Alaska’s low test scores, in addition to deliberating legislation to create a state agriculture department.
In an email statement prior to the special session, Dunleavy reiterated his desire for lawmakers to consider his proposals.
Among the three bills he introduced, one aims to expand tax credits for businesses that contribute funds or resources to local schools.
Another bill promotes a pilot initiative to develop state-tribal compact schools in collaboration with local tribes.
The final proposal seeks to implement retention bonuses for teachers and to give the state education department authority to establish new charter schools directly, circumventing local school boards.
Dunleavy’s bills would also allow students to enroll in schools outside their district and propose a new after-school reading program.
However, many of these initiatives have previously faced resistance from majority lawmakers who believe they need further exploration and discussion.
Legislative leaders indicated that they would not move forward with votes on these proposals during the special session.
Dunleavy expressed disappointment concerning the lack of action, emphasizing that key opportunities to address critical educational issues were being overlooked.
He mentioned that neglecting to tackle Alaska’s failing public school rankings, address the needs of rural and Native students, and ensure that high school seniors are well-equipped for the competitive workforce would have detrimental long-term impacts.
Looking ahead, lawmakers have committed to considering portions of Dunleavy’s proposals, particularly the out-of-district school enrollment initiative, with a task force poised to meet later in the month.
The governor’s proposal on tribal compact schools remains under consideration, and he introduced a revised version during the special session.
Representatives from five tribes indicated readiness to proceed with the pilot project, stressing the importance of timely reviews and discussions by the legislature.
“We’re ready to move forward,” said Knik Tribe Education Director Carl Chamblee, calling for urgent legislative action regarding the compact school initiative.
Despite the optimism from some tribal representatives, Senate President Gary Stevens expressed caution regarding the proposal.
He highlighted the necessity of ensuring that any tribal schools established are done correctly and in collaboration with local school districts, rather than solely through the Department of Education.
In a broader context, Caroline Storm, from the Coalition for Education Equity, stated that her organization is preparing to sue the state to enforce adequate school funding.
The Anchorage Chamber of Commerce has also weighed in, sending a letter urging lawmakers to reject Dunleavy’s veto, pointing to the broader negative economic consequences that continued funding constraints would have on the region.
Kathleen McArdle, the group’s president and CEO, articulated that deteriorating conditions within the Anchorage School District could lead to long-term economic repercussions for the city, noting increased outmigration as a pressing concern for Alaska’s future.
image source from：alaskapublic
