In a shocking turn of events, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy recently vetoed over $50 million in education funding from the state budget, provoking widespread outrage among school districts and local officials.
Just weeks prior to this, lawmakers had successfully overridden Dunleavy’s previous veto, securing a permanent increase of approximately $180 million to the state’s education budget, totaling $1.2 billion. This marked the end of a seven-year drought of significant funding increases, leaving many hopeful for the future of education in Alaska.
However, the governor’s abrupt veto of essential school funding has thrown districts into a state of emergency.
Madeline Aguillard, the superintendent of Kuspuk School District in Aniak, expressed her frustration: “It’s criminal what’s happening to these schools in rural Alaska and what our students and our families are being provided with for an education.”
The veto has created a challenging situation for many districts, compelling them to either revise their spending plans drastically or rely on the promise from legislative leaders to override the governor’s decision when the Legislature returns in January.
Dunleavy justified his cuts by citing declining oil prices and the resultant dip in state revenues. In a video message, he stated, “Basically, we don’t have enough money to pay for all of our obligations.”
Alongside the education cuts, he vetoed more than $27 million allocated for major maintenance projects statewide. This included critical funding for various schools, such as $4 million for repairs at Soldotna High School and $2.5 million for a roof replacement at King Tech High School in Anchorage.
Local officials voiced their concerns, highlighting that these cuts would inevitably place the financial burden on local taxpayers. Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Grier Hopkins remarked, “Every single time the governor’s made these vetoes, it falls on the back of local taxpayers.”
The impacts of the veto are particularly concerning for urban areas. Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance warned that the governor’s actions could accelerate the outmigration of families with young children, creating trepidation about the quality of education available in Anchorage.
Dunleavy’s history of education funding vetoes stretches back three consecutive years and includes a pattern of cutting funds designated for school infrastructure maintenance. Educators and local leaders are questioning the sustainability of such measures, especially with broader increases in funding for other state departments like public safety maintaining pace with inflation.
Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche, who previously led a Republican majority in the Senate, stated that the effect of Dunleavy’s veto would hinder the viability of said districts to succeed, emphasizing that other departments have seen budget increases while education remains stagnant.
Local leaders are now arguing for an urgent special session to tackle the veto. Micciche stated, “January doesn’t help. We can’t take a leap of faith on what programs would look like if you were able and capable of passing a $200 (BSA) increase in January.”
Senate President Gary Stevens has expressed reluctance to initiate a special session, which some believe could provide immediate relief. He cited logistical concerns due to one coalition member’s deployment.
As July 15 looms—a deadline for school districts to submit their annual budgets—the urgency for a resolution continues to grow. For districts like Kuspuk, the budget shortfall will lead to dire staffing and resource choices.
Aguillard mentioned that the Kuspuk School District would receive $254,000 less than anticipated, compounding an existing shortfall of over $2 million. Schools are considering furloughing teachers, shortening staff hours, and possibly eliminating student activities entirely.
The financial strain reflects a broader trend in Alaska, particularly for remote districts such as Yupiit School District. Superintendent Scott Ballard disclosed that the upcoming year is projected to present millions of dollars in deficits, forcing difficult decisions regarding staffing and essential programs.
Last year, the state approved additional education funding of $175 million on top of the $1.2 billion budget, which amounted to a one-time increase. However, following Dunleavy’s veto, districts will encounter a funding decrease of $50 million compared to the previous year.
Rep. Rebecca Himschoot from Sitka, a former teacher, criticized the situation, stating, “To go backwards from last year’s number has never been done.”
In practical terms, districts like Mat-Su are already instituting hiring and spending freezes in light of Dunleavy’s cuts. Spokesperson John Notestine emphasized the need to balance education delivery against rising operational costs and identified numerous potential areas for budget reductions.
School officials throughout the Kenai Peninsula are facing similar stark realities, with Superintendent Clayton Holland preparing for future cuts exacerbated by Dunleavy’s veto. He stated, “It’s going to be brutal. It’s going to be ugly,” illustrating the severe implications of the funding cuts.
Amidst discussions about options to restore the funding, some education advocates are contemplating legal action against the state for inadequate school funding. Anchorage Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt, along with the Coalition for Education Equity’s Caroline Storm, are analyzing the legal pathways to challenge Dunleavy’s veto.
Storm indicated that a potential lawsuit would argue that the state is failing to meet its constitutional obligations to provide adequate education funding. The cost of such litigation could rise to over $1 million, posing its own set of challenges.
Sen. Bill Wielechowski noted the possibility of a legislative lawsuit aimed at challenging the governor’s actions. However, he expressed hope that an override of the veto may reduce the need for legal recourse.
Lawmakers and local officials have expressed an increasing frustration with the governor, asserting that his approach to governance does not facilitate collaboration. Many have noted that while budgetary challenges are real, Dunleavy’s absence from negotiations heightens tensions.
Micciche remarked on the necessity for teamwork in political processes, suggesting that the current dynamics between the executive and legislative branches are fractured. “Politics is a team sport, and this team has not functioned well,” he lamented.
While Dunleavy previously cited his policy priorities as a reason for vetoing crucial education funding, local leaders are calling out the lack of communication and clarity from his administration.
In summary, with education funding hanging in the balance and the implications for Alaskan schools significant, the next few months will be critical for both lawmakers and local districts as they endeavor to stabilize the future of education across the state.
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