Facing severe school district deficits and a partial funding veto, Alaska lawmakers launched the school funding task force. The bipartisan group created through House Bill 57 aims to study education funding and offer solutions by January 2027.
Governor Mike Dunleavy reduced the per-student funding hike from $700 to $500, vetoing over $50 million in education funds. Legislative leaders have vowed to vote on overriding that veto during the first five days of the 2026 session.
Lawmakers had already overridden a separate veto involving a permanent $700 increase in state law. However, the increase still requires implementation through the state’s annual budget, which the governor partially cut.
Task force co-chair Representative Rebecca Himschoot said members would explore broader education costs for drivers like insurance, energy, and transportation. She emphasized that the group can work outside the rush of the regular session and hear input from districts statewide.
Senator Mike Cronk, a Republican from Interior District R and a former teacher, stressed school officials must help shape recommendations. He said lasting change requires collaboration, not partisan politics, and called for a stable long-term fiscal plan for education.
The task force will meet monthly, inviting public input and aiming to reduce reliance on volatile oil revenues. Cronk added he disagreed with Dunleavy’s veto but respected the governor’s authority, noting the Legislature’s strong support for the initial increase.
Rep. Justin Ruffridge said members would review outdated funding formula elements and examine teacher shortages and student accountability. He advocated local teacher training programs and noted that the current system fails some federal equity tests.
Himschoot acknowledged no special session was called this summer due to timing and uncertain vote counts. The school funding task force will present its final recommendations in January 2027, when it officially dissolves. Until then, school districts continue making painful cuts to staff and programs across the state.
