Before launching Alaska’s legislative session in January, Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s education funding proposal was announced at a press conference. He provided little information at the conference, stating that the legislation was still in the early stages.
Dunleavy, however, pledged that the legislation would combine increased funding with reforms to improve outcomes across public, charter, and correspondence schools. Alaska’s education system has faced criticism over stagnant funding levels, with the base student allocation remaining flat since 2017.
Legislators’ temporary financial increases frequently come too late, forcing districts to fire employees and leaving instructors in a precarious situation. Last year, Dunleavy vetoed a bill that would have increased public school funding by 11%. He claimed it lacked provisions to improve accountability, grow charter schools, or effectively retain teachers.
The Dunleavy education funding proposal will include similar provisions, such as an alternative approval pathway for charter schools and retention bonuses for teachers of up to $15,000 annually. While previous versions of these ideas met resistance in the legislature, Dunleavy insists Alaskans support increased funding tied to reforms.
Besides education, Dunleavy outlined energy expansion as a top priority for the session, emphasizing the need for both renewable and fossil fuel development. He plans to seek legislative backing for updated engineering studies on the long-delayed North Slope natural gas pipeline.
The Alaska Gasline Development Corporation has secured $50 million for preliminary work, but private companies remain hesitant to commit. Addressing rumors of a federal appointment, Dunleavy confirmed his plan to complete his term as governor.
Dunleavy dismissed speculation about joining a Trump administration role, clarifying that his canceled announcement aimed to congratulate Nick Begich III on his US House win. As the session nears, Dunleavy’s education funding proposal and energy initiatives are set to dominate Alaska’s political landscape.
This news article was originally published by Alaska Public Media.
