The newest threat to public schools.
Sen. Tobin explains the proposed regulations from the State Board of Education that may defund public education in Alaska.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Midday on Tuesday, May 20th, the Alaska State Legislature adjourned the first session of the 34th Legislature. In my estimation, adjourment came an entire day early because the value-aligned majorities in the Senate and House worked well together, passing a balanced budget that includes the first significant increase to base school funding in over a decade.
I am proud of the work that the Alaska Senate Majority accomplished this session, including showing leadership by passing a prudent revenue bill that closes a corporate tax loophole and legislation to significantly increase the Base Student Allocation.
Thank you again for allowing me to be your State Senator. Because of you and your advocacy, the state of Alaska’s democracy is strong. I am thankful every day to wake up in service to downtown Anchorage and its surrounding neighborhoods.
I am now back in my home in Fairview, and I look forward to seeing you over the next few months. As my team and I transition back to our communities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us and share your thoughts and perspectives on what’s happening in your neighborhood as well as what you hope we will tackle in the next session.
Thank you again for all that you do to protect our democracy.
Löki Gale Tobin
What the heck happened at the state board of education quarterly meeting?
Last Monday, the Commissioner of the Department of Education dropped a bombshell by announcing an imminent vote by the State Board of Education on an emergency regulation that would ruthlessly slash funding for local schools. This regulation would compel school districts and municipalities to hastily adjust their budgets without public input, all under the guise of a concocted emergency due to years of stagnant funding for public education.
Thankfully, after overwhelming opposition, the State Board of Education did not move forward with the emergency regulations. However, the board did approve a 30-day public comment period for regulations to change local contributions for public education in Alaska. The public comment period has not yet formally opened, but I anticipate it opening in the next week.
For over a decade, concerns have been rising over the lack of funding increases for public education to keep up with inflation. Alaska has failed to meet federal disparity requirements for fiscal years 2021 and 2024. Instead of seeking waivers from federal partners, the state board wants to cut local in-kind services that communities provide to schools.
The proposed regulation, vehemently opposed by school districts, not only disregards federal guidelines and increases administrative burdens but also threatens to strip funds from classrooms. More alarmingly, it could redefine local contributions to include all in-kind services, potentially decimating vital community programs. For instance, Anchorage could lose around $15 million in support for after-school activities. In-kind services include activities such as school groups using municipal pools and parks, as well as local transportation for before- and after-school programs. If implemented, some communities may struggle to provide these services because their contributions would exceed the legal limit.
Crucially, there is a glaring absence of evidence that this change will resolve the federal disparity issue. By redefining local contributions to include in-kind services, we risk putting critical programs such as after-school education and care in the firing line.
Many school districts and education stakeholders have opposed this regulatory change. Schools across Alaska offer much more than just instruction, and this regulation could harm them statewide.
As the regulation opens for public comment, it’s crucial to express opposition. For updates, follow my official Facebook account.
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Join Alaskans Together for Equality at the annual Pride Parade, located in the heart of downtown Anchorage Saturday, June 28th.
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Re poll - I’d include BSA eg. “stable predictable funding and small class sizes”… who would want to be a teacher in today’s classroom and job uncertainty? Ky