Summer 2025 – Education News Recap
Aleutian Region – Nikolski School’s reopening year was ‘incredibly successful’, superintendent says – Sofia Stuart-Rasi, KUCB
Anchorage – Opinion: A clear direction and a strong start for Anchorage schools – Jharrett Bryantt, ADN
Anchorage – Cuts to Anchorage teachers mostly undone after tumultuous summer of budget revisions – Tim Rockey, ADN
Anchorage – Anchorage School Board votes to hire additional teachers following Legislature’s override of Dunleavy veto – Tim Rockey, ADN
Anchorage – Anchorage School District races to hire 20 more teachers after Legislature overrides veto – Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media
Anchorage – ASD thanks lawmakers for restoring education funding at a critical moment – Carl Jacobs & Jharrett Bryantt, ADN
Anchorage – Anchorage School District to begin random metal detector screenings of students – Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media
Anchorage – Anchorage schools adopt new classroom safety protocols – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media
Anchorage – HUGGS Back-to-School Jam aims to provide 5,000 ASD students with free school supplies – Georgina Fernandez, Alaska’s News Source
Anchorage – Parents divided over ASD’s revised policy banning cell phones from the classroom – Quinn White, Alaska’s News Source
Anchorage – Anchorage School District bans cellphone use in class for all students – Wesley Early, Alaska Public Media
Anchorage – Anchorage School District bans smartphone use during class in all grades – Anchorage Daily News
Anchorage – Anchorage School District issues layoff notices after federal funding freeze – Iris Samuels, ADN
Anchorage – Anchorage School District lays off staff, blaming state and federal funding cuts – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media
Anchorage – Opinion: Gov. Dunleavy’s education veto shows a leadership crisis — and Alaska’s urgent need for a fiscal plan – Carl Jacobs, Kelly Lessens, Melissa Burnett & Tim Doran, ADN
Anchorage – ‘Limping along’: Federal education funding freeze cuts into ASD staffing – Joe Allgood, Alaska’s News Source
Anchorage – School closures possible, mayors say, as leaders gauge impact of education funding veto – Will Courtney, Alaska’s News Source
Anchorage – Anchorage School District faces $4.3 million budget cut after governor’s veto – Olivia Nordyke & Hannah Lee, Alaska’s News Source
Anchorage – Anchorage School District institutes hiring freeze, weighs more cuts after governor’s budget veto – Jenna Kunze, ADN
Anchorage – Anchorage School Board reacts to ‘outrageous’ veto of state education funding – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media
Anchorage – Anchorage to distribute millions in child care stimulus grants – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media
Anchorage – Despite passage of ‘historic’ education bill, Anchorage School District leaders anxious about potential budget veto – Jenna Kunze, ADN
Cordova – Alaska school boards denounce education funding veto – Cordova Times
Cordova – School Board passes annual budget with confidence, despite potential line-item funding veto – Camille Botello, Cordova Times
Cordova – Murkowski talks federal funding at Sunday town hall – Kinsey Brown, Cordova Times
Dillingham – Dillingham City School District finalizes lease for future employee housing – Margaret Sutherland, KDLG
Dillingham – Dillingham City Council adopts next year’s budget – Margaret Sutherland, KDLG
Fairbanks – Fairbanks school board seat to go vacant until after local elections – Patrick Gilchrist, KUAC
Fairbanks – Letter about ICE, privacy concerns sent out to Fairbanks school district families – Alex Bengel, KTVF
Fairbanks – School district reinstates meal charge limits due to accrued lunch debt – Haley Lehman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Fairbanks – Alaska Long Trail, education funding fix added to 2025 legislative priorities list at the borough – Jack Barnwell, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Fairbanks – Fairbanks borough, school district leaders react to veto override of education funding – Adrian Peterson, Alaska’s News Source
Fairbanks – School board student rep aims to be a ‘voice for students’ – Haley Lehman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Fairbanks – Coming school year is a return to purpose – Dr. Luke Meinert, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Fairbanks – Fairbanks borough, school district leaders react to veto override of education funding – Adrian Peterson, Alaska’s News Source
Fairbanks – School district joins national lawsuit over education funding – Haley Lehman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Fairbanks – Federal grant freeze means ‘waiting game’ for Fairbanks schools, board president says – Patrick Gilchrist, KUAC
Fairbanks – ‘Unorthodox’ school district budget assumes lawmakers buck education funding veto – Patrick Gilchrist, KUAC
Fairbanks – Public education is not for sale: Alaskans must reject the voucher Trojan horse – Morgan Dulian, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Fairbanks – $2.5 million Fairbanks shortfall: Interior leaders react to Dunleavy’s education funding veto – Alex Bengel, KTVF
Fairbanks – Fairbanks school district eyes $2.5M cut following Dunleavy vetoes – Jack Barnwell, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Fairbanks – Interior lawmakers must fight Dunleavy’s school cuts – Sarah K. Lewis, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Fairbanks – Fairbanks school board weighs state budget scenarios – Jack Barnwell, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Fairbanks – School board weighs state budget scenarios – Jack Barnwell, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Fairbanks – Education commissioner sends charter school application back to school board — again – Haley Lehman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Haines – ‘We need a bus’ Parents weigh in after district drops busing service for students – Rashah McChesney, Chilkat Valley News
Haines – Haines School District doesn’t renew bus contract: Superintendent looking for alternatives, parents looking for ways to avoid three-hour daily commutes – Melinda Munson, KHNS
Haines – Parents weigh in after district announces it will not bus students to school this year – Rashah McChesney, Chilkat Valley News
Juneau – Juneau School District begins school year with more than 90 open positions – Jamie Diep, KTOO
Juneau – State signs $28.5M contract to advance new ferry terminal over objections from Marine Highway board – Iris Samuels, ADN
Juneau – Juneau School District, teachers’ union turn to mediation after negotiations stall – Jamie Diep, KTOO
Juneau – Juneau School District decides to close the RALLY program – Jasz Garrett, Juneau Empire
Juneau – Juneau School District will end its after school program, plans to replace with private provider – Jamie Diep, KTOO
Juneau – Juneau school board remains undecided on continuing free breakfast program – Jamie Diep, KTOO
Juneau – Chalking up education funding outrage on the sidewalk at the governor’s mansion. Families protest Dunleavy’s vetoes to education funding with colorful pictures and words. – Natalie Buttner, Juneau Empire
Juneau – Families protest Dunleavy’s vetoes to education funding with colorful pictures and words. – Natalie Buttner, Juneau Empire
Juneau – Juneau lawmakers discuss state budget woes, education funding at town hall – Clarise Larson, KTOO
Ketchikan – Interim Superintendent seeks to usher in next era for KGBSD – Alex Abbeduto, Ketchikan Daily News
Ketchikan – School Board advances policy change that would address citizen complaints – Alex Abbeduto, Ketchikan Daily News
Ketchikan – School Board advances policy change that would address citizen complaints – Alex Abbeduto, Ketchikan Daily News
Ketchikan – Schools restructuring moves ahead – Alex Abbeduto, Ketchikan Daily News
Ketchikan – School district eyes interim superintendent – Alex Abbeduto, Ketchikan Daily News
Kenai – Kenai peninsula students go back to school – Ashlyn O’Hara, KDLL
Kenai – Back To School: Preparing to battle first-day jitters – Jayce Bertrand, Alaska’s News Source
Kenai – KPBSD responds to restored state, federal funding. The Alaska Legislature reversed Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of $50 million education funding – Jacob Dye, Peninsula Clarion
Kenai – School board OKs plan to combine Soldotna schools. The vacated Redoubt Elementary facility would house Soldotna Montessori Charter School and River City Academy – Jacob Dye, Peninsula Clarion
Kenai – KPBSD board starts talking 2026 school closures – Jacob Dye, Homer News
Kenai – Alaska Legislature adjourns after overriding governor vetoes – Jacob Dye, Peninsula Clarion
Kenai – Federal education funding to be released after monthlong delay – Jacob Dye, Peninsula Clarion
Kenai – Federal freeze withholds $3 million in grants for Kenai Peninsula schools – Ashlyn O’Hara, KDLL
Kenai – Kenai Peninsula Borough school board to finalize budget – Jacob Dye, Peninsula Clarion
Kenai – Sterling Elementary, school pools preserved in revised budget plan – Ashlyn O’Hara, KDLL
Kenai – Pool funding OK’d as district looks to hand off facilities to communities – Jacob Dye, Peninsula Clarion
Kenai – Petitions seek recall of Kenai Peninsula school board members – Ashlyn O’Hara, KDLL
Kenai – KPBSD issues notice of non-retention to pool managers, theater techs and library aides. Those notices were issued due to the ongoing uncertainty in state education funding – Jacob Dye, Peninsula Clarion
Kenai – Future of Seward school theater program ‘uncertain’ as KPBSD cuts some theater positions district-wide – Alaska’s News Source
Kodiak – District presents real costs of preserving North Star – Steve Williams, Kodiak Daily Mirror
Kodiak – North Star work group holds inaugural meeting – Steve Williams, Kodiak Daily Mirror
Kodiak – Future of North Star building uncertain as work group mulls cost sharing agreement and uses – Davis Hovey, KMXT
Kodiak – From island nation to an island in Alaska: how Filipino teachers adjust to their new lives – Brian Venua, Alaska Beacon
Kodiak – Kodiak Island Borough ups education funding to nearly $13 million – Brian Venua, KMXT
Kodiak – Assembly fully funds KIBSD request – Steve Williams, Kodiak Daily Mirror
Mat-Su – Uncertainty in budgets remains but so does excitement for school. Dr. Randy Trani talks about the year ahead in the Mat-Su Borough School District – Tracy Sinclare, Alaska’s News Source
Mat-Su – Revised school district budget marked by uncertainty and assumptions – Katie Stavick, Frontiersman
Mat-Su – Opinion: Mat-Su parents grateful for Sen. Yundt’s leadership on Alaska education bill – Brooke Gerkin, Amanda Johnson, Traci Sanders & Jessica Clark, ADN
Nome – City questions cost to keep Nome Swimming Pool open – Laura Davis Collins, KNOM
Nome – Nome Public Schools requests additional funding from city after governor veto – Ben Townsend, KNOM
Petersburg – Over 100 Petersburg students can get migrant education funding after federal grants are unfrozen – Taylor Heckart, KFSK
Petersburg – Petersburg City Public Schools board approves $285K for special education teacher recruitment
Petersburg – After Dunleavy’s education veto, Petersburg School District spends over half a million from reserves – Taylor Heckart, KFSK
Petersburg – Petersburg School District enhances safety with summer construction – Taylor Heckart, KFSK
Sitka – It’s Back to the Future at Mt. Edgecumbe High – Sitka Daily Sentinel
Sitka – BSA increase gives Sitka School Board breathing room as state considers change to funding formula – Katherine Rose, KCAW
Sitka – New superintendent will lead both Mt. Edgecumbe High School and Chatham School District – Katherine Rose, KCAW
Sitka – ‘Because it’s raining’: Sitka Schools tap $500k in reserves to cover governor’s surprise veto – Robert Woolsey, KCAW
Sitka – State hires new superintendent for Mt. Edgecumbe High School – KCAW
Sitka – School Board Taps Reserve to Fill Gap – Shannon Haugland, Sitka Daily Sentinel
Sitka – Sitkans Protesting State School Tax Policy – Shannon Haugland, Daily Sitka Sentinel
Unalaska – Unalaska students head back to school, welcome new middle and high school principal – Maggie Nelson,. KUCB
Unalaska – Proposed state regulations threaten Unalaska school funding – Maggie Nelson, KUCB
Wrangell – New superintendent optimistic as veto override provides budget help – Jonathon Dawe, Wrangell Sentinel
Wrangell – Wrangell School Board receives money-saving ideas – Jonathon Dawe, Wrangell Sentinel
Wrangell – Wrangell School Board hires new superintendent; this time from around the world – Colette Czarnecki, KSTK
Yukon-Koyukuk – Fairbanks jury convicts woman of fraud, theft for using YK school funds for personal purchases – Patrick Gilchrist, KUAC
Yukon-Koyukuk – Trial begins for woman accused of embezzling $35,000 from Yukon-Koyukuk School District – Haley Lehman, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Lawmakers run out clock on Dunleavy with seconds-long ‘technical session’ – Clarise Larson, KTOO
5 Alaska lawmakers travel to Juneau for 1-minute floor sessions – Iris Samuels, ADN
Some lawmakers return to Juneau with no plans to consider governor’s education policy proposals – Iris Samuels, ADN
Special session returns Tuesday, governor pessimistic about education agenda – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source
Students plan their future role in Alaska – Alaska Beacon
Governor’s special session bills remain as legislature recess continues. Dunleavy says legislature’s aim to avoid his executive order is ‘legally ineffective’ – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source
In veto override, some Alaska Republicans say they saw an opportunity for education compromise – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
Trump-Vance Administration Releases $6 Billion in Funds for Public Schools After Legal Challenge Forces Action – Democracy Forward
Special session continues in almost-empty Alaska Capitol building. Most state legislators have left Juneau and aren’t scheduled to meet again until Aug. 19 due to differences over the agenda – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
One day, two overrides: What to know about Alaska’s special session – Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media
Dunleavy attacks legislators for veto override – Dermot Cole, Reporting from alaska
Alaska lawmakers override Dunleavy’s education funding veto – Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media
Alaska lawmakers override governor’s veto of public school funding, restoring services and teachers – James Brooks & Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
Ralliers rejoice after override restores education funding increase – Natalie Buttner, Juneau Independent
Alaska lawmakers override 2 Dunleavy vetoes, restoring $50M in education funding – Iris Samuels, ADN
A $50.6 million vote: what’s at stake for Alaska schools at the Legislature’s special session – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
Demonstrators rally in show of support for Legislative veto override, more funds for Alaska schools – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
Alaska’s Legislature is scheduled to begin a special session Saturday. Here’s what to expect – James Brooks & Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
The Alaska Legislature’s special session will cost thousands. Will it be worth it? – Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media
Alaska legislators prepare to consider veto overrides in special session — but which ones? – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
Alaska ignored budget crisis signs. Now, it doesn’t have money to fix schools – Emily Schwing, NPR
Education advocates hopeful for restored school funding with veto override – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media
KTOO furloughs temporary staff, limits Gavel Alaska special session coverage, due to federal funding cuts – Mark Sabbatini, Juneau Independent
Opinion: Legislature has a constitutional duty to address Dunleavy vetoes. If we do not act during this special session, the vetoes will become permanent – Sen. Gary Stevens & Rep. Bryce Edgmon
Dunleavy revives previously rejected education policy proposals ahead of legislative special session – Iris Samuels, ADN
Opinion: Anti-everything governor – Larry Persily, Wrangell Sentinel
Opinion: The governor’s latest education veto was misguided and unprecedented. Alaska lawmakers need to override it – Andy Josephson, ADN
Opinion: Gov. Dunleavy has mishandled and mistimed the special session – Cliff Groh, ADN
Opinion: Education accountability starts at home — not just in Juneau – Rep. Bill Elam, Juneau Empire
Governor releases new details on special session bills, Majority lawmakers call for ‘full participation’ – Joey Klecka & Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source
Dunleavy sets out agenda for special session, while Alaska legislative leaders focus on vetoes – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
House, Senate leaders: Legislature’s duty during special session is clear on education funding, access to oil/gas data – Gary Stevens and Bryce Edgmon, Juneau Independent
What Alaska lawmakers are expecting from Gov. Dunleavy’s Aug. 2 special session – Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media
Gov. Dunleavy veto of increase for Alaska child care and infant learning funding draws concerns – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
Alaska K-3 students improve in reading, state assessment shows – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
School leaders in Alaska express relief as Trump administration releases frozen funds – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media
Alaska school districts celebrate release of federal education funding frozen by Trump – Iris Samuels, ADN
Alaska school districts join lawsuit over Trump administration freeze of billions for education – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
School districts sue Trump administration over $6 billion funding freeze – ABC News
Alaska school districts join lawsuit against U.S. Department of Education. Three school districts in Alaska are among the 14 plaintiffs suing the Trump administration – Josiah Pike & Joe Allgood, Alaska’s News Source
Murkowski worries Trump administration’s $6B funding freeze could result in ‘closing schools’ – ABC News Radio
Alaska appeals to US Education Department after failing funding test, with $80.8 million at stake – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
Alaska education department appeals failed test that puts $80 million in funding at risk – Jamie Diep, KTOO
If we are serious about improving education in Alaska, then we must fully fund our schools – Luke Meinert, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Alaska state senator, key vote on possible budget veto override, gets waiver from U.S. Army. Forrest Dunbar, a Democrat from Anchorage, is deployed in Poland with the Alaska National Guard – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
Opinion: The governor isn’t even trying anymore to get along – Larry Persily, ADN
Governor calls school leaders ‘hysterical’ as many districts submit deficit budgets – Will Courtney, Alaska’s News Source
Opinion: The governor is asking GOP legislators to refuse to show up and do their jobs – Dermot Cole, ADN
Opinion: School starts in Alaska next month with more cuts and layoffs. We need help now. – Carl Jacobs & Margo Bellamy, ADN
Opinion: Alaska education reform doesn’t start with budget cuts – Bobby Burgess & Morgan Dulian, ADN
Opinion: Alaska educators and school boards aren’t the enemy – Rick Morgan, ADN
On education, Dunleavy and the ad nauseam school of propaganda – Dermot Cole, Reporting from Alaska
Opinion – We’re not going to stop pushing for better Alaska student outcomes – Mike Dunleavy & Deena Bishop
School districts in the Y-K Delta make tough choices amid battle for education funding – Evan Erickson, KYUK
Alaska school boards denounce education funding veto – Cordova Times
To thwart veto overrides, Dunleavy asks House Republicans not to show up to special session he called – Iris Samuels, ADN
Alaska Gov. Dunleavy forces early vote on education veto override with special session in August – Corinne Smith & James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
Gov. Dunleavy calls for August special legislative session in Juneau – Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media
Lawmakers say veto override possible after Dunleavy orders special session – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source
‘Agonizing’: How Alaska’s pivotal Republican senator decided to vote for Donald Trump’s bill – Mary Claire Jalonick & Becky Bohrer, AP
Public comment period opens for proposal limiting local governments’ contributions to schools – Jasz Garrett, Juneau Empire
Alaska Legislature launches education funding task force to address finances and future of schools – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
AASB Denounces Governor Dunleavy’s Vetoes of Vital FY2026 Education Funding – Delta Discovery
AFN calls on Legislators and Governor to prioritize Education Funding – Delta Discovery
Alaska’s Education Dept. has proposed a rule change to preserve federal funding. It could cost local schools millions – Robert Woolsey, KCAW
Alaska Gov. Dunleavy vetoes bill intended to aid rural teacher housing shortage – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
Alaska Gov. Dunleavy vetoes bipartisan bills related to school maintenance and payday loans – Iris Samuels, ADN
U.S. Senate approves bill with funding for some rural Alaska schools and towns – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
Public comment opens for proposed regulation change to further limit local contributions for school districts – Jamie Diep, KTOO
Opinion: House reconciliation bill would divert dollars from Anchorage classrooms – Kelly Lessens, ADN
U.S. Senate approves bill with funding for some rural Alaska schools and towns – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
Education nonprofit plans to sue state over governor’s BSA veto – Tim Rockey, Alaska Public Media
Lawsuit planned over Dunleavy veto of education funding, nonprofit director says – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source
Dunleavy’s education veto highlights a leadership crisis and the need for fiscal plan – Carl Jacobs, Kelly Lessens, Melissa Burnett and Tim Doran, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Dunleavy special session funding veto means emergency education session unlikely, lawmaker says – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source
The dismantling of Alaska’s education system – Colin Craven, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Hiring, spending freezes implemented following education veto, superintendents say – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source
Freshmen lawmakers reflect on their first session in the Alaska State Legislature – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
Local officials warn of possible lawsuit in wake of Alaska governor’s education funding veto. The question is whether the veto violates Alaska’s constitutional guarantee of an adequately funded public school system – James Brooks & Corinne Smith – Alaska Beacon
Dunleavy’s education veto is a threat to Alaska’s future, local leaders say – Eric Stone, Alaska Public Media
Gov. Dunleavy vetoes $51M in school formula funding from budget – Sean Maguire & Iris Samuels, ADN
Dunleavy vetoes education funding boost as he signs budget bill – Wil Courtney & Matthew Simon, Alaska’s News Source
Dunleavy: line-item veto decision, including education funding, coming this week – Wil Courtney, Alaska’s News Source
Hiring teachers from the Philippines could mean brain drain for Filipino schools – Brian Venua, Alaska Beacon
After outcry, Alaska state board postpones vote on proposal to limit local funding for schools. The state school board did not take up an emergency regulation by the state but may reexamine the idea after a 30-day public comment period – James Brooks, Alaska Beacon
After outrage and legal threats, Alaska education board pauses new limits on local funding for public schools – Sean Maguire, ADN
Behind the cameras: Gavel Alaska broadcasts the business of state government to Alaskans. The public service broadcast from KTOO Public Media, works closely with state offices to ensure Alaskans can see their state government in real time – Corinne Smith, Alaska Beacon
Alaska Board of Education to consider further limiting local contributions to school districts – Jamie Diep, KTOO
Alaska state school board considers rules that would limit local funding for public schools – JAmes Brooks, Alaska Beacon
House Speaker Bryce Edgmon reflects on Alaska’s 34th legislative session – Margaret Sutherland & Ryan Berkoski, KDLG
Alaska legislative leaders urge governor to address ‘pattern of obstruction’ by revenue department – Iris Samuels, ADN
UAS hires new education school dean and Sitka campus director – Jamie Diep, KTOO