Education

All Alaska education news stories including child care, K-12 schools, university and policy.

A man speaks at a podium in front of a crowd.

ASD launches ‘career academies’ plan for high schools

Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt said that the changes will increase graduation rates and provide job training opportunities for students.
a Juneau elevated track

Alaska school sports association bans trans girls from girls sports

The Alaska School Activities Association board’s vote follows a similar decision in August by the state Board of Education.
Wet, yellow signs on a table

2 Alaska school board student reps move to challenge Mat-Su School Board action

The Mat-Su School Board’s adult members significantly diminished student representative Ben Kolendo’s position in a September vote.
Young students sit behind desks in an elementary school classroom.

State develops ‘playbook’ to help Alaska schools hire and keep teachers

The online document includes potential actions that can be taken by different groups like school districts, communities and legislators.

Palmer voters approve bond for new library

The roof of the library collapsed under a heavy snow load in February and the city has provided a temporary library at an alternate site since May.
Students in red jackets march and play instruments on a football field (Shiri Segal/Alaska Public Media)

‘The epitome of school spirit’: Alaska high schools embrace marching bands

Marching bands are a staple at high school and college football games across the Lower 48. In Alaska, though, only a few schools have them.

Palmer library supporters rally around bond measure to fund new building

City of Palmer voters will decide Tuesday whether to approve a $10 million general obligation bond to fund a replacement for the Palmer Public Library.
two students

Revitalizing Iñupiaq culture, one phrase at a time

Gail Smithhisler's Facebook page, Iñupiaq Word of the Day, features daily videos describing and pronouncing words and phrases from the language.
a class

Report links lack of investment in school guidance programs to Alaska’s lagging workforce

A report from the Association of Alaska School Boards noted that one in five young adults in Alaska isn’t connected to school or work.
Eagle feathers stuck in a law in front of a white building

‘Orange Shirt Day’ is a chance to confront and learn from the history of residential schools

“Orange Shirt Day” started as a day of remembrance for Indigenous children who were separated from their families and sent to residential schools in Canada, but the event now encompasses First Nations across the United States.
School buses parked next to each other.

Peruvian man arrested in connection with bomb threats made to Alaska schools

Eddie Manuel Nunez Santos is alleged to have sent more than 150 bomb threats to school districts, synagogues, airports and hospitals across the United States.
a family

After viral ad offering expense-free living, Alaska community will have school for the first time since 2018

To reopen its school, Karluk's tribal council posted a viral ad offering to pay a year of living expenses for two families to move there. It worked.
People sit at tables during a meeting.

Mat-Su library committee recommends removing 4 books from schools

The books include “It’s Perfectly Normal” by Robbie Harris and “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison.
The side of a yellow school bus that says "Anchorage School District"

Schools across Alaska receive emailed bomb threats

Anchorage school officials described the threat as "broad in nature" and said it "lacks specific information."
People sit at tables during a meeting.

New Mat-Su citizens library committee to review dozens of challenged books

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District’s library citizens advisory committee will have its second meeting Thursday night in Palmer.
A woman with glasses posses in front of a forest background.

Alaska’s newest education commissioner discusses trans athletes, increasing child literacy and reducing turnover

Deena Bishop is just finishing her first month as Alaska's top education official.
A crowd of people wave yellow signs

Mat-Su school board votes to sideline student representative, despite overwhelming opposition

The Matanuska-Susitna school board voted to remove most opportunities for their student representative to participate in board work.
a statute outside

Dunleavy appoints new regent to University of Alaska board 

Stephen Colligan is Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s third attempt to fill the Board of Regents seat, after Bethany Marcum and Tuckerman Babcock.
A sculpture / fountain, with an elevated walkway visible behind it.

University of Alaska system boasts overall enrollment growth after financial challenges

The news of overall 4.7% growth systemwide comes after a five-year downward trend in student enrollment.
A screenshot of the Alaska Board of Education and Early Development virtual special meeting Aug. 31, 2023.

Alaska education board bans trans athletes from girls’ high school sports

The change will apply to all public high schools in the state competing under the Alaska School Activities Association.