Education

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

A woman stands in a classroom with her arm on a plastic barrier attached to a student's desk

With ‘highly orchestrated’ plans, Anchorage schools prepare to welcome students back to classrooms

The first phase of students will be returning to classrooms after being away for nearly 10 months due to the pandemic.
UAA Chancellor Cathy Sandeen at a desk.

UAA Chancellor Cathy Sandeen takes new job in California

The news of her departure comes about two years after Sandeen became the leader of Alaska’s largest public university.
legislators in a meeting room

Alaska Legislature fails to override Dunleavy’s education veto

The Legislature was just one vote short of overriding Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of a bill that would have significantly increased funding for public schools.
A man drives a four-wheeler with a plow

Anchorage superintendent says ‘strategic failure’ at play in snow-related school closures

Anchorage School District officials and city leaders addressed criticism over the recent cancellations of in-person school, which they say were forced by historic snowfall and unsafe streets.
An adult helps two teenage students use an ice auger on Wasilla Lake.

Mat-Su ice fishing outing helps teens learn where their food comes from

Young members of the Knik Tribe go ice fishing to learn about subsistence harvests.
three men in suits on the floor of the Alaska House of Representatives

Future of education bill uncertain after rural lawmakers raise early objections

Three members representing areas off the road system voted against a key procedural question, throwing the future of the bill into limbo.
A crosswalk attendant holds a stop sign and greets a student and parent as they cross

Former Abbott Loop elementary students and staff find a new home at Kasuun

The Anchorage School District welcomed students back to school Thursday. For the 268 students who attended Abbott Loop Elementary, it was a day of transition.
two people pose for a photo

Alaska sees worst school attendance as rates tank nationwide

Alaska has the highest absenteeism in a study of 40 states' rates, with 48.6% of students missing significant amounts of school.

Wide-ranging Alaska House education bill would boost school funding but faces uncertain future

The legislation includes priorities important to many Republicans in the Alaska House, but some key lawmakers say they have doubts.
A group of students walking of their school wearing red and holding a sign that reads, "Prioritize my Education."

Alaska schools making drastic cuts in wake of governor’s veto, school administrators council says

Lisa Parady is the Executive Director of the Alaska Council of School Administrators and says the council's members are doing everything they can to avoid negative impacts to classrooms and students.

‘Thankful for everything they’ve done’: Anchorage students turn health workers’ selfies into art

An Anchorage high school art teacher started the project to honor and celebrate essential workers on the frontline of the pandemic.
a building with a mountain in the background

Sitka Fine Arts Camp files rare immigration lawsuit in support of theater manager

The camp, which operates the 145-year-old campus of Sheldon Jackson College, was seeking a technical expert.
union workers

University of Alaska student workers union members protest for contract, after judge bars strike

Union members say time is running out for a contract to be approved by the Legislature before the end of session.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy speaks to a microphone.

Dunleavy argues homeschool allotments are an ‘indirect benefit’ to private schools. Lawmakers disagree.

House Republicans and the bipartisan Senate majority each say the Alaska Constitution prohibits spending public money on private education.
students

Bishop disputes feds’ claim that Alaska didn’t fund schools equitably during pandemic

Education Commissioner Deena Bishop says the state funded schools as usual and didn't disproportionately reduce districts' funding.
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."
A man speaks at a podium during a school board meeting.

Mat-Su school board will vote on policies requiring parent permission for sex ed, pronoun changes

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Board is preparing to vote Wednesday on a pair of policies that would affect transgender students. 
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 man

Juneau School District may close schools and cut staff amid budget crisis

“The thing we need from the public is an awareness and an acceptance that nobody is coming out untouched,” one school board member said. “Nobody.”
President Biden

Biden’s student loan relief faces its biggest test yet at the Supreme Court

Six GOP-dominated states will ask the Supreme Court on Tuesday to permanently block the Biden administration's student loan forgiveness program.