3/17/25: Critical Week for Alaska's Schools – Your Action Needed Now!

Dear Fellow Alaskan,

This week is a pivotal moment for the future of our public schools. Decisions made in Juneau will directly impact the quality of education our children receive for years to come.

The House passed HB 69 by a vote of 24-16. HB 69 is a compromise that reduced the needed education funding from $1808 per student to $1000 per student.

There is concern that Senators may further reduce the BSA in HB 69 from $1000 to $680.

We need to take action now to let Senators know that $680 is a cut. We should not settle for less than the $1000 BSA passed by the House. HB 69, as passed by the House, includes common-sense reforms and already represents a major compromise.

But we can make a difference!

This week, your voice is crucial. We need to show our legislators that Alaskans prioritize education.

Here's how you can take action TODAY:

• Use our easy link to contact your Senator.

• TESTIFY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY to the Senate Education Committee: This week, March 19th and 21st starting at 3:30 PM the Senate Education Committee will be taking public testimony. Please call in and make it clear that our schools need a MINIMUM of $1000 in the BSA.

  • Testify from your Legislative Information Office (LIO), in person at the Capitol, or by phone:

    • From Juneau – (907) 586-9085

    • From Anchorage – (907) 563-9085

    • From all other locations – (844) 586-9085

• Call your Senator's office. Tell their staff that you believe that $680 is a cut and that you support fully funding our public schools and oppose further cuts. You can find their contact information here.

• Spread the word: Forward this email to your friends, family, and neighbors. Encourage them to take action as well.

Without a $1000 increase to the BSA, we are facing the very real possibility of further devastating cuts to our schools, leading to:

• Increased class sizes: Overcrowded classrooms hinder individual attention and student success.

• Program eliminations: Vital programs like language immersion, IGNITE, and sports are at risk.

• Deteriorating facilities: As recently reported, Alaska schools are literally crumbling. Our students deserve safe and well-maintained learning environments.

• Layoffs of valued educators: losing our experienced teachers and school staff.

These cuts will have a profound and lasting impact on our children's education and our communities. Please join us in taking action today, our children deserve a quality education. Let's stand together and make our voices heard.

Thank you for your commitment to Alaska's students.

DRAFT MESSAGE to lawmakers:

Subject: Urgent: Support Full $1000 BSA Increase for Alaska's Schools

Subject: $680 is a cut, please support AT LEAST $1000 increase to the BSA

Dear Senator,

As you know, Alaska's public schools are facing a crisis. 

HB 69 is already a major compromise that reduced the needed education funding from $1808 per student to $1000.

Please fight to maintain the $1000 BSA in HB 69. $1000 is the minimum that our students need. 

$680 (BSA) is insufficient to meet the needs of our students, and will lead to increased class sizes, program cuts, and further deteriorating facilities.

We urge you to publicly support a minimum increase of $1000 in the BSA. This level of funding is essential to allow our districts to limp along without further school closures and loss of treasured programs and experienced educators. 

Anything less than a $1000 increase will result in cuts and further damage to our education system.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,