Education

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

The Mat-Su Borough School Board meeting on Feb. 21, 2024.

Mat-Su School Board bans 1 book after months of committee review

An advisory committee recommended removal of the novel “This Ends with Us,” for its depiction of domestic violence.
A person in a black sweater stands in front of a sign.

American Library Association president hears about struggles and successes from Alaska librarians

While the state faces unique logistical challenges, Emily Drabinski says that many problems facing Alaska librarians are happening across the country.

Juneau School Board votes to consolidate schools

The plan will put seventh and eighth grades at Thunder Mountain High School and ninth through 12th grades at Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé. 

Federal education officials say Alaska owes millions to Juneau, Kenai and North Slope school districts

Rules attached to the funding prevented states from disproportionately reducing their funding to high-need districts.
Alaska Native Cultural Charter School Principal Sheila Sweetsir asks a student a question during the morning assembly on Feb. 20, 2024.

6 things to know about Alaska charter schools and why they’re No. 1 in the nation

Principals from Alaska’s top-ranked charter school point to a variety of reasons for their success.
People dressed in red watch a school board meeting.

Anchorage School District restores elementary art classes in budget proposal

The school board will vote on the final budget proposal next week.

Fairbanks North Star Borough School board hears about impending school closures

Members heard about the closures of Ben Eielson Jr./Sr. High School and Ticasuk Brown Elementary School, as well as the possibility of closing two more elementary schools.
A sign in a snowbank covered in snow.

Education funding and outcomes | Talk of Alaska

What is the best way to support students, teachers and schools for Alaska’s future? We discuss educational outcomes and funding on this Talk of Alaska.
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.

Kenai Central students get a behind-the-scenes look at career options

This year’s job shadow day saw about 25 business participants, including Marathon Petroleum, Duke’s Transmission, Full Auto Repair and more.
A sign says Anchorage School District.

Anchorage school employee arrested after police say he assaulted a student

Police say the paraprofessional “put his hands” on a Baxter Elementary student following a disagreement on the playground.
Lori Townsend and Brian Mason look at Kevin Toothaker, who sits between them, mimicking the motion used during ice fishing.

Combining lessons in culture, history, and outdoor skills | Alaska Insight

Lori Townsend and her guests discuss the ways they incorporate traditional knowledge and culture into practical lessons about biology and outdoor skills.
the Alaska State Capitol

Funding remains a key sticking point in education bill debate

Leaders of the state House and Senate say they've found some common ground, but education funding remains a key sticking point.
Man speaking in front of state seal

Gov. Dunleavy casts doubt on future of Senate-passed public-sector pension bill

In a news conference on Wednesday, Dunleavy said he was skeptical that a pension plan would make a significant difference in recruiting young people.
a wall of notes

Juneau teachers, students and parents react to proposed school cutbacks

Juneau School District leaders are considering closing or reorganizing schools and cutting staff, as they face a nearly $8 million budget deficit.
Anchorage School Board Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt and Board President Margo Bellamy.

Anchorage School District budget would cut nearly 100 jobs

The budget is balanced by using most of the district’s savings.
hearing room

Alaska school administrators urge action on ‘crisis’ in teacher hiring and turnover

"We are struggling in the worst crisis Alaska has ever seen in terms of turnover. We can't recruit teachers," said Lisa Parady, who leads the Alaska Council of School Administrators.
lawmakers

Alaska senator proposes more armed staff or volunteers in schools

Senate Bill 173, from Republican Shelley Hughes, received its first hearing last week and has received a tide of opposition.
school bus in front of building

A closer look at the Harvard charter school study making waves in Juneau

A new study ranks Alaska's charter schools No. 1 in the nation. Gov. Mike Dunleavy has cited the study in calls to expand charter schools.
Class desks in front of clear windows with alternated yellow and blue tints

ACLU sues Mat-Su school district over bathroom policy for transgender students

The lawsuit alleges that the district violated the student’s constitutional rights to privacy and equal protection.