By REP. SARAH VANCE
As your representative, I want to clarify the truth about education funding. There’s a lot of confusion and misinformation out there. It’s time to set the record straight.
I understand the deep concerns of parents who want the best for their kids. Every parent dreams of their child excelling academically and having a bright future. I want that for my children too. We must work together to make quality education accessible for every child in Alaska.
Last year, we discussed increasing the Base Student Allocation (BSA), a key part of our education funding formula. The governor vetoed a bill that suggested a $680 increase because it didn’t include the effective reforms needed to improve education in Alaska. I supported that veto.
However, I teamed up with my fellow Republicans to pass a balanced budget that included the biggest education funding increase in Alaska’s history. This plan provided transportation funding and a one-time $680 increase in the BSA—the same amount from the earlier vetoed bill.
This year, I’m open to supporting more education funding and raising the BSA, but only if it comes with real reforms and accountability. Throwing more money at a broken system won’t solve our problems. We owe it to parents and students to ensure that every dollar is used effectively.
The key question isn’t just how much we spend, but what results we get in return. Despite significant funding, Alaska’s public schools continue to face challenges. In 2024, students in fourth and eighth grades showed no progress in reading and math compared to two years ago, according to “The Nation’s Report Card.” In fact, our students ranked 51st out of 53 U.S. jurisdictions in three out of four categories, maintaining a downward trend for the last 20 years. This is simply unacceptable.
Education should focus on our kids—their success is the ultimate goal. I hear the concerns of parents who want better resources and a safe learning environment. I share those concerns and believe we need meaningful reforms. Alaskans deserve to know if we’re truly getting good results for our investments. We cannot just spend more money and hope for better outcomes.
Alaska is facing tough financial times. In the 2025 fiscal year, we’re looking at a $987 million deficit in a $14.1 billion budget. By 2026, that deficit could swell to $1.5 billion within a $16.8 billion budget. Some suggest using our savings to cover these shortfalls, but that isn’t a sustainable option. Our revenue is shrinking due to declining oil production and prices, and we need to recognize our financial limits.
Currently, Alaska spends more on K-12 education as a percentage of taxpayer income than any other state. Our per-student spending is among the highest in the nation at $22,000. Overall, we allocate $2.88 billion annually for public education, which is 5.35% of taxpayer income. Despite this investment, we face budget challenges, with current spending exceeding funding by $106.1 million—around $810 per student. The proposed education funding plan might add $1.4 billion to the state budget over three years, with automatic increases tied to inflation.
In my district, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District spends approximately $18,744 per student for its 8,500 students and faces a $17 million budget deficit. This situation is not sustainable. Difficult choices lie ahead, including the potential closure of some schools. I understand the worries of parents about how this could affect their communities.
School funding follows a “Foundation Funding” formula, which includes the BSA that districts receive each year. The legislature typically fully funds the BSA, allowing districts to budget reliably. However, when one-time funds are involved, it creates uncertainty. While these extra funds can help temporarily, districts shouldn’t depend on them for long-term financial planning.
These funding decisions directly affect your family—especially when it comes to possible cuts to the Permanent Fund dividend (PFD) or new taxes. Some argue that imposing significant taxes or cutting the PFD would solve our education challenges. I strongly disagree. Alaskans value their PFD, and I am dedicated to protecting it.
Without real reforms, the proposed education funding increases could wipe out the PFD and still leave us with a budget deficit. To be frank, if we keep spending more without accountability, new taxes are inevitable. That’s just the reality of the situation.
Life is already expensive for many families. For some, the PFD is not just an extra payment; it’s a crucial part of their budget. It helps cover rent, car repairs, and groceries. This money belongs to the Alaskan people, and it’s not acceptable to take that relief away from them.
Implementing new taxes could hurt our economy. It would reduce disposable income for families and increase costs for businesses. This could lead to lower consumer spending and slower growth, possibly driving businesses to relocate to friendlier tax states.
These discussions aren’t easy, but they’re vital. We need to find the right balance—investing in our children’s future while protecting the financial well-being of Alaskan families. This issue goes beyond numbers; it affects the future of our state and our children.
I’m committed to working with parents, educators, and community leaders to find solutions that focus on student achievement and responsible spending. I want to hear your ideas and concerns. It’s important for all Alaskans to stay informed and involved. Together, we can make a difference.
Rep. Sarah Vance serves in the Alaska House of Representatives for House District 6.
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