Governor Mike Dunleavy
If you read any mainstream paper or blog or spend any time on social media these days, you will see, read, and be told that the sky in education is collapsing. Those pushing this narrative may be right, but it's not just about the money. Education in Alaska needs reform.
I have been very transparent in my conversations with Congress, school district administrators, education lobby groups, and the public. My message – Yes, education needs additional funding, but we also need some changes to the way education is done in Alaska.
An easy and uncontroversial approach would be to increase funding without asking about the consequences, or to require local school districts to be more transparent about their budgets. You can ignore the growing demand from parents and students for more choice in public schools and just spend more money. It's something we've been doing for decades and the results haven't improved. It would be fiscally irresponsible to continue doing so.
This approach is what education special interest groups (the same groups that campaigned against classroom teacher pay increases) want, but it's not what Alaskan families want. I promised Alaskans when I was elected, and I reminded you in this year's State of the State address that I would not be your governor for special interests. I said to the special interests: “Don't be discouraged if you knock on my door and ask me to ruin your opportunity. If you do, you're knocking on the wrong door.” That's what I thought when I said it in January. I did, and I still think so.
The average everyday Alaskan doesn't walk the hallways of Juneau, can't afford to pay lobbyists, and has a busy lifestyle that makes it difficult to testify before legislative committees. But I know from the people I talk to, the calls I get, and the polling that Alaskans are not satisfied with the status quo.
Alaskans like me support increased school funding, but they want and expect more. They want more choice in public schools, they want teachers to be well compensated and supported, and they want to know that their children are learning and are prepared to succeed as adults. I think I want to do.
They also know that they can choose the best education model for their children, and they do just that, even more so than they choose to withdraw their children from their neighborhood school. I am witnessing it. The reality is that if we don't make it easier for parents and students to access a variety of public school options, such as charter schools, parents will vote for themselves and leave the public school system altogether. .
A recent Harvard University study found that Alaska's public charter schools are number one in the nation. That is correct! You heard it. Research shows Alaska has the best charter schools in the country. What makes this news even better is that previously underachieving students are dramatically improving in charter schools. Nationally, many states, including New York, are moving to increase charter and alternative public school opportunities for at-risk and underserved students. Alaska is leading the way, so why wouldn't we want to encourage more of what we do best?
As the debate over education continues, I will work with all members of Congress to pass increased funding and necessary reforms. We must do a better job of supporting our teachers, who are working with our most precious resources every day. We need to make it easier for students and parents to access alternative public school options, such as charter schools. And we need to ensure that resources are specifically directed toward classroom instruction that improves outcomes and improves reading comprehension. That's what Alaskan families want and deserve.
Rest assured; public schools will be fully funded. But the real question is: Will the special interests of a few allow a shortage of teachers, parents, and students, or can special interests get out of the way and create a public school system that benefits everyone? That's it.
Governor Mike Dunleavy is Alaska's 12thth Governor.
