Education
The FCC spends hundreds of millions subsidizing internet for Alaska schools and libraries. Now it might cut the program.
Rural Alaska school and library officials say that E-Rate subsidies for broadband and other internet service remain critical to keeping their institutions connected.
Smaller class sizes, larger church influence in most Alaska private schools
Prominent Republican politicians attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Thomas More Classical School, the latest private school to open in Anchorage.
Free school supplies, clothes offered to Anchorage students
Community donations will help support distribution events on July 31, for school supplies, and Aug. 1, for school clothes.
City ownership of former Campbell STEM building begins with discussion among neighbors
City leaders are soliciting ideas from the community for what to do with the school building at 7206 Rovenna St.
University of Alaska Fairbanks gets funding for critical minerals center
The new Critical Minerals Accelerator Engine in Alaska will receive $15 million in funding for two years and up to $160 million over 10 years, the university said.
Anchorage School Board adds teachers, nurses with additional state funding
Since April, the district has recalled all 259 teachers who had been laid off or displaced.
Outmigration, inflation, choice schools: Alaska school closures likely to continue without changes
Twelve schools closed statewide at the end of the 2025-26 school year as public school enrollment declines nationwide.
Dunleavy administration declines to estimate one-time education funding ahead of school year start
Lawmakers voted to send up to $115 million from unexpectedly high oil revenue to schools.
Anchorage Assembly passes childcare regulations to align city with state standards
This marks the second time in the last two years the Assembly has approved changes for childcare centers and in-home childcare providers.
Alaska Supreme Court rejects state petition to take up Fairbanks charter school dispute
Advocates with the charter group said the school is now unlikely to open in August, but continue to press the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District in court.
Acting attorney general asks Alaska Supreme Court to compel Fairbanks district to open charter school
The petition comes one week after the Alaska education commissioner threatened to withhold state funding from Fairbanks if they did not open the new charter school.
The discount for student loan payers who enroll in autopay just went up
It could result in savings of hundreds or thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a student loan.
Anchorage Assembly looks to improve childcare options with slate of regulation changes
After years of staffing loss, state funding and regulation changes aim to stabilize the industry crucial for families.
Court strikes down $100K H-1B visa fee, but Alaska schools still can’t count on international teachers
More than half of the districts in the state employ at least one teacher from overseas.
Alaska drops to 47th in the nation in overall child well-being, new report says
Alaska’s ranking dropped seven places, with the steepest decline in education, where the state ranked 49th out of 50 states.
Questions remain about state and city funding headed to the Anchorage School District
School district administrators say there is an “urgent need” to know revenues to plan for its budget.
Mat-Su School Board approves concealed carry program for teachers
Participants must attend at least 24 hours of training and will receive a $500 stipend meant to help cover their costs.
Graduation policy to honor deceased students introduced by Anchorage School Board
The policy would take effect for next year’s graduating class.
University of Alaska names U.S. Army commander as new UAF chancellor
Col. Russell “Russ” Vander Lugt was selected from four finalists after an eight-month search process.
Where to find summer meals at Anchorage schools
About 35,000 Alaska children face food insecurity, which can get worse in the summer without school lunches.
Expansion of Alaska program for developmentally delayed infants passes Legislature, awaits governor’s decision
Nearly half of children in the Infant Learning Program do not require costly special education once they reach school age.
Anchorage elementary students and communities say goodbye to 3 closing schools
Campbell STEM, Fire Lake and Lake Otis elementary schools closed at the end of the school year. Community members shared stories and memories during closure events, marking a bittersweet farewell.
Alaska Legislature approves millions in annual energy relief funding for schools starting next year
The education package would also create a pilot program for providing school loan forgiveness for public school teachers and shifts millions in education costs from local communities to the state.
Western Alaska high school seniors walk across the stage after tumultuous year
The Anchorage and Lower Kuskokwim school districts held a small graduation ceremony for seniors displaced by Typhoon Halong.
Community support helps Anchorage high schools’ Class of 2026 succeed
About 2,500 students will graduate from Anchorage School District schools this year.
Alaska Legislature passes bill to create mental health curriculum for public schools
Legislators say the program will give students the tools to cope with depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges on the rise.
‘Hail Mary’ resolution by Anchorage School Board outlines path to reversing cuts
The resolution is contingent upon state lawmakers approving a $920 increase to the state’s per-student funding. Legislators say that’s unlikely this session.
Rollout of Mat-Su’s proposed armed teacher program could cost $700,000
Costs for the program, which would be Alaska’s first if approved, include about $133,000 in startup fees.
Alaska House passes bill adding more than $140 million to education budget
Senate members signaled the bill was unlikely to pass before the end of the session.
Tax concerns and distrust of school district shaped Anchorage’s municipal election results
Residents shared some of the reasons they voted in favor of or rejected city bonds and propositions.