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Rural Alaska schools in funding crisis as bipartisan bill fails to pass U.S. House.

Rural Schools in Southeast Alaska Facing Major Funding Shortfall After Secure Rural Schools Act Not Reauthorized

Rural schools, mainly in Southeast Alaska, are experiencing a significant funding shortage this year due to the failure of the U.S. House of Representatives to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. This bipartisan legislation, first passed in 2000, was designed to aid communities impacted by the declining timber industry by providing funds for schools, roads, emergency services, and wildfire prevention.

In 2023, the law distributed over $250 million nationwide, with Alaska receiving over $12.6 million. However, this year, the bill did not pass the House of Representatives due to partisan negotiations around a stopgap spending bill. As a result, communities in Alaska, particularly those near federal forests and lands, are facing significant budget shortfalls, affecting essential services for students.

Superintendents from school districts like Yakutat and Wrangell have expressed concern over the impact of the funding loss on their schools. Yakutat School District Superintendent Carol Pate highlighted the struggles they face with a significant deficit and the potential loss of programs and staff. Wrangell Superintendent Bill Burr emphasized the devastating effect on the community and the school district’s ability to provide services.

Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan have supported efforts to reauthorize the bill, recognizing its importance for funding rural schools in Alaska. There is hope for the upcoming legislative session to address the funding shortfall and increase per-pupil spending to support education in the state. Reintroducing and passing the legislation could potentially restore the necessary funding to ensure the continuity of essential services for rural schools in Alaska.

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Photo credit alaskabeacon.com

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