Author Win Gruening recently published an opinion piece in the ADN questioning the allocation of school funding in Alaska. He argued that recent funding increases have not resulted in improved student achievement, citing low rankings in reading and math compared to other states. Gruening also compared Alaska’s spending to Mississippi’s, highlighting the differences in cost of living and percentage of state budgets allocated to education.
Frank Jeffries, a retired professor emeritus, responded to Gruening’s points by advocating for a significant increase in Alaska’s K-12 education spending to match Mississippi’s 23% of the state budget. Jeffries emphasized the importance of factors like student-to-teacher ratios and teacher turnover rates in the quality of education provided.
While Jeffries disagreed with some of Gruening’s arguments, he echoed the need for a reevaluation of education funding in Alaska to support student success. He urged leaders to prioritize education spending and allow K-12 districts to adequately support their staff and students.
The viewpoints expressed by both Gruening and Jeffries are essential contributions to the ongoing discussion on education funding in Alaska. The ADN welcomes diverse perspectives on this topic and encourages further submissions for consideration.
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