The Senate Education Committee convened on January 31, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding education funding in Alaska. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, including parents and educators, who expressed urgent concerns about the financial state of public schools.

Lisa Egan Lagerquist, a former teacher and parent, opened the session with a passionate plea for a permanent increase in the Base Student Allocation (BSA). She emphasized the need for funding that is inflation-proof and urged the committee to commit to overriding any potential gubernatorial vetoes. Lagerquist highlighted the challenges faced by schools, including the inability to offer diverse courses and the strain on teachers due to high student workloads. She stressed the importance of attracting and retaining qualified staff through competitive salaries and improved working conditions.

Following Lagerquist, Sarah Lewis from Fairbanks criticized the governor's focus on school choice as a solution to funding issues. She pointed out that the BSA has not changed since 2011, leading to severe financial constraints that threaten the viability of schools across the state. Lewis called for equitable funding that does not prioritize certain types of schools over others, arguing that all Alaskan children deserve access to quality education.

Anna Rose MacArthur from Nome echoed these sentiments, warning that without increased funding, the Nome Public School District would face significant cuts, including the loss of teachers and essential programs. She urged the committee to fulfill its constitutional duty to adequately fund public education.

Marilyn Noyakuk, a 12th-grade student, shared her perspective on how funding cuts could impact future generations. She expressed her love for school and the importance of maintaining a well-rounded education for all students.

Carolyn Storm, representing the Coalition for Education Equity, highlighted the disparity in funding between education and corrections, noting that Alaska spends significantly more on incarcerated individuals than on students. She called for a reevaluation of budget priorities to better support education.

The meeting concluded with a call for increased public testimony, reflecting a growing consensus among stakeholders that immediate action is necessary to address the funding crisis in Alaska's public schools. The committee's next steps will likely involve further discussions on proposed legislation aimed at securing sustainable funding for education.