A debate over funding for public schools in Alaska began Monday as House Bill 69 was presented on the Alaska House floor.
Sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Himshoot (I-Sitka), the bill has undergone several amendments since its introduction. The current version proposes a permanent funding increase of nearly $275 million for Alaska’s public schools.
Initially, the bill suggested a $1,000 increase in the base student allotment, with an additional $800 increase over the next four years. However, the latest revision limits the increase to a one-time $1,000 boost, with no current plan for future yearly increases.
One of the amendments discussed during Monday’s hearing proposed additional funding for homeschooled students. However, Amendment #10 failed in a 20-20 vote, with House Majority Leader Rep. Chuck Kopp (R-Anchorage) joining the minority caucus in opposition.
Rep. Justin Ruffridge (R-Kenai/Soldotna) criticized the current rules for correspondence students, arguing that they are treated as “slightly less than 100% of a student.”
Rep. Sarah Vance (R-Homer), who homeschooled her children, supported Ruffridge’s view. She highlighted the financial challenges faced by parents who choose homeschooling. “If our child is not succeeding in the education we’ve chosen, it’s on us,” she explained. “Increasing funding for homeschool students to be equated as a whole child within our formula helps set them up for success.”
Alaska has the highest rate of homeschooling in the country, with about 17% of students enrolled in correspondence programs.
Rep. Jamie Allard (R-Eagle River) also backed the amendment, emphasizing that parents who homeschool still pay taxes. “These children shouldn’t be discriminated against just because they have chosen a different way to learn,” she said.
Rep. Andi Story (D-Juneau), a supporter of HB 69, responded by saying that the bill aims to help all students equally. “The intent is to raise the base student allocation for all kids,” she said. “We do not want to say one is better than the other; every child is unique.”
