Exploring the Connection Between Education Investment and Quality

In Alaska, there is a strong awareness of the importance of a robust public education system. Families and business organizations alike support the restoration of school funding that has been cut over the past decade. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding how the top legislative priorities, Base Student Allocation (BSA) funding, and pension reform, impact the quality of education. Let’s delve into the data provided by Beth Daly Gamble, Nicole Brooks, and Anita Youngman.

One of the key factors that contribute to educational excellence is manageable class sizes. From 2016 to 2024, there was a 20% decline in real BSA funding, leading to larger class sizes in schools across Alaska. Larger class sizes result in teachers having to focus on crowd management rather than providing individualized instruction to students. This issue is prevalent in major school districts such as Anchorage, Fairbanks, the Mat-Su, Kenai, and Juneau.

For example, in Anchorage, the average class size for K-3 classes was 24 students, which is nearly 50% higher than the recommended class size of 15 students per teacher for these grades. By adding $175 million in one-time funding for schools in 2024, one-half of the previously cut funds were restored. Sustaining this funding and adjusting for inflation could potentially reduce the average K-3 class sizes to 23 students. Fully restoring education funding would allow the Anchorage School District to reduce K-12 class sizes to 20 students per classroom.

To achieve an outstanding school system rather than just an acceptable one, it is crucial to prioritize funding for education. With current and projected oil prices, Alaska can afford to reduce class sizes to 15 students per teacher, which is considered the national best practice. This would require a more consistent Permanent Fund dividend rather than sporadic, large payments. Ultimately, the key policy driver for manageable class sizes is BSA funding.

Another critical aspect of improving the quality of education in Alaska is pension reform. The state currently has the worst retirement system in the U.S. for police officers, state troopers, and teachers, leading to high turnover rates that are costly. A survey conducted by the Dunleavy administration identified higher salaries, a defined benefit retirement plan, and improved health care as recommended solutions to enhance teacher recruitment and retention.

Pension reform is essential not only for saving money but also for retaining experienced teachers who continue to grow and become more effective through their first decade of experience. By extending teacher tenure, Alaska can benefit from the expertise of dedicated educators, ultimately improving the quality of education for students.

In conclusion, addressing the issues of class sizes and pension reform is crucial for delivering the quality of public education that Alaska’s business leaders and parents deserve. Strategic investments based on data and modernizing the pension system can lead to a more efficient and competitive educational system. By prioritizing education funding and implementing pension reform, Alaska can pave the way for economic growth, prosperity, and a brighter future for its communities.