Governor schedules special session on education reform, Department of Agriculture

Gov. Mike Dunleavy has issued a proclamation for a 30-day special session to begin Saturday, Aug. 2 at 10 a.m. in Juneau.

The call will be limited to two items-education reform and an executive order creating the new Alaska Department of Agriculture, according to the state.

“Enacting a few necessary reforms to our public education system can elevate those children struggling in Alaska’s school system,” said Dunleavy in a press release. “As elected officials we must do all we can to put the next generation on the path to a successful and prosperous future, and that starts with a solid public education. Splitting the Division of Agriculture away from DNR into a department will elevate food security and support our hard-working farmers while growing the agricultural sector.”

The Agriculture Department Executive Order and the Education Reform Bill will be available on the first day of the special session.

Dunleavy is calling the special session under the authority of Article II, Section 9, and Article III, Section 17, Constitution of the State of Alaska, while also citing the public interest.