"Statement on Governor Dunleavy’s Veto of Education Funding

Classified Staff Once Again Left Holding the Bag

Governor Dunleavy’s latest budget veto cuts $50.6 million from Alaska’s public education system by slashing the Base Student Allocation (BSA) increase from $700 to $500 per student. While some may shrug at the $200 reduction, those of us working in schools know exactly what it means: layoffs, reduced hours, and fewer services for students.

Because teachers are under contract, the burden of these cuts will fall squarely on the backs of Classified employees—the very people who clean our classrooms, support students with special needs, manage school offices, and make sure our schools open every single day. When budgets are gutted, we are the ones most vulnerable.

Districts built their budgets in good faith based on the Legislature’s decision to override the Governor’s first veto and provide a sustainable, permanent increase in school funding. But with the stroke of a pen, the Governor once again chose short-term politics over long-term investment—undermining not only school stability but also the livelihood of the dozens of front-line staff that are going to lose their positions.

It’s no secret that Alaska’s education system is already stretched thin. Recruitment and retention are at crisis levels. The Governor’s cuts will only push more dedicated employees out of public service and make our schools less safe, less supported, and less functional for students.

Governor Dunleavy continues to govern like a petulant child, punishing Alaska’s students and school staff when he doesn’t get his way. He claims the state lacks the revenue to support education, yet I can’t help but ask—where would the Permanent Fund Dividend be today if he spent even half as much energy protecting it as he has gutting our public school system? Once again, he’s chosen to attack Alaska’s future rather than invest in it.

We are urging every union member and every Alaskan who cares about education to take action. Call your legislators. Show up to their events. Ask the hard questions. Speak your mind, peacefully. They need to hear from the people these decisions impact the most. If we’re going to fight back against these cuts—and protect our students, our schools, and our jobs—we must be visible, vocal, and united.

— Rick Morgan

President, Mat-Su Classified Employees Association"