Two Alaska public school districts have filed a lawsuit against the State, claiming it has failed to meet its constitutional duty to adequately fund public education.
The lawsuit, filed in Anchorage Superior Court, argues that years of underfunding have left schools struggling to provide students with necessary resources, facilities, and staff—particularly in rural and low-income communities.
Caroline Storm, Executive Director of the Coalition for Education Equity, says the state’s funding system hasn’t kept pace with inflation or Alaska’s unique costs, adding that the lawsuit aims to ensure every child receives the education they deserve.
According to the complaint, the lack of adequate funding has led to overcrowded classrooms, outdated materials, and difficulties hiring and retaining qualified teachers.
Dr. Madeline Aguillard says the decision to take legal action comes after years of unanswered calls for reform, emphasizing that students cannot wait any longer.
The districts are asking the court to order the state to conduct an evidence-based study on education funding and create an annual inflation adjustment to ensure equitable and adequate funding for Alaska’s public schools.