Alaska
Senate committee strips homeschool funding overhaul from education bill, adds one-time ‘energy relief’ funding
JUNEAU — The Alaska Senate Education Committee on Monday replaced a school funding bill introduced in March with a new version that strips out a controversial overhaul of publicly funded homeschooling programs.
The new version instead would require more legislative oversight over Alaska’s correspondence education programs, and removes additional correspondence funding in favor of broader one-time education funding measures.
The bill now includes a $58 million one-time school energy relief payment to offset high fuel prices, and a bump to student transportation funding. It still includes incentive grants for districts where students improve reading proficiency under the Alaska Reads Act.
Sen. Löki Tobin, an Anchorage Democrat and chair of the Senate Education Committee that sponsored the bill, said that removing the most controversial parts of the bill — how correspondence programs are funded — makes the bill more straightforward.
“I think the part that was most infuriating was the mis- and disinformation that was promulgated by certain entities that the outreach we received would talk to components or pieces that weren’t in the legislation at all, or the legislation didn’t do what they were claiming it did,” she said in an interview Tuesday.
She said the “deep trove of mal-information” created a response and pushback she “was unwilling to continue to bear.”
The bill originally sought to funnel funding for homeschoolers through the school districts in which they reside, potentially with significant impacts to large correspondence programs that are administered by rural school districts. That funding change came alongside a 10% increase in per-student funding for correspondence students overall. Both of those elements are removed from the new version of the bill.
There are over 30 correspondence programs enrolling more than 24,000 students across Alaska, as of last year. More than half of those students were enrolled in correspondence programs administered by districts outside of the district where they reside.
That includes programs like IDEA, run by the Galena City School District, the state’s largest correspondence program. IDEA serves over 7,000 students statewide.
Superintendents and families of correspondence students pushed back against the original bill, saying that it represented an existential threat to correspondence programs. The bill received hundreds of letters and public testimony opposing the changes to correspondence funding.
The new version of the bill removes some of the bill’s most controversial aspects.
Jason Johnson, the superintendent of the Galena City School District, sent an email to IDEA families prior to the bill’s first hearing urging them to contact their representatives to oppose the bill and asserting that under the bill as written, correspondence programs would receive zero state funding.
Tobin said in an interview in March following the influx of opposition that the bill would not have diverted all state funding away from correspondence programs.
Johnson said as of Tuesday morning, he had not yet reviewed the new version of the bill.
Homeschool reporting requirements
The new version of the bill requires that Alaska school districts provide an annual report to the Legislature with details on the correspondence programs they operate, including how much money the district provides to students in the programs, how many students are in the programs, where those students live, what the allotments are used for, and more.
The new reporting requirements mirror those included in a 2024 bill that called for a one-time report to the Legislature on correspondence allotment spending.
At the time, state spending on homeschooled students was scrutinized following litigation challenging a practice by some Alaska families — including that of former Attorney General Treg Taylor — to subsidize tuition in private Christian schools using public correspondence school allotments.
Tobin said last year that the 2024 report revealed there is “just a lot we don’t know about how public dollars are being used.”
A much larger percentage of students in non-correspondence schools take AK STAR state standardized tests compared to those in correspondence programs. Correspondence programs often see lower graduation rates than standard public schools in Alaska.
Families whose students are enrolled in IDEA, for example, receive an allotment of $2,700 per student per year, according to IDEA’s website. There is little clarity or government oversight on how that money can be spent. A pending lawsuit will answer whether or not correspondence allotments can cover the cost of tuition at a private school.
Tobin says these discrepancies and outstanding questions call for more state oversight on correspondence programs.
“We’re asking for all that information because it’s difficult, as we’ve learned, to create good public policy that helps support our correspondence students, if we don’t have the information that is needed to inform how that policy is created,” Tobin said.
Education funding prospects
The committee substitute to the Senate bill also cuts the $125 increase to the state’s annual per-student formula funding, intended as inflation-proofing in the bill’s original version, which would have raised the Base Student Allocation from $6,660 to roughly $6,785.
Tobin said removing the increase to annual per-student funding in favor of a one-time payment is more politically feasible in the Legislature this session.
“Whether it’s inflationary or it’s additional funds for this year, there is a disinterest in increasing the Base Student Allocation this cycle, and so we’re trying to figure out other ways that we can target funding and support students and communities and schools,” Tobin said Tuesday. It is unlikely that the Legislature can muster the votes needed to override a governor’s veto of additional education funding, she said.
Tobin also said she thinks one-time funding is more likely to get the governor’s signature. The Legislature narrowly voted last session to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of an increase in the Base Student Allocation.
But Alaska’s public schools still say they don’t have the money they need, with districts such as the Anchorage School District voting to close schools and reducing staff positions and programs to mitigate severe deficits.
The latest version of the Senate bill is in conflict with a spending plan adopted by the House this week.
The House operating budget calls for adding $147 million in one-time funding for K-12 school operations along with nearly $11 million in new funding for student transportation. The House figure, majority members say, is needed to make up for years of inflation.
That funding in the operating budget was included to guarantee some additional education funding this year. During debates on the House floor, members of the Republican minority repeatedly spoke out against one-time spending on education, including arguments that they wanted a more specific plan for how the funds would be used and that it could lead districts to expect funding to continue at that level in future years.
The Senate bill proposes to increase student transportation funding by roughly $15 million, distribute just under $59 million in energy relief payments to K-12 schools, and spend around $22 million on incentive payments for reading improvement.
All told, the Senate proposal calls for close to $100 million in new education spending, far below the amount identified by the House.
Daily News reporter Iris Samuels contributed to this report.
Alaska’s eight prettiest downtown strips sit in towns as different from each other as the landscapes around them. Skagway draws cruise ship visitors to its Gold Rush history. Sitka pairs Russian Orthodox history with totem-lined trails just beyond downtown. Wrangell is one of the oldest towns in the state. Each downtown is worth spending time in, though Sitka, Ketchikan, and Wrangell are the only ones on this list accessible solely by air or water. In winter, clear dark nights can bring Northern Lights over several of these towns. After a day out, fresh seafood is never far away.
Skagway
Skagway is located in Alaska’s panhandle and is known as the gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush and a major cruise ship destination. For those who love nature and history, visit Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and hike part of the 33-mile Chilkoot Trail, the historic route between Dyea, Alaska, and Lake Bennett, British Columbia. Backpackers can stay at designated campsites along the route, with permits required in season. For food, check out Skagway Brewing Company, which offers craft beers and American comfort foods. Another seasonal Skagway option is Salty Siren, whose menu features Alaskan golden king crab, seafood chowder, fish and chips, and pulled-pork sandwiches.
Sitka
Sitka sits on Baranof Island and is known for its rich Tlingit and Russian heritage, gorgeous outdoor scenery, and variety of wildlife. Sitka is only accessible by sea or air and is a popular stop on cruises. The area offers lots of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and kayaking. Tourists like to visit St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a National Historic Landmark whose original 1844-1848 building was reconstructed after a 1966 fire. For a short walk through Sitka’s layered history, visit Sitka National Historical Park, where visitors can enjoy a scenic coastal trail lined with totem poles. Grab a bite to eat at Beak Restaurant for delicious seafood. Or if you’re craving pizza or wings, visit Mean Queen for some comfort food.
Talkeetna
Talkeetna is a historic place in Alaska’s Matanuska-Susitna Borough, famous as a gateway to Denali, North America’s highest peak, which welcomes tourists and climbers from all over the world. Beginning as an Alaska Railroad headquarters, this historic location has an artistic vibe and a vibrant art scene despite its small population. Locals and visitors enjoy flightseeing, rafting, fishing, and delving into the unique history, including Stubbs, the late honorary cat mayor who held the ceremonial role until his death in 2017. For those hoping to see the Northern Lights, Talkeetna’s dark winter skies can be a good base when skies are clear and aurora activity is strong. Once you’re hungry, grab some friends and visit Homestead Kitchen for some traditional rustic options like burgers and flatbreads. Then grab a craft beer at Denali Brewpub in their rustic setting.
Homer
Found on the Kenai Peninsula, Homer is famous for its gorgeous views of Kachemak Bay, the Homer Spit, and distant volcanoes. Here’s a perfect spot for those hoping to see wildlife and enjoy other outdoor activities, like hiking and fishing. Across the bay, Kachemak Bay State Park is reached by water taxi or air taxi and offers views of the mountains and the ocean. Or head to Bishop’s Beach, which is dog-friendly, and enjoy the soft sand with your four-legged best friend. After experiencing the beautiful scenery of Homer, grab some dinner at the Twisted Goat and dig into some comfort food, including pizza, fish and chips, and burgers. On a nice day, visitors won’t want to miss a local favorite, Water Rudders, which offers a beautiful view from its patio.
Seward
Located about 120 miles south of Anchorage, Seward is a scenic port town at the head of Resurrection Bay. It’s loved for its beautiful views of the mountains, marine wildlife, and glaciers, and it serves as a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Here, visitors can take a hike, join in on ranger-guided tours, kayak, and so much more. For those wanting an aerial view, Seward Helicopter Tours offers flights over glaciers and other beautiful sites. For those looking to camp, Waterfront Park offers RV and tent sites with views you can’t beat. After enjoying sightseeing, grab some seafood or steak at Ray’s Waterfront with a wood-paneled dining room overlooking the marina and mountains. Or get some comfort food at The Highliner Restaurant, where the menu includes crab cakes and fish tacos, just to name a few.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan is located on Revillagigedo Island in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, known for its rich native culture, totem poles, and salmon fishing. The town is a popular cruise ship destination and is only accessible by boat or plane. Here, visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, especially in the summer months. For a beautiful site, look into Misty Fjords National Monument and see sheer granite cliffs, towering 3,000-foot rock walls, deep saltwater fjords, and waterfalls within Tongass National Forest. Locals and visitors enjoy spending time at Creek Street, a historic boardwalk built on pilings over the creek, which is now filled with shops, cafes, and galleries. Grab a bite to eat at The Alaska Fish House with beautiful views out the window and live music. Or order crab and seafood at Ketchikan Crab & Go, a seasonal spot at Salmon Landing that caters to the cruise-season crowd.
Valdez
Found in Southcentral Alaska, Valdez is known for its stunning mountain views, water scenery, and being the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This former Gold Rush town is a popular destination for fishing, glacier tours, and wildlife viewing, and is accessible via the Richardson Highway from Anchorage and Fairbanks. For shore views of icebergs and the face of Valdez Glacier, head to Glacier View Park at the end of Airport Road. For an easy family-friendly outing near town, try Dock Point Trail, a short coastal loop with ocean and Duck Flats views. In summer, The Potato serves handmade comfort food and beer or wine from its harbor-view location in Valdez. Or get some pizza or fish and chips at The Fat Mermaid. It has a laid-back setting and views of the marina.
Wrangell
Wrangell is found in Southeast Alaska, located on Wrangell Island in the Inside Passage, and is known for its Tlingit culture, variety of wildlife, and access to the Stikine River. This is one of Alaska’s oldest towns and offers plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, glacier exploration, and fishing, and is only accessible by air or the Alaska Marine Highway. Anan Wildlife Observatory is a must-visit to see bears, both black and brown, who call it home. You’ll have to take a boat or a floatplane to get there. Access the Stikine River from Wrangell for more wildlife viewing. For food, try Filipino, Thai, sushi, and other Asian dishes at Michelle’s Taste of Asia, a casual, family-run restaurant. Or grab pizza at Hungry Beaver Pizza and Marine Bar by Wrangell’s Inner Harbor.
These eight towns show a side of Alaska that operates at a different pace from the state’s most visited destinations. The downtowns are small, the history runs deep, and the wildlife has a way of showing up whether you plan for it or not.
Alaska Airlines has given its chief financial officer, Shane Tackett, another responsibility — president.
Tackett will assume his additional role at the SeaTac-based airline on June 29, according to a news release Wednesday.
Tackett will continue leading the organization’s finance, fleet management, investor relations, supply chain, internal audit and information technology functions, according to the release. His new responsibilities as president include oversight of Alaska Airlines’ commercial division.
Tackett previously held positions in labor relations, e-commerce and financial planning at the company, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“I started at Alaska more than 25 years ago, and over that time we’ve built a stronger, more resilient airline with a clear strategy for the future,” Tackett said in a statement.
He said he is excited to lead more of the organization in his new role and deliver to guests, employees and owners.
In a statement, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci said Tackett has led the company through challenges and helped it grow over his 25-year tenure.
“Bringing commercial and finance leadership together under Shane will strengthen alignment and accelerate our priorities as we continue advancing our strategy and creating long-term value for our stakeholders, said Minicucci, who also serves as CEO and president of the airline’s parent company, Alaska Air Group.
Tackett’s promotion comes as the airline navigates challenging macroeconomic factors, including rising fuel costs and weakening consumer demand for travel.
Alaska Air Group — which includes Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, as well as regional carrier Horizon Air and ground support company McGee Air Services — saw its profits drop 70% in 2025 year over year. It continued to face financial woes in 2026.
The company lost $193 million in the first three months of 2026 as it dealt with skyrocketing jet fuel prices due to the war in Iran.
Alaska study sees mixed results on links between kelp farms and CO2 levels
Published 5:30 am Thursday, June 18, 2026
A study into the amount of CO2 absorbed at a pair of Alaska kelp farms is throwing some cold water on hopes that seaweed could be an answer to climate change.
Alaska kelp farms, which have been viewed as a potential boon for reducing local carbon-dioxide levels, have surprisingly murky effects on atmospheric CO2 removal, according to a new study.
A University of Alaska Fairbanks-led project measured the amount of CO2 that was emitted and absorbed at two kelp farms in the Gulf of Alaska during the 2023-2024 growing season. The outcome was mixed — one farm slightly reduced carbon dioxide in the local environment while the other added more to it.
Marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) has been touted as a potential strategy to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, with the ocean serving as a sink for human-produced CO2.
The study, which was recently published in the journal Ocean Science, is the first to measure mCDR in Alaska waters. It focused on kelp farms, which can draw down CO2 through the process of photosynthesis.
“It’s easy to jump on the bandwagon that seaweed is going to change the world, but ultimately we want to be honest to the public,” said Amanda Kelley, an associate professor at UAF’s College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences and a contributor to the study.
“Really, it’s very nuanced, and there are a lot of factors that affect kelp’s ability to do that.”
Josianne Haag, who led the project as a UAF doctoral student, installed sensors both inside and outside kelp farms in Windy Bay near Cordova and Kalsin Bay on Kodiak Island. From seeding to harvest, hourly data was collected on ocean chemistry, temperature, salinity and oxygen levels.
The two sites had numerous differences, including the type of seaweed being planted, the timing of their growing seasons and the size of the farms. Also, Windy Bay’s tides are more extreme than Kalsin Bay’s.
The results were striking and varied. The farms flipped between absorbing and releasing carbon dioxide depending on the amount of sunlight and the time of day. Extreme low tides affected CO2 levels by flushing groundwater into the area, briefly raising carbon dioxide levels.
A film of marine fauna grew on some of the farm equipment in Kalsin Bay, leading to a burst of carbon dioxide production through their respiration.
Overall, the Windy Bay farm slightly reduced nearby atmospheric marine carbon dioxide levels while the Kalsin Bay farm boosted them. Measurements will continue at the farms for at least two more years, but the first season revealed that a kelp farm’s recipe for carbon intake and output is surprising and complex.
“It’s really not doing much in either direction,” Haag said. “The farms aren’t necessarily harming anything, but we shouldn’t be blowing out of proportion that they’re going to save us from climate change.”
The study was part of the Mariculture Research and Restoration Consortium project, which is an ongoing effort to look at the impacts and benefits of mariculture in Alaska. Mar ReCon research is funded by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council.
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