Teachers, parents urge more K–12 funding to address class size and special‑education supports

Multiple parents and a high‑school teacher told the Senate Finance Committee that K–12 funding levels are harming classroom conditions, student engagement and special‑education supports.

"I am a parent in Fairbanks and also a high school teacher," said Erica Burke, who described many high‑school classes with 30 or more students and urged the committee to prioritize increased school funding so teachers have planning time and students can receive needed attention. Burke said extracurricular programs such as sports, music and art help keep students engaged and prepare a skilled workforce.

Angela Blandoff, a Ketchikan parent, said her son — born with fetal alcohol effects and other diagnoses — has benefited from early intervention and therapy but that her district lacks paraeducators and faces cuts to activities and supports. Blandoff described a recent restraint incident at a charter school that raised trust concerns and said increased funding is critical to meet students' needs.

Carrie Rogers (Glennallen) echoed calls for improved teacher recruitment and retention, safer school facilities and supports for nonprofits that provide legal aid to vulnerable residents (she specifically mentioned House Bill 48 as a funding vehicle for nonprofit legal services).

The committee did not act on K–12 appropriations during the morning session; the public record remains open for further testimony and the Finance Committee will consider budget amendments as it moves toward final appropriation votes.