Alaska Schools Projected to Lose 1,500 Students Next Year

State budget documents show a historic enrollment decline hitting both traditional classrooms and online programs

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Alaska's public schools are projected to lose 1,500 students next year, according to state budget documents presented to lawmakers. The decline includes both traditional classrooms and online programs, marking a reversal for correspondence and state-sponsored online programs that saw enrollment surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fewer students mean less state funding for school districts, leading to budget cuts and program eliminations in districts like Anchorage.

Why it matters

The enrollment decline is a long-term trend in Alaska, with the state's overall student population dropping steadily since 2017. This loss of students has significant financial implications for school districts, forcing them to make difficult budget decisions that impact educational programs and services.

The details

The projected 1,500 student decrease represents about a 1% drop in enrollment from the current fiscal year to the next. Factors behind the decline include families choosing homeschooling, enrolling in private schools or out-of-state virtual academies, and moving out of Alaska entirely. While correspondence and online programs saw huge growth during the pandemic, that trend is now reversing.

  • Alaska had 130,295 students in 2017.
  • Last year's student count showed 126,730 students.
  • The projected loss of 1,500 students will continue the nine-year enrollment decline.

The players

Heather Heineken

The director of finance and support services at the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.

Karen Morrison

The deputy commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development.

Jeremy Bynum

A Republican state representative from Ketchikan.

Andy Josephson

A Democratic state representative and co-chair of the House Finance Committee.

Alyse Galvin

An independent state representative from Anchorage.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.