Opinion: Better Alaska Schools Start with Better Policy, Not Just Bigger Budgets

More money isn't fixing Alaska's schools. It's time to confront bureaucracy, accountability and policies that tie teachers' hands.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:37pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In this opinion piece, the author argues that improving Alaska's education system requires more than just increasing funding. The author suggests that the real issues lie in the policies, leadership, and culture within the education system, such as empowering teachers, supporting discipline in classrooms, and ensuring resources are used effectively rather than getting lost in bureaucracy. The author cites conversations with teachers and personal experiences to highlight these challenges, using the example of a handrail fixed with duct tape as a symbol of the need for better stewardship and accountability.

Why it matters

Alaska's education system has struggled for years with teacher turnover, recruitment challenges, and consistently low rankings compared to other states. Improving the quality of education is crucial for preparing the next generation and ensuring the state's future prosperity. The author argues that simply increasing education budgets is not enough - the underlying policies, leadership, and culture within the system need to be addressed to drive meaningful change.

The details

The author discusses a policy idea to help teachers pay off student loan debt as a way to recruit and retain educators, particularly in rural communities. However, the author realized this policy could create unintended consequences, such as teachers delaying paying down their loans to qualify for the government assistance. This example highlights how complicated education policy can be, as simple solutions often have real-world complications. The author also cites conversations with teachers who express frustration with unsupportive administrators, burdensome bureaucratic policies, and a sense that too much funding gets lost in overhead rather than reaching the classroom. The author uses the image of a handrail fixed with duct tape as a symbol of the need for better stewardship and a culture that values maintaining existing resources.

  • The opinion piece was published on March 22, 2026.

The players

Josh Church

A Fairbanks wealth manager and Marine Corps special operations veteran running for lieutenant governor of Alaska with gubernatorial candidate Dave Bronson in the 2026 election.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Most teachers do not become teachers because it is the highest-paying profession. And most teachers are not leaving the classroom simply because of pay. What frustrates them more often is the feeling that they cannot teach the way they know they should.”

— Josh Church

What’s next

The author does not mention any specific next steps, as this is an opinion piece focused on the broader challenges facing Alaska's education system.

The takeaway

Improving Alaska's schools requires addressing the underlying policies, leadership, and culture within the education system, not just increasing funding. Empowering teachers, supporting discipline in classrooms, and ensuring resources are used effectively rather than lost in bureaucracy are key priorities for driving meaningful change.