The Alaska Council of School Administrators (ACSA) and the Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) express deep concern over the recent federal directive to temporarily pause grant, loan, and financial assistance programs across all federal agencies, as outlined in the memorandum from the Federal OMB. This unexpected decision poses significant challenges to school districts across Alaska and threatens the stability of education systems critical to students’ success.
This abrupt freeze exacerbates the uncertainty surrounding federal education funding, making state funding all the more crucial to ensuring the sustainability of Alaska’s schools. Without predictable and reliable funding, school districts will face immense difficulty in planning and delivering high-quality education for children.
Additionally, there are concerns about the uncertainty around student nutrition programs funded by the USDA.
Dr. Lisa Parady, ACSA Executive Director, said, “The decision to freeze federal financial assistance programs without warning places an unnecessary burden on school districts already navigating complex challenges, particularly in Alaska, where education systems are geographically and financially unique”
“We implore the current administration to carefully consider the profound and lasting impact this decision will have on children across the country.”
Lon Garrison, AASB Executive Director, notes, “AASB manages six federal grants totaling just over $6 million yearly. These grants are designed to improve learning conditions for all students and to enhance parent and community engagement in education. These grants create supportive systems and practices that can continue to thrive even after the original grant purposes have been fulfilled. The action to freeze these funds reaches deep into our communities and parents.”
Alaska’s education system is already grappling with a range of funding uncertainties, making it imperative for the State of Alaska to step forward and prioritize support for public schools. Strong state investment in education is critical now more than ever to mitigate the potential impacts of this federal pause and maintain essential services for students.
The ACSA and AASB remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting school districts and advocating for the resources necessary to meet the needs of Alaska’s students.
They will continue to work alongside education leaders and policymakers to ensure that every child in Alaska can access a stable, high-quality education, no matter the obstacles.