A Data-Driven Approach to Transforming Alaska's Education System

Dear Parents, Educators, and Community Members.,

Here is the data, alongside the insightful critiques from several Alaskans with skin in the game. Many are concerned about being 49th in the nation in results when we already spend 6th highest; while facing a potential $2 Billion deficit within 3 years. Over the last few hours I have received input from many different Alaskans concerned with our education system as a whole. I share their concern. Please, follow everyone listed in this article for current Alaskan information. I received inputs from @AndrewsKD49, @ak_keddie, @EdMarshall97, and @KGAK100 that provide a clear mandate for change in our approach to education in Alaska alongside the data shown in this data here: https://public.flourish.studio/story/2853107/ As well as other metrics posted on Alaska DEED: https://education.alaska.gov/assessment-results/ADP/ADPResults?DistrictYear=2024-2025&DistrictId=5 As I run for School Board Seat A, I am committed to leveraging this data as well as every resource available, to drive real reform in our education system.

The Data-Driven Critique:

• Spending vs. Outcomes: National data from the Education Week's Quality Counts report places Alaska at 6th in per-pupil spending, yet we find ourselves near the bottom in student performance according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) [Reference: @EdMarshall97]. This stark contrast was highlighted by Ed, who has witnessed this decline over nearly 30 years of involvement with Alaska's schools.

• Fiscal Responsibility:

  @KGAK100's analysis, based on state budget reports and oil market forecasts, warns of a potential escalation of our current $1.5 billion deficit. If oil prices drop to $60 per barrel, as predicted by some economic models, and we continue with the proposed education funding increases under HB69, our deficit could grow to between $3 and $6 billion within 2-3 years [Reference: @KGAK100, Alaska State Budget Reports].

• Accountability: @AndrewsKD49 emphasizes the lack of accountability in our education system, pointing out that there's no empirical evidence linking increased funding to improved student outcomes [Reference: @AndrewsKD49]. This is supported by data from the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) showing stagnant or declining performance metrics despite funding increases.

• Inflation and Funding Models:

  @ak_keddie critiques the fiscal instability caused by inflation-adjusted funding without a stable revenue source, a concern that aligns with economic data showing Alaska's dependence on federal funds and oil revenue, both of which are unpredictable [Reference: @ak_keddie, Alaska Economic Trends].

• Economic Turmoil: Insights from the Senate Finance Committee at the start of this legislative session, as noted by @EdMarshall97, reveal Alaska's economic challenges, with federal funding, PFD earnings, and declining oil revenues contributing to our financial instability [Reference: @EdMarshall97].

Why Data-Driven Change is Imperative:

• Economic Data: Alaska's financial situation, as detailed in state budget documents, is dire. The reliance on oil, with prices expected to decrease, necessitates a reevaluation of our funding strategy for education. Governor Dunleavy's long-term financial plan projects a $16 billion deficit over the next decade, making it critical to align educational investments with economic realities [Reference: Governor Dunleavy's Budget Forecast].

• Educational Performance: Data from standardized tests like the NAEP consistently show Alaska underperforming compared to national averages, despite high spending [Reference: NAEP Data]. This disconnect demands a shift towards outcome-focused funding.

• Community Insights: The qualitative data from community members like @AndrewsKD49, @ak_keddie, @EdMarshall97, and @KGAK100 provide real-world context to the quantitative data, showing a community ready for change.

My Data-Focused Plan for Reform:

• Comprehensive Audit: Inspired by @EdMarshall97's call, I will advocate for a thorough audit of the BSA and administrative spending, using data from DEED and state financial reports to ensure efficiency and effectiveness [Reference: @EdMarshall97]

• Outcome-Based Funding: Funding decisions will be based on clear performance metrics from student assessments, ensuring we invest in what works, as highlighted by @AndrewsKD49's demand for accountability [Reference: @AndrewsKD49].

• Sustainable Funding Strategies: Addressing @KGAK100's fiscal concerns, I'll push for alternative revenue strategies, reducing our dependency on volatile sources like oil and federal reliance, in line with economic forecasts and state budget planning [Reference: @KGAK100]

• Reform in Curriculum and Teacher Support: Utilizing educational research and local performance data, we'll focus on enhancing teacher quality and modernizing curricula, as @ak_keddie suggests, to address specific student needs [Reference: @ak_keddie].

• Local Customization: Recognizing the varied needs across districts, I'll ensure policies are tailored using local data, promoting equity and efficiency in education delivery [Reference: @ak_keddie, Alaska School District Reports].

As your candidate for School Board Seat A, I am committed to turning the data into action while utilizing all resources, ensuring our education system reflects not just the investment we make but the outcomes we achieve. Let's build an educational future for Alaska that is sustainable, accountable, and focused on our children's success.

Vote Alexander Rosales for Anchorage School Board Seat A—let’s make our educational decisions data-driven, transparent, and transformative.

Your vote for America's future,

Alexander Rosales #AKElect #AKLeg #AnchorageSchoolBoard #Alaska #EducationReform #EducationFunding