Newly introduced legislation would empower Alaska students to apply to attend any public school in the state.
Why It Matters
- Gov. Dunleavy’s proclamation of School Choice Week declared that the state “must prioritize providing a multitude of educational options for parents that align with the values and needs of families.”
- This bill will likely be well-received by Alaskans – recent in-state polling noted that 75% of Alaskans support public school open enrollment.
- National polling mirrors this sentiment – 68% of Americans (75% of K-12 parents) support making it possible for students to access any public school in their state, regardless of where they live.
- Passing open enrollment legislation will ensure all Alaska families have an opportunity to access whatever public school meets their child’s learning needs.
What We’re Saying
“We are pleased Gov. Dunleavy is leading on this important issue,” said Marcus D. San Marino, vice president of government affairs, yes. every kid. “We look forward to working with him and legislative leaders to help ensure Alaska kids can access the schools that best meet their needs.”
Background on the legislation:
- Empowers parents to apply for their children to attend any public school in the state.
- Requires that schools report their capacity by grade level and accept open enrollment students on a rolling basis if they have open seats.
- Gives parents the right to appeal the denial of an open enrollment application.
About yes. every kid.
yes. every kid. is a leading advocacy team with a family-first approach to transform America’s education policy landscape. We work to transform education away from the current top-down standardized model to a bottom-up approach that enables every family and student to customize an education that best matches their values and priorities.
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