Hi! The Alaska Memo is a political newsletter by me, Matt Acuña Buxton, focused on Alaska politics with a dash of Anchorage and a smattering of everywhere else. At the heart of it, my mission is to explain not just what happened but why it matters, bringing in the context and background that I’ve amassed in more than a decade of reporting in Alaska.
Deep Dive: The flaws in Dunleavy's two-tier education system
The governor's proposals would leave most students out in the cold in educational environments that are both figuratively — and literally — condemned.
Deep dive: Let's be honest about Dunleavy's two-tier education system.
Behind all the rhetoric that neighborhood schools must do the impossible with less, what Dunleavy is proposing is a system that funnels what little funding he will support to the few — while leaving everyone else to fight over the scraps.
New Year, New Platform and a New Session of Hope
A new home for a new year.
33-27
A lot can change in a few months, and even more can change in a year.
Dunleavy's education bill alternative would be a boost for some, a cut for the rest
It's Friday, Alaska! In this edition: As expected, GOP Gov. Mike Dunleavy delivered his second veto of what legislators hoped would be a much-needed funding lifeline for public schools on Thursday. Instead, he's pushing to get his way with policies and targeted funding that will see
House passes budget that needs more work, approves cellphone ban that doesn't ban cellphones
There's still a long way to go on the budget.
UA Regents' appeasement doesn't spare students or funding / House votes down anti-abortion amendment, cuts trans care
It's Tuesday, Alaska. In this edition: Even though the University of Alaska Board of Regents voted to preemptively appease the Trump administration by self-censoring any mentions of diversity, equity, inclusion and, sometimes, Alaska Natives, the president's attack on higher education hit Alaska on Monday. Four international
As everything falls apart, school funding advances and much-delayed salary study is released
Oh how things can change in 80 days.
Education bill advances with homeschool testing requirement and UA Regents rebuked for anti-DEI measure
The new provisions are aimed at shining light on just how effective homeschool programs actually are. Meanwhile, regents were forced to squirm a bit over their decision to preemptively censor the university system.
Public education is 'not failing, it's starving'
As districts are forced to do more with less, school administrators say it's an impossible task that is undermining the quality of the school system.
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