U.S. Department of Education Certifies Alaska's School Funding Formula for State Fiscal Year 2027

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2026

Juneau, Alaska - The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) announced today that the U.S. Department of Education has certified Alaska under Section 7009(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for State Fiscal Year 2027, confirming that Alaska's public school funding system continues to meet federal equalization requirements.

The certification allows Alaska to consider a portion of eligible federal Impact Aid payments when calculating state aid to school districts during State Fiscal Year 2027, which runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

"This certification recognizes that Alaska's school funding formula continues to meet the federal standard for equalization," said Commissioner Deena Bishop. "Alaska's formula accounts for the unique challenges of educating students across a vast and diverse state, from remote rural communities to our largest cities, while supporting opportunities for all students."

As part of the federal review process, the U.S. Department of Education evaluates whether a state's funding formula sufficiently equalizes educational revenues among school districts. For FY2027, the Department determined that Alaska's revenue disparity was 21.3 percent, below the federal maximum threshold of 25 percent required for certification.

The FY2027 certification is separate from Alaska's ongoing appeal of the U.S. Department of Education's FY2026 determination. While that appeal remains pending, the Department has independently determined that Alaska meets all requirements for certification for State Fiscal Year 2027, allowing the state to continue participating in the federal Impact Aid disparity program.

Impact Aid provides federal support to school districts affected by the presence of tax-exempt federal lands, military installations, Alaska Native lands, and other federal activities.

About the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development implements and administers Alaska's education laws and policies, supports school districts and educators, oversees statewide academic standards and accountability systems, and works to ensure that every Alaska student has access to a high-quality education. DEED carries out the education laws enacted by the State of Alaska and provides leadership, resources, and support to improve outcomes for students across the state.

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The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development provides information, resources, and leadership to support over 130,000 students in 505 public schools across the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to ensure an "Excellent Education for Every Student Every Day."

Media Contact: Bryan Zadalis, Public Information Officer - (907) 465-2800