Tribal Schools Set to Receive $17.5M Funding for Startup Grants and Operations

The Alaska Legislature's House Tribal Affairs Committee convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss funding allocations for tribally compacted public schools. The meeting focused on the financial framework established for these schools, which will receive funding through a foundation formula and a one-time startup grant.

The committee outlined that each tribally compacted public school will receive funding based on a formula that includes a one-time startup grant set at 45% of the base allocation. For fiscal year 2026, the projected total cost for the startup grants is $5.4 million, while the foundation formula funding is estimated at $12.1 million, bringing the total projected cost to $17.5 million.

Specific funding allocations were discussed for various tribal schools. For instance, the Tlingit Haida school in the Juneau School District is projected to receive $1.866 million, which includes a one-time startup grant of $578,000 and foundation funding of $1.29 million. The Ketchikan Indian Community school is expected to receive $3.357 million, with a startup grant of $1.04 million and foundation funding of $2.32 million. Other schools, such as King Island and the Village of Solomon, and the Connect Tribe school, also received detailed funding projections.

The committee acknowledged that the impact on existing school districts remains uncertain due to potential shifts in student enrollment and adjustments to funding formulas. The actual foundation formula funding will be finalized after the student count period in October 2025.

Additionally, the committee discussed the Pupil Transportation Grant, which will be allocated per pupil, noting that any fiscal impact would be offset by a decrease in funding to the associated school district. A one-time legal fee of $6,000 was also mentioned for implementing necessary regulations.

Representative Story raised concerns about planning for potential student transfers to tribally compacted schools, emphasizing the importance of advance notice for school districts to adjust their budgets accordingly. Dr. Joel Isaac responded, highlighting the challenges in predicting student movement but reaffirming the goal of providing school districts with adequate notice to mitigate surprises in enrollment shifts.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration between tribal schools and existing school districts to ensure a smooth transition and to address the educational needs of families in the region.