Better Schools Today, Stronger Community Tomorrow
# **Alaska’s Schools: A $1 Billion Question on the Ballot**
## **The Crisis in Alaska’s Classrooms**
Alaska’s schools serve **45,000 students daily**, yet many buildings still reflect the design and technology of the **1950s and 1960s**. Leaky roofs, outdated electrical wiring, and limited accessibility aren’t just inconveniences—they pose **real risks** to safety, learning, and student health.
Now, **Proposition 1** puts that reality on the ballot, asking voters to approve **$1 billion in upgrades** that could redefine Anchorage’s education landscape.
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## **Safety First: Controlled Access & Emergency Readiness**
Security isn’t just about metal detectors—it’s about **who enters our schools**. Proposition 1 funds **controlled building access**, ensuring staff can monitor visitors and prevent unauthorized entry.
But safety also means **power reliability**. Many schools, like **Bettye Davis East High**, operate with **50-year-old roofs and failing electrical systems**, leaving classrooms vulnerable to **outages and extreme weather**. Modernizing infrastructure isn’t just about comfort—it’s about **keeping students safe and classrooms operational**.
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## **Healthier Meals, Healthier Futures**
Outdated kitchens mean **processed meals wrapped in plastic**—but Proposition 1 could change that. By **modernizing school kitchens**, districts can shift toward **fresh, locally sourced meals cooked on-site**, reducing waste and improving **student nutrition**.
A healthier diet means better focus in class and a smaller environmental footprint.
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The Cost of Delay: Why Repairs Can’t Wait
Some argue that repairing older schools like Lake Otis—slated for closure—isn’t worth it. But the real issue isn’t the buildings—it’s declining enrollment.
Lake Otis’s failing roof and outdated wiring have been documented since 2020, and delaying repairs has only increased costs. Now, funding upgrades now could save millions while giving a new charter school a safe, functional space to operate.
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Romig Middle School: A Case for Modernization
Built in 1961, Romig Middle School needs: ✔ A new roof to prevent leaks ✔ Better insulation for energy efficiency ✔ Wheelchair-accessible entrances to meet modern standards
Without repairs, schools risk becoming harder to use, more expensive to maintain, and less safe—forcing districts into costly emergency fixes down the line.
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A Vote for the Future
Proposition 1 isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about the people who use them every day.
- Fewer emergencies mean less disruption to learning.
- Healthier meals mean better performance in class.
- Modern facilities mean safer, more inclusive environments.
This November, voters aren’t just choosing between buildings—they’re choosing the kind of community they want to build.
--- The Question: Will Alaska invest in its schools now—or pay the price later?
