base student allocation

School had just ended for the week in Unalaska, but not all students were celebrating. More than 30 students proceeded to march to Unalaska City Hall to show support for House Bill 69. The state bill would increase the base student allocation (BSA), the basic per-student state funding that goes to schools each year.

The Unalaska City School District has approved its budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year, and is asking the city for about $6.14 million. The school board unanimously approved the budget draft at its meeting earlier this month. The proposal has gone through various revisions and discussions, including a town hall and committee meetings. Now, it will head to City Hall where council members will decide how much funding they can spare for the island’s schools.

The Alaska House of Representatives voted to boost education spending last week, bringing a balanced budget one step closer to reality for the Unalaska City School District. But school officials are keeping the district’s belt tight until a permanent increase in the base student allocation, or BSA, becomes law.

It’s not unheard of for Alaska schools to build their budgets without knowing for sure how much the state will provide. In recent years, that contribution hasn’t been much, especially when compared to the growing rates of inflation. But many school districts across the state are facing deficits this year, forcing them to make hard decisions. The Unalaska City School District is no exception.

Unalaska City School District officials are advocating for more education funding during their annual visits to the Alaska State Legislature. A top priority is increasing the base student allocation, or BSA — that’s a number the state uses to determine how much funding each district receives per student.

The Unalaska City Council will give the school district its full funding request this year.Vice Mayor Alejandro “Bong” Tungul supported granting the request.“Our school is our pride and joy in the community, and kids are our future,” Tungul said.

The Unalaska City School District is predicting a deficit and is asking the city for nearly $6 million to fund its fiscal year 2025 budget. That’s about half a million dollars more than last year’s ask, and includes the maximum allowable contribution from the city’s general fund. Superintendent Kim Hanisch said at a recent city council meeting that the school is projecting an $8.2 million budget and a significant deficit.

Local schools won’t be impacted by Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s education budget vetoes in the upcoming school year, according to officials with the Unalaska City School District. In fact, the district is slated to receive more than district officials budgeted for.