The bill proposes significant amendments to Alaska's education laws, focusing on various aspects such as public school attendance, mobile device usage, reading proficiency grants, charter school establishment, student transportation, and school bond debt reimbursement. It ensures that school-age children can attend public schools without tuition in their resident districts and allows applications to other schools under specific conditions. The bill also introduces a policy regulating the use of personal mobile communication devices in schools and establishes reading proficiency incentive grants for K-6 students who meet performance criteria. Additionally, it modifies the funding structure for student transportation services and extends the timeline for bond debt reimbursement applications related to school construction projects.

Key financial incentives are introduced for full-time teachers, including a $5,000 lump sum payment for those who complete a full school term, with additional allocations of $10,000 or $15,000 for teachers in designated districts to enhance retention and recruitment. The bill also mandates the education committees to prepare a report with recommendations for public school funding changes and alternative student performance metrics. Furthermore, it adjusts reimbursement percentages for municipalities based on the authorization date of tax-exempt bonds for school projects, establishing new rates for projects authorized after July 1, 2030. Overall, the bill aims to improve educational opportunities, funding mechanisms, and support for educators in Alaska.

Statutes affected:
SB0082A, AM SB 82, introduced 01/31/2025: 14.03.080, 14.14.110, 14.14.120, 14.17.600, 14.03.300, 14.30.760, 14.03.124, 14.03.255, 14.03.290, 14.07.170, 14.03.250, 14.03.253, 14.09.010, 14.11.014, 14.11.100, 14.07.020, 14.11.008, 14.11.102, 14.16.200, 14.17.410, 14.17.470, 14.17.450, 14.17.460, 14.17.430, 14.17.420, 14.17.510, 29.45.110, 14.17.400