Contact:
Scott Kendall, Counsel to Alaskans for Excellent Public Education
smkendall@hwb-law.com
907-222-8422
“Alaska Students’ Educational Bill of Rights” promotes excellence in public education
2020 initiative will create opportunities, standards, and access to public education in Alaska
from Pre-K to the University of Alaska
ANCHORAGE (August 2, 2019) -- Today, Alaska education leaders submitted a ballot measure
application to fortify a continuous system of high quality public education. The ballot initiative
provides detailed direction and benchmarks to improve outcomes and increase opportunities
and accessibility to an excellent education for every Alaska student.
If approved by the voters in the November 2020 election, the initiative would ensure that Alaska
students of all ages have access to a high quality public education.
“It is well documented that participation in early learning and pre-elementary programs lead to
higher educational achievement, better health, and higher socioeconomic status in adulthood,”
said early childhood education advocate, Rabbi Abram Goodstein. “Too many Alaska kids
never even have the chance to learn from trained educators prior to kindergarten or first grade.
The Alaska Students’ Educational Bill of Rights gives parents the opportunity to vote for early
learning opportunities and a continuous system of high quality public education.”
“All Alaska children deserve the opportunity, support, and time to learn. This measure is about
ensuring that Alaska families know they have sufficiently resourced public education institutions
for early learning, K-12 and post-secondary education,’ said 2016 Alaska Teacher of the Year
Amy Jo Meiners.
“Our University is established in our Alaska State Constitution. Alaska students should be able
to pursue an excellent higher education right here in Alaska at a university that is affordable and
accessible to all Alaskans,” said University of Alaska Anchorage student, and Executive at UAA
Student Government, Alexander Jorgensen.
If approved, the ballot measure makes clear that Alaskans expect their leaders to invest in a
quality education system as defined by Alaska voters.
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Alaskans for Excellent Education is a ballot committee that is working to give Alaskan voters a
voice in public education.
This communication was Paid for By Alaskans for Excellent Public Education
Amy Jo Meiners, Chair, approved this message.