As he has done each year, Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a proclamation to kick off Alaska School Choice Week, which is part of a national movement to highlight the broad range of educational options, including homeschool, private and religious education and various forms of public schooling.
While the movement is largely ignored by traditional brick-and-mortar public school systems, it is commonly celebrated by home, private, religious and charter school advocates who are working to expand school choice options around the nation.
As reported earlier by the Watchman, Anchorage will have a School Choice Expo on Jan. 31 to showcase the full slate of options available to families who wish to maximize the educational experience of their children. Simultaneously, Catholic schools across the state are celebrating Catholic Schools Week with special events and liturgies.
PROCLAMATION BY GOV. DUNLEAVY
WHEREAS, all children in Alaska should have access to the highest quality education possible; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska recognizes the important role that an effective education plays in preparing all students in Alaska to become successful adults; and
WHEREAS, it is essential to provide families with a variety of educational options that align with their values and meet their needs while overcoming the obstacle of our State’s unique geographical challenges; and
WHEREAS, Alaska has many teaching professionals who are committed to high-quality education in traditional public schools, public charter schools, magnet schools, private schools, online learning, and homeschooling; and
WHEREAS, quality education that gives students the choice to pursue vocations in which they have natural skills and passion helps prepare and diversify our workforce, enhances the vibrancy of our communities, and is critically important to the economic vitality of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, School Choice Week is celebrated across the country by millions of students, parents, educators, schools, and organizations to raise awareness of the need for effective educational options and to encourage support for further access to educational choices.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim January 25 – 31, 2026 as: Alaska School Choice Week in Alaska and encourage all Alaskans to support, promote, and increase the different forms of education choices available to our children and commend Alaska’s educators for their dedication to teaching our youth.
