Dear Editor: The Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB) expresses profound disappointment following Governor Dunleavy’s veto of HB 78 and the Alaska Legislature’s subsequent failure on May 19 to override that veto. HB 78 was one of the most thoroughly vetted and debated pieces of legislation, garnering broad bipartisan support. Unfortunately, the outcome means Alaska’s public schools and other public employers will continue without one of the most important tools for recruiting and retaining a stable, experienced workforce: a competitive defined benefit retirement option.
For decades, Alaska’s locally elected school boards have worked to fulfill their constitutional responsibility to provide an excellent public education for every student, every day. Yet school districts continue to confront severe challenges recruiting and retaining teachers, administrators, and support staff. High turnover, persistent vacancies, and growing reliance on short-term staffing solutions undermine continuity for students and place additional burdens on communities and districts statewide.
AASB has long supported restoring access to a defined benefit retirement system to attract and retain qualified educators and leaders in Alaska. Since 2005, our membership has reaffirmed this support through resolutions and legislative priorities. HB 78 aligns with our goals for educator recruitment and retention, reflecting years of effort to create a modern, actuarially managed system that improves workforce stability and includes fiscal safeguards.
School boards can work to improve culture, support educators, advocate for funding, and strengthen local conditions. But one factor remains largely outside their control: the ability to offer a retirement benefit competitive enough to encourage educators and administrators to build careers—and retire—in Alaska.
This issue goes beyond benefits, questioning Alaska’s ability to attract talented professionals, maintain stable schools staffed by experienced educators, and foster long-term community-educator relationships. It’s not just about retirement—it’s a workforce, retention, and most importantly, a student success issue.
While deeply disappointed by this outcome, AASB remains steadfast in its commitment. We will continue working with the next administration, future Legislatures, education partners, and local school boards to restore a defined benefit option and strengthen Alaska’s competitiveness as an employer.
We also extend our deep gratitude and appreciation to the legislators who worked tirelessly over many years to advance this effort. Bringing HB 78 to the threshold of becoming law required extraordinary perseverance, leadership, and willingness to engage in difficult conversations about Alaska’s future workforce. We recognize your fortitude and persistence, and we thank you for your continued commitment to Alaska’s students, educators, and communities.
With this setback, Alaska’s educator shortage remains. The challenge of retaining experienced professionals remains. The responsibility to provide every child with access to excellent educators remains.
And so, our work continues.
Lon Garrison
Executive Director
Association of Alaska School Boards
