Gov. Sean Parnell on Tuesday announced the settlement of a 14-year-old lawsuit that alleged funding inequalities for rural public schools. In the agreement, Parnell committed to $146 million over the next four years to fund the state's five most important rural school construction projects.
The lawsuit is known as the Kasayulie case after lead plaintiffs, Willie and Sophie Kasayulie. It claimed many rural schools were crowded, in disrepair and not funded as well as schools in urban areas.
The agreement also confirms a state funding stream currently worth $38 million annually. New schools will be built in Emmonak, Koliganek, Nightmute, Kwethluk and Kivalina.
Charles Wohlforth, executive director of Citizens for the Educational Advancement of Alaska's Children, which pursued the case on behalf of the plaintiffs, said the agreement provides for a long-term solution for rural schools. He credited Alaska education commissioner Michael Hanley for a breakthrough in the case.
"What we've seen in working with Commissioner Hanley is an open-minded and caring person who really wants to solve these problems," Wohlforth said in a press release.
Filed in 1997, the case charged that rural school construction was neglected while urban schools received automatic funding via a school bond reimbursement formula. Superior Court Judge John Reese ruled in 1999 that the state's funding decisions were unconstitutional, inequitable, and racially discriminatory.
"Education remains my administration's priority," Parnell said in a press release, "and these new schools will provide rural students and teachers the facilities to pursue and achieve their educational goals."
See the state's settlement below (attached PDF).