Alaska wins federal equalization certification for FY2027 Impact Aid

The Alaska Department of Education and Early Development announced June 18, 2026, that the U.S. Department of Education has certified Alaska's school funding formula for State Fiscal Year 2027, allowing the state to count a portion of eligible federal Impact Aid payments when calculating state aid to school districts. State Fiscal Year 2027 runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

The U.S. Department of Education found Alaska's inter-district revenue disparity at 21.3 percent for State Fiscal Year 2027, below the 25 percent ceiling required for certification under Section 7009(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. States certified as equalized may count Impact Aid in their funding formulas. States that fail the equalization test must let districts keep the full benefit of those payments without any state offset. The FY2027 certification allows Alaska to continue participating in the federal Impact Aid disparity program.

Impact Aid provides federal support to school districts affected by the presence of tax-exempt federal lands, military installations, Alaska Native lands, and other federal activities. Alaska's FY2026 equalization appeal remains pending with the U.S. Department of Education. The department determined independently that Alaska meets all requirements for FY2027 certification while that appeal continues.

"This certification recognizes that Alaska's school funding formula continues to meet the federal standard for equalization," Commissioner Deena Bishop said. "Alaska's formula accounts for the unique challenges of educating students across a vast and diverse state, from remote rural communities to our largest cities, while supporting opportunities for all students."

Media inquiries can be directed to Public Information Officer Bryan Zadalis at [email protected] or (907) 465-2800.