Joshua Garrett was enjoying a quiet Saturday when he learned that Alaska lawmakers had overridden Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of $50 million in school funding — news that will restore more than $100,000 to the Wrangell school district’s revenues.

For the new schools superintendent, the Legislature’s 45-14 vote on Aug. 2 represented more than just a small bit of financial relief. It offered validation as he prepares for his first school year leading the district.

Classes will begin Aug. 21.

“Obviously, this is great news,” Garrett said. “Anytime we can secure an extra dollar for these kids, it’s a step in the right direction.”

The funding restoration reduces pressure on the district financial reserves and provides what Garrett called “a little bit more cushion” for the 2025-2026 school year budget, which is already set.

While $100,000 represents a small fraction of the district’s $6 million spending plan, Garrett sees broader significance in lawmakers’ willingness to challenge the governor on state education funding.

“I think this was the Legislature telling us, and the governor, that they’ll do what they need to do to support students and education,” he said. “It helps us start the new school year with even more optimism.”

Building momentum

That optimism extends beyond funding. Garrett said he’s energized by recent staff additions, including Evergreen Elementary School Principal Cathy Winn and counselor Angela Taylor, who brings international experience that will help students navigate college and trade school applications.

“There’s just a lot of energy and enthusiasm with all of the faculty and staff in general,” he said.

The positive momentum comes after what Garrett said was as strong financial stewardship by his predecessor, Bill Burr, and the school board, which built the 2025-2026 budget assuming no increase in state funding.

With the Legislature’s decision to override the governor’s veto of a slice of the money, the full funding increase for schools approved by lawmakers will take effect and result in more than $400,000 in additional state aid flowing to Wrangell schools. That will reduce by almost half the amount the district will need to pull out of its reserves for 2025-2026.

“Bill and the board did such a great job of managing the money,” Garrett said. “They took a conservative approach and anticipated things getting more tight, and really put us in a good position. There are potentially difficult discussions that can be avoided now.”

Remaining challenges

Despite the funding boost and new staff, challenges remain. The district still needs an activities director, a position Garrett hopes to fill before the school year begins. The director manages travel and scheduling for all student activities, including sports, arts and music.

“We really want to encourage people who might be interested to apply,” he said. “We do need to fill that position, so hopefully we will get some applications really soon.”