By Gretchen Wehmhoff

Students from across Alaska walked out of school simultaneously on April 4 for exactly 40 minutes. They wanted the legislature to know that educational funding was about them.

The 40 minutes symbolized the number of votes needed to override Gov. Dunleavy’s veto of Senate Bill 140, previously passed by both bodies of the legislature.  The override failed by one vote.

Skagway students were committed to the cause. A few dozen high school students left class in sync with other schools in Alaska. 

Sophomore Lina Hischer spoke to the group once students were assembled in front of the school.

“Occasionally there are moments when we feel compelled to stand up and make our voices heard. As a student who depends on the public school system, knowing that our governor Dunleavy vetoed SB 140, is beyond frustrating to hear that the funding for essential educational resources and programs may be jeopardized, directly impacting our academic success and future,” Hischer began.

Her speech was filled with historical information about SB 14o and funding impacts, a plan student government members had worked on.

“We knew that probably half the high schoolers didn’t know anything about Senate Bill 140 or cared. So that’s why we came with a lot of information,” junior Calvin Miller said.

The community audience was small.  Fuel trucks honked as they drove by and a small group of parents and community members came out for support.

Miller, public relations officer for Skagway student government, said they had spoken the superintendent with teachers before the walkout.  While the staff was supportive of the students’ rights and commitment, there were some teachers who where hesitant about missing class and other who wished them well and mentioned they would like to have been able to join them.  The walkout was during school hours, so staff would not be free to join the protest.

Miller is also the junior representative for Region Five.

Charles Deach, secretary of student council was part of the organization team.

The Student Council will be traveling to Utqiagvik later in April for the Alaska Association of Student Governments.  Five members will attend.