On Sept. 3, 1986, the Juneau School District saw 4,500 students enroll in school, the same amount as originally predicted. However, even with the number spot on, schools were overcrowded and a budget deficit of $160,000 arose from lack of funding from the state of Alaska. With the new influx of students, JSD had to pay for three new teachers, causing more money to be spent than previously planned.
Yet, good news regarding Alaska’s financial situation arose. Standard Oil Co’s latest price hike may mean an additional $100 million to the state budget. The estimate provided some hope for Alaskans across the state with problems like lack of funding for education.
As times change, the City and Borough of Juneau speculated if Juneau kids’ education should too. CBJ and the school board were caught in a debate on whether lessons on nuclear power should be included in schools or removed from the curriculum completely. Some argued that the information should only be taught in small dosage to elementary students, but that middle school and high school teens should be provided with this knowledge throughout their school careers.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire freelancer Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives.
