The school board is calling on Gov. Mike Dunleavy and the Kenai Peninsula legislative delegation to provide adequate funding in the upcoming budget process.

During its Monday meeting, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution to send a letter, dated Dec. 3, to Dunleavy and peninsula state representatives and senators.

The letter asks Dunleavy to consider fully funding education as he creates his proposed FY 2021 budget, which is expected to be released this week. The school board is asking for full funding “to meet increasing costs and the diverse and significant needs of Alaska students.”

“Our success in schools and our graduation rate continue to rise,” the letter said. “Simultaneously, we have seen a rise in OCS and suicide risk referrals, and students who experience homelessness. The social-emotional health of our students is a priority in our district, and the investment to fully fund education for Alaska students is a promise for our future.”

The board’s letter also asks the state for early notification funding, saying it’s critical for sound financial management, stability, a focus on learning and for the recruitment and retention of quality educators.

“The KPBSD is accountable for the dollars entrusted to it and supports measures that will allow our district to operate in a more efficient manner,” the letter said.