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A high cost of living and lack of a pension strain teachers in Alaska. Would bonuses help keep them?

Associated Press

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People rally outside the Alaska Capitol, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska, in support of increased funding for public schools in the state. The rally was set to take place the night of Gov. Mike Dunleavy's State of the State speech but the speech was delayed until Jan. 30 after high winds disrupted flights carrying speech guests and Cabinet members. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
People rally outside the Alaska Capitol, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska, in support of increased funding for public schools in the state. The rally was set to take place the night of Gov. Mike Dunleavy's State of the State speech but the speech was delayed until Jan. 30 after high winds disrupted flights carrying speech guests and Cabinet members. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
Cory Hughes, back row, right, is pictured with the junior high basketball team he helped coach in Kasigiluk, Alaska, Dec. 16, 2022. Hughes, dean of students in Nunapitchuk, Alaska, said he loves his community and wants to stay there but said the retirement system currently available for teachers in Alaska makes the idea of retiring in the rural community nearly impossible. (Bo Sahr via AP)
Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters during a news conference on topics including education, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)
Alaska Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters during a news conference on topics including education, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska. Dunleavy, a former educator, is advocating an approach to K-12 education that includes promoting charter schools and the payment of bonuses to teachers as a way to keep them on the job. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)

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People rally outside the Alaska Capitol, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024, in Juneau, Alaska, in support of increased funding for public schools in the state. The rally was set to take place the night of Gov. Mike Dunleavy's State of the State speech but the speech was delayed until Jan. 30 after high winds disrupted flights carrying speech guests and Cabinet members. (AP Photo/Becky Bohrer)