Dear ASD Community,

As election results continue to come in, it is becoming clear that Anchorage voters did not approve Proposition 1 (school security and safety upgrades) and Proposition 9 (special levy to retain more than 80 teachers).

I want to begin by thanking our community. We know this was not a simple decision. Families across Anchorage are navigating real financial pressures, and this year, we asked voters to consider two measures at the same time. We are grateful to everyone who took the time to participate in our local elections. 

We also know that this outcome will be received in very different ways across our community. 

For some, this result is disappointing, especially given what it may mean for class sizes and school facilities. For others, this vote reflects genuine concerns about affordability, trust, and how the district operates. Both perspectives matter, and both deserve to be heard. 

What we know today is what voters decided. What we do not yet fully understand is why. There are many perspectives across the Anchorage community, and it would be a mistake to assume we fully understand the reasons without listening more deeply. That work starts now. 

We will share a clear plan for how we will engage across our community in the weeks ahead. Our goal is to better understand what this outcome means to you and what must change to earn your trust and support.

At the same time, I want to be clear about what this outcome means for our schools. 

I know this is difficult news and may raise real concerns for many of you, particularly when it comes to class sizes next year. As a public school district, our people are our most important resource, especially the educators who work directly with students everyday. Because Proposition 9 did not pass, we will need to move forward with fewer classroom teacher positions next school year. This will result in larger class sizes across many schools. 

We will be sharing more detailed information directly with staff later this week.

Without the bond, some anticipated safety and security upgrades to our schools will be delayed. We will share more information about next steps regarding our school facilities in the coming weeks. 

We also have heard clearly that many in our community expect ASD to take a hard look at how we operate. That includes reevaluating how decisions are made, how we use our resources, and how we engage with the public. This work must go beyond words. It requires us to listen with humility, reflect, and be willing to do things differently. 

As we take on this work, we will remain focused on what matters most: our students. Every decision we make will continue to be guided by our responsibility to support their learning, safety and success. 

It also is important to understand that this moment is part of a larger and ongoing financial challenge for the Anchorage School District, and other districts statewide. Even after significant reductions to balance our FY27 budget, we are still facing a projected deficit of more than $40 million for FY28 and more than $30 million for FY29. More difficult decisions are ahead.

Each year, the cost of operating our schools increases, just as it does for families and local businesses. The largest drivers are salaries, health care, and utilities. When revenue from the state and local sources does not keep pace with those rising costs, a deficit is created. Because the majority of our budget supports people, addressing that gap often results in fewer staff in schools. That directly affects class sizes, student supports, and the day-to-day experience in our buildings. 

At the same time, it remains unclear what level of funding for school districts across Alaska will receive from the state. That uncertainty makes planning more difficult, and adds to the challenges ahead.

This is not the end of the conversation. It is the beginning of the next phase of our work, and it will require partnership, honesty, and a shared commitment to continuously improve. Our students are depending on us to get this right. 

With gratitude,

Jharrett Bryantt, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Anchorage School District