Dear ASD families and staff,

District staff have worked tirelessly to protect the progress we’re making in the classroom despite persistent financial challenges. We’ve made hard choices, streamlined operations, and used one-time savings to preserve student programs and staff positions. Yet today, we continue to face a steep hill to climb.

Our District is projecting a deficit of more than $75 million for next school year, FY2026–27. It’s the cumulative effect of underfunding and growing pressure on local, state and federal revenue sources. 

While the Legislature’s override of the Governor’s veto last summer was historic, it wasn’t enough to offset the cumulative impact of flat funding. Alaska’s per-student investment has declined by more than $1,400 in real value from 2011 projected through 2027. Without continued Legislative support for adequate school funding, ASD will have to cut staff and programs to balance the budget for next year. 

Our School Board has established 2026 Legislative Priorities that call for the restoration of education’s purchasing power, competitive retirement options, and full reimbursement for student transportation. These priorities reflect what our community values most: stable classrooms, strong teachers and safe, thriving schools.

This Thursday at 1:30 p.m. the School Board Finance Committee will have preliminary discussions on the budget development. You can watch live or on-demand at your convenience on the District’s YouTube channel. 

In early December, the District will host Balancing Act: a FY27 Budget Solutions Workshop. Using an interactive tool called Balancing Act, participants will be able to propose their own ideas for spending reductions and priorities. We are putting the finishing touches on the workshop details and will share an update when information is finalized.

Your voice matters. The decisions we make in the coming months will affect classrooms, programs, and opportunities for years to come. We hope you will help us find a path forward that reflects our shared commitment to Anchorage’s students.

Together, we can protect the progress we’ve made and strengthen the foundation for the future.

Respectfully, 

Dr. Jharrett Bryantt
Superintendent,
Anchorage School District