4/06/2026 School Board Recap

Key takeaways:

• State Representative Kopp presents on HB78, proposed new retirement model
• Legislative Update forecasts State budget, says one time education funds possible, BSA increase less likely
• Superintendent introduces plan to transition STEM certification to Klatt
• Board votes to approve adjusted ASD school year calendars for the 2026-27 school year

 

On Monday, April 6, 2026, the Anchorage School Board held a work session at 4 p.m., followed by a Board meeting at 6 p.m. 

Work sessions, committee meetings, and Board meetings are open to the public. Meetings take place at the Education Center and can be watched live or on demand on the District’s YouTube Channel.

Anchorage School Board Resources:

Calendar of upcoming meetings

School Board meeting agendas

 

Work Session Review

The Board Work Session agenda is available to review. A recording of the meeting is available for playback. 

 

House bill 78

Presenter: State of Alaska Legislator Chuck Kopp

The Board heard a presentation from State Legislator Chuck Kopp on House Bill 78, which proposes a new retirement model for Alaska Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS). 

The State of Alaska previously offered a traditional pension, but shifted in the mid-2000s to a defined contribution (401k-style) plan due to rising liabilities and concerns about long-term sustainability. 

How it works 

Kopp introduced HB 78 to the Board as “a pension like nothing the State has seen before” with built-in safeguards. He described the bill’s “shared-risk” model among employers, employees, and retirees. Employer contributions remain capped at current levels (about 12.56% of payroll), with no additional cost to school districts. Employees contribute 8–12%, with adjustments only if system funding drops below 90%, and retirees may share risk through changes to inflation-proofing.

Kopp emphasized that risk is highly unlikely. State actuaries modeled conditions required for the plan to fall below 90% funding and found it would take three consecutive years of zero investment returns. Kopp compared the likelihood to a “meteor strike” saying that this scenario has never occurred. 

HB 78 also strengthens healthcare benefits. Educators would vest after 10 years, meaning they earn the right to keep the healthcare savings they have accrued even if they leave the system, gain earlier access to full healthcare (reduced from 30 to 25 years of service), and have the ability to use accumulated benefits to bridge coverage until Medicare eligibility. The system is designed to provide more stable, long-term healthcare access in retirement.

Benefits 

For employees, this improves retirement security and benefits. For school districts, it maintains current cost levels while offering long-term payroll relief and helping address recruitment and retention challenges. At the state level, the plan is expected to reduce turnover costs, lower reliance on overtime, and remain financially sustainable.

Timeline

HB 78 is advancing through the legislature, with a Senate vote expected soon and positive signals of support. 

ASD support

Anchorage Education Association (AEA) president Christi Sitz shared with the Board during the meeting that AEA supports the legislation. 

The Board noted it would later consider whether to support HB 78 through a resolution or letter of support.

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Legislative Update
 

Presenter: Heather K. Brakes, Partner, Legislative Consultants

The Board received a legislative update on the State’s budget outlook and current education funding proposals.

Budget Overview
Brakes reported that the Legislature began the session with an estimated $500 million deficit in FY26, though updated spring forecasts suggest that deficit may be largely offset if revenues hold. The FY27 budget is currently based on an oil price forecast of $75 per barrel (up from $62), generating significant additional revenue.

She emphasized that the revenue forecast used by the Legislature is inherently uncertain and influenced by global events, including recent conflict in the Middle East. Legislative leadership is urging caution, with the Senate signaling a preference for a more conservative $73 per barrel assumption. Even small changes in oil price can significantly impact revenue.

The operating budget has passed out of House Finance and is in the early stages of the process. It will move to the House floor, then to the Senate, followed by a conference committee to reconcile differences.

Education Funding
One time funds included in the current early version of the State budget includes approximately $158.6 million in one-time, outside-the-formula funding (roughly equivalent to a $630 BSA increase), which would guarantee a $7,290 BSA if enacted.

The budget also fully funds school bond debt reimbursement, along with additional investments.

Two bills proposing permanent BSA increases (HB 374 and SB 277) remain under consideration; however, Brakes indicated that a one-time funding approach is probably a more likely scenario at this stage.

Capital & Fiscal Priorities
The Senate is expected to prioritize school construction and major maintenance, signaling potential significant investment in capital projects. 

The Governor’s fiscal plan includes new revenue measures, a spending cap, and changes to the Permanent Fund Dividend structure.

Overall, Brakes emphasized that the State remains in the early stages of the budget process, with significant uncertainty ahead. Final outcomes will depend on legislative negotiations, oil price stability, and the Governor’s position.

HB 78 Update
When asked for feedback on why opposing legislators do not support HB 78, Brakes shared that the bill remains a priority for legislative leadership. While there is support, concerns remain by some, particularly regarding the potential for future unfunded liability, despite proposed safeguards.

Presentation from this meeting

Alaska Department of Education and Early Development FY2027 Capital Improvement Projects

 

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Board Meeting Review

Resources from this meeting:

The Agenda as presented was approved by the Board. 

 

Reports

Student Representative Report

 

Student Representative Madison Arreola reported that the Student Advisory Board (SAB) elected new officers during its most recent meeting on March 24:

• President: Stephen Gibson
• Vice President: Kenneth Warren
• Public Relations Representative: David Pak
• Secretary: Piper Botson

The newly elected officers will begin their roles next school year.

 

During the meeting, students also discussed celebrations or activities that recognized culture and diversity within their school communities, including:

• Bartlett High School: Annual Multicultural Night
• Begich Middle School: Indigenous Awards recognizing academic and community accomplishments
• Dimond High School: Taste of Dimond, hosted with the Native Leadership Club
• Northern Lights ABC School: Mask-making activities
• Chugiak High School: Partner Club events

The next SAB meeting, which will be the last of the year, is scheduled for April 14.

 

Students will also participate in the Alaska Association of Student Government’s (ASSAG) spring conference in Juneau from April 23–25, where they will meet with legislators and connect with students from across the state.

 

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 Goals & Guardrail Monitoring

 

Reading Proficiency - Student Achievement, Grades K-2 mCLASS DIBELS 8

 

Board Goal:

The percentage of grade 3 students proficient in English Language Arts (ELA) on the state summative assessment (currently AK STAR) will increase from 32.4% in May 2023 to 46.4% in May 2028.

 

Interim Goal 1.1:

The percentage of K-1 students at or above the reading benchmark on interim assessments, mCLASS DIBELS 8 Curriculum Based Measures, will increase from 55.8% in Spring 2023 to 80% in Spring 2028.

Goal overall progress: 

Near Annual Target

 

Interim Goal 1.2 

The percentage of grade 2 students at or above the reading benchmark on interim assessments, mCLASS DIBELS 8 Curriculum Based Measures, will increase from 60% in Spring 2023 to 80% in Spring 2028

Goal overall progress: 

Near Annual Target

 

Priority Action Steps 

 

PRIORITY ACTION STEP	STATUS  (IN DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNICATION & TRAINING,IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING,REFINEMENT & SUPPORT, SUSTAINABILITY & SCALING)
R PASS 1: Strengthen Tier 1 instruction by ensuring consistent use of evidence-based, district-adopted materials and high-leverage instructional practices that support high levels of student learning through a structured, grade-level literacy focused instructional time for all K–5 students, grounded in adopted high-quality instructional materials (HQIM).	IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING
R PASS 2: Utilize a research-based MTSS fidelity framework to assess current systems, to ensure timely academic interventions, identify gaps in Tier 1–3 implementation, and adjust practices to ensure equitable access to academic and behavioral supports to improve outcomes for all students through consistent, data-informed implementation.	ICOMMUNICATION & TRAINING
R PASS 3: Leverage the Professional Learning Community (PLC) structure across all divisions and schools to strengthen instruction and accelerate student learning, with a shared focus on data-driven practices that improve early literacy outcomes and increase 3rd grade reading proficiency on AK STAR	IN DEVELOPMENT

ASD presenters:

Director Assessment & Evaluation Deanne Carroll

Senior Director Elementary Education Brenda Cheathon

Director Indigenous Education Jaime Galvan

Director Special Education Jason Hlasny

Director Elementary Teaching & Learning Nicole Sommerville

Director Mental Health & Student Supports Allison Susel  

Presentation from this discussion:

 

Reading Proficiency - Student Achievement, Grades K-2 mCLASS DIBELS 8

 

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Superintendent Update

Superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt shared his intent to provide clarity for the community around two areas: the future of STEM education in ASD and how the District recommends approaching school consolidations moving forward.

Rightsizing focus for next school year: no new closures, focus on refining process

Dr. Bryantt shared that the Administration has been closely listening to feedback from those impacted by the challenging budget development process, and, in particular, the recent decision to close Campbell STEM, Fire Lake and Lake Otis Elementary Schools, effective next school year.

He said before moving forward with additional school closures, the District must change its approach. He thanked the Board for the defined priorities outlined in a Board Resolution during the February 9, 2026 Special School Board meeting that guided the most recent round of school closures, including direction to the administration to propose a long-range, community-informed approach. As a result, the District recommends next year be focused on successfully implementing this directive, with a focus on data, transparency, and community engagement. 

STEM programming continuity in ASD

Looking ahead, Dr. Bryantt emphasized the District’s responsibility to continue the rich legacy of STEM programming that Campbell STEM has established in Anchorage. He announced that the Cognia STEM certification currently held by Campbell STEM Elementary will transition to Klatt Elementary School. 

He noted the positive student impact of STEM programming, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, saying that while the financial reality ASD faces has led us to the decision to close the Campbell STEM campus, Administrators have been working diligently to map a plan to maintain and even eventually STEM programming. He said students from Campbell STEM will be prioritized for placement in the program at Klatt and over time the new model can expand STEM offerings across ASD.

Dr. Bryantt concluded by acknowledging that the update may not change how some families feel about recent decisions, but emphasized the District’s commitment to supporting students, expanding STEM opportunities, and improving engagement with the community moving forward. He thanked Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance and Board President Carl Jacobs for their support in mapping a path forward for STEM, then turned his presentation over to Administrators to share the details.

Presenting Administrators:

 
Deputy Superintendent Sven Gustafson

Deputy Chief of Schools Dr. Kersten Johnson

Klatt Elementary Principal Kelsey Deiman-Szymanski

 

Deputy Chief of Schools Dr. Kersten Johnson shared that Administrators are working with the national accrediting body that provides STEM certification, Cognia, on a process to transition the STEM certification from Campbell STEM Elementary to Klatt Elementary, saying the certification follows the students and a portion of the Cambell population will go to Klatt.

Klatt Elementary Principal Kelsey Deiman-Szymanski shared her background in STEM, noting  she was a teacher and instructional coach at Campbell when the philosophy and name changed. Additionally, the school already has .5 FTE dedicated towards STEM instruction, plus four Klatt teachers are former Campbell STEM. Deiman-Szymanski expanded on the established STEM foundation at Klatt that is already integrated into the school’s curriculum, technology and training. 

Administrators noted that STEM learning is integrated to a certain degree into all ASD elementary curriculum, five elementary schools across ASD currently offer STEM programming and two other schools are planning to offer STEM programming next school year. 

STEM expansion

Administration aims to move the STEM accreditation to Klatt during the 2026-27 school year. Next steps will be engaging with Campbell STEM families to understand the interest in attending the program at Klatt then offering a special enrollment process for those students. 

Future planning in 2028-29 and beyond would include exploring potential additional ASD sites for STEM programming and creating a roadmap for expansion. 

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Public Comment

Consent Agenda

Action Items

 

ASD Memorandum #117- Approval of Ursa Major Elementary School 35% Schematic Design and Supplemental Education Specifications

The Board voted unanimously  to approve Memo #117. 

 

ASD Memorandum #134 -  Approval of School Name Change for Nunaka Valley Elementary - Revised

 

The Board voted anonymously to approve Memo #134 as amended. The memo approved the school name change from Nunaka Valley Elementary to Nunaka Valley, Home of Anchorage STrEaM Academy. 

The amendment deleted the paragraph titled "Language incorporated on March 26, 2026” and  replaced paragraph three with the following:

 “As part of the process, opportunities for community input were provided, including consultation with the Chugachmiut Tribal Education Department. Outreach methods were implemented to ensure continued community access and participation. These included distribution of a community survey through neighborhood-based social media platforms and communication channels, as well as posting physical surveys throughout the neighborhood. These efforts provided community members multiple opportunities to submit input. During the Tribal consultation process, it was confirmed that the historical name "Nunaka" derives from the Sugt'stun word for "my village" or "my place." The Sugpiaq people are the ancestral people of the Lower Cook Inlet and contributed importantly to the creation of this school's history and its name.”

 

ASD Memorandum #142-  Approval of Transfer for Rightsizing Moving Costs

The Board voted  5-2 to approve Memo #142.

 

Resolution HB78 

The Board voted  6-1  to approve the resolution to direct the Board President and Superintendent to draft a letter of support for House Bill 78 on behalf of the Board, a piece of legislation currently being debated in Juneau which would restore a defined benefit retirement - or pension - to public sector employees, including Alaska's educators.

 

ASD Memorandum #140 - Approval of Revised ASD School Calendars for Years 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29

The Board voted unanimously to approve Memo #140 which revises school calendars for the 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29 school years, which add three additional instructional days pursuant to the recently approved AEA contract. The attachment in the memo shows the current vs. revised date changes.

 

ASD Memorandum #141 TCI Social Studies Curriculum Materials Purchase - Revised

The Board voted unanimously to approve and authorize the purchase of TCI social studies textbooks and six-year digital licenses for a total amount of $368,520.00.

Non-Action Items

 

Member Andy Holleman made a motion to place on the next agenda the rescinding of the action to close Campbell STEM Elementary School. The motion was seconded by Member Dave Donley for discussion. The motion failed with a vote of 3-4. 

 

School Board & Administration Comments/Communications

The meeting concluded with School Board and Administration comments and communications.

This report is from the ASD Administration and summarizes what was presented to the Board during each meeting. We hope that you find these updates valuable. As always, we welcome your feedback and thoughts at TeamASD@asdk12.org.