12/16/2025 School Board Recap

 

Key takeaways:

• OCEANS Academy application update from ASD: Administration: plans for transportation, student nutrition services, and school site location  

• Abbott Loop facility short-term improvement projects presented

• JBER report shares new volunteer reading project with Airport Heights Elementary 

• Goal monitoring: 4-year graduation rates: on-target

• Guardrail monitoring: Superintendent will not leave underrepresentation in lottery/application-based programs unaddressed

• Board approves memo to eliminate plastic glitter as an intentional microplastic, based on findings from Girl Scout Troop 436, Student Advisory Board Resolution

 

On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Anchorage School Board held a work session at 4 p.m., followed by a Board meeting at 6 p.m. Board meetings typically take place the first and third Tuesday of the month. 

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

 

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Work Session Review

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

The Work Session provided an overview on: 

1. OCEANS Academy Charter

2. The 2026-2031 ASD Capital Improvement Plan

 

OCEANS Academy Charter

ASD Presenter:

Sr Director Instructional Division Choice and Alternative Schools Robyn Harris 

The discussion on the topic of the application for a new charter school continued, this time with ASD Senior Director of Choice and Alternative Schools Robyn Harris available to answer Board questions primarily in the area of how the group looking to apply as a charter school would determine a location and student access to Transportation and Student Nutrition services. 

The applicants were also available to answer questions:

STrEaM Academy teacher Michael Dickerson

ASD substitute nurse and teacher Beth Busk

Highland Academy teacher Simon Rose

 

Comparison of Potential OCEANS Academy Locations

Category	East High School (Benson Wing)	Changepoint / Grand View Church
Readiness of Space	Existing former ANCCS classrooms and office space; “promising” and immediately usable.	Space available but contingent on ChangePoint’s purchase and renovations; nothing in writing.
School Identity	May be harder to establish a distinct identity within a large high school.	Strong standalone identity; OCEANS would occupy its own dedicated space.
Nutrition Services	Full access to ASD Nutrition Services and cafeteria; compliant and turnkey.	No nutrition services initially; students would need to bring lunches until a system is developed.
Transportation Feasibility	Straightforward: East-region neighborhood buses; Bartlett transfer bus.	Complex: multi-step hub-and-transfer system; may require schedule adjustments.
Alignment with East Anchorage Families	Strong alignment; easier access for 99504/99508 families; supports equitable access.	Less accessible; transportation complexity could create barriers for East-side families.
Outdoor Learning Access	Excellent proximity to trails, green space, Goose Lake—matches mission well.	Some green space access, but less discussed.
Facility Infrastructure	Full ASD infrastructure and security; easy integration into existing systems.	Not originally designed as a school; upgrades may be required to meet educational and safety needs.
Renovation Needs	Some renovations needed (walls, offices, intercom, scheduling coordination).	ChangePoint has indicated willingness to renovate based on OCEANS needs, but not guaranteed in writing.
Cost Implications	Lower startup costs; avoids leasing; benefits from shared ASD utilities and services.	Would require lease or partnership agreement; potential costs unknown until building purchase finalizes.
Room for Growth	Wing footprint is smaller than previous ANCCS footprint; East has lower enrollment now. Do not foresee facing the same challenges as ANCCS in regards to using the space.	Larger long-term expansion potential; includes additional buildings across the street.
Administration/Board Confidence	Administration explicitly comfortable with East as a viable location.	Considered viable but uncertain; dependent on external property purchase.

 

The Board and the applicants both indicated East would be their preferred location. Details on operating within East High School were discussed at length. The Board requested the application be revised to reflect the capital costs for operating within East as well as clear language indicating the intent is to reside within the East campus. The Board also requested the Administration collaborate with East administration to ensure the school is well equipped and supported to house OCEANS within their school.

What’s Next? 

The next step in the application process for OCEANS Academy is to make the appropriate revisions, then the application will be a non-action item on a future Board agenda.

Presentation from this portion of the meeting 

 

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The 2026-2031 ASD Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

Presenters:

Chief Operating Officer Jim Anderson

Senior Director, Capital Planning & Construction Thomas Fenoseff 

Senior Maintenance and Operations Director Rob Holland 

Planning & Design Supervisor Larry Morris

Maintenance and Operations Director Keri Shivers 

Administrators briefly shared a recap of the Six Year Capital Improvement Plan that was presented in the Nov. 4, 2025 Work Session.

The majority of the discussion focused on questions and details around the use of the Abbott Loop Elementary School campus that was closed in 2023 as part of the Rightsizing initiative but continued to be used as a temporary space first for Alaska Native Cultural Charter School (ANCCS) and is now occupied by Rilke Schule Charter School. The Administration estimates Rilke Schule will likely remain in the space for at least another school year. The Administration presented two options for short term improvements to the campus and also sought guidance from the Board on if they should continue to make long-term plans for improvements to the campus. A point to note is that the Abbott Loop campus at the time of the meeting was listed on the proposed CIP plan to demolish in year three or the plan, so the immediate remedies to the campus could be intended for short term use of the campus, or scale up to longer term repairs if the Board directs administrators to consider longer use of the building.

 

Administrators emphasized that the Abbott Loop Elementary School building is safe for students and staff. It has an upgraded fire detection system and classrooms that open directly outside. The Fire Marshal has approved a waiver allowing the building to operate without a fire suppression (sprinkler) system through the end of the 2028–29 school year and has tentatively agreed to a one-year extension. Administrators presented two summer 2026 project options aimed at improving conditions for the roughly 500 students currently served there:

• Option A – $750,000: add two relocatable classrooms; remove the Pre-K playground and relocate to Orion Elementary; upgrade the outdated pneumatic controls for heating/ventilation; perform major boiler maintenance; and renovate the oddly shaped “pod” rooms into four more traditional classrooms.

• Option B – $310,000: includes everything above except the internal pod renovations, which could be done later.
   

In Summer 2027, the District recommends replacing the roof over the Abbott Loop gym, and if Rilke Schule ultimately remains there as its permanent home, future projects would include a secure vestibule, full fire suppression system, boiler replacements, and additional deferred maintenance.

Administration explained that these near-term Abbott Loop projects would be paid from major maintenance grants, unspent bond funds, and FEMA dollars, not from the general operating budget. Board members generally agreed that some investment at Abbott Loop is needed by summer 2026, even as they continue larger conversations about rightsizing ASD’s footprint and whether Abbott Loop is ultimately returned to the Municipality of Anchorage, as shown in Year 3 of the CIP during the presentation.

 

What’s Next?

The Board directed Administration to:

• Develop detailed designs and cost estimates for both Abbott Loop Options (A and B) for presentation in January.

• Prepare for a Board decision by February so construction can occur in Summer 2026.

• Plan for Rilke Schule to remain at Abbott Loop for at least one more school year.

• Anticipate the Board removing Abbott Loop demolition from the CIP (though not decided during the work session).

 

 Presentation from this portion of the meeting 

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Board Meeting Review

Resources from this meeting:

The Agenda, as presented was approved by the Board. 

Recording

 

Reports

Student Representative Report

Student Representative Madison Arreola shared that the Student Advisory Board (SAB) met on December 9. During the meeting, students reflected on how they support their school communities during the holiday season, highlighting activities such as canned food and clothing drives, winter dances, staff greeting cards, and Toys for Tots collections.

SAB also reviewed three resolutions submitted by Eagle River High School. One resolution, creating a parent activity pass for school events, was passed. A second proposal, which would establish a 0.5-credit fine arts graduation requirement, was postponed until the January meeting. The third resolution addressed foreign language class policy, suggesting that students who completed a middle school language course could continue to the next level in high school even after a gap year; this will also return for further discussion.

Arreola concluded by announcing that the Alaska Association of Student Government’s spring conference will be held in Juneau from April 23–25, offering ASD students the opportunity to visit the state capital and participate in statewide student leadership activities.

 

Military Report
 U.S. Air Force Col. Dustin Hansen, Mission Support Group Commander at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), provided the military update to the Board. He opened by thanking ASD for their strong coordination with JBER during recent severe weather events involving high winds, icy roads, and local power outages. He emphasized that the close partnership between the District and the base has been key to safely managing disruptions and maintaining clear communication.

Col. Hansen also shared an update on a new literacy partnership called Readers for Leaders, developed by JBER’s School Liaison Officer, Adele Daniels. Under this pilot program, JBER personnel will volunteer at Airport Heights Elementary to listen to students read in a supportive, non-judgmental environment aimed at strengthening reading proficiency. He expressed gratitude to school and District staff who helped establish the pilot, including Airport Heights Principal Rachel Penney and PTA Parent Volunteer Coordinator Stacia Thomas, and Anchorage School Business Partnerships Director Colette Moring.

In addition, Col. Hansen reported that JBER remains busy with training, exercises, and major long-term projects that are expected to bring additional military families to Anchorage schools in the coming years. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration between ASD and JBER to support these transitions.

Finally, Col. Hansen provided follow-up information requested by Member Kelly Lessons regarding enlistment interest among Alaska youth. He noted that statewide military enlistments increased from 479 in 2023–24 to 599 in 2024–25. Within ASD, 281 seniors took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test last year, up from 242 the prior year, reflecting stronger participation in military readiness pathways. Including Alaska Military Youth Academy students, total ASVAB participation rises substantially to 768.

He concluded by expressing appreciation for ASD’s partnership and reiterated JBER’s commitment to supporting Anchorage students.

 

Goal Monitoring

College, Career, Life Ready (CCL)

The percent of students graduating College, Career and Life (CCL) ready, as measured by four-year graduation rates, will increase from 81% in June 2023 to 90% in June 2028.

Indicator: 4-Year Graduation Rate

 

Goal overall progress: 

On Target

 

Priority Action Steps 

PRIORITY ACTION STEP	STATUS  (IN DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNICATION & TRAINING,IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING,REFINEMENT & SUPPORT, SUSTAINABILITY & SCALING)
Implement a GPA-Based Academic Support System for High School Students, with an early focus on 9th grade.	COMMUNICATION & TRAINING
Implement an Early Warning and Response System for Off-Track and At-Risk High School Students.	REFINEMENT & SUPPORT
Strengthen secondary school attendance culture through relationship-centered practices, consistent messaging, and staff-led outreach strategies focused on students with high absenteeism.	IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING
Expand Access for ALL Students to Career-Connected Learning through the Academies of Anchorage.	REFINEMENT & SUPPORT
Implement a districtwide 8th-to-9th grade transition strategy that includes scheduling 9th graders in College & Career Exploration and Financial Literacy coursework, supported by Freshman Academy structures and guaranteed experiences.	IMPLEMENTATION & MONITORING

The following ASD presenters were on the panel to answer questions from the Board:

Sr Director High School Education Eric Backman

Director Indigenous Education Jaime Galvan 

Sr Director Instructional Division Choice and Alternative Schools Robyn Harris  

Director of Special Education Instruction Jason Hlasny 

Director English Language Learners Program Bobbi Lafferty

Sr Director of Assessment & Evaluation Chris Opitz

 

The administration emphasized that the presenting departments represent subgroups historically underperforming but now showing positive gains, suggesting investments and collaboration are beginning to take hold.

Highlights from this conversation have been summarized below under the relevant Priority Action Step.

 

Implement a GPA-Based Academic Support System (9th-grade focus)

• GPA work is embedded in PLCs, where staff are receiving training to interpret data and identify early academic risk indicators.

• For Indigenous Education, a major strategy involves teaching students concrete academic navigation skills: using StudentConnect, checking grades, tracking missing assignments, and advocating with teachers.
   

Implement an Early Warning and Response System for Off-Track and At-Risk Students

• Board members noted data showing improvements in male student academic performance. Administrators said this may be due to overall efforts to identify students who begin to fall off track earlier.

• Departments collaborate to break down silos. 

• Special Education regularly meets to review student-level data together.

• Districtwide 5-year graduation rate is 87%, with notable increases for Black students and large gains at credit-recovery, Special Education, and Alternative schools.

• SPED noted their graduation rate seems very low at 58.9% however this date includes non-diploma-track students. 

 

Strengthen Secondary Attendance Culture

• Chronic absenteeism is a key early-warning indicator.

• Internal data shows students with 90%+ attendance in 9th grade graduate at a rate of 97%.

• Schools are working on culturally sensitive attendance outreach; Indigenous Ed and the ELL Program’s Samoan Language & Culture Liaison support engagement and belonging to improve attendance.
   

Expand Access to Career-Connected Learning (Academies of Anchorage)

• Administration identified expanded CTE access as a possible contributor to closing the gender gap, especially for male students.

• CTE participation was highlighted as strongly associated with higher graduation rates.

 

Implement Districtwide 8th-to-9th Grade Transition Strategy

• Staff emphasized the importance of transitions, noting that 9th grade is a critical point where students often go off track.

• Transition supports include targeted PLC work, advising, and efforts to strengthen belonging in 9th grade.

 

Presentation from this discussion

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Guardrail Monitoring Report:

Lottery/Application based programs

 

ASD Presenter:

Sr Director Instructional Division Choice and Alternative Schools Robyn Harris 

 

Harris reported that ASD met its underrepresentation goal one year early, with 50.5% of lottery applicants coming from underrepresented student groups. Although total applicant numbers declined, the applicant pool has become more representative of the Anchorage community, which leaders framed as progress in awareness and access.

The Board discussed transportation as a major barrier. The administration outlined possible models but emphasized strategic co-location, placing charter programs inside existing ASD school buildings, as the most feasible near-term solution. Co-location allows charter students to use existing neighborhood bus routes, access student nutrition services, and benefit from other school amenities. 

Additionally, several charter schools are now operating inside former neighborhood school buildings, giving them access to commercial kitchen spaces and Student Nutrition services for the first time, opportunities that were not possible in their previous non-school facilities.

To broaden participation, ASD continues outreach through alternative school fairs, principal-to-principal engagement, preschool and incoming kindergarten communication, and ongoing school tours. ASD has not yet surveyed families about why they do or do not pursue choice programs but has plans to integrate such questions once a new software system is in place to do so.

 Guardrail monitoring report

Public Comment

Consent Agenda

The consent agenda as presented was approved by the Board. There was no Board discussion about the Consent Agenda items. 

 

Action Items 

ASD Memorandum #102 SAB Resolution 2025-02 Eliminate Plastic Glitter as an Intentional Microplastic

This memo is in support of the Student Advisory Board’s (SAB) Resolution 2025-02: Eliminate Plastic Glitter as an Intentional Microplastic.

On November 20, 2025, members of Girl Scout Troop 436 presented Student Advisory Board’s Resolution 2025-02: Eliminate Plastic Glitter as an Intentional Microplastic which was adopted by SAB on November 18, 2025.

Resolution 2025-02 calls for the Anchorage School District to eliminate plastic glitter, citing its role as an intentionally added microplastic that pollutes Alaska’s waterways, wildlife, and subsistence resources. The memorandum highlights strong scientific evidence of widespread microplastic contamination, existing educator support for removing plastic glitter, and the availability of safe, biodegradable alternatives. It recommends a districtwide ban on purchasing plastic glitter, adoption of sustainable substitutes, expanded education on microplastic impacts, and recognition of the student leadership that advanced this initiative.

The Board voted unanimously to approve Memo #102. The Board discussion is available for playback. 

 

ASD Memorandum #059 - Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Project Tables

In this memo the Administration recommends that the School Board approve the Anchorage School District Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan Project Tables for July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2032.

The Board voted 6-1 to approve Memo #059 as amended. The amendment was motioned by Member Dave Donley and seconded by Member Pat Higgins specifies that the entire paragraph from the CIP project be removed from Year 3: 2028 “Demolition of Abbot Loop Elementary $2,500,000 (Bond Amount) $1,250,000 (Estimated Debt Reimbursement Amount).” 

The Board discussion is available for playback.

 

Non-Action Items

There was no Board discussion on non-action items.

Superintendent Update

Superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt used his update to reiterate the dire financial realities facing ASD as it prepares the FY26 budget. He noted that while the state’s $700 permanent BSA increase was an important step, it remains far below the $1,800 increase districts advocated for last school year. This is the amount based on inflation rates since the last major BSA increase to make ASD whole. The District spent down its fund balance last year to protect classrooms, not knowing if any additional funds would be made available from the State. ASD now faces what amounts roughly to a $700 BSA-equivalent decrease in available funding for next school year.

He stressed the situation is not due to a lack of support for education by legislators but to the State’s long-term inability to create a stable fiscal plan. Only 5% of ASD’s general fund supports District administration, meaning even eliminating all administrative positions would still leave more than $40 million in cuts to identify. “Status quo is not mathematically possible,” he said, underscoring that reductions will reach every part of the organization.

Dr. Bryantt emphasized that his north star remains aligning as many dollars as possible to students’ classroom experiences. He encouraged families and staff to continue engaging with the District’s Balancing Act tool to understand the magnitude of the shortfall and how resources are currently allocated.

Shifting to the positive, Dr. Bryantt shared reflections from spending time in schools on Mondays and Fridays. Highlights included:

• Benny Benson School: Met students who once doubted they would graduate and are now preparing to attend UAA, saying their stories almost brought him to tears.

• Begich Middle School: Observed Monday Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and praised teachers for their ownership of their development and their ability to make remarkable progress in that 50-minute window of time.

• Service High School: Visited the award-winning Culinary Arts program and highlighted how impressive it is for a comprehensive high school to outperform specialized culinary institutions.

• Community Partnerships: Recognized volunteers like Mr. Rivers at King Tech High School, who dedicates 24 afternoons a year to connect community mentors to young men.  Volunteers from JBER are launching a reading initiative connecting airmen with elementary students.

• Student Leadership: Commended the students who presented earlier in the meeting on reducing microplastic pollution, calling their advocacy evidence of ASD’s strong student voice.

• He closed with a story from Turnagain Elementary, where a fifth-grade reporter interviewed him for the school’s first newspaper, The Paw Print. The publication is new this year and led by Turnagain Paraprofessional Educator Karen Seda. The newspaper featured headlines ranging from lighthearted to profound, including a feature about welcoming students from Lake Hood Elementary. 

Dr. Bryantt said that while ASD cannot avoid difficult reductions, one of the most important things he and the Administration can do is model compassion for teachers and students. “It costs nothing to be compassionate and understanding…We can tackle hard things together.” 

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.