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ASD FY26 Budget Solutions Update

We want to keep you informed about the latest developments regarding the Anchorage School District’s budget and other matters related to funding.

How We Got Here

  

This chart shows what the BSA funding would be in today's dollars if inflation proofed since FY11.

This graphic details how budgets have gone up across all state departments to adjust for inflation except K-12, which has actually gone down by about 5%, and notably, some departments have received substantial increases to budgets, such as the Department of Corrections, seeing a budget increase of 52% since 2017.

Board Passes Balanced Budget with Key Amendment

During its February 25 Special School Board meeting, the Board approved a balanced budget.

 

FY26 Budget Allocations

A key amendment was also approved that outlines how ASD will allocate additional funding should the Alaska Legislature increase the Base Student Allocation (BSA) by at least $1,000 per student before May 15.

FY26 Budget Allocations With Amendment

If this increase happens, ASD would receive an additional $71.1 million in revenue, allowing us to:
✅ Restore K-12 pupil-teacher ratio (PTR) to 2016 levels (300+ teacher positions)
✅ Reinstate middle and high school sports programs
✅ Reverse cuts to:

  • IGNITE

  • Special Education 

  • Immersion

  • Summer School

  • Battle of the Books

 ✅ Restore:

  • Librarians/library assistants

  • Nurses

  • Counselors

  • Principals

 ✅ Increase correspondence allotments
✅ Invest in "high dose" math and reading tutoring
🛑 District administration cuts will remain in place

A complete list of instructional investments can be found in the amendment, which ensures that, if state funding increases, those dollars will be directed toward student achievement and instructional support.

Current Budget Status & Legislative Process

Discussions are now taking place at the Municipal and State level. 

Ordinance No. AO 2025-29 determines and approves the total amount of the ASD fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, which was introduced to the Assembly of the Municipality of Anchorage on March 4. The Assembly will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting on March 18, 2025. The public hearing portion of the meeting begins at 6 p.m. and is held in the Assembly Chambers, Z.J. Loussac Library.

We are at a crucial juncture for state funding decisions. 

Many discussions on ways to increase the BSA are moving forward in the State Legislature. The legislative process involves multiple steps—bills must pass through various committees and hearings before reaching a final vote. There are many possible routes, and even if a bill is approved by both the House and Senate chambers, the Governor has the authority to veto it. If it is vetoed, it would take a two-thirds majority vote of the Legislature to override a veto.

Hearings on education-related bills are scheduled for next week.  

While discussions continue in Juneau, our team continues working diligently to inform our legislators on how sustainable and inflation-proof funding would benefit ASD classrooms, schools, and communities.

This outlines the timeline for ASD, MOA, and State budget planning timelines.

Ways to Stay Informed

The Assembly of the Municipality of Anchorage

Alaska Legislature (Live Hearings & Bills)

  • Bill Tracking & Legislative Meetings:
    Alaska State Legislature – Visit this page to track bills and sign up for alerts.

  • Live & Archived Video of Legislative Hearings:
    Gavel Alaska – Stream live hearings and past discussions on school funding.

Anchorage School District Updates

Contacting State Lawmakers & Providing Testimony

Budget vs. Bond

A quick clarification: budget dollars and bond dollars are separate and serve different purposes. Bonds fund capital projects. The bond on the ballot this April for Anchorage votes is Proposition 1, and focuses on important safety and security upgrades, major infrastructure improvements, and new snow removal equipment—expenses beyond routine maintenance. These bond funds cannot be used for salaries or other operational costs. The budget, on the other hand, covers day-to-day operational costs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ6ldPKUT70

Proposition 1: Security, Safety & Winter Maintenance

On April 1, Anchorage voters will consider Proposition 1, a $63.8 million school bond that would fund security, safety and infrastructure upgrades at more than 40 schools across the District. If approved by voters, these improvements will help keep schools safe and accessible for students, staff and the community.

Safety and Security

  • Secure school entry upgrades (3 schools)

  • School security system and access control upgrades (35 schools, 2 support facilities)

 

Major Infrastructure Upgrades

  • Major renovations at Bartlett and West high schools, Spring Hill and Campbell elementary schools 

Winter Safety

ASD’s aging fleet of plows, sanders and sweepers is struggling to keep up with Alaska winters. Frequent breakdowns and outdated parts lead to work stoppages, making it harder to keep schools accessible for students and staff. Proposition 1 will replace heavy equipment used for: 

  • Snow plowing and hauling

  • Sanding and sweeping of parking lots and sidewalks

Election Day is April 1.

Learn more about specific school projects at asdk12.org/bond.

Looking Ahead

ASD remains committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility. We deeply appreciate the continued engagement of our community as we navigate these financial challenges. Your comments shape how we move forward for the greater good of our students, and we will keep you informed as developments unfold.