ASD FY26 Budget Solutions Update | |
Dear ASD Families, Staff, Students, and Community,
We want to keep you informed about the latest developments regarding the Anchorage School District’s budget and other matters related to funding.
| 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. | 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 determining and approving the total amount of the ASD fiscal year 2025-2026 budget was introduced to the Assembly of the Municipality of Anchorage on March 4 and the Assembly will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting of 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 in 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 educational 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 graphic outlines the timeline for ASD, MOA, and State budget planning timelines. | |
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
Regular updates on budget discussions, school board meetings, and funding priorities.
Contacting State Lawmakers & Providing Testimony
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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.
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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:
- Sanding and sweeping of parking lots and sidewalks
Election Day is April 1.
Learn more about specific school projects at asdk12.org/bond.
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ASD remains committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility. We deeply appreciate the continued engagement from 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.
Thank you for all you do for ASD!
Sincerely,
Team ASD
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On March 4, 2025, The School Board voted to approve revisions to BP 5138 Student Possession & Use of Portable Electronic Devices Including Cell Phones.
- Elementary and middle school students are not permitted to access Electronic Communication Devices (ECDs) during the school day, but may do so before or after school hours.
- High school students are not permitted to access ECDs during class time, but may do so during passing periods and at lunch.
- For all ASD students, when ECD use is prohibited, all devices will be put away and not visible and will be either turned off or the ability to receive and transmit data will be disabled.
- Administrators may require ECDs to be placed in a secure location such as a student locker or other specified location within the school.
- ECDs may be approved on a case-by-case basis for student use during the school day by the building administrator.
- The revised policy takes effect in the 2025/2026 school year
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Help Shape the ASD Calendar!
The Anchorage School District (ASD) wants to hear from you! Many things go into making the ASD school year calendar, like test days and holidays.
Your thoughts will help guide the calendar committee as they develop future ASD school year calendars.
Send us your top 2-3 suggestions.
Things to consider in your response:
- Do you like school starting in August and ending in May?
- Are the holiday breaks and in-service days working well for your family?
- What changes would help students, families, and staff?
Share your thoughts! The deadline to submit is March 21, 2025.
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Dear Community,
As we approach the upcoming AK STAR assessment, we encourage all parents and guardians to support our students in preparing for this important opportunity.
The AK STAR assessment provides a valuable chance for students to demonstrate their growth and achievements, while also helping us better understand their needs moving forward.
Your encouragement makes a difference!
Thank you for partnering with us to help our students reach their full potential.
With Gratitude,
The Anchorage School District
| Visit the user-friendly site for detailed data on academics, school environment, teacher quality, and more: https://education.alaska.gov/compass/report-card | |
You can also visit ASD's public data dashboards that provide comprehensive insights into various performance indicators, such as academic outcomes, enrollment trends, student demographics, and other vital statistics.
The data dashboards are accessible to the public at asdk12.org/data
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The Alaska State Administrative Code requires the administration of a Student Activity Interest Survey for all 5th-11th grade students, with the survey conducted every three years.
The survey, which was administered last October, helps gather student input on extracurricular activities students are interested in.
The results, both for the district as a whole and for individual neighborhood schools, are now available for review.
Parents and community members can access the survey results by visiting this link (https://www.asdk12.org/AIS)
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February 15, 2025 was School Resource Officer Appreciation Day.
We recognize and thank the dedicated School Resource Officers who work tirelessly as mentors, and trusted role models to keep our schools safe.
| Regular attendance helps students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Let’s work together to keep students engaged and learning! | |
Want a summer job with a purpose? Youth Employment in Parks (YEP) is hiring!
YEP is a 10-week, paid summer program that gives Anchorage teens a chance to roll up their sleeves and make a difference in their community. Teens will develop leadership and team-building skills while completing park improvement projects, such as building trails, restoring streambanks, planting trees, and enhancing parks and trails.
YEP isn’t all about hard work! On Fridays, teens participate in educational and recreational activities that get them out exploring their public lands. We walk on glaciers, kayak, bike, hike, and more! The program wraps up with Mentorship Week, linking skills to future careers.
YEP isn’t just about the projects. This program is about shaping future leaders, fostering a love for nature, and giving teens a meaningful first job experience. Learn more and apply today at Parks and Recreation Youth Employment in Parks.
Season Dates: End of May – July 31
Applications are open for the following positions:
· Crew Members: Resident of Anchorage, ages 16-19. Pay: $12.36/hr + up to $500 end-of-season attendance bonus
· Senior Crew Members – Previous crew members interested in a second season. Pay: $13.76/hr + up to $500 end-of-season attendance bonus
· Crew Leaders: Adults with previous experience working with teens. Pay: up to $21.77/hr + up to $500 end-of-season attendance bonus
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Check out the new podcast, ASD Shine Bright, which highlights the awesome things students and staff are doing in the Anchorage School District.
Listen to amazing stories, journeys, challenges, and successes.
Check out the latest episodes below:
| Goldenview Middle School - Brandon Gall | In this segment of Teaching Today, we talk with Goldenview Middle School Teacher Brandon Gall who takes us into his physical education classroom and shows us how he motivates his students to strive for excellence in everything they do. | |
The Anchorage School District (ASD) is dedicated to providing a safe and civil learning environment. In collaboration with the Anchorage School Board, we’ve been working on ways to make it easier for students, parents, guardians, and staff members to be informed of all available options for reporting concerns of harassment, intimidation, and bullying, including an option to report concerns anonymously. These behaviors disrupt a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to educate.
Did you know?
If a student experiences, or another person observes, a student being harassed, intimidated, or bullied, they should report it to their school administrator or through STOPit anonymous reporting.
More information may be found on the Reporting Concerns website.
For additional information, please also see BP 5131.43 Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying.
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After 15 years of service as a part-time crossing guard at Nunaka Valley Elementary, longtime resident, safety advocate, and proud parent Aaron Pascar has said his goodbyes.
Having seen three generations of students come through the school, Mr. Pascar’s dedication to keeping children safe and making a difference in the community has left an indelible mark.
Thank you, Mr. Pascar, for your time, talents, and heart. Your efforts have truly made Nunaka Valley a better place for all of us.
We’ll miss you, but your legacy will always be a part of our school.
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Kudos to Art Teacher Ricki Morton & the students of North Star Elementary for their amazing Glow Art Show at STEAM Night!
The glowing masterpieces, inspired by bioluminescent sea creatures, lit up the night!
| #ASDShineBright: East High School's Muhammed Sabally and Coach Chuck Martin Reach Basketball Milestones | Congratulations to Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School's Muhammed Sabally for hitting 1,000 career points and to Coach Chuck Martin on his 500th win in Alaska high school hoops! | #ASDShineBright: 3rd Annual Homestead Elementary K-2 Battle of the Books | |
The 3rd Annual Homestead Elementary School K-2 Battle of the Books was a huge success!
Young readers showed off their knowledge & love for books in a fun-filled competition.
Thank you students, families, & staff for making reading fun!
| #ASDShineBright: 2025 Fur Rondy Lord Trapper Aquarian Charter School's Bill Pugh | |
Congrats to Aquarian Charter School PE & 5th Grade Math Teacher Bill Pugh who was selected as the 2025 Fur Rondy Lord Trapper!
Mr. Pugh says, "This is a huge honor for me. As a born and raised Alaskan, Fur Rondy has always been a big part of my life. I never imagined I would be chosen as Lord Trapper, but I’m grateful to represent educators, especially PE teachers, and all the great work they do in our community."
In his role as Lord Trapper, Mr. Pugh will serve as an ambassador to
symbolize the spirit of cooperation, service, and commitment that defines our community.
| #ASDShineBright - 3rd Annual ASD A Cappella Fest | |
The 3rd Annual ASD A Cappella Fest brought over 100 of the top high school singers from Anchorage together for an unforgettable concert experience.
From workshops with amazing guest artists like the Pipeline Vocal Project, Midnight Sons A Cappella Chorus Barbershop Quartet, and Alaska Sound Celebration Barbershop Quartet, to rehearsals and sound checks, the energy was electric!
Bartlett, Dimond, East, Service, South, and West Anchorage HS Choir performed two of their own songs, and the grand finale “I Want It That Way” brought everyone together, with vocal percussion by Lisa from Pipeline Vocal Project!
| #ASDShineBright: Mountain View Elementary Career Day 2025 | Mountain View Elementary School’s Career Day allowed students aka our future leaders the opportunity to engage with passionate professionals with real-world careers and dream big for their futures. | #ASDShineBright: Benny Benson Students Shine Bright at the Get Real Financial Fair | #ASDShineBright: King Tech & Kusilvak Career Academy Shine at the 90th Annual Fur Rondy Grand Parade | |
King Tech and Kusilvak Career Academy celebrated King Tech’s 50th anniversary at the Fur Rondy Grand Parade!
From EMTs in action, the Enterprises food truck, happy animals from Vet Techs, and even a float built by the carpentry program was on display!
| #ASDShineBright: ASD Celebrates National School Breakfast Week at Mountain View Elementary | |
Meet Bambi Childs, Cafeteria Manager at Mountain View Elementary!
Through care and compassion, Bambi is a key part of the school’s hands-on approach to ensuring students start their day with a nutritious breakfast, setting them up for success.
Thank you Bambi and all of ASD Student Nutrition, for all you do to nourish both body and mind 💛
| Follow ASD on social media as we shine a light on the small but bright moments that happen every day in our schools. ASD will highlight stories of kindness, students accelerating individually and in group projects, and staff successes using the hashtag #ASDShineBright. | |
5530 E Northern Lights Blvd.
Anchorage, AK 99504
907-742-4000
asdk12.org
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