5/12/2026: School Board Meeting

The Anchorage School District held a special school board meeting on May 12, 2026, primarily focused on addressing the district's significant budget shortfall and discussing a resolution to restore funding for critical educational programs and services. The board reviewed the impacts of a $90 million structural deficit for FY27, including cuts to staff positions, school closures, and program reductions. They considered a resolution proposing an $850 per student increase in the base student allocation (BSA) to restore 181 classroom teachers, nursing staff, special education, gifted programs, and arts education, aiming to balance the FY28 budget and reduce class sizes. An amendment was introduced to reopen three previously closed schools (Lake Otis, Fire Lake, and Campbell STEM) contingent on increased funding, which would increase the FY28 deficit but was supported by several board members. The board also discussed the challenges of reversing school closures mid-year, the need for sustainable long-term funding from the state legislature, and the importance of maintaining equitable access to specialized programs. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the amended resolution, emphasizing advocacy for increased and stable state funding to support the district's educational needs.