The Anchorage School Board budget cuts for the 2025-2026 fiscal year include eliminating nearly 500 jobs and reducing key educational programs. However, Tuesday’s amendment could reverse these cuts if the Alaska legislature approves additional school funding.
Board members Kelly Lessens and Carl Jacobs introduced Amendment #6, which provides a framework for restoring programs if funding increases. If approved unanimously, the amendment would allow the district to recover over $71 million in revenue.
Lessens acknowledged that while the district is not following best fiscal practices, prioritizing students is necessary to avoid deeper cuts. The current budget eliminates all middle and high school sports, gifted learning programs, and many full-time positions across the district.
Although the board hopes to increase funding, Board President Andy Holleman cautioned that legislative approval remains uncertain. Holleman explained that they can not predict what will happen, but he is hopeful that the governor will understand the need to maintain consistent per-student funding.
He stressed that schools would struggle financially without an inflation-adjusted budget. Board member Dave Donley proposed an amendment that would have saved school sports while cutting other expenses, but the board rejected it 6-1.
Another amendment by Pat Higgins aimed at hiring language teachers was not voted on. The board must finalize the budget by March before submitting it to the municipality. The school board budget cuts could be reversed if state lawmakers approve additional funding.
This news article was originally published by Alaska’s News Source.
