The Anchorage School District released their suggestions for adjusting next year’s budget on Friday. Under the superintendent’s proposal, the district would cut 57 classroom teachers instead of 143. The proposal does not add back in more than 48 support staff positions that were cut in the initial budget.
Additionally, one-time funding from the legislature will provide money for three-year long initiatives, like early literacy coaches, science curriculum materials, and other programs. $15 million from the state legislature was also allotted specifically to support Anchorage’s eight charter schools over the next three years.
In a press release from the district, Superintendent Ed Graff said “It’s important that we look ahead and designate our resources on practices that are sustainable and not solely focus on the year in front of us. I believe this proposed budget adjustment package is a solid combination of prioritizing classroom teachers  and investing in high-value initiatives that are focused on improving student achievement  while remaining fiscally responsible.”
The budget proposal will be discussed during the ASD School Board meeting on Monday night at 6:30 pm in the ASD Education Center on Northern Lights.
Anne Hillman is the healthy communities editor at Alaska Public Media and a host of Hometown, Alaska. Reach her atahillman@alaskapublic.org. Read more about Annehere.
