Anchorage Schools Announce Major Rightsizing Plan With New Funding Details

The Anchorage School Board approved an updated Rightsizing plan on Feb. 24, 2026, to close, consolidate, and implement efficiencies at several schools, with changes taking effect at the end of the 2025-26 school year. District announcements detail how these steps address operational needs across Anchorage facilities.

Rightsizing Plan Details

Officials have communicated the timeline for these adjustments through board actions. The plan focuses on efficiencies that will reshape school operations starting after the current academic year concludes. Anchorage families can expect shifts in school configurations as the district implements the approved measures.

Academies of Anchorage Program

Starting fall 2026, 10th-12th graders in Anchorage can opt into streamlined career academy courses such as construction, health services and law at all eight comprehensive high schools through the Academies of Anchorage program. District communications present this option as an expansion of course access for high school students across the city.

State Funding Allocation

The Anchorage School District received $11.6 million in new state funding for the 2026-27 school year, supporting 59+ new teacher positions, an ELA curriculum pilot, and 5.5 school-based nurse FTEs. This allocation forms part of the district's reported preparations for the upcoming year.

Classroom Protocols and Staffing

The Anchorage School District has banned smartphone use during class for all grades and adopted new classroom safety protocols, including random metal detector screenings, in the 2025-26 school year. Anchorage students in grades 1-12 resume classes on August 14, 2026, though the district still faces a staffing gap of 140 positions, especially in special education. Officials have noted these protocols and the remaining vacancies in district updates.

These measures reflect the board and district's documented steps for the period ahead. Families should check the Anchorage School District website for enrollment and scheduling information as the August 14, 2026 start date approaches.