Numbers Behind Anchorage School District Decisions for 2026

The Anchorage School District faces a $90 million budget deficit while securing $11.6 million in new state funding and proposing a $12 million property tax levy, according to recent board actions and state allocations. These figures come alongside a staffing shortfall of 140 positions and an approved rightsizing plan set to take effect after the current school year.

State Funding Allocations

The district received $11.6 million in new state funding for the 2026-27 school year. This amount supports more than 59 new teacher positions, an English language arts curriculum pilot, and 5.5 full-time equivalent school-based nurse roles. The funding arrives even as the district reports a remaining gap of 140 positions, with special education listed as a primary area of need.

Budget Deficit Measures

Voters will decide on a one-time $12 million property tax levy during the April 2026 ballot. Officials project this measure would address part of the $90 million deficit, which includes plans to cut 500 positions across the district. The levy represents a targeted response to the shortfall without resolving the full projected gap.

Rightsizing Plan Timeline

The Anchorage School Board approved an updated Rightsizing plan on Feb. 24, 2026. The plan calls for school closures, consolidations, and efficiency measures at several locations, with all changes scheduled to begin after the end of the 2025-26 school year. No specific school names appear in the approval details released to date.

Academy Program Adjustments

Beginning in fall 2026, 10th through 12th grade students will have optional access to career academy courses in construction, health services, and law or public service. The scaled-back Academies of Anchorage program will operate at all eight comprehensive high schools in the district. This rollout follows earlier program reductions and focuses on elective pathways rather than full academy structures.

Staffing Gap and Calendar

The district continues to report a 140-position staffing shortfall despite the new funding. Special education roles remain a noted priority within that gap. Grades 1 through 12 students are scheduled to resume classes on August 14, 2026, giving the district several weeks to address vacancies before the start of the new term.

District leaders are preparing for the August start date while monitoring the outcome of the April levy vote and implementing elements of the February rightsizing approval. Families can review the latest board updates on the Anchorage School District website for details on enrollment and course options ahead of the new school year.