Anchorage schools reduce staff and programs amid budget cuts and declining enrollment

The Anchorage School District (ASD) is facing significant budget cuts that will impact students and staff across the district, as discussed in the recent joint meeting with the municipality. The most notable decision was the increase in the student-to-teacher ratio, effectively raising class sizes by four students at every grade level. This change is expected to be a primary driver of cost savings, but it has raised concerns about the quality of education.

To balance the budget, ASD has made several reductions that will affect various school services. Elementary schools will see cuts to nursing and library services, with schools having fewer than 300 students receiving only half-time support. Additionally, all library assistants have been eliminated, and funding for extracurricular activities, such as after-school programs and sports, has been significantly reduced. The Ignite program for gifted students has also been eliminated, alongside the closure of Lake Hood and Anaka Valley elementary schools.

Middle and high schools are not exempt from these cuts. The district has reduced the number of principals and counselors, eliminated middle school sports, and discontinued several high school athletic programs, including hockey and swimming. These decisions come as the district grapples with declining enrollment, having lost over 1,000 students this year alone, which is expected to continue.

In total, ASD is reducing its budget by approximately $8.9 million across various departments, including special education services, which have not seen cuts in over a decade. This marks a significant shift in how the district allocates resources, raising questions about the impact on students with individualized education plans.

The meeting highlighted the difficult choices facing the district as it strives to maintain a balanced budget amid declining enrollment and rising operational costs. As these changes take effect, the community will be closely watching their implications for student support and educational quality in Anchorage schools.