Anchorage school board debates middle school model amid staffing challenges and budget cuts

In a recent special meeting of the Anchorage School District (ASD) School Board, members engaged in a critical discussion regarding budgetary constraints and staffing challenges for the upcoming school year. The meeting, held on June 12, 2025, highlighted the pressing need to address vacant teacher positions and the potential restructuring of middle school programs.

One of the main topics of discussion was the current staffing situation at middle schools. Board member Donnelly raised concerns about the number of unfilled teaching positions, suggesting that there may be flexibility in reallocating teachers to address shortages. He proposed a substitute motion to amend the budget, which would involve discontinuing the extra planning period for middle school teachers and reducing the number of assistant principals by five. This move aims to comply with a budgetary requirement of a $500 Basic Student Allocation (BSA) increase.

However, the proposal faced opposition from other board members, particularly Member Higgins, who emphasized the importance of thorough analysis before making any decisions that could impact students' academic performance. Higgins expressed concerns about the potential negative effects of moving sixth graders into a more traditional middle school model, which could disrupt their learning environment and emotional well-being. She advocated for a comprehensive review of all available options to ensure that any budget cuts would not harm students unnecessarily.

Member Holloman also contributed to the discussion, highlighting the significance of maintaining smaller learning communities within middle schools. He argued that the current structure, which organizes students into smaller groups with dedicated teachers, is crucial for the emotional and academic development of young adolescents. Disassembling this model could lead to significant disruptions and negatively affect students' transition from elementary to middle school.

The meeting underscored the complexities of balancing budgetary constraints with the need to provide a supportive educational environment for students. As the board navigates these challenges, the discussions reflect a broader concern about the implications of budget cuts on educational quality and student outcomes. The board is expected to continue exploring various strategies to address staffing shortages while prioritizing the needs of students in the Anchorage School District.