Proposed state regulation could force Anchorage School District to find $15 million, officials warn

The Anchorage School District Board of Education heard Aug. 5 that proposed changes to state regulations on local contributions could require the district to cover roughly $15 million this fiscal year if the rules are adopted as written, Superintendent Dr. Bryant told the board. The proposal, presented to the State Board of Education as an emergency regulation and later opened for comment, would (1) tie local contribution limits to federal definitions, (2) remove a narrower definition of “appropriations” that currently limits contributions to city/borough operating funds, and (3) broaden the definition of “in‑kind services,” officials said — changes that could bring transportation, food service and other items inside the local cap and reduce municipal support to districts. Board members were warned the language is vague and the district does not yet have a definitive list of what municipal items…