Board holds to proposed charter funding assumptions, keeps 4% indirect charge and will follow policy on Pearl Creek application

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District board on March 19 voted to keep the administration’s recommended approach for charter finances and to not add additional charter allocations to the FY26 proposed budget. The board accepted the $3.40 Base Student Allocation (BSA) equivalent assumption for supplemental charter revenue in the proposed budget and retained a 4% indirect administrative charge for charter schools rather than adopting an 8% charge proposed in pending legislation (HB 69).

Why it matters: The decisions balance legal obligations and fiscal caution. If the Legislature or governor places supplemental funds inside the permanent BSA, the district would be required by statute to pass the increased amounts to charter schools. Board members said they preferred to budget conservatively while keeping the district’s legal obligations and the charter application process on the district’s policy timeline.

Key votes and rationale

- The board voted to accept administration’s recommendation of a $3.40 BSA‑equivalent supplemental charter funding assumption in the proposed budget (motion carried by roll call). The…