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Anchorage superintendent calls HB 57 override ‘historic’ but warns of appropriation veto risk
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Bryant praised the Legislature’s override of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of House Bill 57, which permanently increases the base student allocation by $700, but warned the district still faces a risk that the governor could veto the appropriation portion of the law in June, creating budget uncertainty for the 2025–26 school year.
Superintendent Dr. Bryant told the Anchorage School District board on May 20 that the Legislature’s override of the governor’s veto of House Bill 57 was "historic," but he urged caution because the governor can still veto appropriations tied to the bill and several education leaders remain concerned about budget certainty.
The superintendent said 46 legislators voted to override the veto, a margin he called unusually large and a sign of bipartisan support for the policy and the funding increase. "Forty‑six legislators is no small feat," he said, noting that the bill combines a permanent BSA increase with a package of education policy changes.
Why it matters: HB 57 raises the state’s base student allocation (BSA) for public schools. Anchorage School District administrators and board members said the $700 permanent increase is a major step but represents roughly 39% of the district’s previously stated need; district leaders had earlier projected a $560 increase for their local budget planning and continue to press for additional, sustained funding in future sessions.
Uncertainty over appropriations: Dr. Bryant warned the governor retains separate constitutional authority to veto appropriation language and that the administration in Juneau has signaled it may exercise that power when the state signs budget bills later this month. That, the superintendent said, has left district leaders and staff uncertain about final revenue levels for the coming fiscal year and has complicated local budget planning.
Board context: Board President Carl Jacobs and other members praised legislators who supported the override and acknowledged the bill also included policy changes beyond the BSA increase, including charter school application timing, reporting requirements and other education provisions discussed during the session. The board and superintendent asked the community to remain engaged with lawmakers as the budget process continues.
Next steps and implications: The superintendent said the district will continue cautious budgeting in the weeks ahead and monitor Juneau’s appropriation decisions closely. He urged civic engagement and said the district stands ready to work with legislators and the governor to stabilize long‑term education funding.
Ending: Board members and the superintendent thanked legislators who backed the override and asked the community to stay informed while the district awaits final appropriation action.
