Matanuska-Susitna district proposes $281.6 million preliminary budget as charter and staffing shifts drive changes

Superintendent Katie Traini presented the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District—s proposed 2026 operating budget on March 25, saying the board has approved a balanced preliminary budget of $281,601,753 in revenues and expenditures and that the figure reflects assumptions about state and borough funding.

"The 1 thing I can guarantee about this is that it is not going to be what actually happens," Traini said, describing the revenue uncertainty tied to ongoing state legislative work and the borough appropriation process.

The district—s plan assumes a $1,000 increase to the base student allocation (BSA) as outlined in House Bill 69 and treats some one-time state funds (about $680 per student) as likely to be replaced rather than added. Deputy Superintendent Gardner told the assembly that the district chose conservative revenue assumptions and is monitoring the legislature and borough decisions as it moves from a superintendent-proposed budget toward the final adopted budget in late May or early June.

Why it matters: The district depends primarily on state funding and the borough—s required local contribution, and both drive nearly all revenue. Gardner said the district requested a 4% borough funding increase for FY26 to cover a rise in the required local contribution; the required local contribution itself is calculated by the state and reduces the state entitlement.…