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Anchorage leaders spar over ASD budget and sudden plan to close Campbell STEM
Summary
A joint session of the Anchorage Assembly and Anchorage School District on March 20 focused on the district’s FY27 budget, proposed school closures that include Campbell STEM, and whether voter-approved bond funds can be repurposed; parents and members pressed for more transparency and options to preserve the STEM program.
Anchorage officials spent the bulk of a March 20 joint session debating the Anchorage School District’s proposed FY27 budget and a board-backed plan that would close three schools, including Campbell STEM — a move that parents, some assembly members and board members said was sudden, poorly explained and harmful to community trust.
Parents who testified urged the Assembly to withhold approval or demand further review. "The math of the savings of closing Campbell STEM doesn't add up," said Mike Nield during public comment, arguing district projections understate enrollment growth at nearby charter schools and overstate net savings. Haim Winger, a parent and pilot, said the district’s rationale has “changed over and over again” and warned he would oppose upcoming bond measures if the closure proceeds: "they've proven they can't be trusted with money."
The district and its leaders framed the actions as painful but necessary steps to close a projected shortfall. Andy Ratliff, ASD chief financial officer, said the board adopted a balanced budget on Feb.…
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