The Anchorage School District presented a preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year that includes significant budget cuts, some of the largest in decades. The proposed cuts involve reducing full-time staff across all grade levels, increasing class sizes, and eliminating middle school sports, as well as high school hockey, swim and dive, and gymnastics. These changes would result in a reduction of 30.5 full-time equivalents at the elementary school level, 16.8 at the middle school level, 14.2 at the high school level, and 4.6 at alternative schools. Additionally, the budget would eliminate the “IGNITE” gifted program and reduce staffing at the Alaska School of Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
School board president Andy Holleman stressed that the proposal is not set in stone and is still under consideration. The budget cuts aim to address financial constraints and challenges faced by the district. The community and stakeholders are urged to provide feedback and voice their concerns regarding the proposed changes. The district acknowledges the impact these cuts could have on students, families, and the overall education system in Anchorage.
As the budget planning process continues, the district will work to balance financial needs with ensuring a quality education for all students. It is essential for all parties involved to work together to find solutions that prioritize the well-being and academic success of students in the Anchorage School District.
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