ASD is requesting community input as it develops the budget for next school year and works to close a gap of more than $77 million.

The increase in state funding passed by the Legislature earlier this year helped but does not relieve the District from many years of underfunding education. Without additional state funding, ASD again will have to make significant reductions to balance the budget. District decisions must be guided by what our community values most for our students and where we choose to protect resources. These choices will not be easy. They will impact every one of our classrooms and programs across the District. 

Balancing Act

Community feedback is encouraged through an online tool, called Balancing Act, which lets you explore spending options and see how different choices affect our financial outlook.

The tool starts with a $77 million deficit. As you adjust expenses across categories, the budget tracker bar updates in real time. The goal is to close the gap and turn the tracker bar green. When you’re done, you can submit your budget priorities directly to my administration and the Anchorage School Board. 

Click here to try the Balancing Act 
(www.asdk12.org/FY27)

Budget Workshop

Please join ASD for a community budget workshop in early December. District leaders will be available to answer questions and discuss ideas as you work through real scenarios to balance the budget. Your responses will be used in the development of the FY27 Preliminary Budget.

At the workshop, you will:

• Get an overview of ASD’s financial picture and how we reached a $77 million deficit.

• Use the Balancing Act tool to explore spending options and set your priorities.

• See in real time how your choices affect the budget gap.

• Share your recommendations with District leadership and the Board.

Balancing Act: A FY27 Budget Solutions Workshop

Saturday, December 6

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Bartlett High School

For more information about the projected 2026-27 school year budget, visit www.asdk12.org/FY27.