The pillars at Airport Heights Elementary School greet students with a powerful message: “Honor, Dream, Achieve”, setting the tone for learning, growth, and aspiration every day. Photo courtesy of Airport Heights Elementary School
📖 Step Up for Your Child’s Education, Health, and Opportunities in Anchorage Schools
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | February 2026
When it comes to your child’s education, health, and overall well-being, parents have the ability to drive real change. Right now, the Anchorage School District (ASD) faces one of the largest budget shortfalls in its history, and decisions made today will directly impact students’ classrooms, programs, and daily support. Getting involved is not just important. It’s essential. By showing up, speaking out, and connecting with others, parents can help preserve critical programs and ensure that every dollar is spent wisely for their children’s future.
Why Parental Involvement Is Critical
ASD is confronting a $90 million budget shortfall for the 2026‑27 school year. This gap is driven by flat state funding, rising costs, and declining enrollment. While fewer students slightly reduce some variable costs, fixed expenses including school buildings, transportation, and administration remain high, meaning the district cannot close the gap without significant cuts or additional funding.
Proposed Reductions Could Affect Every Student
Classroom instruction may shrink with 300+ teacher positions cut, leading to larger class sizes.
Special services for students with disabilities and English Learners face cuts of nearly 70 positions, reducing individualized support.
Health and counseling services are at risk, with fewer nurses and counselors in schools.
Athletics and extracurriculars, including hockey, tennis, volleyball, swimming/diving, Nordic skiing, soccer, riflery, and wrestling, may be eliminated, affecting thousands of student-athletes.
Enrichment programs like IGNITE gifted education and electives in arts, STEM, and other subjects may be reduced or cut entirely.
The most impactful “non-state/federal” funding usually comes from local levies and bonds, while grants, partnerships, and fees supplement specific programs. For a district facing a $90 million shortfall, smaller sources like fundraising or fees alone will only cover a tiny fraction.
Without strong community engagement, these cuts could reshape the educational experience for every child in ASD.
What Parents Can Do
Parents can directly influence how the district navigates this crisis and protect programs that support learning, health, and well-being:
- Attend School Board Meetings: Speak during public comment periods to share your priorities and concerns. Meetings are held twice a month, typically on the first and third Tuesdays, with both work sessions and regular meetings. (ASD School Board Calendar)
- Participate in Local Elections: Vote on education levies and bonds, which can provide critical funding to restore staff and programs.
- Engage With PTAs and Advocacy Groups: Join forces with other parents to amplify your voice and organize around key issues affecting students.
- Submit Written Comments or Testimony: If you can’t attend a meeting, send written input to the school board or superintendent.
- Stay Informed: Watch meetings live or recorded, review agendas in advance, and track budget decisions to know when your input matters most.
đź“ž Contact Information to Get Started
Anchorage School District Main Line: 907‑742‑4000
School Board Email (general):Â schoolboard@asdk12.org
Superintendent’s Office Email: officeofthesuperintendent@asdk12.org
Address:Â 5530 E Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99504
School Board Website & Meeting Agendas:Â ASD School Board
Every parent has the power to make a difference. Showing up, speaking out, and connecting with other parents can help ensure that every student in Anchorage schools continues to receive quality education, access to health and counseling support, and opportunities to thrive in sports and enrichment programs. Together, parents can shape the future of the district and safeguard the well-being of all children. The time to act is now . Your engagement can protect your child’s education and help ASD thrive.
