The Anchorage School District (ASD) has begun laying off employees and reassigning others after a special tax levy failed to pass. The staffing reductions were included in the budget passed in late February. District officials have called this the largest staffing reduction in recent history.
What happened
The Anchorage School District is implementing staffing reductions after voters rejected Proposition 9, a special tax levy. The district had already passed a budget with these reductions in February, anticipating the potential failure of the levy.
How many employees affected
The district is eliminating 500 full-time positions. Specifically, 56 teachers and 24 other district employees will be laid off. Additionally, 249 employees will be displaced from their current positions, though they will remain employed by the district in different roles or schools. 150 positions have been absorbed through vacancies and resignations, and 73 employees from schools slated for closure will move to the schools receiving those students.
Why layoffs happened
The layoffs are a direct result of the failure of Proposition 9, a special tax levy that would have funded 80 additional classroom teachers. The school board had hoped the levy would pass to avoid increasing the pupil-to-teacher ratio, but voters rejected it.
Company background
The Anchorage School District is the largest school district in Alaska, serving the municipality of Anchorage. It provides education to students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Industry impact
The layoffs and staffing changes will likely increase class sizes within the district. The superintendent expressed concern about the impact on retaining educators, which is a statewide priority.
What's next
The district will begin recalling laid-off employees to newly vacated positions. Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt aims to understand why voters rejected the levy and regain their trust. He also acknowledged the need to "make do with what we have."
Source: adn.com