The Anchorage School District (ASD) will be cutting positions after voters rejected Proposition 9, a special property tax levy projected to raise roughly $12 million for the district.
What happened
The Anchorage School District is eliminating positions due to a budget deficit after voters rejected Proposition 9. Principals shared the news with staff on Friday.
How many employees affected
The budget eliminates 500 full-time positions district-wide. This includes 56 teachers who will be laid off. An additional 203 teachers will be “displaced,” meaning they will have to change jobs or schools.
Why layoffs happened
The layoffs are a result of voters rejecting Proposition 9, which would have provided $12 million for the district. Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt noted the school board considered the district’s $90 million deficit when passing the budget in March. Revenues from the tax levy would have allowed the district to retain about 80 more teaching positions.
Company background
The Anchorage School District is responsible for providing public education to the municipality of Anchorage, Alaska.
Industry impact
The teacher layoffs and displacement will lead to increased class sizes. Without the passage of Proposition 9, classroom sizes will increase by four students instead of two.
What's next
The district plans to engage more with the community to address concerns about how the district operates and makes financial decisions.
Source: alaskasnewssource.com