Anchorage Assembly Approves One-Time Tax Levy for School District

Proposal to go on April ballot, aims to fund teacher positions and student programming

Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Anchorage Assembly has voted 9-3 to put a proposal for a one-time property tax levy on the April municipal election ballot, with the intent of providing $11.8 million in additional funding for the Anchorage School District. The levy is intended to fund teacher positions and student programming, ultimately reducing class sizes.

Why it matters

The school district was facing an $83 million budget deficit, which grew by another $6 million after a teachers union contract agreement. This one-time tax levy is seen as a 'lifeline' to help address the funding gap and maintain critical educational resources for students.

The details

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance originally proposed a sales tax increase to support the school district, but later withdrew that plan in favor of the one-time property tax levy. The levy would be in effect for only one year, unlike typical municipal bonds paid off over time. School officials say the $11.8 million could fund around 90 teaching positions, reducing class sizes by about two students each.

  • The Anchorage Assembly voted on the proposal on January 28, 2026.
  • The tax levy proposal will be on the April 2026 municipal election ballot.

The players

Suzanne LaFrance

The mayor of Anchorage who originally proposed a sales tax increase to support the school district, but later withdrew that plan in favor of the one-time property tax levy.

Jharrett Bryantt

The superintendent of the Anchorage School District, who stated the levy funds would be invested in teachers as that makes the 'biggest difference' for students.

Andy Ratliff

The chief financial officer of the Anchorage School District, who said the district's budget deficit grew by $6 million after a teachers union contract agreement.

Bill Falsey

The chief administrative officer for the municipality, who discussed the ongoing state-level conversations about how education should be funded.

Anchorage Assembly

The local governing body that voted 9-3 to put the one-time tax levy proposal on the April 2026 ballot.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I was happy to work with the School District and School Board to come up with a creative solution to ensure our schools receive this one time much needed funding. I hope Anchorage voters will agree that there's no better investment we can make in our future than to fund public education.”

— Suzanne LaFrance, Mayor

“As we look ahead to this next fiscal year, even the status quo is going to be more expensive. But this $11.8 million could be a lifeline.”

— Jharrett Bryantt, Superintendent

What’s next

The one-time tax levy proposal will be on the April 2026 municipal election ballot, where Anchorage voters will decide whether to approve the measure.

The takeaway

This one-time tax levy represents a creative solution to address the Anchorage School District's significant budget deficit, providing a critical 'lifeline' to maintain teacher positions and student programming. However, the long-term funding challenges for public education in Alaska remain, underscoring the need for more sustainable solutions at the state level.