Anchorage Resident Calls for Eliminating School Choice

Letter argues that ending school choice would address budget issues and create more equitable public education system.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A letter published in the Anchorage Daily News calls on the Anchorage School Board to consider eliminating all school choice in the city. The letter argues that school choice in Anchorage has created a socioeconomically segregated school system, concentrating students and families with more resources at charter and alternative schools. By eliminating school choice, the letter claims, children would attend their neighborhood schools, bringing more students, resources and equity to those schools.

Why it matters

This letter touches on the ongoing debate around school choice policies and their impact on public education systems. Proponents argue that choice empowers families, while critics say it leads to inequitable resource distribution and segregation. The Anchorage School Board will have to weigh these considerations as they evaluate the future of school choice in the district.

The details

The letter, written by Anchorage resident Cortney Carman, states that eliminating school choice would help address budget shortfalls in the Anchorage School District. Carman argues that with all students attending their neighborhood schools, there would be more students, resources and equity brought to those schools. The letter claims that the current school choice system in Anchorage has created a segregated system, with families with more financial resources, transportation and flexible schedules concentrated at charter and alternative schools.

  • The letter was published on February 11, 2026.

The players

Cortney Carman

An Anchorage resident who wrote the letter calling for the elimination of school choice in the city.

Anchorage School Board

The governing body of the Anchorage School District that the letter is addressing and calling on to consider eliminating school choice.

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What they’re saying

“If we want to benefit the most students during this extended public education budget shortfall, having all students attend their neighborhood schools meets that goal. If we want to benefit primarily those who already have resources and means, then continue with school choice.”

— Cortney Carman (adn.com)

What’s next

The Anchorage School Board will need to evaluate Carman's proposal and determine if eliminating school choice is the right path forward for the district.

The takeaway

This letter highlights the ongoing debate around school choice policies and their impact on equity in public education. As school districts face budget challenges, policymakers must carefully weigh the tradeoffs between school choice and ensuring all students have access to quality neighborhood schools.