Anchorage Schools Lay Off Dozens After Tax Levy Failure

District to cut 500 full-time positions amid budget shortfall

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:12am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a school bus repeated in a grid, rendered in neon colors with heavy black outlines, conceptually representing the impact of budget cuts on Anchorage's educational system.The failure of a critical school tax levy has forced the Anchorage School District to make deep cuts, including the largest staffing reduction in recent history.Anchorage Today

The Anchorage School District has begun the process of laying off 56 teachers and 24 other employees after voters failed to approve a $12 million tax levy. The district says this is the largest staffing reduction in recent history, with 500 full-time positions eliminated overall.

Why it matters

The failure of the tax levy has forced the district to make significant cuts, including increasing class sizes and closing schools. This will have a major impact on students and families in Anchorage, raising concerns about the quality of education and the district's ability to retain teachers.

The details

According to the district, in addition to the 56 teacher layoffs, 249 employees are being 'displaced' from their current positions and will be moved to different schools or roles. Another 150 positions have been eliminated through vacancies and resignations. The district may recall some of the laid-off employees to newly vacant positions, but they will only be offered jobs in the same division and title they were laid off from.

  • On February 28, the Anchorage School Board passed a $604.5 million budget with significant cuts to classroom staff.
  • On April 17, the district began the process of notifying employees of layoffs and position changes.
  • By May 31, laid-off employees will lose their life and health insurance benefits.

The players

Jharrett Bryantt

Superintendent of the Anchorage School District, who has committed to listening to concerns from voters who did not support the school bond or special levy.

Suzanne LaFrance

Anchorage Mayor, who signed a letter with 23 other Alaska mayors urging lawmakers to increase state funding for schools.

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What they’re saying

“For some, this result is disappointing, especially given what it may mean for class sizes and school facilities. For others, this vote reflects genuine concerns about affordability, trust, and how the district operates.”

— Jharrett Bryantt, Superintendent, Anchorage School District

“We ask that you appropriate the funds necessary to stabilize school districts and prevent further damage to our ability to educate Alaska's children. Meaningful, sustained funding is essential to restore stability and protect the quality of education our student deserve.”

— Suzanne LaFrance, Mayor, Anchorage

What’s next

The district will begin recalling laid-off employees to newly vacated positions once the initial round of staffing changes is complete. Lawmakers in Juneau are also considering additional funding for schools, though it is unlikely to be directed toward paying teachers.

The takeaway

The failure of the Anchorage School District's tax levy has forced significant budget cuts, including the largest staffing reduction in recent history. This will have a major impact on class sizes, school facilities, and the district's ability to retain teachers, raising concerns about the quality of education for Anchorage students.