While Anchorage School District Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt has spent considerable time publicly complaining about an “ongoing financial crisis” and a $100 million deficit, his proposed budget for the upcoming school year seeks a 20% increase to boost the district office that pushes diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) and enforcement of LGBTQ initiatives and controversial race theory.

At the same time, Bryantt’s proposed budget for 2025-26 would eliminate high school hockey, swimming and gymnastics, do away with all middle school sports, cut elementary summer school, and reduce educational supplies by 10%. He also aims to cut myriad teaching positions and Battle of the Books funding.

“[W]e must make difficult decisions that will impact every part of our district,” Bryantt claimed in the introduction to his proposed budget. “Despite our efforts to minimize disruption, deep cuts are unavoidable, and their effects will be felt throughout our community.”

In spite of his assertions about minimizing disruptions, Bryantt’s preliminary budget will increase the Office of DEI & Community Engagement from $603,681 to $724,122. This is the district’s bureaucratic branch that publishes “equity” dashboards and reports, mandates LGBTQ staff trainings, investigates DEI violations, advances policies in support of transgender ideology and pushes for Critical Race Theory in the curriculum.

Rather than eliminate or reduce the DEI budget, Bryantt has gone after programs that will most likely create massive outcry from parents and students. This is a tactic used in many districts across the state in attempting to motivate the public to pressure elected officials into pumping more money into the state education budget. Bryantt appears to employ this strategy in his explanation of the proposed budget.

“Although there is a possibility that the legislature and governor could approve a one-time or permanent funding increase, the magnitude of inflationary pressures makes it highly unlikely that the District will be able to maintain current programs and services,” he wrote. “ASD’s initial budget proposal reflects the gravity of these challenges … and while we are making every effort to reduce costs in non-classroom areas – such as administrative reductions, specialized programs, and departmental supports – staffing reductions across schools and the District office will be unavoidable.”

He then urged parents, staff and community members to be informed and engaged in the budget process.

“Your voice is critical in highlighting the real-world impact of these financial challenges and advocating for the resources our students deserve,” he Bryantt implores. “Please consider sharing your perspective directly with your legislators as well.”

In all, Bryantt’s proposal would increase the district’s operating budget from $638 million to $651 million.
Over the next few weeks, the district and school board will be hammering out the final details of the budget.

TAKING ACTION

— To contact Anchorage School District Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt, call (907) 742-4312 or email officeofthesuperintendent@asdk12.org

— To contact members of the Anchorage School Board, click here.

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