The Anchorage Assembly passed the Anchorage School District's $784 million 2015-16 budget Tuesday night after a flurry of debate over whether it reflected the cuts discussed in Juneau.
For the first time in years, the school district's budget did not eliminate teacher positions to close a projected budget gap. Instead, it included funding for about 64 new teachers, using $17 million in unreserved funds to close a projected budget shortfall. The money stems from budgeted funds that went unspent this school year.
Assembly member Jennifer Johnston, who voted against the budget, said she wanted the school district to adopt a fiscal plan that spanned several years. She also wanted next school year's budget to include the cuts in one-time funding included in Gov. Bill Walker's proposed budget.
"Doesn't it bother you that we are looking at reduced revenue?" Johnston said to Ed Graff, the school district superintendent. "This isn't a rumor out there. This is something that has been stated by the governor. There doesn't seem to be any political will in the Legislature to reinstate it."
If Walker's proposed cut sticks in the state's final budget, the school district would lose $11.8 million in municipal and state funds next school year. The one-time funds, budgeted during last legislative session, pay for pre-kindergarten classes, literacy coaches and keeping class sizes small within the school district.
Johnston introduced an amendment that would have stripped $9.5 million in one-time state funding from the school district's budget. The amendment failed in a 4-7 vote.
Eric Croft, the school board president, said it would not have been prudent to include the cuts in the school district's budget, just as the budget would not include a proposed increase in incremental funding. The budget, he said, was formed based on laws passed. He said the school district will adjust its budget as needed once the Legislature adjourns.
Assembly member Dick Traini said he would like to change the system so that the the district does not have to submit its budget to the Assembly before it knows what funding it will receive from the state.
"I hate to see you guys doing this every year," he said.
Traini voted to pass the budget along with seven other Assembly members. Assembly members Johnston, Amy Demboski and Bill Evans submitted the "no" votes.