Anchorage Schools Slash Arts Budget, Sparking Community Outcry

Anchorage School District is slashing its budget for the 2027 fiscal year.

Hit hard by a $90 million deficit after two failed.

Ballet measures, arts and music programs are taking the biggest hits

with reduced access to electives like art, music, world languages,

immersion classes, and career.

Tech education. They're even cutting the assistant director of Fine Arts

position. Earlier this week, the school board reviewed the plans in a work

at elementary schools kids will switch to full semesters of either music

or art instead of alternating every two weeks. High schools face unclear cuts

since staffing depends on student interest in those classes.

Folks are fired up about it. Parents and teachers at the board meeting

question, ending intro to band in middle and high schools,

worried it'll kill music education long term. One student from Eagle River High

said music is the main reason he shows up to class and losing that outlet would

be devastating. Board member Kelly Lessons pointed out the real loss while

standing by student artwork on display, saying these pieces might be the last

until the budget improves. She noted it'll mean less chance for kids to build

on what they've learned. These cuts highlight the tough choices ahead for Anchorage

schools, but community pushback could spark changes before they lock in.

Local news powered by AI. This is Anchorage News Today.

I'm Corey with the story.