Juneau School District presents FY '26 budget with no program cuts

The Juneau School District (JSD) is poised for a promising fiscal year 2026, as the Board of Education unanimously adopted a budget of $95.5 million, reflecting a 4.44% increase from the previous year. This budget, presented at the recent Assembly Finance Committee meeting, emphasizes the district's commitment to maintaining educational programs and supports, despite ongoing state funding uncertainties.

Newly appointed Chief Financial Officer Nico Herbert introduced the budget, highlighting that unlike many districts, JSD will not be cutting essential programs such as music and sports. Instead, the district is lowering the student-to-teacher ratio in grades 4 through 6 and expanding career technical education opportunities. Herbert credited last year's consolidation efforts and collaboration with the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) for these positive developments.

The budget is built on a projected enrollment of 3,919 students, a slight decrease of 3.1% from the previous year. It anticipates a base student allocation increase of $400, which is crucial for addressing the district's financial needs. The local contribution from CBJ remains at the maximum allowable level, totaling over $35 million, which is vital for sustaining educational quality.

The district's strategic plan, set to be updated with community input, focuses on enhancing student achievement and ensuring access to diverse educational opportunities. As the budget process continues, JSD remains committed to transparency and collaboration with parents and community members to navigate the challenges ahead.