District staff: operating budget transmitted to governor; bond debt reimbursement cuts would raise local costs

Anchorage School District staff told the Finance Committee on May 29 that the district transmitted its operating budget to the governor and is awaiting a response expected by June 19. An administrator reported a proposed 35% reduction in state bond debt reimbursement for voter‑approved propositions prior to Jan. 1, 2015, which the staff estimated would shift about $4.5 million in costs to local taxpayers if the governor signs the budget as transmitted.

The legislative update was delivered as an informational item to the committee; the presenter said the district will continue to monitor the governor’s actions and report back to the board. The administrator also noted that a separate bill on bond debt reimbursement for voter‑approved bonds after July 2025 stalled in the legislative session and could return in future sessions, but any such reimbursement remains subject to appropriation.

Committee members asked for follow‑up notifications to the board after the governor’s action on or before the June 19 date. No formal action or vote was taken on the legislative update during the Finance Committee meeting.