Anchorage School District and Educators Reach Tentative Agreement

The Anchorage School District (ASD) and the Anchorage Education Association (AEA) have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract, which is set to run from July 1, 2026, to the end of June 30, 2029. This announcement was made in a joint statement released by the ASD, outlining key features of the agreement aimed at improving the working conditions and compensation for the district’s educators.

According to the statement, the contract will affect approximately 2,800 educators in the Anchorage area. If ratified by AEA members and subsequently approved by the Anchorage School Board, the agreement will provide for salary increases and enhanced employer health contributions. It also addresses more than 20 language articles intended to directly improve the working environment for educators within the district.

“This contract is historic for Anchorage educators,” said AEA President Christi Sitz. “Competitive wages and benefits are the best tools we have to keep existing teachers in schools and attract new educators to our community.” She emphasized the commitment of both organizations to ensure students are taught by qualified educators and have access to essential resources for their success.

ASD Superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt expressed the challenges faced during negotiations, particularly against the backdrop of rising costs and budget constraints. He stated, “Reaching this tentative agreement during a period of rising costs and significant budget pressure was challenging, but our focus never wavered—our teachers are the heart of this district, and student success begins in their classrooms.”

In addition to the main contract, the agreement includes a provision to extend the previous contract, which expired on June 30, 2025, through the end of this year. This extension serves as a bridge to the new three-year contract set to begin in 2026.

A ratification vote by AEA members is anticipated later this month. If the agreement is approved, the Anchorage School Board will review it at a meeting scheduled for early February. This development marks a significant step in addressing the needs and concerns of educators in Anchorage, as both the district and the union work towards enhancing the educational landscape for students and teachers alike.