The Anchorage School District and the Anchorage Education Association have agreed to a one-year contract, which must be approved by a vote of AEA members. The agreement covers the July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, and addresses compensation and working conditions for approximately 3,000 educators.
- The new agreement has salary increases, an increase in health contribution benefits to be paid by the district, and various other agreements that have been hammered out since the last contract was ratified.
“Today’s announcement of a tentative contract agreement between ASD and AEA is a historic moment. We are putting forward the largest single-year wage and health benefits increase provided to educators in more than a decade,” said Superintendent Dr. Jharrett Bryantt. “We have some of the hardest working and most dedicated teachers, counselors, nurses, and other educators at ASD, who work diligently to advance our mission and improve student outcomes. This tentative agreement represents our collective commitment and dedication to those on the frontlines who give students the skills they need to succeed in life.”
Anchorage schools have notoriously low testing scores. Just 43% of middle school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 43% tested at or above that level for math. Some 44% of high school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 32% tested at or above that level for math.
“Attracting and retaining qualified educators remains paramount to ASD, and we believe this contract can do just that. Given the structural deficit faced by ASD and other districts around Alaska, it’s in the best interest of both ASD and AEA to enter into a one-year agreement, in the hope that the Legislature and Governor will work together this coming legislative session to appropriately fund education,” the superintendent said.
Corey Aist, AEA president, said, “Every day, I wake up with a singular purpose: to discover solutions that enable ASD educators to continue their teaching journey here in Anchorage. Over the past three years, we’ve witnessed the departure of more than 1,150 educators to more enticing offers in other districts or entirely different career paths. This one-year agreement seamlessly extends our current contract, offering financial security and well-deserved raises to our dedicated educators.”
List continued, “This tentative agreement demonstrates AEA’s commitment to our educators, educator retention, and unwavering support for our students and their families. It’s high time our legislature and governor step up and play their part by increasing the Base Student Allocation (BSA), allowing us to offer more competitive contracts to help retain and attract exceptional teaching talent.”
Union members will now review the tentative agreement before taking a ratification vote in late November. The Anchorage School Board would then consider the ratified agreement for approval and adoption at its meeting on Dec. 5. A copy of the tentative agreement and additional letter of agreement may be found here and here.
