Board restores $1.83 million in cuts, including two community pools, after state funding increase

What happened

After the legislature added $700 per student to the state's Base Student Allocation, the board voted 9-0 on September 8, 2025 to reverse several FY26 budget cuts, spending up to $1,830,000 to reinstate: the Seldovia (Susan B. English School) and Ninilchik school pools, high school extracurricular stipends and transportation, curriculum materials, five special-education intensive-needs aides, a communications specialist position, a "Grow Your Own" paraeducator program, a warehouse truck, and a Middle College program addition.

Why it matters to families

These were services and positions already cut for the 2025-26 year that directly touch students and families — pool access in two communities, after-school activities, and support staff for students with disabilities — reinstated only because of a late, one-time increase in state funding.

The evidence

The approved minutes for the September 8, 2025 meeting record the itemized motion, the $1,830,000 cost ceiling, and the unanimous 9-0 roll-call vote.

The source