AEA Bargaining Team Update
From President Corey Aist:
“Community involvement in this process is critical. The Anchorage Education Association has one primary objective as we negotiate our next contract with the Anchorage School District: the retention of our educators. The most crucial factor in student success is having exceptional educators in every classroom and learning space. By working together to retain our professional educators, AEA and ASD can achieve ASD’s mission of ‘educating all students for success in life.
To meet this objective, we must address both retention and workload as more than half of ASD’s certified employees—over 1,500 individuals—have resigned or retired over the past four years, primarily driven by the lure of more competitive salaries and benefits offered by urban districts in the Lower 48 or by opportunities outside the education field entirely.
By pulling back the curtains and having our sessions open, we will find creative solutions that work for everyone and focus on student success.”
May 12, 2025 Update
Dear Members,
The AEA bargaining team would like members to know that several summer dates have been scheduled to negotiate: May 28, June, 11, and June 18. AEA and ASD will continue these sessions as closed sessions and keep members updated as things progress.
Since we will all be on summer break, it's important to note that our current contract is set to expire on June 30, 2025. After that date, if a new agreement has not been reached, we will enter what’s known as dynamic status quo.
Under dynamic status quo, most terms of our existing contract will remain in effect, including working conditions, benefits, and other provisions. However, there will be no general increase to the salary schedule. That said, step and lane advancements—for those eligible—should still continue as usual.
This status preserves stability while negotiations are ongoing but does not allow for across-the-board compensation increases until a new agreement is ratified.
AEA remains hopeful that a timely settlement can be reached with ASD. However, if additional bargaining dates cannot be mutually agreed upon, negotiations may pause after June 18 and resume in August or September.
Like many of us, members of the AEA Bargaining Team have summer work and travel commitments. If additional dates become feasible, they will be scheduled. Otherwise, all parties will reconvene in the fall to continue negotiations
In Solidarity,
Your AEA Bargaining Team
Lem Wheeles, Chairperson (Dimond High)
Christian Haich, Spokesperson (Polaris K12)
Creed Campbell (King Tech)
Sonja Kenning (Kincaid Elementary)
Michaela Kolerok (West High)
Amber King (Ravenwood Elementary)
Keri Lierman (Chugiak High)
Karen Grey-Levine (Rogers Park Elementary)
Brian Nelson (Retired)
Adam Reid (AKChoice)
Courtney Eyer (Uniserv Director)
Jessica Minguez (Uniserv Director)
