AEA Bargaining Team Updates
September 19, 2025 Update
Dear Members,
It’s with a heavy dose of disappointment that we have to tell you the Anchorage School District has chosen to move forward with interest arbitration against its certificated educators — a decision that speaks volumes.
This marks the first time in nearly 20 years that mediation has failed. That fact alone should alarm every educator, parent, and community member in Anchorage.
We have all heard Dr. Bryantt acknowledge the high number of teacher resignations, the constant turnover, and the urgent need to direct resources toward retention. We know he understands the problem, but despite those words, ASD’s actions tell a different story.
The District has provided double-digit pay increases to TAs, bus drivers, and food service employees — all hardworking and deserving colleagues. But when it comes to certificated educators, the very people tasked with teaching and preparing our students for life after the classroom, ASD has failed to make the same commitment.
Meanwhile, legislators voted not once but twice to override the governor’s veto of public education funding. Their intent was crystal clear: direct that money into classrooms where it will make the most significant impact on students' lives and allow us to retain our best and brightest educators. ASD, however, refuses to meet this mandate.
Your AEA bargaining team has been clear with the District: our members want to stay in Anchorage, to serve this community, and to continue building strong schools. Yet ASD refuses to offer a compensation package anywhere near competitive with other urban districts in the Lower 48. As a result, too many educators are already planning their exit, looking for districts that match their words with real action.
Your bargaining team has made arguments on your behalf in open bargaining, in closed sessions over the summer, and now in mediation. But here’s the truth: you are the professionals who show up every day for your students and families — despite the challenges, despite the uncertainty, and despite ASD’s failure to truly value your work.
Now is the time to share your voice. Share your experiences. Tell your story to the School Board. Your story carries power because it comes from lived experience: the long nights spent planning lessons, the weekends dedicated to student success, the sacrifices made by your own families so you can serve the families of Anchorage.
You work for ASD not out of convenience, but out of commitment. You chose this profession, you chose this district, and you want to continue building strong classrooms and stronger futures in this community.
And your voice deserves to be heard — not just by ASD leadership, but by the entire community that depends on your dedication.
So let’s make them hear us. Start writing to School Board members, legislators, and community leaders. Over the next two weeks, as AEA and ASD move into non-binding arbitration, every member should prepare to share their story — in whatever medium you choose. Write a letter to the editor of the ADN. Testify in front of the School Board. Send letters to legislators and board members.
Our collective voices must be heard. And together, they cannot ignore us.
In Solidarity,
Your AEA Bargaining Team
Lem Wheeles, Chairperson (Dimond High)
Christian Haich, Spokesperson (Polaris K12)
Creed Campbell (King Tech)
Sonja Kenning (Northwood Elementary)
Michaela Hernandez (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)