Full Breakdown
Anchorage Schools Grapple with Overcrowded Classrooms
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Situation: Growing Class Sizes Strain Students and Teachers
Students across the Anchorage School District are experiencing noticeably larger classes than in prior years. Sophomore Mae Agnew Bemben describes her AP World History class as “packed tight” with 35 teenagers, while kindergarten teacher Kjerstin Thomas reports a 25-student class that no longer fits on a single rug. Veteran high-school teacher Gary Snyder notes his largest class now holds 34 students, up from about two dozen in his early career. Teachers say the crowding hampers attention, personal interaction, and safety during activities such as chemistry labs.
Background & Context: Funding Limits and Staffing Shortages
Administrator Kersten Johnson-Struempler explains that with 87 % of the budget devoted to personnel, there is little flexibility to address rising costs. The district reports roughly 300 fewer teaching positions this year due to vacancies, layoffs, retirements and a hiring freeze, directly translating into larger classrooms.
Data & Statistics
- Average increase of four students per classroom compared with the previous year.
- Approximately 300 teaching positions eliminated district-wide.
- Class size examples: AP World History – 35 students; kindergarten – 25 students; high-school core classes – 34 students.
- Teachers report longer work hours and increased grading loads, with many assigning more worksheets and multiple-choice tests to manage time.
Official Statements & Responses
Gary Snyder warned that reduced individual feedback and limited material budgets diminish learning outcomes, especially in hands-on activities like dissecting fetal pigs. Snyder, who plans to retire next year, expressed concern that the system’s “holes” may deter new teachers from entering the profession.
Verbatim Quote
“When there is always more to be asked of you with limited resources, it is hard for teachers to not feel burnt out.” — Kjerstin Thomas, a kindergarten teacher at Denali Montessori in downtown Anchorage