The Anchorage School District is grappling with a $90 million deficit for the upcoming school year and has advised against a proposed reduction in class periods for middle school students. Deputy Superintendent Sven Gustafson suggested reallocating existing district employees to preserve the current schedule, which allows students to take a total of seven classes while attending five classes each day. This decision comes after Anchorage voters narrowly rejected a capital improvement bond and special tax levy that would have funded 80 additional teachers. The district currently serves more than 7,500 middle school students, and maintaining the schedule is crucial for special education students, who need access to both support programs and electives. The plan will utilize funds from a special education grant to cover 14 special education teachers, ensuring that the current schedule remains intact for at least one year. A special board meeting is scheduled for April 27 to finalize staffing decisions before the district's hiring event.