Anchorage School District will reset choice-school lottery waitlists annually, senior director says
February 07, 2026 | Anchorage School District, School Districts, Alaska
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Senior Director Robin Harris of the Anchorage School District announced that the district will reset choice-school lottery waitlists each year beginning January 2026, and urged families to reapply through ASD’s online system.
"Beginning January 2026, ASD will reset lottery waitlists each year for the upcoming school year," Harris said, adding that students who were previously on a waitlist must reapply to be considered for choice programs or schools outside their neighborhood attendance zone.
The change ends use of the district's zone-exemption paper form. "That form is no longer used," Harris said. "Moving forward, all requests to attend a school or program outside your neighborhood must go through the ASD online lottery system." Harris directed families to asdk12.org/schools/enrollment/lottery for more information.
Harris provided application timing and deadlines: "The lottery for next school year is open right now and closes on March 19 at 5PM. There will also be a second lottery cycle that will open March 27 at 4PM and will remain open to accept applications until 07/26/2026." She emphasized that application time or day does not affect a family's chance: "Please remember, it doesn't matter what time or day you apply. Each and every applicant has an opportunity in the lottery."
The announcement affects families seeking attendance or program placement outside neighborhood attendance zones; they should plan to reapply under the new annual waitlist reset. The district encouraged families to review the online information early and submit applications before the stated deadlines. Harris closed by thanking families and saying the district looks forward to supporting students' educational journeys.
The transcript records this as an informational announcement by district staff; no formal board vote or motion is recorded in the provided text.
"Beginning January 2026, ASD will reset lottery waitlists each year for the upcoming school year," Harris said, adding that students who were previously on a waitlist must reapply to be considered for choice programs or schools outside their neighborhood attendance zone.
The change ends use of the district's zone-exemption paper form. "That form is no longer used," Harris said. "Moving forward, all requests to attend a school or program outside your neighborhood must go through the ASD online lottery system." Harris directed families to asdk12.org/schools/enrollment/lottery for more information.
Harris provided application timing and deadlines: "The lottery for next school year is open right now and closes on March 19 at 5PM. There will also be a second lottery cycle that will open March 27 at 4PM and will remain open to accept applications until 07/26/2026." She emphasized that application time or day does not affect a family's chance: "Please remember, it doesn't matter what time or day you apply. Each and every applicant has an opportunity in the lottery."
The announcement affects families seeking attendance or program placement outside neighborhood attendance zones; they should plan to reapply under the new annual waitlist reset. The district encouraged families to review the online information early and submit applications before the stated deadlines. Harris closed by thanking families and saying the district looks forward to supporting students' educational journeys.
The transcript records this as an informational announcement by district staff; no formal board vote or motion is recorded in the provided text.
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