ACE Board Meeting Summary - December 10, 2025

The Anchorage Childcare Early Education (ACE) Board convened on December 10, 2025, to review progress, approve the strategic plan, and discuss future programming. Key agenda items included the introduction of new Health Department staff, a detailed update on the proposed sales tax measure, the executive director search process, and the renewal of administrative contracts. The board concluded with the election of officers and member comments reflecting on the year's achievements.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the October 2nd meeting upon motion by Jessie and second by Kevin.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Carlos de la Torre: The new Senior Grant and Contract Administrator at the Health Department introduced himself, highlighting his background in conservation, the Peace Corps, and tribal partnerships. He expressed a commitment to equity, cultural integration, and efficient grant processing for the ACE fund.
• Community Sentiment: Throughout the discussion on the sales tax, members of the public (via testimony referenced by speakers) expressed a need for child care and early education to be treated as a public good with structural, ongoing investment rather than one-time fixes.

Discussion Items

Sales Tax Proposal Update (Bill & Austin)

• Proposal Structure: The Mayor's office introduced a proposed sales tax measure designed to address high property taxes, declining state support, and workforce outmigration. The distribution would be: 1% for property tax relief, and the remaining portion split between child care and housing.
• Child Care Allocation: Bill clarified that the final bucket (approx. $60 million) would go to child care/early education. He noted that for the first three years of ramp-up, there is currently no hardwired split between housing and child care funds; the housing fund ($50M) aims to be capitalized during this window, after which the marijuana tax stream moves to housing while the sales tax remains child care-exclusive.
• Board Concerns:
  • Austin and Jesse: Expressed concerns that the current draft allows for flexibility that could result in child care funding dropping to zero if revenues are not sufficient to fund the housing capitalization bucket. Austin noted they previously believed a 50/50 split was intended for the first few years, but the current draft lacks hardwiring.
  • Kevin (Economist): Challenged the definition of "regressive" vs. "progressive," noting the tax's progressivity depends on how funds are spent. He questioned the magnitude of the impact, asking what $60 million translates to per child and for tangible outcomes.
• Resolution of Discussion: Austin proposed a middle ground where the hiring committee would provide the full board with candidate resumes and a recommendation prior to the final hiring decision, with an option for board members to meet finalists individually before any offer is made.

Executive Director Search

• Status Update: The hiring committee has screened 30 candidates, rated the top seven, and interviewed four. Three more interviews are scheduled for November 10th, with a final decision expected by November 18th.
• Process Clarification: The board discussed the appropriate level of board involvement in the final hiring decision. While some wanted a public meeting to meet candidates, legal counsel advised against it due to confidentiality and potential candidate discouragement. The consensus was to provide the full board with candidate materials and a recommendation, allowing for optional individual meetings with candidates for those who wish it.

Strategic Plan Approval

• Updates: Erin and Austin presented the updated strategic plan incorporating public survey feedback and assembly recommendations. Key changes included defining terms like "stabilize" and "thriving," adding workforce development to strategies, and explicitly addressing the need for baseline data collection.
• Outcome: The board unanimously approved the strategic plan, moving it from framework to implementation planning with quarterly milestones.

2026 Program Administration

• Contract Renewal: Austin proposed continuing the administrative contracts with Thread (operational assistance) and Alaska Family Services (child care subsidies) for 2026, citing positive public feedback on their ease of use.
• Board Feedback: Members expressed support for continuity to avoid the inefficiency of restarting the contracting process. Kevin abstained from the vote due to his role as President of Thread's board. The motion to renew the contracts passed.

Key Outcomes

• Strategic Plan: The ACE strategic plan was unanimously approved, with next steps involving quarterly milestone planning starting November 12th.
• Contract Renewals: The board voted to support continuing administrative contracts with Thread and Alaska Family Services for 2026. Kevin abstained; all other voting members supported.
• Executive Director Process: The board agreed to a modified hiring process where candidate resumes and hiring committee recommendations will be shared privately with the board before the final offer, with opportunities for board members to meet candidates individually.
• Sales Tax Strategy: The board expressed strong support for the proposed sales tax but requested that the administration clarify the funding split mechanics to ensure child care funding remains sufficient during the capitalization window.
• Officers: A motion was made to nominate Trevor for Chair and Jesse for Vice Chair, with nominations to be finalized in December.
• Next Steps: Jesse is scheduled to present on ASD programs in January; the board will meet again in early December to finalize the new Executive Director. }