Three elementary schools in Anchorage, Alaska, are on the chopping block to close at the end of this year, according to the district's latest update. But here's where it gets controversial... The closures are part of the district's 'rightsizing' project, which includes closures and other consolidation actions to make operations more efficient. And this is the part most people miss... ASD recently announced a $90 million budget deficit, which could force hundreds of full-time teaching positions and school programs to be cut. So, what does this mean for the students and families affected?
In a message to Anchorage School District parents, Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt listed Fire Lake Elementary, Lake Otis Elementary, and Campbell STEM Elementary as the three schools recommended for closure. But why are these schools being closed?
Two of the schools, Fire Lake and Lake Otis, had already been listed as proposed closures by the district last October. Both were reportedly about half full, according to enrollment numbers. And what about the other schools in the district?
Bryantt's message also included changes to other schools in the district, including the relocation of Tudor Montessori to Denali Montessori, the transition of Denali Montessori's sixth-grade classes to middle school, boundary adjustments for O'Malley and Government Hill elementary schools to align immersion programs, and the declaration of Abbott Loop Elementary as 'excess' after the relocation of Rilke Schule German Immersion School. So, what happens to the students who attend these schools?
As far as the three elementary schools proposed to close, Bryantt's message said Fire Lake's building would be offered to Eagle Academy Charter School, Lake Otis' building would be offered to Rilke Schule, and Campbell STEM would be declared 'excess' to the district's needs. But what about the students who attend these schools?
In a separate letter to Fire Lake families, Bryantt wrote that if the Anchorage School Board votes to close that school, most students (153) would be moved to Eagle River Elementary, while eight would go to Chugiak Elementary, and three SLC classrooms would move to Alpenglow Elementary. So, what's next for these students and families?
The Anchorage School Board is scheduled to vote on the closures during its regular meeting on Feb. 24. A work session is planned for Tuesday at 3 p.m. with its regular meeting at 6 p.m. And what do you think? Do you agree with the closures? Or do you think there are other options that should be considered? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
