The Anchorage School District has once again proposed the closure of multiple elementary schools as it grapples with a significant budget shortfall. Facing a projected $90 million deficit, the district administration has identified Campbell STEM, Fire Lake, and Lake Otis elementary schools for closure at the end of the current academic year.
This move reintroduces a contentious issue for the community, as two of the schools, Fire Lake and Lake Otis, were spared from closure by a board vote just three months ago. The Anchorage School Board is scheduled to make a final decision on the new proposal during its meeting on February 24.
Key Takeaways
- The Anchorage School District is considering closing Campbell STEM, Fire Lake, and Lake Otis elementary schools.
- The proposed closures are a response to a $90 million budget deficit and declining student enrollment.
- Fire Lake and Lake Otis were previously recommended for closure but were saved by a board vote in November.
- The plan also includes consolidating several specialized programs and repurposing the vacated school buildings.
- A final vote by the school board is expected on February 24.
A Renewed Push Amid Financial Pressure
The recommendation to close the three schools comes as the Anchorage School District (ASD) confronts severe financial constraints. Earlier this month, district officials unveiled a budget for the next school year that includes cutting over 10% of staff and eliminating various classroom programs and student support services.
In a formal statement, ASD Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt addressed the difficult financial reality facing the district. He acknowledged the value of smaller schools but pointed to inadequate state funding as a primary driver for the consolidation efforts.
"While there are clear advantages to maintaining small schools, current state funding levels do not provide the resources needed for the District to deliver consistent academic levels of service to all schools the District currently operates," Superintendent Bryantt stated.
The push for consolidation is part of what Bryantt has termed an effort to "right-size" the district. This strategy aims to align the district's physical footprint with its student population, which has seen a significant decline over the past decade.
Enrollment by the Numbers
The Anchorage School District's enrollment has decreased by more than 6,000 students since 2010, creating challenges in maintaining full-capacity schools and justifying operational costs across all existing facilities.
Focus on Underutilized Schools
The schools targeted for closure were selected in part due to their low utilization rates. According to district data, both Fire Lake and Lake Otis are operating at just over half of their intended capacity.
- Fire Lake Elementary: Currently serves 194 students, filling only 49% of its capacity.
- Lake Otis Elementary: Has an enrollment of 238 students, which is 53% of its capacity.
- Campbell STEM Elementary: Serves 345 students and is at 74% capacity.
The previous attempt to close Fire Lake and Lake Otis in November was met with significant public outcry, particularly concerning the relocation of programs for students with special needs. Despite the board's decision to keep them open at that time, a 6-1 resolution passed this week directed the administration to bring forward new options for school consolidation and operational efficiencies.
Financial officials have noted that closing a school is not a massive cost-saving measure on its own. A budget simulation estimated savings at approximately $900,000 per school. However, the administration argues that the primary benefit lies in streamlining services and resources by operating fewer buildings for a smaller student body.
District-Wide Program Consolidation
The proposal extends beyond just closing school buildings. It includes a series of program consolidations and student relocations designed to create more efficient and specialized learning environments.
Changes to Immersion and Montessori Programs
Several schools with specialized programs will see significant changes. The plan proposes moving the Montessori Program from Tudor Elementary to Denali Montessori. Additionally, two elementary schools, O’Malley and Government Hill, would transition into dedicated language immersion centers.
Transition to Immersion-Only Schools
Under the proposal, O'Malley Elementary would become a French-only immersion school, with its neighborhood students reassigned to Huffman Elementary. Similarly, Government Hill Elementary would become a Spanish-only immersion school, with its neighborhood students moving to Inlet View Elementary. This shift concentrates language resources at specific sites.
These adjustments are intended to strengthen the district's specialized programs by consolidating them into dedicated facilities, potentially offering more robust support and resources for those students.
Future of the School Buildings
The district has already outlined preliminary plans for the use of the school buildings if they are vacated. The proposal revives previous ideas for repurposing the properties, ensuring they continue to serve educational purposes where possible.
If the closures are approved:
- The Fire Lake Elementary building would be made available for lease to Eagle Academy Charter School.
- The Lake Otis Elementary building would become the new home for the Rilke Schule German School of Arts and Sciences.
- The Campbell STEM Elementary building, along with the former Abbott Loop Elementary building currently occupied by Rilke Schule, would be declared "excess to the district’s needs."
Superintendent Bryantt indicated that the administration will continue to explore efficiencies in infrastructure and program alignment. This ongoing process is designed to give the district more flexibility to respond to future enrollment changes and funding challenges.
As the February 24 vote approaches, parents, teachers, and community members are expected to voice their opinions on a plan that could reshape the educational landscape for hundreds of Anchorage families.
