The Anchorage School District’s plans to close, consolidate, and repurpose schools in the face of declining enrollment will be the subject of community meetings before the school board takes a final vote in December.
Among schools to be closed the first year of the downsizing is Bear Valley Elementary, which is at 69% capacity; Lake Hood Elementary, which is at 39% capacity; and Tudor Elementary, which is at 69% capacity.
Bear Valley Elementary would be a permanent closure. 121 students would be assigned to to Huffman Elementary, 104 students to Rabbit Creek Elementary, and 80 students to O’Malley Elementary.
Lake Hood Elementary would be changed into a charter school. 113 students would be assigned to Turnagain Elementary, and 62 students to Northwood Elementary.
Tudor Elementary would be repurposed into a “special purpose.” 124 Montessori students would be reassigned to Denali Montessori and 179 neighborhood students to Lake Otis Elementary.
The list of recommended schools, including those that will close in the second and third year of the plan is available here.
The closure and repurposing plan will be discussed at the School Board at a work session on Monday, Nov. 4, with a final vote scheduled for Dec. 17.
“Several factors influenced this recommendation, including declining student enrollment and overall Anchorage population, the growing demand for more specialized support services, and aging school buildings in need of costly repairs. The District’s efforts are designed to rightsize ASD’s buildings without reducing educational offerings,” said Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt.
“Your feedback from community and staff surveys played a key role in shaping the District’s plan. For example, many of you told us how important it is to maintain special programs. The District’s recommendation reflects efforts to continue offering this type of educational service, where possible.
To engage the community in the process, the district will hold community meetings:
- Nov. 12, 6-8 p.m. at Chugiak High School
- Nov. 14, 6-8 p.m. at Dimond High School
- Nov. 16, Noon-2 p.m. at Bartlett High School
- Nov. 18, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Zoom
- Nov. 18, 6-8 p.m. Zoom
Information on “Rightsizing ASD” is available on this dedicated webpage.