Section 1: Anchorage School Board Decision Shrinks Closure List
On Tuesday night, the Anchorage School Board voted to close two elementary schools—Nunaka Valley and Lake Hood—effective May 2024. The decision, part of the district’s rightsizing plan to address declining enrollment and limited resources, was approved in a 5-2 vote. Meanwhile, two schools originally slated for closure, Baxter Elementary in Anchorage and Fire Lake Elementary in Eagle River, were saved following last-minute resolutions by board members.
The closures follow an early November proposal to shutter seven underutilized elementary schools over three years. However, the list was reduced to four schools following community input, and the timeline was shortened to a single year. On Tuesday, the board further revised the plan, eliminating Baxter and Fire Lake from the closure list. Assembly member Dave Donley cited “potential growth” in Fire Lake’s enrollment due to over 130 new homes under construction nearby. Member Pat Higgins advocated for Baxter’s removal due to its Title 1 status, special programs, and capacity to accommodate more students. Despite efforts to keep Lake Hood open, an amendment to remove it from the closure plan failed.
Section 2: Emotional Reactions and Community Impact
The Anchorage School Board decisions evoked a mix of emotions from affected communities. Teachers, parents, and students from Fire Lake Elementary celebrated their school’s survival with high-fives, hugs, and tears of relief. Fire Lake’s fifth-grader and student council president, William Townley, expressed his joy, referencing school events like spirit day and movie night as reasons he advocated for keeping the school open.
At the same time, parents and staff from Nunaka Valley and Lake Hood were left grappling with the emotional toll of the closures. Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt pledged to support these communities in transitioning to new schools in the coming year. “There’s a mixture of emotions ranging from relief to emotional devastation,” Bryant said. “We’re here to ensure a compassionate and intentional transition.”
The board also approved measures to develop a busing plan for the charter schools proposed at Nunaka Valley and Lake Hood, transfer excess district land to the Municipality of Anchorage, and prepare an “after actions” report on the closure plan by October 2024.
Section 3: Long-Term Challenges Persist
While the decision offered temporary relief for some schools, the board acknowledged that financial and enrollment challenges persist. State funding for public schools has stagnated since 2017, exacerbating budget constraints. Board members passed an amendment committing to revisit the closures if the Legislature increases the base student allocation (BSA) before next year’s budget finalization. “Unless we have a BSA increase, our hands are tied,” said board president Andy Holleman.
Looking ahead, the board also directed the superintendent to recommend additional school closures or consolidations for the 2026-27 school year to address ongoing resource issues. These recommendations will prioritize reducing combined elementary classes, enhancing secondary course access, and improving K-12 student support.
While some celebrated Tuesday’s outcomes, Baxter Elementary PTA President Leslie Edin highlighted the lingering uncertainty. “It’s a relief, but we’re still in the same dilemma. We never want to be in this boat again,” she said.
The Anchorage School District’s battle with declining enrollment and flatlined funding underscores the challenges of balancing fiscal responsibility with community needs—a balancing act that will continue to test the board in the years ahead.
