The Anchorage School District (ASD) plans to announce a multi-year school closure and consolidation plan late this fall, driven by declining enrollment rather than budget woes. District officials emphasize the need to ‘right-size’ the district, noting declining birth rates and an exodus of young people from Anchorage in recent years. Discussions on additional school closures have been ongoing since early in the school year, but ASD has not yet named any specific schools for closure. Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt acknowledges that closing neighborhood schools requires careful consideration, as they represent the fabric of communities. The district aims to gather additional community input before making any decisions, including a survey to be distributed to families this week.
ASD is changing its messaging on the reasons for school closures, after facing backlash in fall 2022 when it abruptly recommended closing six neighborhood elementary schools, citing funding and enrollment issues. The district now emphasizes the focus on declining enrollment, particularly at the elementary level, leading to schools operating well below capacity. While there are nearly 6,000 fewer students attending Anchorage elementary schools now than in 2010, only three elementary schools have closed since then. ASD Chief Academic Officer Sven Gustafson highlights the benefits of consolidating schools, including more efficient academic instruction, increased time for teachers with students, and better services for students.
The district plans to announce the proposed school closures in October or November, with a vote from the Anchorage School Board expected in December. All schools are being considered for possible closures, and the district plans to stagger the closures over a three-year period to allow parents time to plan. School board member Pat Higgins raises concerns about the potential negative impacts of school closures, particularly on community identity. Superintendent Bryantt acknowledges the emotional toll that school closures can have on families. ASD emphasizes its commitment to collecting community input and making decisions based on the best interests of students and the district as a whole.
