By THE ALASKA STORY
The fate of three Anchorage elementary schools could be decided this month.
The Anchorage School District has proposed closing three schools at the end of the current school year, citing enrollment declines and a worsening budget gap.
The schools recommended for closure are Campbell STEM Elementary, Fire Lake Elementary, and Lake Otis Elementary.
The Administration is recommending these changes:
- Fire Lake Elementary – Offer the facility to Eagle Academy Charter School
- Lake Otis Elementary – Offer the facility to Rilke Schule German Immersion School
- Campbell STEM Elementary – Declare the facility excess to ASD’s needs
- Relocating Tudor’s Montessori program to Denali Montessori
- Transitioning Denali’s sixth grade to middle school
- Adjusting boundaries at O’Malley and Government Hill elementary schools to align immersion programming
- Declaring Abbott Loop Elementary excess upon relocation of Rilke Schule German Immersion School
The School Board will review these recommendations. on Tuesday, Feb. 17:
3-5 p.m. – Work Session
6 p.m. – Regular Meeting
ASD Education Center
5530 East Northern Lights Boulevard
The School Board is scheduled to vote:
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026
6 p.m. – Regular Meeting
ASD Education Center
5530 East Northern Lights Boulevard
The expected vote comes just months after the board voted in November not to close two other elementary schools, despite similar financial pressures. Last week, board members again asked district officials for a list of schools that could be closed or consolidated as part of a broader effort to address a projected $90 million budget shortfall.
District leaders have warned that without significant reductions, the gap would require sweeping cuts and layoffs across the system. The district has more than 5,200 employees, a ratio of about one employee for every eight students.
Closing schools is a politically difficult option, but may be unavoidable as student enrollment continues to shrink, with parent moving to the Mat-Su Valley and many in their childbearing years are simply not having children. Building maintenance costs are high.
If approved, the closures would take effect at the end of the school year, forcing families to transition to new neighborhood schools and raising concerns about overcrowding, transportation, and the loss of community anchors.
One thought on “Three schools marked for closure in Anchorage”
I’m terrified. O my goodness no. The poor children. How awful. We can’t let this happen. I think I’m in favor of that $12 million tax proposal now!
…is this the response I’m supposed to have to ASD’s scare tactics?
We’ve seen Romans before. . .