The Anchorage School District (ASD) is engaging families and staff in a survey to gather input on its “rightsizing” efforts amid declining enrollment. Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt’s letter encourages community members to rank the importance of various factors, such as the availability of classes and maintenance costs, in deciding which schools may close or be repurposed. The survey closes on September 30.
ASD aims to incorporate community feedback following criticism of a previous plan to close several elementary schools, resulting in only one closure. With a significant decline of about 5,000 students over the past decade and an increase in correspondence students, the district anticipates further consolidations. No specific school closures have been decided yet, but a tentative timeline suggests announcements will be made between September and November, with School Board approval expected in December. Community town halls will also be held to facilitate further discussion.