[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6233565,"mediaKeyId","3417913-4787f07ea7a31d4fecf244885f054493","parentId",3417913,"title","Commissioner remands Pearl Creek charter; board says application won’t be considered for 2025–26 under existing deadline","audioSeconds",5825,"startMs",3007000,"endMs",8832000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3417913-4787f07ea7a31d4fecf244885f054493&start=3007&end=8832","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3417913-4787f07ea7a31d4fecf244885f054493/thumbnail_3007000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6233565/Alaska/Commissioner-remands-Pearl-Creek-charter-board-says-application-wont-be-considered-for-202526-under-existing-deadline","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233565-f440e3cae5143a8e1773f0644bf11785/orig.mp4?Expires=1770421767&Signature=eAVa~vOLARfTn2maFvv7E9S9NU4jyWsRGQXVRoTDM8Pj1ekU9KZqQGHjaTge7gkTWZqUCx0w3VC-4ADFTv34oBu4FmBEaUF06xkN2DNmU17NQxoT1aSwwvdsxDH3fElnAvaFuaGO80q47fcF1uNhjXD2DCuK~0BR1LCpN9OnwHOLx4xCxe6rz2GkjqJyeZuJyi6hOAhNdJybo5uU6xRaPYc7~VQEweM82wFojgru-SI3iamfwEDk8s~rAu2oh85V5WJevz4kucCkAN9NUf4hYFeo8E~2IL4O8~-qcfyj~ld-mnfQ4W5X91JUrLR-J5ID2vy2iJGZrXDQIYA44aRulw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-21T08:06:15.893Z","article","The Alaska Department of Education remanded the Pearl Creek STEAM Charter application to the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District on May 12, asking the local board to issue a written decision, but district leaders and the board said the application missed the district’s Oct. 1 deadline and will not be considered for the 2025–26 school year.

Why it matters: Families and educators pleaded with the board at the May 20 meeting to fast-track the charter so it could open this fall. District leaders and several board members said approving a late application would destabilize staffing and budgets already strained by school consolidations and uncertain state funding.

At the meeting, Heidi Wood, chair of the Pearl Creek STEAM APC, read parts of Commissioner Dina Bishop’s May 12 letter. Wood quoted the commissioner saying the record presented, “does not indicate that the district school board has issued a written decision with all relevant findings of fact and conclusions of law within 60 days of receipt of the application as Alaska statute 14.03.250(b) requires.” Wood read that the commissioner “is remanding this matter back to the school board for it to carry out its duties as required by Alaska statute 14.03.250(b).”

Board response: Board President Burnett and Superintendent Luke Meinert told the meeting the district will follow its adopted application procedures, which set an Oct. 1 deadline for charter applications. President Burnett said the deadline ‘‘is in place to ensure the district has adequate time to thoroughly review proposals and to responsibly plan for staffing, budgeting, facilities, and educational impact on the broader school community.’’

Administrators and several board members warned that a late approval would create logistical problems even if funding were available. Superintendent Meinert told the board that reassigning staff and filling dozens of new positions late in the hiring cycle would “cause a cascade of new vacancies” and that the district’s chief operating officer projected a net FY26 cost of roughly $4.2 million if a charter opened this year.

Public testimony: More than two dozen people testified during a packed public-comment period. Supporters of the charter argued it would bring students back to the district, reduce the cost of keeping an empty school building heated and maintained, and asked for a one‑year trial with benchmarks. Opponents and other community members urged the board to follow its policy and warned a new charter would divert finite state funds from existing neighborhood schools. Aaron Gunderson, a parent, told the board a new school “would cost at minimum $3,000,000” and that the charter would have to enroll an estimated 503 net new students to pay for itself — a figure he said was unrealistic.

Legal and policy context: The dispute turned on two related points: (1) whether the board had violated the 60‑day requirement in AS 14.03.250(b) and (2) whether the commissioner could compel the district to waive its local deadline. The commissioner’s letter said she could not complete a review without a local board decision but asked that the district add the matter to its May 20 or June 3 agenda. The district replied that state law permits local boards to set application procedures; its policy (cited at the meeting as 09/2001 and related guidance) contains the Oct. 1 deadline, and the board said it will enforce that deadline.

Board action tied to charters: Separately, the board approved a revision to district policy 9.35.25 (charter schools) at second reading that changes charter contract terms from one year to five years; the board adopted that policy change during the same meeting.

What’s next: The commissioner returned the record to the board for action; the district said the Pearl Creek APC may resubmit an application in the fall prior to Oct. 1 to be considered for 2026–27. Both sides signaled they expect continued legal and procedural debate if the parties disagree about the next steps.

Ending: The exchange underscored tensions between local policy timelines, state oversight, fiscal uncertainty and community pressure. The district’s leadership urged petitioners to use the established October‑1 timetable so the proposal can be evaluated without disrupting preparations already under way for the coming school year.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-05-20 | School Board Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Alaska Department of Education remanded the Pearl Creek STEAM Charter application to the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District on May 12, asking the local board to issue a written decision, but district leaders and the board said the application missed the district’s Oct. 1 deadline and will not be considered for the 2025–26 school year.","taxTitle","Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, School Districts, Alaska","taxId",12912,"location","Alaska","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6233556,"Board adopts stricter student device rules; debate over ‘bell‑to‑bell’ ban and indemnification fails",1646,12601000,14247000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3417913-4787f07ea7a31d4fecf244885f054493&start=12601&end=14247","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3417913-4787f07ea7a31d4fecf244885f054493/thumbnail_12601000.jpg","/articles/6233556/Alaska/Board-adopts-stricter-student-device-rules-debate-over-belltobell-ban-and-indemnification-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233556-813c1fb51623ecd61ec3edc291eab341/orig.mp4?Expires=1770421767&Signature=KovUK-IypnZ4nlISVPHwqm3DkSI~jhZWlHEjFCPFXfwh2nQcg5Gy~ESW7bML1twefKe5lFyArpVP4NjaN1UwmLf76As8Ja-UQHteXEjImm~18T1EAeDWz2bamLpEQQJdhJtrujBJRu5NSGVnqmb7aiJ3AabhgWloxggGuEHCyfqpJ7XaVT5ViJ6or3OAkhKbUejQP0daIPu1MMt84zB7B2x3DhLFUgeSoltHw9D7cLhgRj0z6q81HLq2MsQ-lmnEx2tY-5NmmcGTH2p3dj8bHPtOOs9SDD2HfP2ZG0mcug~A53OG-kw2HbqmT9LeEEMKI0xVV5dl5RAydZsgG~fCqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District board adopted revised Policy 51.38 (Cell Phone and Other Personal Electronic Devices) on May 20, limiting student access to devices during instructional time while allowing building administrators discretion to set more restrictive rules.

Why it matters: The new policy aims to reduce classroom distractions and address concerns about student focus, bullying and mental health tied to device use. The policy will shape school‑level rules for the coming school year and is expected to be paired with administrative regulations and communication to parents and staff.

Policy details and votes: The policy sets grade‑level guidelines for access and use; administration added language following first reading to spell out access by grade level and to allow building principals to implement more restrictive rules. After public testimony and board discussion, the board voted to adopt the policy. Several amendment proposals failed: an amendment to make device use off‑limits “bell to bell” for all students during the school day failed, as did a motion to add an indemnification clause that would have stated the district indemnifies employees for acts taken to enforce the policy.

Public testimony and enforcement concerns: During public comments, Denette Peterson warned that searching electronic devices can carry legal risks and urged the board to add language protecting staff who implement searches. Student representative Liam Wade told the board regional student council had discussed the policy and supported it despite differing opinions among students. Board members discussed a district grant that could supply device pouches for high school students to store phones during the day; Superintendent Meinert said a current grant could cover pouches for about a year and a half for high school students, but continuation would require additional funds.

Failed amendments: Board member Carolyn Hubbard proposed combining the policy’s grade‑level lines so all students would be barred from device use during the school day (eliminating the high‑school‑lunch exception); that motion failed. A separate amendment to add an indemnification clause (language to protect employees enforcing the policy) was also defeated after administration said the change would be overly broad and unions/HR issues made it problematic.

Next steps: Administration will finalize implementing administrative regulations and communications, coordinate trainings for staff, and, where desired, explore using the device pouches funded by the existing grant. The policy is intended to be in force for the 2025–26 school year.","The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District board adopted revised Policy 51.38 (Cell Phone and Other Personal Electronic Devices) on May 20, limiting student access to devices during instructional time while allowing building administrators discretion to set more restrictive rules.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6233561,"School board adopts 2025–2030 strategic plan after minor edits to vision statement",1889,9399000,11288000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3417913-4787f07ea7a31d4fecf244885f054493&start=9399&end=11288","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3417913-4787f07ea7a31d4fecf244885f054493/thumbnail_9399000.jpg","/articles/6233561/Alaska/School-board-adopts-20252030-strategic-plan-after-minor-edits-to-vision-statement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233561-6cd0c06e2d2d8c94ca1066cc3ddf2dfa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770421767&Signature=i1r7nvIPNFaYx-wwR62HBulw1voWk8-YLE-8TZgRJglou13h~bBprQSaEYzuF7BqhwhjPqVBIfiZBBKiN~3B0Voq~FiTU0PuyAvUUey0XzsidhklseSb5SlN8LVJUl2hVTmdO0~kyvxJ4N5ezhnT6tQTUHfub0ext78tSx-BsMfLkP1CdWNYMaKbsz--nfbnr2xZi5Q8CCx2wa~A8f3lh5xEcr1iSLL8TYUyeqTQHbo0DnnTzE0q-sKtBSsvJeKMEqpfUA6zSzEOOKlhPmjaHs0oXZGs0Sku~aiJYEq~i2jbOqo~e0p4YSu3egi4yWDxhbMSnUU7~M2vPNdnp8mC5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District board approved a new 2025–2030 strategic plan on May 20 after amending the vision statement to emphasize student ownership of learning.

Why it matters: The plan serves as the district’s roadmap for the next five years. Board members and district staff said it will guide spending, policy and program priorities, and shape metrics used to evaluate progress.

What happened: Education Elements consultant Emily Rizzo presented a draft of the plan and described extensive community engagement that informed the document. The plan identifies four pillars and associated impact statements; the board discussed wording changes before voting.

Amendment and vote: Board member Tim Doran proposed changing the vision language from phrasing about “achieve their full potential” to “empowering every student to take ownership of their learning, choices and future.” The board adopted that amendment and then approved the strategic plan as amended. The final vote approved the plan after public testimony on the document and a board discussion about priorities.

Board and community roles: Superintendent Dr. Luke Meinert and consultant Rizzo said the plan will be implemented through administrative action plans and progress monitoring, including dashboards and measurable objectives the district will publish. Board members stressed that the strategic plan sets “what” the district seeks to accomplish; administration will propose the “how” in the coming months.

Ending: The board directed administration to translate the plan into annual objectives and implementation teams for the coming school year.","The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District board unanimously adopted a five‑year strategic plan on May 20, adding a brief amendment to the vision language. The plan sets four pillars — academic excellence, access and choice, community partnership and investment in staff — and will guide district priorities and resource allocation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6233551,"Board adopts FY27–32 six‑year capital improvement plan; North Pole High remains top priority",728,11348000,12076000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3417913-4787f07ea7a31d4fecf244885f054493&start=11348&end=12076","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3417913-4787f07ea7a31d4fecf244885f054493/thumbnail_11348000.jpg","/articles/6233551/Alaska/Board-adopts-FY2732-sixyear-capital-improvement-plan-North-Pole-High-remains-top-priority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6233551-adbc9f39b810db485ebad79450805387/orig.mp4?Expires=1770421767&Signature=iUz3xKyM6WNAPYxcI2i0BYwmdWZa6wSKNtsjCX6MxJdBZyM8EfJP3XJhOV9alaGwAxEhAuBtMO~T~LActPWtW3HkqLGfCO3xjOEy6I8~orycREmftlI3JSgVnkeQeUcOZ9Jz0Bu79F5818hd1D5AYkgk0ZYfvzz5BhoQ4xCldpPXXZfsP-6AO5mO9g8NJGmZrcDIBKPFdTxqRSlyVmKohJQdaDRtEuxfQ4opdQkFET5PQw~-E8IN18oVxjYD-KjhZoX494WMwl4OQ1cRmCVQSOEkjFpAd6bq1AXyoTUdZFcxQB-C~gUcO9Yq29DrfuCqX5Y9USS~lopMDl9t1NpGFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District board adopted the FY2027–2032 six‑year Capital Improvement Plan on May 20, maintaining North Pole High School as the district’s top CIP priority and listing subsequent projects for state grant consideration.

Why it matters: The CIP is the district’s annual request to the Alaska Department of Education for state capital grant consideration; it also informs borough capital planning and potential local match commitments. The plan influences which facilities projects are eligible for state funding and when the district can apply for reimbursements.

Highlights and funding notes: Chief facilities staff outlined the top projects: North Pole High reuse/renovation remained the number‑one project; other entries include educational specifications for a mid‑priority site and mechanical renovations at Brown. The administration identified a federal Department of Education grant of approximately $7.6 million that carries a 5% local participating match (about $402,000). Staff said that federal grant was currently on pause and that borough coordination will continue as CIP schedules are refined.

Vote and process: After a brief presentation and board questions, the board adopted the FY27–32 CIP. The district will submit the approved list to the state by the required deadline and continue conversations with the borough about project phasing and local match requirements.

Ending: The adopted CIP gives the district a prioritized list for state grant consideration and clarifies the district’s near‑term facilities focus as it moves into next year’s budgeting and design work.","The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District adopted its FY27–32 six‑year Capital Improvement Plan on May 20, keeping North Pole High School as the top priority and listing projects that will be submitted for state grant consideration. The plan includes projects tied to a federal DOE grant that requires a 5% local match.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioner remands Pearl Creek charter; board says application won’t be considered for 2025–26 under existing deadline

Board adopts stricter student device rules; debate over ‘bell‑to‑bell’ ban and indemnification fails

School board adopts 2025–2030 strategic plan after minor edits to vision statement

Board adopts FY27–32 six‑year capital improvement plan; North Pole High remains top priority