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School board approves three elementary closures; district and assembly brace for redistricting and budget revisions
Summary
The Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board voted to close Midnight Sun, Pearl Creek and 2 Rivers elementaries and to pursue redistricting and budget changes. Board and assembly members discussed charter options, funding mechanics and a reduced-staff rural model for one school.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board on Feb. 4 approved closing Midnight Sun Elementary, Pearl Creek Elementary and 2 Rivers Elementary and removed Hunter Elementary from the consolidation list, the district told the assembly on Feb. 13.
The board said it would keep Saltcha Elementary off the closure list but move that campus to a reduced-staffing model intended to preserve a small rural program while delivering cost savings. "The district's priority now is to support all of the impacted families and students and staff," School Board representative Meredith Maple told the assembly.
Why it matters: The closures are part of the district's response to a projected budget shortfall and enrollment decline. The board directed the administration to redraw attendance boundaries and rework the proposed budget so the district can present a recommended budget to the borough on March 19 and to the assembly on April 17.
Board decision and next steps - The board voted to close Midnight Sun, Pearl Creek and 2 Rivers; Hunter was removed from the consolidation list; Saltcha will remain open under a reduced…
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