2 Rivers APC withdraws charter application; community pledges to resubmit and urges district partnership
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Summary
After the 2 Rivers APC withdrew its Homestead charter application to address identified gaps, multiple APC members and community supporters told the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District board they will resubmit and urged clearer district guidance and faster collaboration.
The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District heard extensive public testimony Tuesday after the 2 Rivers APC withdrew its Homestead charter application with the stated intent to resubmit.
Summer McMillan, vice president of the 2 Rivers APC, told the board the group pulled the application because it "recognize[s] the gaps" and is addressing them immediately. "We will resubmit our letter of intent, and we will return with a fully compliant charter that reflects the strength and commitment of the 2 Rivers community," she said, urging the district to come to the table as a partner rather than an obstacle.
Caitlin Freeman, an APC representative, described specific next steps under way: curriculum alignment, confirmation of waivers with district leadership, securing kitchen-equipment quotes so the school can provide meals, revisions to bylaws and special-education policies, and a reworked budget. "Our goal is to return with a charter that is stronger, clearer, and fully responsive to the feedback we've received," Freeman said.
Chelsea Davis, another APC member, and community supporters including Brooks Lawler asked the board to expedite review once the APC resubmits. Several speakers framed the withdrawal as a corrective step, not a failure. Jasmine Wicks said the group already has strong community interest and "80 letters of intent now to enroll."
Board members acknowledged receipt of the APC's statements and the withdrawal; the president explained the application was removed from the agenda because the APC voted to withdraw with intent to resubmit. Several trustees thanked APC members for their work and said they look forward to continued collaboration.
Next steps: the APC said it will complete the identified revisions and return with a resubmitted application. The board did not take formal action on a charter at the meeting; the application was removed rather than denied. The district and APC signaled a mutual intention to continue discussions before any formal vote.
