Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Charter Schools topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves Oceans Academy charter start delay amid budget concerns
Summary
The Anchorage School District board voted to approve the Oceans Academy charter application but adopted an amendment delaying the school's opening to the 2027–28 school year to allow formation of an academic policy committee and a full lottery; the amendment passed 6–1 and the final motion passed 6–1.
The Anchorage School District board on Feb. 3 voted to approve the charter application for Oceans Academy but adopted an amendment to delay the school’s first year from 2026–27 to 2027–28.
Member Bellamy moved to approve ASD Memorandum 085, the Oceans Academy charter application, and Member Lessons (Lisonbee) proposed an amendment to delay the start date so the school could form an academic policy committee (APC), finalize curriculum, and hold a full lottery. The amendment was seconded and passed 6–1; the amended main motion then passed 6–1.
Proponents argued the delay would improve the school’s chances of a successful launch and give applicants time to assemble governance structures and curriculum plans. "This will set the school up for optimal success upon initiating their first year," Member Lessons said in support of the amendment. Several board members expressed appreciation for the applicants’ efforts but noted the district’s fiscal constraints. Member Holloman and others said they supported the project but cautioned that adding a new program during a year of deep cuts was financially difficult.
Board discussion included a question about whether state statutes permitted the delayed start; the superintendent said he was not aware of any statutory prohibition on a delayed start date in the way it was proposed.
Board members and administration noted the backup materials put an estimated one‑time allocation to create the charter at approximately $1,305,000; Member Donnelly asked staff to confirm that estimate for planning purposes. The board directed the charter office to assist the applicants in forming an APC and preparing the full lottery and contract documents pending State of Alaska Board of Education approval.
The amendment and final approval were recorded by voice vote; the amendment passed 6–1 and the amended approval passed 6–1. The board also noted the final charter approval still requires subsequent state approval and execution of a charter contract between ASD and the school's APC.
Next steps: administration will coordinate with Oceans Academy applicants on APC formation, charter contract drafting and submission to the state for approval; the district will track any local budget implications and report back to the board as needed.
