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Ketchikan school board votes to close Fawn Mountain and Point Higgins elementary schools
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Summary
The board voted unanimously (7–0) to close Fawn Mountain and Point Higgins elementary schools at the end of the 2025–26 school year after staff presented transition plans; trustees cited budget constraints and the need to rebalance staffing and facilities.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District Board of Education voted unanimously on April 8 to close two elementary schools, Fawn Mountain and Point Higgins, effective at the end of the 2025–26 school year.
Trustees approved the closures in separate roll-call votes, each passing 7'0. The motions were presented after a budget hearing and staff-provided transition plans; the board removed language directing the superintendent to prepare transition plans because administration had already developed those documents.
Board members expressed regret and appreciation for staff and community members at both schools. Several trustees and public commenters stressed the difficulty of the decision and thanked educators for their service while noting fiscal realities that led the board to consider consolidation and closure as a way to reduce operating costs and manage underfunded non-personnel obligations.
Administration said the closures will trigger transition work that includes reassignment of students and staff, coordination of programs and facilities management, and outreach to families. The superintendent and staff will present timelines and updates at follow-up meetings; the board scheduled a special meeting April 10 and additional sessions in mid- to late-April to finalize contract actions and budget adjustments.
What to expect next: District staff will implement the transition plan for the 2026–27 school year, including student reassignments, staffing placements and facilities considerations. The board will receive updates and is scheduled to take further action as needed.
