The Anchorage School Board meeting drew a packed room Tuesday night as parents and students debated plans to close seven elementary schools. The initiative known as “Rightsizing ASD” has caused a great deal of concern, with more than 80 people, many of whom are students, voicing their thoughts.
Parents and students packed the conference room, fervently defending their schools and questioning the metrics behind the closure recommendations. Aimee Villareal, a parent of an ASD child, emphasized Anchorage’s distinct population dynamics and criticized the district for using dropping birth rates as justification for closures.
The proposed plan includes potentially closing, consolidating, or repurposing seven elementary schools over the next three years. The district stated that dropping birth rates and enrollment were essential factors in its decision.
Many parents, however, worry that the closures will force families to move kids to home or private schools, which will further affect the district’s finances. Bella Gunther-Chavez, a 16-year-old South Anchorage High School student, defended her previous school, Bear Valley Elementary. She further emphasized that dividing their unique culture and leadership opportunities will hurt the students. “This school culture is not something that you can create overnight,” she said.
The meeting came after ASD hosted several “community conversations” last week, during which staff members provided more information about the strategy. Dr. Jharrett Bryantt, the Superintendent of ASD at Chugiak High School, acknowledged the difficulties but saw the proposal as essential. He said, “This isn’t something that the district takes lightly.” The vote for the Anchorage School Board meeting will be on December 17th.
This news article was originally published by Alaska´s News Source.
