Dear Campbell STEM Families,

I am writing to share an important and difficult update regarding Campbell STEM Elementary School. After completing the analysis directed by the Anchorage School Board in Resolution #25-26-01(S.1), I will be recommending that the Board approve the closure of Campbell STEM Elementary School at the end of this school year as part of the Rightsizing ASD project.

I recognize this news may come as a shock and may bring concern, frustration, and many questions. I want you to know that this recommendation was not made lightly, and that our highest priority moving forward is supporting every Campbell STEM student and family through this transition with care and stability.

This recommendation follows direction from the School Board to review prior rightsizing analyses and identify additional options that address enrollment trends, building utilization, academic programming and long-term financial sustainability. In response, the District conducted a review of enrollment patterns, staffing, facility conditions, and operational costs across our schools.  

As part of this analysis, the District also had to consider facility reliability and long-term maintenance needs across the District. This year, Campbell STEM experienced facility-related disruptions that resulted in missed instructional time. I understand how disruptive those interruptions were for students and families. 

These challenges are not the result of any actions by staff or students; they reflect the broader reality of aging facilities and increasing deferred maintenance pressures districtwide. As resources become more constrained, sustaining every building at the level our students deserve becomes increasingly difficult. 

Like many districts across Alaska, ASD is facing enrollment declines combined with rising operational costs. Next year, the District is projected to face a structural deficit of approximately $90 million. When enrollment decreases, but the number of buildings remains the same, resources are spread more thinly across facilities, staffing and programs. Combining school communities allows us to better stabilize staffing, protect academic offerings, and maintain consistent services for our students. 

If the Board approves this recommendation, students would be reassigned as follows:

• Approximately 120 students who reside north of 76th Avenue would attend Willowcrest Elementary School
• Approximately 84 students would attend Gladys Wood Elementary School
• Approximately 45 students would attend Klatt Elementary School

In addition:

• Three developmental preschool classrooms would relocate to Taku Elementary School
• Three developmental preschool classrooms and one general education Preschool classroom would relocate to Sand Lake Elementary School

If approved by the School Board, our immediate focus will be ensuring a smooth and intentional transition for every Campbell STEM student. Families will receive clear information regarding school assignments, transportation eligibility, timelines, and opportunities for students to visit and become familiar with their new school communities. Our goal is that every student continues to feel known, supported, and safe, and that academic continuity is preserved. 

The School Board will review this recommendation on Tuesday, Feb. 17, beginning with a work session at 3 p.m. and a regular meeting at 6 p.m. The Board is scheduled to vote on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Families may provide public testimony on Feb. 17 at the regular meeting and submit written feedback before the vote on the 24th. Your voice and perspective are important. 

The financial and operational constraints that ASD faces reflect long-term funding and cost pressures, not a lack of care or commitment to ensuring student success. Still, these conditions require decisions that carry very real impacts for students and communities.

Please know this above all: this recommendation is centered on sustaining stable, high-quality learning environments and academic opportunities for students in the years ahead. It is not a reflection of the quality of Campbell STEM’s educators, or the strength of this school community. Campbell STEM has served children well, and that legacy will always matter to ASD. 

Thank you for the trust you have placed in our schools and for the care you show your children each day.

With sincerity and respect,

Jharrett Bryantt, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Anchorage School District