Dear Fire Lake Elementary Families,

I am writing to share an important and difficult update regarding Fire Lake Elementary School, and I want to do so with clarity and care. 

Last fall, after months of discussion and community input, the School Board voted not to close any schools. That decision reflected the most sound and current information available at the time, and I know many families felt relief following that vote.

Earlier this week, on Monday, Feb. 9, the School Board passed Resolution #25-26-01(S.1) directing the District administration to revisit elements of the Rightsizing ASD project in light of the district’s worsening financial outlook. The Board asked the District to reexamine prior proposals, identify any additional near-term efficiencies, and evaluate potential facility repurposing options. This review was required to consider academic impact, service levels, enrollment trends, transportation, equity implications, and fiscal impacts. 

Following that review, the District will again bring forward a recommendation that the Board close Fire Lake Elementary School at the end of the 2025-26 school year. 

I recognize that revisiting this conversation may feel frustrating and discouraging. Those reactions are completely understandable. 

If the Board approves this recommendation, the Fire Lake facility would be offered to Eagle Academy Charter School, allowing the building to continue serving students. 

The Financial Context

ASD is facing long-term financial pressures driven by sustained enrollment declines, and rising operational costs. The District is currently projecting a $90 million structural operating deficit for FY27. Inflation has reduced per-student purchasing power, while state funding has remained largely flat from the previous year. Even with significant reductions, additional shortfalls are anticipated if funding conditions do not change. 

Simply put, the District is operating more facilities than current enrollment and funding levels can sustainably support. Maintaining underutilized buildings spreads staffing and resources more thinly across schools, making it more difficult to stabilize programming and student services districtwide. These are deeply difficult considerations, but they must be addressed transparently and responsibly. 

Independent audits continue to confirm the District’s financial compliance, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public funds. The deficit ASD faces reflects structural funding and cost challenges. 

If the Anchorage School Board votes to move forward with the closure, Fire Lake students would transition for the 2026-27 school year as follows:

• Three SLC classrooms would move to Alpenglow Elementary
• Approximately 153 students would attend Eagle River Elementary
• Approximately 8 students would attend Chugiak Elementary

This transition plan differs from the proposal shared in November. After carefully considering feedback from Fire Lake families and staff, adjustments were made to better address concerns regarding program continuity, geographic considerations, and student supports.

These updated placements reflect space availability, program alignment, transportation considerations, and what we heard from the community during the previous round of conversations. 

If approved, the District will work closely with families and staff to ensure the transition is clear, thoughtful, and centered on students. Families will receive detailed information regarding timelines, transportation eligibility, orientation opportunities, and support services. 

Next Steps

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 at the regular meeting on Feb. 17th and submit written feedback prior to the Feb. 24th meeting. Your voice and perspective are important.

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

Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership during a very challenging period for our District. 

With sincerity and respect,

Jharrett Bryantt, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Anchorage School District