Campbell STEM Elementary, Alaska’s first school specifically focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, faces possible closure,
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Campbell STEM Elementary, Alaska ’s first school specifically focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, faces possible closure after the Anchorage School District placed it on a short list of schools being considered for shutdown.
Parents received only a few days’ notice before organizing opposition efforts. PTAs at Campbell STEM, Fire Lake, O’Malley and Lake Otis elementary schools quickly mobilized in response to the announcement. Campbell STEM’s PTA organized an impromptu special meeting on Wednesday to discuss the news. “My family spoke to eight different elected officials at different levels of government yesterday, because it was the first business day after we found out, so it was our first opportunity,” said Campbell PTA member Carmen Wenger. “And not a single one knew about this. Yep. Or that Campbell was one of the schools that was affected” The potential closure marks the first time Campbell STEM has been mentioned in school closure discussions, according to the PTA, making its inclusion unexpected for families and staff. “One of the gentlemen at the top tables said ‘but Campbell has never been on that list and never been on that radar,’” Campbell PTA member Brittanee Harris said, referring to an administrator at Tuesday’s school board meeting. “So how did you guys come up with it now?” Harris continued. “You’re saying that it’s because of the boiler issue, but the voters have already approved this. So once again, my question to you is, why is Campbell STEM on your radar? And he couldn’t answer that.” Parents expressed frustration that the district cited maintenance issues at the school as one of the reasons for considering closure. The building’s condition has become a point of contention in the debate over the school’s future. “The same people that said you have to get out of your school, because of the maintenance, have been deferring the maintenance for years,” said Campbell PTA member Jacqueline Ballou. “So you have millions of dollars approved, but we’ve been delaying the project for years.” The Anchorage School Board is expected to make a final decision at a special meeting scheduled for Feb. 24. Closure is not guaranteed at this time.Three Anchorage elementary schools proposed for closure in latest consolidation planMother, 2 minors, deported from Alaska to Mexico by ICE overnight, husband saysMother, 2 minors, deported from Alaska to Mexico by ICE overnight, husband says
Alaska News KTUU School Closure Anchorage News AK AKNS Alaska News Source
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mrs. Welsh's 2nd Grade Class - Foley Elementary SchoolPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Mrs. Welsh's 2nd Grade Class - Foley Elementary School- Sponsored by Eastern Shore Toyota.
Read more »
Damage caused by officer Gregory CampbellPatrick Wakeman took this video of his mother's home after off-duty police officer Gregory Campbell crashed into their home after leaving the FOP's 7C Lounge.
Read more »
High Potential Is Streaming's Perfect Elementary ReplacementDaniel Sunjata as detective karadac in high potential with elementary in a bubble
Read more »
Coosada Elementary School teacher wins multiple awardsIt has been a whirlwind of a year for Kimberly Howard, and the accolades go on for days.
Read more »
SheTech event for high school girls aims to boost the number of women in STEM careersCurtis Booker is a reporter for KSL.
Read more »
Bus driver accused of driving drunk with elementary students on boardWhile driving elementary students home, a bus driver was arrested after police said she was driving erratically and they found empty vodka bottles.
Read more »