In an effort to save their school from closure due to budget shortfalls, parents of Pearl Creek Elementary School in Fairbanks, Alaska, are proposing to transform it into a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) magnet school. The proposed initiative aims to attract new students and increase revenue for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, while aligning with Governor Mike Dunleavy's vision of providing parents with educational choice.
Published: Jan. 31, 2025 at 6:42 PM AKST FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTUU/KTVF) - As the families of Pearl Creek Elementary School continue their efforts to keep the school open, the push to turn Pearl Creek into a magnet school has increased. But it’s not just an effort to save the school, Christina Turman, a parent of students at Pearl Creek said “We’re trying to be a part of the solution.” As the school district faces an estimated budget deficit of $16 million, five schools are proposed for closure.
Pearl Creek Elementary School is located on Auburn Drive, just 2 miles away from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The location lends to a desirable neighborhood for employees of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The Pearl Creek Elementary School community has however proposed a K-5 magnet school. “Our principal, Mrs. Henderson, has crunched numbers and she’s proposing to open a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) magnet school without any additional cost to this school district,” Turman said. According to Shawna Henderson “Historically and currently, strong foundational relationships with UAF and other outside organizations.”that took place in early January, Henderson said those relationships could bolster their STEAM focus.The influx of students coming into the school district if this were to happen, could increase the revenue provided to the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. It would also fall in line with Governor Mike Dunleavy’s desire to provide parents with “the ability to choose the best educational setting for their children.” As the effort to make Pearl Creek Elementary School a magnet school goes on, the parents behind the effort are seeking public feedback to see if others outside of the current enrollment would support the idea as well.to learn more about the initiative and there’s a survey that can provide those involved with more feedback on the plan
Magnet School STEAM School Closure Fairbanks Alaska Educational Choice
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