
Updated: 9 Hours ago Published: 9 Hours ago
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In its Dec. 17 decision, the Anchorage School Board chose to continue targeting Title I schools for closure. The decision resulted in the closure and reuse of Nonaka Valley Elementary and Lake Hood Elementary. This news comes after another Title I school, Abbott Loop Elementary, was announced to close in December 2022. While the lack of a school closing is welcome news, let’s hope this targeting of Title I schools doesn’t become a holiday tradition.
Title I schools, according to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, are those schools that receive federal funds to provide additional academic services and supplemental benefits to children who have been identified as failing or at risk of failing to meet the state’s academic standards. A Title I school is designated in a tiered program, starting with targeted aid to schools with more than 35% of students below poverty or above the district average poverty level (whichever is lower).
The closing of Title I schools is a paradox that is difficult to comprehend. While those who want better outcomes for children push for smaller class sizes to improve educational outcomes, closures inevitably increase class sizes for children who need individual attention most. ASD is making difficult decisions due to the amount of unexpected funding expected from state legislators and demographic shifts in immigration, birth rates and school choice.
However, it is abundantly clear that ASD is playing politics with this “right sizing” process by announcing the closure of seven schools four days before the state and national elections and placing their recent national blue ribbon award winning school, Bear Valley Elementary, on the initial closure list . Then, in seemingly manageable chaos, after petitions and countless hours of lobbying efforts from community sources, officials reduced the list of school closures from seven to two.
Although Autism now plays a tough political game, its involvement in such matters means that schools that do not have the means and organization to survive will not. It takes a major lobbying effort to convince the district that the school should stay open, meaning Title I schools will remain a target. Take Nunaka Valley Elementary School, the definition of a walkable neighborhood school and the hub of the community that draws families to the area. This is the second time it has been on the closure list, with its main site set to be handed over in the 2024-25 academic year. It does not have an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and hasn’t for some time. In statistics sourced from the Department of Early Education for Autism Spectrum Disorder, it is worth noting that about 220 elementary-age children live within the Nonaka Valley boundaries, but 120 of them chose to go elsewhere.
Title I schools are overlooked by parents who see better options in leading their children into district charter and elective programs, and this saps energy from neighborhood schools. While the recognition of school choice is a huge benefit for many children, its impact is disproportionate and drains the best students and parents from neighboring schools, leaving the district with far fewer resources than it initially had. So, how can we make school choice work for everyone?
Can district and community leadership activate and increase parent engagement in Title I schools so they can advocate for themselves and help be part of the solution? A quick look at East Anchorage Title I school websites shows that less than half have no information about a PTA or admit to not having a PTA. Title I requires local school districts to allocate funds for parent involvement. Is the district using this funding effectively? In theory, a more active parent base could thwart closures, push for consistent state funding, and improve student outcomes.
There are a lot of things that ASD does right. But if neighborhood school closures are expected to continue, we need to answer the question of why ASD is targeting Title I schools. ASD needs to recognize, address, and make decisions about the structural issues behind Title I school closures.
David Weber He is the parent of two ASD students and is a member of the executive board of the Northeast Community Council.
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