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11. Action Items
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  • BSeward Middle School Closure
  • CSterling Elementary School Closure
  • DTustumena Elementary School Closure
  • EFY27 Preliminary Budget
  • FLAYDOWN KPBSD Resolution 25-26-3 Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget
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17. School Board Meeting Video
  • ASchool Board Meeting Video 04-06-2026

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REVISED Board of Education Meeting

CSterling Elementary School Closure

Item Details

Meeting
April 6, 2026 – REVISED Board of Education Meeting
Category
11. Action Items
Type
Action item

Motions

Main Motion
Passed

Move to approve the Superintendent to implement the permanent closure of Sterling Elementary School, effective June 30, 2026, at the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

Moved by Mica VanBuskirk · Seconded by Patti Truesdell

7 Yes2 No0 Abstain

Yes: Ash-Lee Waddell, Jason Tauriainen, Mica VanBuskirk, Patti Truesdell, Penny Vadla, Sarah Douthit, Tim Daugharty

No: Dianne MacRae, Kelley Cizek

Public Content

Background Information:

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District (KPBSD) faces a projected budget deficit of approximately $8.5 million for the upcoming fiscal year, necessitating difficult decisions regarding the operation of under-enrolled schools;

Sterling Elementary School currently serves 110 students in a facility with a capacity of 270, resulting in significantly higher per-student operational costs compared to other schools in the district;

Continued operation of Sterling Elementary School is not financially sustainable, and closure is projected to result in substantial cost savings for the district, estimated at approximately $802,709 annually;

The district has explored potential alternatives, including community-based solutions, and conducted public engagement with stakeholders, including the Sterling community;

Alternative educational options are available in the adjacent community of Soldotna (Soldotna Elementary), which has capacity to accommodate reassigned students;

Upon the Board's approval for the Superintendent to implement the permanent closure of Sterling Elementary School, effective June 30, 2026, at the end of the 2025–2026 school year the Superintendent will;

1. Implement a transition plan for reassignment of all Sterling Elementary School students to appropriate receiving school;
2. Ensure that all affected families are supported in this transition, including assistance with transportation and enrollment;
3. Reassign staff in accordance with district policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements;
4. Develop a plan for the future use, repurposing, or disposition of the Sterling Elementary School facility in coordination with borough authorities;
5. Continue communication with the Sterling community throughout the closure and transition process, with respect and transparency.