Mat-Su assembly member puts possible school closures on Sept. 8 joint agenda

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly and School Board plan to discuss projected enrollment and possible future school closures at their joint meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8. No specific school is named. The agenda item, "Projected School Enrollment and Identifying Future Possible School Closures," is listed for discussion only. No closure vote is scheduled. It is one of eight joint items, several of them about school funding.

The request came from Assemblymember Stephanie Nowers, of District 2, not from the administration, which asked for a Fiscal Year 2027 budget update on the same agenda. In the superintendent's proposed FY27 budget presentation, district officials describe potential closures as a budget-driven necessity. Neighborhood school enrollment has dropped by 2,153 students since 2018. Elementary buildings average 71% capacity.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in the Assembly Chambers, 350 E. Dahlia Ave., in Palmer. Public testimony is limited to three minutes. Residents can call 1-855-225-2326 or email [email protected] to weigh in.