Amanda Barr

This document outlines the requirements and steps for Alaska high school students to achieve the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS). It details eligibility criteria including Alaska residency, high school graduation, completion of rigorous coursework, and meeting specific GPA or standardized test score thresholds. The plan emphasizes the necessity for students to collaborate with high school counselors starting in 9th grade to strategically plan and annually review coursework, with the overarching goal of securing financial aid to support their pursuit of post-secondary education or approved vocational training within Alaska.

The meeting commenced with an orientation covering late arrival/absence notices and the rules of order. Following introductions and the reading of the Land Acknowledgment, the agenda was amended to include a discussion on filling a parent seat and addressing a budget revision. Teresa Lowe and Terrence Shanigan were nominated for the parent member seat, which Teresa Lowe ultimately won. Officer elections resulted in Tasarla being elected Chairperson and Teresa being elected Vice Chairperson. The committee reviewed a budget revision to allocate funds for travel expenses to NIEA in Spokane, Washington. A review of the By-Laws was initiated, with Tasarla and Teresa assigned to review current documents, noting potential edits to student term limits. Planning for future communications included scheduling a committee group photo and setting up for a video short interview at the next meeting. During public comments, members agreed on future meeting dates, and representatives from SCF provided updates on youth programs and scholarship application timelines. Additionally, information was shared regarding outreach to secure more elders to work in ASD schools.

The meeting commenced with a Land Acknowledgment and the approval of the agenda. Key discussions centered on the review of By-Laws, where a motion was passed to update language regarding digital communication platforms. Logo planning discussions yielded ideas focusing on community representation, such as a blanket toss, talking stick, or drums. In open committee discussions, appreciation was shared for incorporating indigenous wisdom into the curriculum, while expressing a desire for more substantive Indigenous knowledge taught rather than just an indigenous veneer on a western curriculum. There was discussion regarding making the meeting link publicly available and creating a standing annual agenda. Updates were provided on Western Alaskan students' adjustment, housing stability efforts, and plans for the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), noting potential transportation limitations. During public engagement, the importance of teaching Alaska Native people in the present tense and ensuring culturally responsive curriculum across the district was emphasized, alongside exploring options for cultural studies electives.

This document evaluates the necessity for the Anchorage School District to rightsize its infrastructure. It addresses challenges stemming from declining student enrollment, changing demographic needs, and inefficient utilization of current facilities. The objective is to optimize resource allocation, enhance the level of educational services, and improve operational efficiency across the district through a proposed multi-year strategy.

The Special Meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which included an attempt to postpone action on Memorandum #137 (ASD Rightsizing) and another attempt to delete it entirely, both of which failed or were superseded. The Superintendent provided an update. Key discussions involved public comments regarding specific schools like Campbell STEM and Fire Lake Elementary. The Consent Agenda, carried over from a previous meeting, was approved, including the minutes of the February 3, 2026, Regular Meeting, and the approval of contracts for network equipment (ASD Memorandum #107) and the Personnel Report (ASD Memorandum #115). The primary Action Item, ASD Memorandum #137 (ASD Rightsizing), involved significant debate and amendments regarding the closure and repurposing of Fire Lake Elementary School, Lake Otis Elementary School, and Campbell STEM Elementary School. Another action authorized the transfer and allocation of up to $4.235 million in Major Maintenance Capital Improvement Grant funds for district projects, following an amendment to exclude specific Abbot Loop Elementary School improvements. Finally, the board addressed the FY 2026-2027 Preliminary Financial Plan and Budget (ASD Memorandum #131), passing several amendments to restore funding for middle/high school sports, activities, and nurse FTEs, resulting in an upper limit spending authority authorization.