It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Monday, January 5, 2026.
The Mat-Su School District is considering a change to sixth-grade schedules according to the Mat-Su Sentinel. The change should improve student performance in math and reading.
The proposed schedule has longer class periods and fewer daily transitions. Multiple subjects would be combined into extended instructional blocks. Sixth graders would have about half as many classes and teachers each day.
Superintendent Dr. Randy Trani outlined the plan to the school board during the December 3 regular meeting. He said the change would reduce time spent moving between classes and provide greater stability for students.
Teachers could focus more time on math and reading skills. Also the longer class periods allow integration of these skills with subjects like science and social studies.
A consistent drop in AK STAR test scores between fifth and sixth grade drives this proposed change.
In 2025, 51 percent of fifth graders were proficient or higher in math and reading. But only 38 percent of sixth graders reached that level. District officials say that drop mirrors national trends in the transition from elementary to middle school.
Associate Superintendent for Instruction Dr. Reese Everett said the new schedule is relatively easy to implement. He notes the drop in test scores lines up with less instructional time in math and reading for middle schoolers. This is on top of the big academic and developmental shifts sixth graders face.
But whether the plan moves forward depends on the district’s budget. The Mat-Su School District could be facing a $22 million shortfall next year due to rising costs and flat funding from the state and borough. That deficit means eliminating about 200 staff positions.
Everett said if major staffing cuts happened, it would significantly affect how schools are run. Additionally, the proposed schedule changes would likely be shelved.
School is back in session today after a two-week break.
The Government Peak Recreation Area Plan Update Open House is tonight at the GPRA Chalet between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. At the meeting, you can view the preliminary results from the GPRA user survey, provide feedback on plan goals, and share what you would add to the area if you were in charge.
Visit matsu.gov to see the Virtual Public Workshop on the Government Peak Recreation Area Plan Update if you can’t make the open house.
The Happy Run is tonight at 6 p.m.
Mat-Su Master Gardeners meet tonight at 7 p.m. tonight at the Rebarchek Barn on the Fairgrounds. Anne-Corrine Kell of Sun Circle Farm will share her changing methods of growing and her organic gardening practices.
The annual sign language class at Black Birch Books starts tomorrow at 6 p.m. and runs 8 Tuesdays through February 24. The cost is $10 per person per class.
The borough assembly meets tomorrow at 6 p.m.
It’s time to file for your PFD. Apply by midnight on March 31st at mypfd.alaska.gov.
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This Page Two article was written by Emily Forstner and read by Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Monday, January. 5, 2026.