It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Thursday February 25, 2026.
Mat-Su Borough School District officials project a $23 million budget shortfall for next year. They announced the plans to close three schools at the end of this academic year to help balance the budget. Larson Elementary School and Meadow Lakes Elementary School near Wasilla and Glacier View School were identified for closure.
The proposal was shared with teachers at Glacier View and Larson schools on Monday. The families were notified by email later that day. The initial public announcement named only Glacier View and Larson. Meadow Lakes was later announced. Staff were informed earlier than planned due to growing speculation.
District spokesperson John Notestine noted that the closures must be approved by the School Board.
About 650 students across the three schools will be impacted if the plan moves forward. District officials will redraw attendance boundaries and assign students based on available space at other campuses.
Larson students may be reassigned to Tanaina, Shaw, or Finger Lake elementary schools. Meadow Lakes students could attend Knik, Goose Bay, Tanaina, or Iditarod elementary schools. Glacier View is a small K-12 school with 19 students. About 10 elementary students would be bused more than 40 miles to Sutton Elementary School. Secondary students would travel farther to attend school in Palmer.
Most teachers and school staff are expected to be reassigned within the district. Some positions, such as custodial roles, may be eliminated.
The Classified Employees’ Association represents about 1,000 noncertified employees. It will work with the district to ensure that any staffing changes comply with negotiated agreements. These include provisions related to seniority and reassignment rights.
District officials cited declining enrollment as the reason for selecting these schools. Larson enrollment has dropped from about 430 students in 2019, to 304. Meadow Lakes enrollment has dropped from about 345 students to 316. Glacier View enrollment has dropped from 53 students to 19.
The enrollment decline has exacerbated financial challenges. State funding is enrollment driven.
The closures are expected to save up to $4.5 million next year. This is about $1.5 million per school if approved. Administrators emphasized that closing a school does not eliminate its entire operating cost. For example, Larson’s 2025–26 budget is about $4.3 million. Savings are lower because displaced students mean additional teachers; special education support; and other resources at the receiving schools. Assistant Superintendent Katie Gardner explained that these added staffing and service needs to reduce net savings.
The district plans to present additional program cuts later this week. The formal budget presentation is scheduled for the March 4 school board meeting. The school board is expected to vote on the overall budget plan, including the proposed closures, at the March 18 meeting.
If the closures are approved, the buildings will be turned over to the Borough. The district will no longer be responsible for maintenance and utility costs. Glacier View’s 20,000-square-foot building was constructed in 1975 and remodeled in 1995. The larger Larson and Meadow Lakes facilities were built in the early 2000’s.
This piece was summarized from an article in the Mat-Su Sentinel by Amy Bushatz. Find the full article at matsusentinel.com.
The school bus drivers plan to go on strike next Monday according to matsusentinel.com.
Explore the district’s budget process with Balancing Act at matsuk12.us/fy27budget.
The transportation fair is today from 3 to 7 p.m. in Raven Hall.
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This Page Two article was 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 Wednesday February 25, 2026.