Larson Elementary rallies over proposed school closures and funding cuts

As the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) proposes closing Larson Elementary, Meadow Lakes Elementary, and Glacier View School, families are rallying to fight the closures. Supporters gathered at Larson Elementary to organize against the potential closures. These actions aim to protect local schools from the proposed MSBSD closures.

More than 100 students, family members and staff came to the gym at Larson Elementary Monday evening and with a soundtrack of inspirational songs playing as students running out their excess energy, discussion swirled around the uncertainty that lies ahead, with more than a few left wondering what else is coming.

The event kicked off with a slide show filled with collected memories of students and faculty, as third grade teacher Courtney Downing highlighted the many different clubs, activities and other events that make Larson special.

Some families brought signs and held them throughout the rally, while Eddie the Eagle, the school mascot could be seen with a “Please Keep Larson Open” sign.

“Our staff, our teachers, everyone in this building forms relationships with our students that continue to build up their confidence and love of school every single year,” said Larson Family Teacher Association President Alyson Coffman during the rally. She went on to explain that the rally aimed to equip attendees with the facts needed to advocate for Larson—whether through speeches, emails, or voicemails—and highlight his vital role within the community.

Ahead of the rally, Larson Administrator Kelly O’Malley was still reeling from the news of the proposed closure, saying that it came as a shock. “I can’t even tell you the shock and disbelief. I just never thought that Larson would be on the chopping block because we’re a very successful, high-performing school.” She is referring to a 2024 report in US News that listed Larson among the top-ranked Elementary and Middle Schools. The list included ten MSBSD elementary and three middle schools.

O’Malley says the district told them it was a matter of geography as the reason for the closure though she remains skeptical. “We’re centrally located.”

Her overriding thoughts remain on the students and families, as she worries about what the impact could have on students, many of whom have formed relationships with the teachers and staff.

She also worried about the impact that these closures will have on surrounding schools that will now have to absorb students affected by the closures substantially. “They’re saying that closing these schools—Glacier View, Meadow Lakes, and Larson—will save teacher jobs, but I don’t understand that rationale. I can’t wrap my head around it.” She says she also thinks about the money the district will have to spend redoing the boundaries, creating new transportation routes, and sending students to other local schools like Tanaina Elementary. “Others will just have to fit wherever they go, and that’s what I’m afraid of—where are they going to fit?”

Declining enrollment and stagnant state funding have prompted officials to close schools, which is estimated to save $4.5 million annually. The closures would affect 650 students, with those from Larson and Meadow Lakes reassigned to neighboring Wasilla-area schools. Meanwhile, Glacier View students face significantly longer commutes, with elementary students bused over 40 miles to Sutton and secondary students transferred to Palmer. Meanwhile, most teachers and staff are expected to be reassigned to other schools, though some positions may be eliminated.

A 12-year pillar of the Larson community, O’Malley’s connection to the school began when her daughter started kindergarten and evolved into a decade-long career on staff. Now, as a local resident, she fears the impact of the proposed changes. “I wonder what this is going to do to our neighborhood?” she asks. “It’s going to weaken it. It’s going to increase class sizes and disrupt children during their most formative years.”

During the rally, families were given tips on speaking with school board and assembly members. “Please speak from the heart, but you need to share your truth with compassion and respect,” said Downing, who reminded the audience that while emotions may run rampant, they need to be kept in check. “School board members will not appreciate it very much if an angry mob comes to them from Larson…speak your mind, share what your heart tells you to share — but please do it in a respectful way. No swearing, no shouting, please.”

For parent Jessica Clark, Larson Elementary is special—four of her six children have attended the school. Even though they are zoned for Finger Lake Elementary, Clark says they specifically chose Larson because of how much her children enjoyed it there.

“We know all of the teachers and staff, they know us.”

She explained that while her kindergartener doesn't fully grasp the news of the school closing, her fifth-grade daughter understands the situation well. Despite the uncertainty, she noted that the school staff has been incredibly supportive, particularly her youngest child's teacher, who has gone above and beyond to develop strategies for him, even on weekends. "They’ve just been so supportive. It’s like another family," she said.

An early educator herself, Clark wonders what the future holds for her son, if he will get lost in an oversized classroom, going so far as to contemplate leaving her job. “Should I quit teaching and come home and homeschool my kid so he can get a good education and he’s not stuck with 40 kids?”

As the rally concluded, Coffman thanked the crowd and reaffirmed their purpose: fighting for the school, its staff, and its students. "Our kids are worth it, our school is worth it, our teachers are worth it, and our staff is worth it—that is the point," Coffman said, highlighting the value of Larson and what is at stake.