Dear O’Malley Elementary Families,

I am writing to share an important update regarding a proposed change to O’Malley Elementary School that, if approved by the Anchorage School Board, would take effect beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

On Monday, the Board passed Resolution #25-26-01(S.1) directing the administration to revisit elements of the Rightsizing ASD project in light of the District’s financial outlook. The Board asked the administration to reexamine prior proposals, identify potential operational efficiencies, and evaluate facility and program alignment. This review considered academic impact, service levels, enrollment trends, transportation considerations, equity implications, and fiscal impact.

Following that review, the District will bring forward a recommendation that O’Malley Elementary School transition to operate solely as an alternative French immersion school.

If approved, students currently enrolled in O’Malley’s neighborhood (non-immersion) attendance area would be re-zoned to Huffman Elementary School beginning next school year.

What this means for Students and Families:

If the Board approves this recommendation:

• O’Malley Elementary would continue to serve students enrolled in the French immersion program, operating as a focused, alternative program.
• Neighborhood students currently attending O’Malley Elementary would transition to Huffman Elementary.
• Middle and high school feeder patterns for the former O’Malley neighborhood school zone would shift to Goldenview Middle School and South High School.
• Transportation services would no longer be provided for students attending O’Malley for French immersion.

Additional details and guidance will be provided should the Board approve this recommendation. 

O’Malley currently serves 88 students in the neighborhood attendance area program. While smaller school communities offer many strengths, sustained low enrollment presents challenges under current funding conditions. Lower enrollment can limit staffing flexibility, increase the likelihood of combination classes, and reduce program stability over time. 

This recommendation is intended to better align enrollment, staffing, and instructional programming, while preserving and strengthening specialized program offerings. 

I recognize that proposed changes like this can bring mixed emotions. O’Malley has a strong and proud school community, and any adjustment to attendance areas or program models is significant for students and families. Please know that these recommendations are guided by long-term sustainability considerations and the goal of maintaining stable, high-quality learning environments across the district. 

What’s Happens Next?

The School Board will review this recommendation on Tuesday, Feb. 17, beginning with a work session at 3 p.m. and a regular meeting at 6 p.m. The Board is scheduled to vote on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Families may provide public testimony at the regular meeting on Feb. 17th and submit written feedback prior to the Feb. 24th meeting. Your voice and perspective are important

The District will continue to share additional information as it becomes available and, if approved, will provide detailed transition guidance to support families through the change.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of your students.

With sincerity and respect,

Jharrett Bryantt, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Anchorage School District