ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Up to five elementary schools in Fairbanks could be affected by possible closures under a consolidation plan proposed by the school district.

A decision on the possible closures could be made by February 2025, according to Fairbanks North Star Borough School District officials.

The district wrote in a statement Wednesday that the Fairbanks County School Board will begin reviewing a consolidation plan in January that will be “recommended by district administration.”

No specific schools were named in the statement, but district officials said a list will be included in the Jan. 6, 2025 release of the consolidation plan and will include the names of the schools and adjustments to school boundaries.

The district cited “long-term sustainability” as the main reason for the changes, saying budget changes, class sizes, teaching positions and a decline in the district’s population forced it to develop a plan.

According to the district, the plan was first unveiled last spring while seeking input from Fairbanks-area families and is now in the third phase of a five-phase approach. The current phase includes developing a school consolidation framework to determine the next course of action, the district said.

In a video posted on the district’s Facebook page, FNSBSD Superintendent Dr. Luke Meinert described the process as “challenging and emotional” for district families.

“We understand how important this process is and the significant impact it has on our students, staff and families,” Meinert said. “Your voice remains crucial to our moving forward.”

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story. Check back for new details.

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