Letter: Don't close Tudor

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the closure of Tudor Elementary School as part of the school district’s “rightsizing” initiative. Tudor Elementary is not only essential for my family; it has also been an anchor in our community for decades, fostering a sense of belonging and connection that would be irreplaceably lost if the school were to close.

Relocating Tudor students would inevitably overcrowd neighboring schools, like Lake Otis Elementary and Denali Montessori, pushing them beyond capacity and reducing the quality of education for all students. The impact of this overcrowding would be felt by both local neighborhood children and those attending the Montessori program at Tudor.

Additionally, it’s important to note that nearly half of the Montessori students live within the Tudor neighborhood, making up almost 75% of the children in this area. Unfortunately, because Denali Montessori does not provide busing, it is not a feasible option for families like ours, further complicating the potential transitions for Montessori students.

My family has deep ties to this neighborhood. My child has been attending Tudor Elementary, where they have developed lasting relationships with neighbors and classmates, creating a supportive circle of trust that has been instrumental in their growth and well-being. Tudor has become a hub for our community — a place not only for learning but for neighborhood events, interactions, and friendships that bring children and parents together. My family initially lived at the Alpine Apartments in 2015, then on Trena Street from 2018 to 2020. When we decided to purchase a home, we chose Wickersham specifically for its proximity to Tudor Elementary, knowing it was a school where our child would thrive. In 2023, we were thrilled to move just four houses away from the school we had dreamed of for our child, with the hope that they could freely move between home, school, and friends in a safe and familiar community.

Closing Tudor Elementary would not only disrupt the education and friendships of the students but would also dismantle a cherished community institution that supports families like mine. I urge the school board to consider the long-term impact on our children, our community, and the future of this neighborhood before making any decisions that would close Tudor Elementary.

— Elizabeth Embree

Anchorage Published in the ADN on November 11: https://www.adn.com/opinions/letters/2024/11/11/letter-dont-close-tudor-elementary/