Letter: Save Tudor Elementary School

We, the Tudor Elementary PTA Board, strongly oppose the Anchorage School District’s (ASD) plan to close Tudor Elementary at the end of the 2024-2025 school year. Tudor Elementary is not just a school; it is a vital community hub with a 57-year legacy. Closing Tudor would harm students, families, and the broader Anchorage community.

Relocating Tudor students will overcrowd nearby schools, including Lake Otis and Denali Montessori, pushing both beyond their capacity. Tudor’s centrally located Montessori program serves many families right within the neighborhood—families who without busing will lose access to Montessori education. In an era when parent choice in education is critical, reducing alternative program options makes little sense.

The financial savings from closing Tudor are unproven, and costs associated with relocating resources and staff, and retrofitting the building for another ASD program’s use will likely offset any gains. 

While enrollment across the district continues to decline, Tudor has bucked the trend and maintained fairly steady enrollment over the past 10 years. A testament to its success as a school and neighborhood appeal as a community on the precipice of revitalization and growth. We’ve seen numerous young families moving into the area, in large part because of the presence of a quality neighborhood school and alternative school choice program. Its closure will absolutely impact property values in the neighborhood, and ASD’s bottom line as frustrated parents explore their options to leave public education rather than endure yet another change in their child’s education.

Closing Tudor Elementary will fracture a close-knit community of staff, families, and students, negatively impacting children’s social development and mental health at a time when parent stress is at an all time high and stability in education is crucial.

We urge ASD to consider these impacts and explore ways to support and invest in Tudor Elementary, not dismantle it. We stand united in our commitment to keep Tudor open and thriving for future generations.

Sincerely,

Tudor Elementary PTA Board Crystal Hans - President

Alexis Benoit - Vice President 

Amie Collins - Treasurer

Sariaye Fishburn - Secretary 

Tara Buchholdt - Montessori Chair