Dear Lake Otis Elementary Staff and Families,

Last night, the Anchorage School Board voted to close Lake Otis Elementary School at the end of this school year.

I know this news is deeply difficult for many members of the Lake Otis community. 

For students, families, and staff, Lake Otis is much more than a school building. It is a place of relationships, routines, and shared experiences. It is where children have grown, where educators have dedicated themselves to students, and where families have built lasting connections. The emotions surrounding this decision are real and understandable. 

There are no easy words for a moment like this.

Our focus now turns fully to supporting students and staff with care, clarity and stability in the months ahead. 

What This Means for Students

Beginning in the 2026–2027 school year:

• Students who live north of Tudor Road will attend Rogers Park Elementary
• Students who live south of Tudor Road will attend Tudor Elementary
• Three Life Skills classrooms will transition to Russian Jack Elementary
• One Life Skills classroom will transition to Airport Heights Elementary

In the coming weeks, ASD will share detailed information regarding school assignments, transportation, timelines, and opportunities for students and families to connect with their new school communities.

The Lake Otis Facility

The Lake Otis facility will become the future home of Rilke Schule Charter School. We recognize that this aspect of the transition may feel especially emotional. While the building will continue serving students, we understand that it represents years of memories and community for Lake Otis families. 

The building will remain included in the proposed April 2026 school bond. The purpose of the bond is to ensure that the facility remains safe, functional, and sustainable for the students and staff who will learn and work there in the future.

Supporting Students and Staff

Our commitment is steady: ensuring every student continues to feel known, supported, and safe throughout this transition.

Students will have opportunities to visit their new schools, meet staff, build familiarity before the fall so that the start of the school year feels welcoming and predictable. Counselors and support staff will be available to assist students with navigating this transition.

To our Lake Otis staff: this decision affects you both personally and professionally. Your dedication to students and to this community has been visible and deeply valued. District leadership and Human Resources will work directly with you regarding placements and next steps. We are committed to clear communication and to treating every staff member with respect and care.

Looking Forward

This decision reflects the difficult realities facing the district, and the need to align facilities with enrollment in order to protect classroom instruction and core academic programs across ASD. 

Even so, we recognize that understanding the reasons does not lessen the sense of loss many are feeling. The connections formed at Lake Otis are meaningful and lasting. 

What has always made Lake Otis strong is its community of students, families and educators. As this community transitions into new school environments, the care, commitment, and relationships built here will continue in those new spaces. 

Our responsibility now is to support one another, provide stability for students, and honor what this school community has built over time. 

With sincerity and respect,

Jharrett Bryantt, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Anchorage School District