With a 9-0 vote by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Nikolaevsk School has been officially set for permanent closure, effective June 30, the end of the 2024–2025 school year. The decision was made in response to mounting financial pressures and declining enrollment.
The district faces a projected $17 million budget deficit for the upcoming fiscal year, prompting a review of operations across its schools.
With only 23 students enrolled in a facility built to accommodate 175, Nikolaevsk School’s per-student costs are significantly higher than district averages. Closing the K-12 school is expected to save the district approximately $476,247 annually.
Students from Nikolaevsk will have access to Homer High School and Chapman School, both of which have available capacity.
Many board members sympathized with the community but ultimately concluded that the closure was necessary.
“I made the comment that I would never vote to close a small school. My life has been shaped by small schools and small communities… I don’t really see any other options right now with the budget that we’re dealing with. I am extremely thankful that we have the incredibly quality schools in Anchor Point and Homer that are options for these students. I wish this community all the best in finding new opportunities.” Said KPBSD Board Clerk, Virginia Morgan.
District officials explored several alternatives, including charter proposals and community-based options, and conducted public engagement sessions with the Nikolaevsk community.
Several board members, including Patti Truesdell, are hopeful about the charter school. “It’s a lot of paperwork, but I think we’ll do everything we can here as a board to help them.”
Following the decision, a disheartened member of their community, Lisa James, commented, “A lot of people are going to feel this, even though it’s not the end.”
The district has committed to supporting affected families with transportation, enrollment assistance, and communication throughout the transition.
KPBSD Superintendent Clayton Holland will oversee the transition, including staff reassignment, planning for the school facility’s future use, and ongoing community engagement during the closure process.