Community Schools
Talkeetna Community Schools Program
Important Update on the Talkeetna Community Schools Program
We want to share some difficult news with our families and community members. Due to significant budget constraints, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District has made the difficult decision to discontinue funding for the Community Schools program at Talkeetna Elementary.
This change means the loss of many well-loved and worthwhile opportunities, including:
-Toddler Gym, Open Gym, Roller Skating, Friday Movie Nights, Pickup Basketball, Pickleball;
-the support that Community Schools provided for collaborative activities such as Middle and High School Hockey with Talkeetna Youth Hockey Association, basketball camp with Susitna Valley Little Dribblers, Soccer, expanded practice space for Green Light Circus with Denali Arts Council;
-other community offerings like yoga classes, nutrition presentations, sewing workshops, astronomy nights, and puppy training classes.
We know this is very sad news. The Community Schools Program has been an important part of bringing families, children, and neighbors together. While it is difficult to see this program go, it is also important to recognize that the district and school board have had to make many tough budget decisions this year.
It is absolutely worthwhile to express your support for this program and the difference it has made in Talkeetna. We also encourage everyone to be part of the conversation about creative, positive, and solution-oriented ways our community might continue to support these activities in the future.
If you choose to reach out to the school board or others about this subject, please remember to represent our community well—with positivity, respect, and a focus on solutions.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and community.