By AlaskaWatchman.com

Eaglexit, a group of residents from Eagle River, Chugiak, Birchwood, Eklutna and JBER who are developing a petition to formally detach from the Anchorage Municipality, is unveiling a parent-centered charter school proposal that it would employ if it is successful in separating from Anchorage.

Developed by the Eaglexit Education Committee – composed of experienced teachers, educators and parents – the goal of the new approach is to transform the educational landscape through creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge solutions.

“The Eaglexit Education Committee is looking forward to the unveiling of its groundbreaking charter school district proposal at our upcoming public forum meeting,” a notice from Committee Chair Ric Smith noted. “This revolutionary model places students at the forefront, ensuring that every child receives an enriching educational experience.”

Scheduled for May 7, 7 p.m., at the Chugiak Senior Center, this open forum will provide a chance for community members and educators to see firsthand how the idea would work.

Under the proposed model, funding would be allocated based on student enrollment – money following the student – with the aim of empowering families with the freedom to choose the educational environment that best suits their child’s needs.

“This ensures that resources are directed where they are most needed, fostering a dynamic and responsive educational system,” Smith’s notice explained. “Furthermore, the Eaglexit Education Committee is committed to fostering meaningful parental involvement in the education process. Through a collaborative hiring process, the school principals, in partnership with parents, will select teachers and staff, ensuring that educators and staff are not only highly qualified but also deeply invested in the success and well-being of their students.”

According to the Eaglexit website, the area has about 3,600 K-12th grade students, who would be free to attend any school in the region rather than being limited to one neighborhood campus. By allowing education funds to follow the students to their school, the most popular and successful programs would be rewarded with more money, thereby spurring healthy competition between school programs.

“In this system, students essentially have no ‘boundaries’ keeping them from participating in variety of different programs,” the website explains. “Students could simultaneously attend a program at one campus in the morning and a different campus in the afternoon while being also enrolled in on-line courses or homeschooling. Essentially an education smorgasbord, where student and parents pick and choose to customize their education experience.”

Smith said Eaglexit believes “every child deserves access to a high-quality education that empowers them to reach their full potential. Our proposed new charter school district places students and families at the center of the educational journey.”

The open townhall, will provide an opportunity for education and community members to ask questions and provide feedback on the proposed model.

For more information, contact Eaglexit Education Committee Chair Ric Smith at ric.eaglexit@gmail.com.

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Eaglexit proposes new parent-powered charter schools if split from Anchorage succeeds

Joel Davidson
Joel is Editor-in-Chief of the Alaska Watchman. Joel is an award winning journalist and has been reporting for over 24 years, He is a proud father of 8 children, and lives in Palmer, Alaska.


3 Comments

  • Friend of Humanity says:

    Prayers for the Chugiak/Eagle River area to succeed in detaching from the Muni and building a humanity-friendly environment where children will thrive and grow into our next generation of entrepreneurs and multi-skilled adults that will understand what this evil is that has tried to take down our country and keep it from happening again!

    • Proud Alaskan says:

      Agree, but don’t forget to vote, Eagle River, Chugiak, Birchwood, Eklutna and JBER.
      Vote for Bronson, IF NOT you will never separate from Anchorage. The evil, cesspool assembly will eat you alive.

  • Prouder Alaskan says:

    I’m not sure why EaglExit hasn’t been successful already. Polls show that most of Eagle River and almost all of Anchorage are in favor of the separation. The new borough can be led by Jamie Allard and Lora Reinbold!