February 12, 2026, Seward Folly Staff

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education discussed a plan on Monday, February 2, to close several schools. Seward Middle, Paul Banks Elementary, Sterling Elementary, and Tustumena Elementary are all on the list for potential closure, according to Superintendent Clayton Holland.

The proposed timeline would see Seward Middle close this year, with Paul Banks and certain Soldotna area schools possibly following as early as next year.

Board member Mica Van Buskirk, who represents the Eastern Peninsula, said the district is running out of options to address recurring deficits, including this year’s 8.5 million. She expressed concern that Seward Middle is being considered for immediate closure despite signs of growth in the area.

District finance officials estimate closing Seward Middle would save about $400,000 annually for the next two years. After that, due to state policy, those savings would decline, eventually turning into an annual loss of about $40,000 within five years.

Holland said the decision is not targeting Seward, noting previous closures in other areas, like Sears Elementary in Kenai nearly two decades ago.

At Monday’s meeting, Seward students spoke out against the cuts, describing reduced class offerings and staff. One high school junior said students regularly have an unfilled class period because there aren’t enough classes to go around. Another student, who is active in multiple extracurricular activities, said he feels at a disadvantage compared to students at larger, better-resourced schools. Several students mentioned friends leaving the district for better opportunities, including three disabled students who left after Seward High’s elevator stopped working. The elevator has been out of order for about nine months, according to Borough Mayor Peter Micciche.

The board also discussed the future of district pools and has now moved to close all pools this summer. See the additional public post on this topic: https://sewardfolly.com/2026/02/12/kpsd-set-for-closing-its-schools/

Upcoming School Board Meeting concerning the budget:

February 18, 2026
Seward High School Library, 6:00 p.m.
Additional budget information and opportunities for public input are available on the Finance page of the district website, including the Balancing Act tool.

The Homer Independent Press published a borough-wide analysis of these topics last week. See the link below:

School board considers closing Paul Banks – Homer Independent Press