2026-03-30 |School Board Work Session: HomeSTEAD Charter

This was a work session of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Board of Education held on March 30, 2026, focused on the presentation and discussion of the Two Rivers Homestead Charter School application. The charter representatives detailed updates to their application, including organizational structure, educational programming, community partnerships, and a year-round calendar. Significant procurement-related discussions included the negotiated lease for the former Two Rivers Elementary School building at $144,287 annually, with additional costs for utilities and maintenance borne by the district. The charter budget was presented with an estimated $1.3 million total, primarily personnel costs, and included one-time purchases such as computers, kitchen equipment, and a four-wheeler for snow removal. The board and administration discussed requested waivers to district policies, with most denied except a waiver related to flexible teacher preparation time. The administration recommended considering a January 1, 2027, approval with a July 2027 school opening to allow adequate preparation time. The board engaged in detailed questions about enrollment targets, staffing, curriculum alignment, and financial impacts on the district budget. The session concluded with appreciation for the collaborative process and recognition of the charter's innovative educational model and community alignment.