Amid an ongoing, statewide school budget crisis, the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Board of Education asked district administration on March 3 for information about consolidating Kenai Alternative High School and Homer Flex High School into their respective local public high schools.

The move came after the school board decided against the closure of other district area schools in consideration, including Homer Middle School, McNeil Canyon Elementary and Paul Banks Elementary School. The talk of closures and consolidations stems from the nearly $17 million budget deficit the district faces next school year.

On March 4, Homer Flex High School Principal Christopher Brown took to Facebook to garner community awareness.

“Some board members proposed potential staffing cuts and even the possibility of relocating our program to Homer High School,” he wrote. “These changes could significantly impact our students, staff, and the quality of education we provide.”

Brown went on to ask for support in advocating for the alternative school, from both current students and parents, as well as former students and community members involved in the school over the years.

Alternative high schools provide opportunities to students who may be unable to attend school in a traditional environment, for a variety of reasons.

Brown said in an interview Friday that the lower student-to-teacher ratio, comfort of familiar surroundings, and trauma-informed and aware approach to teaching all create a learning environment that supports students who may otherwise “fall through the cracks” of the public school system.

“Students begin to like school again,” said Brown. “They begin to feel like they’ve found a community where they’re supported and where we can respond to the needs that they have.”

Flex is the only alternative high school serving the lower Kenai Peninsula and, along with Kenai Alternative High School, one of two serving the entire district.

According to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, Flex currently has 36 students enrolled, while Kenai Alternative serves 49 students.

Brown said in an interview on Friday that they’ve had students from as far as Ninilchik and the Head of the Bay commute to Homer to attend Flex, which is located in a former residential house within walking distance of Homer High School.

He urged Flex supporters to continue their advocacy by reaching out to state legislators and borough assembly members, in addition to the school board.

Reach reporter Chloe Pleznac at chloe.pleznac@homernews.com.