Anchorage Daily Brief: School Closures Debate, Stormy Pattern Continues, Seawolves Fall Late

Anchorage, AK – February 22, 2026 – Here is a quick look at what is making news around the city today, from school budget talks to winter weather and local sports.

Anchorage School District weighs closing three elementary schools

The Anchorage School District is moving forward with a proposal to close three elementary schools as part of a plan to shrink a roughly $90 million budget gap. District leaders have recommended shutting down Fire Lake, Lake Otis, and Campbell STEM elementary schools for the next school year.

Under the plan, the Fire Lake and Lake Otis buildings would be repurposed for charter programs, while Campbell STEM would be declared surplus to district needs. Officials say they are operating more schools than current enrollment and funding can support, and estimate each closure could save close to a million dollars per year.

The school board is taking public comment this month before voting on the overall budget on February 24. Families and staff from the affected schools have been organizing to push back, arguing that closing neighborhood campuses will disrupt programs and spread resources even thinner elsewhere.

Stormy pattern keeps Alaska on winter alert

Another strong Bering Sea storm system has been targeting Western Alaska this week, bringing heavy snow, high winds, and whiteout conditions along the coast. Forecasts call for more rounds of snow and gusty winds as the storm moves through in multiple waves, with some communities under watches and warnings for reduced visibility and difficult travel.

While the worst of the conditions are focused to the west, Anchorage remains in an active pattern. After record-setting snow and bouts of freezing rain earlier this winter, forecasters are watching for additional systems that could add to already deep snowpack and keep roads slick across Southcentral.

Seawolves edged in third period in home matchup

On the ice, the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves came up just short in a tight game against the University of Alaska Fairbanks. After two scoreless periods, the teams traded goals in the third, but UAF pulled ahead late to secure a 4–3 win.

The in-state rivalry brought strong energy to the arena, with the Seawolves pushing for a tying goal in the final minutes. The teams are set to meet again this weekend, giving Anchorage a quick chance to respond and build momentum as the college hockey season heads toward its stretch run.

Looking ahead

Residents can expect continued debate over the school closure plan in the coming days, along with close monitoring of winter weather alerts across the state. Sports fans will be watching to see whether the Seawolves can bounce back in their next matchup.