Superintendent

Dear district families,

As we enter this season of gratitude, I want to pause and thank you for the countless ways you support your student(s) and your school. Whether it’s helping with homework, encouraging consistent attendance, attending performances and games, or simply asking, “How was your day?”, your partnership makes an extraordinary difference. Every success story in our district is built on the foundation of family support, caring educators, and determined students.

This fall, we have exciting news to celebrate together: The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District has achieved the highest graduation rate in district history.

Our four-year graduation rate rose from 77.7% in 2022–23 to 82.6% in 2024–25, a nearly five-percentage-point increase and the second consecutive year of record-breaking improvement. 

Several schools and student groups saw particularly strong gains:

    •    Lathrop High School climbed from 63.5% in 2021-22 to 79.9% in 2024–25. This is a 16-point improvement in just three years.
    •    Special Education students achieved a 26.7-point increase, reaching an all-time high.
    •    Alaska Native students celebrated an 8.8-point gain, surpassing the districtwide growth rate.

These milestones capture the persistence, innovation, and care that drive our district’s ongoing commitment to student success. From early intervention and credit recovery programs to expanded career and technical education pathways, our schools are finding new ways to ensure every student can succeed.

As we head into the holidays, I encourage families to:

    •    Keep routines steady. Consistent attendance and structure help students stay on track.
    •    Recognize effort and progress. Celebrating small victories builds confidence and motivation.
    •    Reach out when needed. Our counselors, teachers, and administrators are here to help every student find their path forward.

I am deeply grateful for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we are proving what’s possible when our community focuses on removing barriers and lifting up every learner.

Warmly,
Dr. Luke Meinert, Superintendent


Dear district families,

One of the things I’m most proud of in our district is the breadth of opportunity available in our neighborhood schools. Whether your child is discovering new interests or going deeper in an area they already love, our schools offer pathways to explore, achieve, and belong.

Here are just a few highlights of opportunities available to students:

Elementary Programs and Activities

• Literacy Support: From the earliest grades, students benefit from strong reading instruction and targeted supports. Teachers use proven strategies and interventions to ensure every child builds a solid foundation in reading and writing, setting them up for success in all subjects.
• Science Explorations: Even at the elementary level, students are encouraged to explore and experiment. Hands-on science activities spark curiosity and introduce young learners to the scientific process.
• After School Programs, Clubs, and Activities: Elementary schools offer a wide range of opportunities such as Running Club, Ski Club, art, theater games, music, Chess Club, and Battle of the Books. Each school’s options are shaped by student interest and community support.
• Sports and Activities: Students can participate in a variety of activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and healthy habits. This includes both traditional sports and culturally grounded opportunities such as Native Youth Olympics, which begin in elementary and continue through middle and high school.

Middle School Opportunities

• Career & Technical Education (CTE): Students begin exploring pathways in areas such as STEM, woodshop, culinary arts, and education. These courses provide hands-on learning and serve as the foundation for more advanced high school programs.
• Sports and Activities: Middle schools provide a wide range of team and club opportunities, with swimming returning this year at North Pole Middle and Ryan Middle, expanding options for students to get involved.
• Fine Arts: Music, theater, and visual arts programs continue to build skills in creativity, collaboration, and confidence.

High School Opportunities

• Career & Technical Education (CTE): Pathways build into advanced coursework and certificate or internship programs, preparing students for high-demand careers or post-secondary education.
• Advanced Placement (AP): Rigorous courses that challenge students and prepare them for college-level expectations.
• North Star Middle College: Eligible students can experience a college-style environment while completing their high school diploma, getting a head start on post-secondary goals.
• Fine Arts: High school programs in music, theater, and the visual arts offer opportunities for both creative expression and professional-level performance.
• Sports and Activities: A wide variety of sports and extracurriculars provide opportunities for teamwork, leadership, and healthy lifestyles.

If you’re wondering where to start, I encourage you to connect with your school counselor or principal about scheduling, tryouts, and sign-ups. They can help match your child’s interests with the programs and activities offered at your school. You can also watch school newsletters and the district website for upcoming showcases, information nights, and registration windows.

I’m also pleased to share a brief personal update: I was recently elected to represent superintendents on the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA) Board. This role keeps our district closely connected to student activities not only here at home but across the state, ensuring we have a strong voice in opportunities available to Alaska’s students.

Thank you for being our partners in your child’s education. I’m excited to see what our students will accomplish this year in classrooms, studios, gyms, and beyond.

Warmly,
Dr. Luke Meinert, Superintendent

Dear district families,

The start of a new school year is always full of energy and opportunity, and now is the perfect time to establish strong habits that will support your student throughout the months ahead and set them up for success. Establishing consistent routines, encouraging engagement, and building meaningful relationships can make all the difference.

We encourage you to get involved in your school community early. Parents can connect with one another through their school’s PTO, and students can find belonging through activities, athletics, and clubs. Families can also engage by volunteering in classrooms, helping with special projects, or attending student events such as concerts, plays, and athletic competitions. Each of these connections helps strengthen the bond between home and school, creating a supportive network where students know they are valued and encouraged. These positive relationships don’t just build friendships - they also strengthen student attendance, which is one of the biggest indicators of academic success.

Consistent attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student achievement. When students are present and engaged each day, they not only keep up with their learning but also strengthen their sense of belonging within the school community. Every day in class builds on the one before it, and even small amounts of missed time can add up. As a district, we have seen improvements in regular attendance, and we want to see that growth continue into this new year. By making school attendance a priority, families give their children the best possible chance for success.

It is also important to establish healthy habits at home. Setting regular bedtimes and creating quiet spaces for homework all contribute to your child’s ability to focus and learn throughout the day. When students arrive at school well-rested and ready to learn, they are better prepared to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them. Small, consistent steps at home add up to big successes in the classroom.

Together, these relationships, routines, and a shared commitment to regular attendance create strong, vibrant learning communities where every student can thrive. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your student’s journey this school year.

Warmly,
Dr. Luke Meinert, Superintendent

There’s something special about the start of a new school year - the renewed sense of possibility that fills our classrooms and hallways. As we welcome students and staff back for the 2025–2026 school year, I want to share both our excitement for what lies ahead and our pride in the progress we’ve made together.

This is more than just a return to routine. It’s a return to purpose. It’s a moment to celebrate the growth we’ve nurtured and to look forward to the goals we’ll set - and reach - together.

Celebrating Our Shared Successes

Literacy Growth Across the District

We are thrilled to report meaningful growth in reading achievement across all grade levels. In Spring 2025, 66% of our K-3 students reached reading proficiency on the mCLASS literacy assessment - up from 63% last year and exceeding our growth target. In grades 3-9, the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment showed similar gains, with proficiency rising from 57% to 60%. These improvements represent more than just percentages; they reflect the dedication of our educators and the persistence of our students.

Supporting Every Learner

Our commitment to supporting all students continues to guide our work. For our Alaska Native students, we saw a decrease in those scoring “well below” proficiency and a slight increase in proficiency overall. This is a hopeful sign that our targeted strategies are working. While special education proficiency levels remained steady, we are seeing more elementary students meet their IEP goals and exit special education, an outcome likely tied to expanded early interventions.

Math outcomes showed marked improvement as well. Algebra passing rates rose by 10% in the first semester and 3% in the second. These are promising indicators that our focus on core academic supports is making a difference.

Strengthening Family Connections

Strong school-family partnerships are central to student success. This year, 99% of families and students across the district were “contactable” on ParentSquare, with many schools achieving 100%. About half of our schools met the goal of providing four positive communications per student, and all schools worked toward building more affirming, two-way conversations between home and school.

Attendance and Engagement

In our elementary schools, regular attendance increased by 2%, with 67% of students attending 90% or more of the school year. We know consistent attendance is vital to student achievement, and this upward trend shows the power of collective community focus.

A New Strategic Plan, A New Chapter

This fall, we begin the next chapter in our district’s journey with the launch of a refreshed strategic plan. Developed through collaboration with families, educators, students, and community members, this plan will guide us with clarity and purpose in the years ahead.

Key pillars of the plan include:

• Achieving Educational Excellence – Advancing high-quality instruction and academic rigor for every student;
• Supporting Access and Choice – Expanding programs and pathways that meet diverse student interests and needs;
• Partnering with Our Community – Strengthening relationships with families, local organizations, and regional partners to support student success;
• Investing in Our People – Prioritizing the growth, well-being, and professional development of our educators and staff.

You’ll hear more about this plan in the coming months, including how it will shape classroom experiences and district decision-making.

Looking Forward with Optimism

When we talk about data, it’s not because that’s all we see - it’s because growth in learning leads to lifelong opportunity. But we never forget that our students are more than scores. They are unique individuals, each with strengths, challenges, and dreams. Our role is to nurture them, challenge them, and support them every step of the way.

The 2025–2026 school year is full of promise. Thank you for your continued partnership, your trust, and your belief in the power of public education. Let’s make this our best year yet.

Sincerely,  

Dr. Luke Meinert

Superintendent, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

Dear district families,

As the school year draws to a close, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you - our families - for the trust, encouragement, and partnership you’ve provided all year long. Your support has been essential in making this an incredibly successful year for our students and schools.

Despite the many challenges we’ve faced, this has been a year of real progress, achievement, and momentum. Our students are growing, our programs are thriving, and our entire community has rallied around what matters most: helping every student succeed.

Highlights from This Year

Across the district, we’ve seen encouraging signs of academic growth and student success:

• K-3 literacy proficiency rose by 23% as measured by the mClass assessment - a clear sign that our early reading efforts are paying off.
• Regular student attendance increased by 3%, and our graduation rate matched the highest in our district’s history.
• Reading growth among FNSBSD students is on par with national averages, even as Alaska as a state continues to face significant educational funding and performance challenges.
• More than 78% of our students taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams scored a 3 or higher, signaling strong college readiness.
• Students enrolled in North Star College - earning college credit while still in high school - continue to outperform traditional college freshmen.
• Our Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs are thriving, with 40% of high school students taking at least one course and 19% graduating as CTE concentrators. These students boast a 97% on-time graduation rate, and 85% transition directly into college, the military, or the workforce.

Perhaps most importantly, our families continue to express confidence in our schools. In this year’s annual surveys, the vast majority of parents rated their child’s school as an A or B, a testament to the trust you place in our educators and staff.

Looking Ahead

To our graduating seniors: congratulations! Your resilience and accomplishments have left a lasting mark on our schools, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for you.

To our returning families: thank you for your ongoing partnership. We’re already preparing for an exciting year ahead, and we look forward to welcoming you back in August.

But first - it’s time for a break. I hope you and your family enjoy the sunshine, the midnight light, and all the beauty that an Alaska summer has to offer. Whether you're traveling, exploring the outdoors, or simply enjoying some well-earned rest, may this season bring you joy and renewal.

Thank you for being a part of our school district community. We’re proud to serve you - and we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together.

Sincerely,
Dr. Luke Meinert, Superintendent

Dear district families,

As we embrace the arrival of Spring, I’m excited for the warmth, renewed energy, and continued growth of our students. Our schools are filled with energy and determination as we work together to finish the year strong.

April is a month of celebration, one of the most important moments is honoring our military-connected families. We deeply appreciate the sacrifices they and their families make to support our country and our local community. Thank you to all who serve, and to our military connected students who inspire us with their resilience and courage.

Resilience is often shaped by change, and we recognize that transitions can be challenging. Every family’s experience is unique, especially as we implement new school boundaries for next year. We are committed to being supportive throughout this process. This week, we began reaching out directly to the families most impacted by these changes. In the coming weeks, we’ll host Family Support Nights to offer additional resources and guidance to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

Over the last several months, we have worked through challenging discussions regarding the district’s budget. I want to assure you that our primary focus is on delivering a high-quality, enriching education for every student. I’m thankful to those who have advocated—both locally and at the state level—for increased funding for public education. Your continued support is vital in helping us provide the education our students deserve.

Let’s take pride in the many accomplishments of this school year and carry that momentum forward as we work toward a strong finish. Thank you for your ongoing involvement, partnership, and support as we continue to build a brighter future for all students.

Sincerely,
Dr. Luke Meinert, Superintendent