News Release: Spring Creek School to close June 30, 2012

Soldotna, October 20, 2011—
The Youthful Offender Program (YOP), currently located in Seward, Alaska, will move from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District to the Anchorage School District June 30, 2012.
Spring Creek School is part of the Youthful Offender Program (YOP) located in Spring Creek Correctional Center—a maximum security state operated correctional facility in Seward, Alaska. The Alaska Department of Corrections determined the YOP can be better served at the Anchorage Correctional Complex, a multi-custody correctional facility with several dorms in an array of sizes.
Alaska Department of Corrections Commissioner Joe Schmidt explained, “The Youthful Offender Program is moving because of a bed issue.” Thus the variety of dorm sizes available at the Anchorage Correctional Complex will be able to better serve the Youthful Offender Program.
KPBSD began the educational programming at Spring Creek School in the fall of 2000. Dr. Steve Atwater, KPBSD superintendent said:

 “We’re very sorry to see the program leave the district, however we understand the reason why, and we will work closely with Anchorage School District.”

Spring Creek School and high school graduation will proceed as usual for the 2011-2012 school year. KPBSD staff has been advised of the June 30 closure. We are offering to help the Anchorage School District with the transition.
About the Youthful Offender Program: This is an intensive program of rehabilitation for incarcerated youth up to 22 years of age. The program includes ongoing needs assessment, treatment planning, daily support, high school education programming operated by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, counseling and structured living. This program is available to pretrial and convicted youthful offenders.
For questions regarding Alaska Department of Corrections please contact Mr. Richard Schmitz at 907-209-5245.
For questions regarding this news release and KPBSD please contact Pegge Erkeneff at 907-714-8888.
Links