The Legislature approved millions of dollars for immediate upgrades to facilities at the state-run boarding school, Mount Edgecumbe High School.
Mount Edgecumbe has been the focus of public concern and legislative hearings this year, after more than 100 students withdrew during the school year. Lawmakers called the state’s management of the school into question after witnessing deteriorating facilities, particularly dorms and student living areas.
In response, legislators designated funding in next year’s budget for improvements at the boarding school: $10 million to renovate the dining hall and kitchen, $3 million to replace dorm windows, and thousands to replace mattresses, dorm furniture and decades-old laundry machines.
They also approved a new maintenance manager position at the school and earmarked $450,000 for student travel, utilities costs, student activities and mental health services.
The state took over the school in 1985 after it had operated for almost 40 years under the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Maintenance at Mount Edgecumbe was managed by the Alaska Department of Transportation up until 2022 and then transferred to the Department of Education.
The Alaska Beacon is an independent, donor-funded news organization. Alaskabeacon.com.
