Erosion-threatened village school at top of state replacement list

BETHEL (AP) — A school that is in danger of being lost to river erosion because of climate change is at the top of the state’s list for the construction of a new school building.

The Alaska Department of Education put the school in the Southwest village of Napakiak, population just under 400, at the top of its priority list for replacement for the upcoming fiscal year.

However, being No. 1 on the list doesn’t ensure the community will get the funding for a new school.

“Of course, that’s completely up to the Legislature,” said Tim Mearig, facilities manager for the Alaska Department of Educatio...