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The Alaska Legislature approved millions for immediate upgrades to the facilities at the state-run boarding school, Mt. Edgecumbe High School.
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Mt. Edgecumbe has been the focus of public concern and legislative hearings this year, after more than 100 students disenrolled 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.
Lawmakers also approved a bill to include Mt. Edgecumbe in a state grant program for funding major maintenance and construction projects in rural school districts. Lawmakers say the change will help streamline funding and prioritize improvement projects at the state-run boarding school moving forward.
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Senate Bill 146 passed the Legislature and now goes to Gov. Mike Dunleavy for consideration. If approved, the bill would add Mt. Edgecumbe construction and maintenance projects to be included among those eligible for the state’s Regional Education Attendance Area and Small Municipal School District fund. The grant program is run by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development for rural school districts’ major maintenance and construction in areas without local municipal governments contributing funds.
Rep. Robyn Frier, D-Utgiavik, the bill’s sponsor, is a third generation alumna of the school, and her son graduated from Mt. Edgecumbe this year. “So this school is deeply meaningful to me and to many rural Alaskans across our state,” she said on the House floor Tuesday.
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