Alaska Senate Passes Bill to Address Mt. Edgecumbe School Maintenance

The bill would allow the state-run boarding school to compete for maintenance funding like other Alaska schools.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Alaska Senate has passed a bill that would allow Mt. Edgecumbe High School, a state-run boarding school in Sitka, to request major maintenance funding in the same way as other Alaska schools. The bill aims to address growing concerns about the school's deteriorating facilities and student safety. Currently, Mt. Edgecumbe is the only school in Alaska under the direct control of the state Department of Education, and its maintenance is overseen by a different department, making it difficult to secure funding.

Why it matters

Mt. Edgecumbe High School, which largely serves Alaska Native students from rural areas, has seen a significant drop in enrollment due to concerns about the school's facilities. The bill is an attempt to put the school on equal footing with other rural schools in competing for much-needed maintenance funding from the state.

The details

Senate Bill 146 would add Mt. Edgecumbe to the state education department's major maintenance list, which the Legislature uses to prioritize construction and repair funding for other school districts. The bill would also remove a $70 million cap on the school maintenance fund and make teacher housing an eligible use of those funds. Supporters say the bill would give Mt. Edgecumbe a 'real chance' to have its deferred maintenance needs heard by the Legislature.

  • The Alaska Senate passed the bill on Wednesday, February 19, 2026.
  • An identical bill passed with support from 54 out of 60 lawmakers last year but was vetoed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy.

The players

Mt. Edgecumbe High School

A state-run boarding school in Sitka, Alaska that largely serves Alaska Native students from rural areas across the state.

Alaska Department of Education and Early Development

The state department that oversees Mt. Edgecumbe High School, but does not currently control the school's maintenance funding.

Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

The department that currently oversees the maintenance funding for Mt. Edgecumbe High School.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy

The governor of Alaska who vetoed a similar bill last year, citing concerns about equity across school districts.

Sen. Bert Stedman

A Sitka Republican senator who supports the bill, saying it would give Mt. Edgecumbe a 'real chance' to have its deferred maintenance needs heard by the Legislature.

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What they’re saying

“We want Mt. Edgecumbe to have cheerleaders in their quest for repairs and maintenance.”

— Sen. Bert Stedman, Sitka Republican Senator (adn.com)

“We're trying to make the game level and fair to everybody, and it is not fair to Mt. Edgecumbe High School, and you can see that by looking at the condition of it.”

— Sen. Bert Stedman, Sitka Republican Senator (adn.com)

What’s next

The bill now heads to the Alaska House of Representatives before potentially reaching a floor vote and the governor's desk. Gov. Mike Dunleavy's office said they would not comment on the bill unless it passed both chambers.

The takeaway

This bill is an attempt to address the long-standing maintenance issues at Mt. Edgecumbe High School, which serves a predominantly Alaska Native student population. By putting the school on equal footing with other rural schools in competing for state funding, supporters hope to finally secure the resources needed to address the school's deteriorating facilities and improve student safety.