Alaska’s Deteriorating Schools Could Receive More Than $148 Million for Repairs. It’s a Fraction of What They Need.
Alaska's public schools are set to receive over $148 million for repairs, a significant increase from previous years. However, this funding only addresses about 13% of the total requests made by school districts. The budget aims to tackle severe infrastructure issues, particularly in rural areas serving Indigenous populations.
- ▪The Alaska Legislature approved a budget that triples funding for school construction and maintenance projects.
- ▪The new allocation of over $148 million is intended to address backlogged maintenance needs in schools across the state.
- ▪Despite the increase, the funding will only cover a fraction of the $1.12 billion requested by school districts for infrastructure improvements.
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Brian Smith teaches students at the school in Sleetmute, Alaska, in 2024, which has suffered from a leaky roof and structural problems as a result. One lawmaker has labeled the school “the poster child” for what’s wrong with the state’s public school infrastructure. Emily Schwing/KYUK Frozen Out Alaska’s Deteriorating Schools Could Receive More Than $148 Million for Repairs. It’s a Fraction of What They Need. Following reporting by KYUK, ProPublica and NPR, lawmakers tripled the funding the state would allocate toward school construction and maintenance. The budget increase would still only cover about 13% of what school districts requested.
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