Lawmakers press Department of Education for action as Mount Edgecumbe struggles with staffing and facilities

Lawmakers raised concerns about conditions and student supports at Mount Edgecumbe during floor Q&A, urging executive-branch action and potential funding to stabilize the boarding school.

Corinne Smith (Alaska Beacon) asked Senator Stedman to summarize what the Legislature learned from recent hearings and site visits. Stedman said he will meet with the Department of Education to develop an action plan and described a recent fact‑finding trip by four legislators. "It's gonna take some funds into the system," he said, noting needs such as mattresses and washing-machine and dryer replacement.

Senator Stedman and others described the loss of AmeriCorps positions that provided recreational and mental‑health support to students. Senator Giesel urged restoring those supports, noting reports that three students had been hospitalized and that AmeriCorps staff offered relatively inexpensive mental‑health assistance.

Stedman said the superintendent and commissioner of education are engaged and that the Legislature can appropriate funds, but the executive branch must execute repairs. He said the immediate priority is "stop the bleeding" — retain students and restore recreation and supports so students can complete the school year.

What happens next: Senator Stedman said he will meet with the commissioner of education to develop an action plan and expects additional committee follow-up; the Senate education committee already has held a hearing with the commissioner and the Mount Edgecumbe superintendent.