Investigating Alaska's Failing Rural Schools: Infrastructure Crisis

Alaska's Crumbling Rural Schools: An In-Depth Investigation

Alaska's rural education system is facing a crisis as school infrastructures across the state suffer from neglect and decay. Recent investigations by KYUK in collaboration with ProPublica and NPR have uncovered serious structural issues that threaten the safety and quality of education in these remote areas.

Emily Schwing, a reporter from KYUK, spoke with Sage Smiley about her findings. The issue caught her attention when a persistent caller from Sleetmute reported extensive structural damage at the local school. Upon investigation, Schwing found severe water damage leading to black mold and unsafe structural conditions, particularly in the woodshop area.

The problem extends beyond Sleetmute. Schwing has identified multiple schools suffering from serious maintenance issues. In Kivalina, visibility through windows is hindered by extreme weather damage. Mertarvik schools have sewage odor problems, while power reliability is a concern in Venetie. Structural and utility flaws are widespread, affecting education quality across the region.

Historically, these challenges date back to Alaska's statehood in 1959. Initially, the state struggled to integrate Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) schools, which were already plagued with issues. A 1971 Congressional hearing highlighted the dire conditions, echoing current problems.

By the late 1980s, state control over these schools was complete, yet financial challenges persisted. The landmark Molly Hootch case in the 1970s led to the construction of numerous schools, but equitable funding issues remained unresolved until the Kasayulie decision in the 1990s. A consent decree in 2011 mandated funding reforms, yet many schools still await promised resources.

Currently, only about half of Alaska's rural public schools are state-owned, complicating responsibility for maintenance. Emily Schwing is working to untangle the bureaucratic complexities that leave school funding in limbo. Education Commissioner Deena Bishop highlights the difficulty of securing necessary funds amidst legislative budget battles.

The impact of these challenges is felt in declining educational quality. Vital resources for learning are diverted to emergency infrastructure repairs, leaving students and teachers in a challenging environment. For instance, Sleetmute students endure cramped, inadequate facilities, affecting both their educational experience and physical well-being.

Despite these hurdles, the resilience of students is notable. Schwing recounts the enthusiasm of young learners in troubled classrooms, demonstrating their eagerness to learn despite adverse conditions.

In upcoming reports, KYUK will delve into the health implications of the schools' poor conditions, the financial struggles of rural districts, and ongoing legislative debates. Schwing encourages community members to share their stories about these vital community hubs, emphasizing the broader significance of these buildings beyond education.

For those with experiences to share, Schwing can be contacted at emily@kyuk.org or via phone at 907-545-6228.

This investigation is part of a collaboration between KYUK and ProPublica, supported by USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism, the Fund for Reporting on Child Well-Being, and the Dennis A. Hunt Fund for Health Journalism.