Alaska House Approves $150 Million for K-12 School Facilities

The Alaska House of Representatives voted on May 15, 2026, to adopt a capital budget that allocates nearly $150 million for the repair and construction of K-12 school buildings.

The broader spending plan directs nearly $350 million in state funds toward infrastructure investments throughout the state. This total more than doubles the original proposal submitted by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, who had proposed spending $159 million in state funds on such projects.

The increased funding is the result of negotiations between House and Senate leaders. Lawmakers sought to utilize unexpected oil revenue, which was driven by the war in Iran, to address the deferred maintenance of state-owned facilities that have deteriorated after years of underfunding.

Infrastructure Funding and Prioritization

Rep. Calvin Schrage, an Anchorage independent who led the capital budget process in the House, described the legislation as balanced, fair, and focused on the life, health and safety of Alaskans, while supporting economic growth.

To determine the distribution of state funds, lawmakers largely avoided district-specific priorities. Instead, they relied on ranked maintenance lists produced by the following entities:

• The state education department
• The university system
• The courts

Despite the allocation, the funding provided in the bill covers approximately one-quarter of the school maintenance requests identified in the education department’s annual ranked list. Lawmakers utilized the list despite identifying flaws in the ranking process.

Special Allocations and Legislative Status

The budget includes separate funding for Mt. Edgecumbe, a state-owned boarding school in Sitka. The facility has faced scrutiny in 2026 due to the deteriorating status of its buildings.

Rep. Schrage acknowledged the limitations of the budget and the nature of the legislative process.

I recognize that this budget will not do all things for all people and will not make probably anyone completely happy. Unfortunately, that’s the reality of the political process that we all take part in. Rep. Calvin Schrage

The spending plan now moves to the Senate for final approval.